Last night I watched a 1980 movie which showed a very young Anthony Hopkins, as the idealistic and merciful medical doctor. I thought maybe I could parallel this true real life story of the “Elephant Man” to the nation of Ukraine. I know there are other European nations that are horrified with what Ukraine stands for such as the Chernobyl disaster, its brand of Ukrainian mafia, the white slave traffic and its dark history during communism. However, I know Ukraine has long been taunted and kicked around as Joseph Merrick had been throughout his childhood. Unfortunately, his physical appearance only worsened from age two until he died at 27. At one climactic point in the movie Joseph Merrick rasps out to those chasing him, “I am NOT an animal, I am a human being!” This movie is NOT for the faint of heart, it takes GUTS to watch it.*
What I think the Orange Revolution was telling the rest of the world was that Ukraine is NOT a stillborn or backward nation but rather a country with a long and very distinguished history. The medical doctor in the movie was trying to give this young man dignity. The doctor marvelled that after his being on display as a freak in a circus, Joseph Merrick was a person with soul, with integrity even with class.
Several times while watching the movie I wanted to shut it off, I was so pained to see the brutality dealt this man and yet Joseph Merrick was meek and absorbed all the abuse, he never fought back. The best part of the movie was that he recited the 23rd Psalm and also out of cardboard built a model of a prestigious London cathedral. Joseph Merrick was NOT an imbecile or a freak but rather a gentle soul. Yet, at some point, he had to speak out.
So too with my composition students, they must not let the world say that their country is a freak or backward but they must speak out in their writing, their OWN writing!!! It will be awkward at first, especially in a language not their own but once they build confidence like Joseph Merrick did, then maybe they can write in Ukrainian about their proud history, the TRUE accounts that are walking around still in their grandparents’ memories.
*I checked this video of “Elephant Man” out at the British Council.
True History Matters 
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February 26, 2007 at 9:54 am
moschino
i heard about this movie, buy i never watched it=( According to my blog about Amelia Earhart i found that she was married to Putman and he was her publicist and husband.He supported her through her life and all her flights. About Wiley Post he used to have two partners and one of the them was Will rogers. You are right when they died it was theworst day for everyone…people lost the funniest person ever. Unfortunately, i didn’t see the movie “Spirit of St. Louis”, but if i found it,i will definately will watch it. have a nice day=)
February 26, 2007 at 2:25 pm
princessofsnow
I’ve also heard about this movie; my host mother have told me that it is a worth seeing movie. It is fascinating that a man fased so many barriers and troubles thoughout his life and cuold save the gentle soul and dignity. Some peole just turn away from the world and become mean and rude, but Joseph Merrick never fought back at this rude world! That’s so awesome!
After reading your post,I want to find this movie and wantch it. Thanks!
Have a good day!
February 28, 2007 at 9:59 am
vitaliysedyuk
To me, I was told about this movie but haven’t watched it. I got to know more from your story but was a bit upset, just you know my attitude towards such films… The matter is that I don’t watch movies like this at all. I like comedies and hate seeing people’s pain, whatever. Have a good Day!
February 28, 2007 at 3:42 pm
luckuypenguin
I did not know that the film “Elephant Man” exists. When I was studying English, I read about this story in one of my workbooks. I was very surprised to find out from there that is a true story! Now I would like to watch this film to see how the image of the main hero was created and how his character and all his worries were presented there. Thanks a lot for telling about this flm.