Theories of Social Movements

            Over the years, scholars have introduced different theories aimed at understanding the factors that give rise and prominence of social movements. The modern society has seen a hike in the number of social movements, most of them aimed at fighting for socio-economic and political privileges of the minority as well as the majority races. Social movements are essential in desperate situations. The film Hotel Rwanda highlights one of the most horrifying genocides in the history of mankind. From its analysis, it is evident that social movements play a crucial role in times of war, to ensure the protection of life, and generally, the protection of the lives of women, men, and children.

Film Analysis

            Hotel Rwanda is a flick that highlights the real-life events that took place in 1994 in Rwanda. Over a hundred days, Hutus attacked and tortured, raped, and killed thousands of Tutsis. These attacks were highly influenced by the murder of the then-president, who was from the Hutu tribe. Many Hutus believed that the attack had been carried out by the Tutsi tribe, in a bid to overthrow the government. The storyline is not just about massacre but the efforts of one hotel manager, Paul Rusesabagina (played by Don Cheadle), as he tries to save the lives of thousands people, including his family, and UN peacekeepers. The life of the quiet and competent manager is thrown in disarray as militias affiliated to the Hutu tribe swear to rid the country of the Tutsi tribe.  The dramatic techniques used by the directors highlight the cruelty of mankind, the uncertainty experienced by those targeted, and one man’s struggle to protect the lives of innocent people fleeing from the war. Though facing imminent death, Rusesabagina stands his ground, remains brave, compassionate, and even though he starts off as a man seeking to protect his family, he slowly grows into a hero who saves thousands of men, women, and children from the clutches of Hutu militia.