Stereotypes exist for all kinds of people, depending on race, gender or age. They can often influence our perception of a person and help us form assumptions about what that person will be like, even if it isn't true. This is the case in the movie Finding Forrester, where Jamal and William experience making assumptions about themselves. In the film, Jamal and William are able to challenge these assumptions and explore the unknown. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay False assumptions are made about William and Jamal. For example, Jamal is African American and therefore is seen as an uneducated criminal. That's why the man in the BMW is afraid of him when they start talking. Additionally, as an athlete, Jamal is seen as only being good at basketball and that is why the school wants him to stay and for no other reason. They suggest he be placed in easier classes to entice him to stay so he can play basketball and look good in school. William, on the other hand, is seen as a bad guy because he keeps looking at the boys when they play basketball when in reality he is alone. In short, both characters are seen as things they are not. Even though Jamal is seen as an uneducated potential criminal, he doesn't let that get in the way of his success. For example, when the man in the BMW is afraid of him, Jamal does not hesitate to give him an interesting lesson on the history of his car. The man is very shocked that Jamal knew so much, especially since he thought Jamal was trying to harm him. Jamal also overcomes the assumption that he is a bad student because he is African American. He protests and goes to private school and leaves all his friends behind so he can be himself without having to worry about fitting in. He decides to take the opportunity to go to the new school and travel into the unknown. Therefore, Jamal overcoming the assumptions made about him makes him stronger and wiser. Another person who is able to overcome the assumptions made about him in the film is William. He was finally able to face his fears of coming out with Jamal's help and prove to the outside world that he wasn't a scary hermit. Even though he has a panic attack for the first time, he manages to gather the strength necessary to go out again. He is able to accept his past and leave it behind thanks to Jamal and his realization that he can't stay in the dark forever because there are places to go and things to see. Thanks to this, he was able to enjoy the last part of his life and leave his painful past behind. Therefore, William was able to have a better life because of his decision to overcome the assumptions made about him. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In the end, William and Jamal of Finding Forrester were able to overcome the assumptions made about them, which benefited them greatly. These characters are a great example of how it is beneficial for someone to face their fears and take risks. People who do this will not only become stronger and wiser, but they will also live better lives..