Moral and Philosophical Review

Rating: Null/10 (6 May 2007)

The blossoming time of adolescent life is exceptionally crucial. This is the time where the young adult must develop independent morals and values. Having to choose to adopt these standards in which they were previously educated by parents and other surrounding adults, or to change and create new ones. The film Dirty Dancing arises moral relativism on several different levels of age from young adolescents, mild age and seniority. Mainly, the youth is indisputably easier influenced and tested by the world because of their innocence.
The conventional outlook set by our society as to view dance is quite often mistaken. The nature of dance is depicted to be explicit and sexual especially in this film. Character Frances 'Baby' Houseman, played by Jennifer Grey, is at a vulnerable age. She is subject to moral relativism and placed in many situations where she has to use her own judgment to make the right decision. The problem at hand is that while the solution might be right for 'Baby' is not necessarily right in the eyes of her father Dr. Jake Houseman, played by Jerry Orbach. Originally she was not looking for excitement and because of her fear almost avoided any at all.
A new sense of independence 'Baby' begins her individuation from her family. With this separation she is tempted by love interest and dance instructor Johnny Castle, played by Patrick Swayze. The dance lessons and intimate involvement are meticulously hidden because of her predicted disapproval from her family and mainly her father. 'Baby's' intimidation to her father can be noticed in her constant repetition of "daddy" and acceptance of her childish nickname. 'Baby's' first sign of separation is her acceptance and answer to her philosophical as well as physical needs. Johnny and 'Baby's' relationship quickly turned physical. She was now entering a new part of life having to debate about virginity and premarital sex. Not only does Johnny provide romantic interest he also introduces her to dance. Dance seemed to be a freedom land for 'Baby' where she could truly express her moods and feelings.
A vitally important time in the film puts ' Baby' directly into moral relativism. Another dance instructor Penny Johnson, played by Cynthia Rhodes, is suddenly pregnant. Contemplating Penny's financial state 'Baby' asks her father for money but does not inform him that it will be used for an abortion. Because of his trust for his daughter he respects her deception. Though he at the time was unaware of it 'Baby' made the decision to protect Penny by not exploiting her situation by risking the bond she held with her father.
The encouragement of delinquency in Dirty Dancing and the story about "Baby' and her individuation is accurate. By sacrificing her relationship with her father and family she was letting go of her innocence and a step closer to becoming a woman. Adopting her own opinions, morals and values she is able to make decisions. This does not mean she will always make the right ones but it is a process determining an individual's moral relativism. We can learn from our mistakes and use the new knowledge to further help decision making