Contrast: Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Mr. Hand is "convinced everyone's on dope." Jeff Spicoli thinks everyone should be on dope. One is an old-fashioned history teacher who plays by the rules; the other is a rebellious surfer who knows no rules. Spicoli and Hand couldn't be more diametrically opposed people. The pot-smoking surfer and his history teacher in Cameron Crowe's 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High may not be the film's main characters but they define the generation gap. Spicoli (Sean Penn) and Mr. Hand (Ray Walston) butt heads throughout the movie. Their differences are apparent in the way they dress, the way they speak, and what they do. Jeff Spicoli and Mr. Hand are completely different people with different goals, values, and outlooks on life. Their differences can be classified into the following three categories. First, Spicoli and Hand have different goals and ambitions in life. Second, Spicoli and Hand have different core values and worldviews. Third, Spicoli and Hand have completely different identities.Jeff Spicoli's loftiest fantasies include winning surfing competitions and being surrounded by babes in bikinis, whereas Mr. Hand only wants his students to appreciate history and school. Spicoli's goals in life are evident in the pinups he pla
Hand's goals include helping students learn. Spicoli's love of leisure contrasts directly with Mr. Spicoli appreciates leisure and Hand appreciates hard work and therefore they also differ in terms of their core values. School is a low priority for Spicoli, who shows up late to class and high. Spicoli's main goals in life also become evident during his dream sequence, in which he receives a surfing award and wins a trip to see Van Halen. Because he values hard work, he finds it hard to relate to someone so committed to a life of leisure. Perpetually relaxed, Spicoli values his free time to be able to smoke pot with his friends. Interestingly, the two men almost respectfully shake hands toward the end of the movie to signify that they can agree to disagree. However, Hand also values his students' individuality, which is why he shakes hands with Spicoli at the end of the movie. Spicoli is a pot-smoking surfer whose goals in life include winning surfing competitions, hearing Van Halen play live, and being surrounded by bikini-clad girls. Hand is a history teacher whose primary purpose in life is to inspire his students to learn and do well on exams. Another way Spicoli and Hand differ is their value system. Spicoli doesn't have jobs like the other students at Ridgemont High, and when Brad (Judge Reinhold) tells him he should get a job, Spicoli merely laughs.
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Acceptance Essays
