Finding Dory

Rating: 8/10 (7 October 2016)

Suffering from short term memory loss is a trait we often relate to elders and it often has a more negative than positive outlook on our lives. On the other hand, in Finding Dory, the main character, Dory, suffers from short term memory loss in a beneficial way. She always has an optimistic approach to solve problems and never seems to give up. Her innocent, carefree mentality allows her to make new friends and build her own family. To Dory, family is defined as people who love and take care of her, and not only her biological ones.
She treats everyone with respect and at times overly altruistic even with potential enemies such as the octopus. I think her constant attempts to think outside of the box allows her to be a role model for kids. In our current day society, many people are too reserved and judgmental to physical stereotypes and it often thwarts us from gaining new innovative opportunities. Dory is innocent and sees everyone as a potential friend. Some may view this characteristic of a dangerous Utopian characteristic, but it actually is an example of being a dreamer and model for our future leaders in youth. If everyone followed the set prescriptions and chose not to take risks, we would be still living with tools in the stone age and hiding in caves. For a brighter future, we need to show friendly examples of how expressing yourself and making friendships can pave the way for a better future with supportive peers around you.
Dory is also an example of an independent female who empowers those around her. I believe her instinctive nature to pursue her goals and focus on the task at hand is another trait the movie explores. We need to remember that the audience for this movie is intended for children. This movie encapsulates the true meaning of a individual who values family. Whatever Dory defines as family, ranging from strangers in the aquarium, childhood pipe pals, to natural predators, she always remember to be respectful, courteous, and grateful. Finding Dory is a story of overcoming adversity and reinforcing the idea of community and family that we so often overlook today in a growing independent society judged by others and controlled by others. As Dory would say, "Just keep swimming," and anyone can achieve whatever you put your mind to.