** Answer this assignment for two students
Crash
After watching the film, pick 3 scenes from the movie and analyze them with respect to the moral theories we learned about the last couple of weeks. In other words, you could discuss how the characters did/did not portray utilitarian beliefs, Kantian deontology, or caring, etc.
Then, make sure to respond to two of your peers per usual.
Have fun with this–and enjoy the movie!
example 1
I watched Crash one time too many years ago, and it was a hard film to watch. However, after learning about moral theories, I was able to understand a little more about the “why” behind many actions of the characters.
1. Why did Cameron not do anything to stop the officer from touching his wife?
He acts under the utilitarian theory. He chose not to act because he thought that would prevent the situation from escalating. He chose that option to avoid harm, but he failed in protecting his wife; he failed to act according to the caring ethics theory.
2. Why did the police partner not do anything to stop the officer?
From a utilitarian perspective, he might believe that intervening could make the situation more dangerous or that he should not expose the bad actions made by police officers. However, from a Kantian deontology view, he failed his moral duty because he allowed an abuse of power to occur.
3. Why did Daniel (the locksmith) refuse to serve the man and throw away the paper?
Although his reaction was understandable, from a deontological view, he failed his duty and even disrespected the owner of the gun shop. Besides, both the owner and Daniel acted against the deontology theory because they both disrespected each other. Daniel also failed to act under the utilitarian view because he chose to act in a way that would cause him more problems.
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.Example 2
The film Crash is a movie filled with emotions, ethical questions, and dilemmas which can lead to several scenes being observed or analyzed from a Kantian, utilitarian, and care ethics perspective.
1. The scene where Officer Ryan abuses his status of power to sexually assault Christine under the pretense of legal search shows and displays many unethical, inexcusable, compromising actions. From a Kantian perspective, this is wrong as Officer Ryan does not share sympathy or have an ounce of respect for how Christine feels.
2. The scene where Officer Ryan rescues Christine from the car accident could be seen from a utilitarian perspective as a morally good action, since it has on overall and ultimate positive outcome. From a Kantian perspective however, ethics are slightly more complex, as the motive behind Officer Ryan’s actions are ambiguous. This positive and ethical action he has committed, does not erase or backtrack the very unethical and negative action he did to Christine before.
3. The this scene where Farhad shoots or tries to shoot Daniel after the store is vandalized. Farhad under extreme stress and the circumstances involved with his shop. From a utilitarian perspective, the intended action of Farhad is an immoral one, as it would lead to the death of someone. From a Kantian perspective, Daniel’s daughter being used as a means to an end is a direct violation of Kantian ethics and principles.
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.Example 3
After watching Crash, I noticed several scenes that clearly relate to different moral theories.
1-Officer Ryan and Christines Scene: When Officer Ryan stops Christine and Jean, he initially acts in a biased and threatening way. From a Kantian deontology perspective, this is wrong because he is using them to satisfy his own feelings instead of treating them as individuals with dignity. Later, when he saves Christine during the car accident, he acts morally by fulfilling his duty to protect others.
2. Cameron and Peters Scene: Cameron punches Peter after hearing a racist comment. From a utilitarian viewpoint, this action is questionable because it does not create the greatest overall happinessit only satisfies Camerons anger and escalates tension.
3. Jean and the Carjacker Scene: When Jean is confronted by the carjacker, Officer Ryan saves her. This can be seen through the ethics of care, as he demonstrates concern for her safety and well-being, putting her needs above his personal biases or discomfort. Overall, Crash shows how people make moral decisions in complicated situations and how ethical theories can help us understand the choices they make.
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Example 4
First, let’s start by defining utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is the moral theory that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness and well-being. Actions are judged by the consequences. Kantian deontology ethics emphasize duty, moral rules, and the inherent value of individuals.
1. For my first scene, I chose Officer Ryans rescue of Christine. Officer Ryans’ initial interaction with Christine is racially charged. He very clearly has a prejudice against her and her husband. After initially behaving prejudicially towards Christine, Officer Ryan later saves her from a car accident. This act can be seen as a utilitarian choice, as he prioritizes her safety over his earlier bias, aiming to create a positive outcome by helping someone in need.
2. The scene with the carjackers (Anthony and Peter), especially in their interactions with the wealthy couple, illustrates utilitarianism in their decision-making process. They weigh their immediate survival against the potential harm they inflict on others. This is a great example of utilitarianism. The decision to steal the car was because of their economic struggling and desperation for money. In the planning of this act, they weigh the choices of the money versus the potential harm to the owners of the car. Basing decisions on the outcome of this decision.
3. Rick and the police encounter is another interesting scene to analyze. Rick, the district attorney, struggles with the moral implications of his decision to prioritize his safety over confronting the police officers discriminatory behavior. This reflects a tension between adhering to moral principles (such as standing against injustice) and the instinct to protect oneself. Kantian ethics would argue that he has a duty to act according to principles of justice, regardless of the consequences, but Rick prioritizes his and his drivers’ safety.