We Forget - Dirty Dancing

[ItsjustMe]

When we think about Dirty Dancing, we often picture the bottom image. We forget that the whole reason Baby has to fill in for Penny is because Robby gets Penny pregnant and refuses to take responsibility.

We forget that the abortion is so expensive Penny cannot afford it, even from a questionable practitioner, and when Robby refuses to pay for it, Baby has to get the money for her.

We forget that Penny nearly dies because abortions are illegal. We forget the horrible conditions she is forced to endure in order to get the abortion and the incredible pain she was in afterwards.

We forget her tears.

We forget her shame.

We forget the judgment and condemnation towards her.

We forget Robby's endorsement for college and smug attitude as his life remained unchanged.

While this is a movie, there have been real life Pennys. We must not return to the time where this is the norm.

Abortions have never been an issue for the wealthy. Money affords opportunity and secrecy.

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate amongst industrialized countries. Banning abortions is not going to help that number.

[Wounded Bear]

1. Good reminder. Abortion is at the heart of that film...

and illegal abortion in particular.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

2. Who forgets that's an abortion movie??

[Spazito]

3. Good reminder...

especially at this time.

[Cracklin Charlie]

4. I really like the film.

It shows people being human.

I like the helpers in the film, as Mr. Rogers would call them. Good characters.

[FoxNewsSucks]

6. You're right

I watched it long ago. And didn't realize that message at the time.

I'd imagine most people my age also didn't. Maybe it's time to see it again.

[halfulglas]

7. We also forget that shit Robby recommending the book Atlas Shrugged to Baby

Because it will tell her all about the "people who count" and those who don't.

[artemisia1]

8. Oh, I never forgot that. They got it right. During that time period Ayn Rand, the batshoot crazy,

amphetamine addicted, witch from the U.S.S.R. was VERY popular with budding sociopaths. We are still living with the consequences of that witch's influence.

[halfulglas]

9. Actually, I didn't forget it, just going along with the narrative story line as if it was forgotten.

I was in my 20s in the 1960s and remember them very clearly. But I dearly loved this movie and watch it about once every 6 months. They got so much of the earnestness right and the attitude of people like Robby. I also remember the fear of getting pregnant.

[Raine]

10. The only thing I remember about the movie was the dancing

I can't remember a thing about the story. I'll have to watch it again when I have an opportunity.

[niyad]

11. Thank you. I never saw the movie, only knew the last dance number.

Whi h, by the way, I just happened to watch last night.