Running head: DRIVING MISS DAISY

Driving Miss Daisy Movie Analysis Michael P Dugan Ferris State University

2 DRIVING MISS DAISY Abstract The characters Daisy and Hoke from the movie Driving Miss Daisy are analyzed in terms defined by ageism, sociological theories of aging, and the health-related quality of life model. Ageism stereotypes were present to a minor degree but mostly absent with older people being portrayed as being respected, productive, and independent. The sociological aging theories held true in the limited view the movie provided except for a few like Age Norms and the Disengagement Theory in where the characters were not restricted by their age for the most part and did not withdrawal from society. The quality of life was high for both characters based on the four factors presented by the quality of life model concept.

3 DRIVING MISS DAISY Driving Miss Daisy Movie Analysis Getting old in the United States has been connected with giving up independence, losing ones place in a the workplace, not being head of the family, stuck in ones ways and not able to learn anymore, and other negative images and beliefs. These are the types of beliefs and stereotypes that have been cast on older people through the concept of ageism. Ageism is the systematic stereotyping of, and discrimination against, people because they are old (Touhy & Jett, 2012, p. 82). Ageism has a negative effect on an older persons psyche that can be detrimental to their well-being. There are many sociological theories that range from early ones like Role Theory to more modern ones like the Modernization Theory. These theories of aging attempt to explain and predict the changes in roles and relationships in middle and late life, with an emphasis on adjustment (Touhy & Jett, 2012, p. 37). The theories can be limiting in their explanations due to the complexity of human aging and the limited resources used in developing them. The Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) concept as presented by C. E. Ferrans shows that when care is provided to older people that not only a cure for health complications should be sought but that quality of life should also be considered and pursued (North, n.d.). Quality of life is based on each individuals experiences, satisfaction, and judgment of his/her happiness and fullness of life. The quality of life of an individual includes factors such as health and functioning, socioeconomics, psychological and spiritual, and family (North, n.d.). Characteristics of the individual and the environment have a role in how these factors interact in determining a persons quality of life.

4 DRIVING MISS DAISY This paper examines the movie called Driving Miss Daisy to see how ageism, sociological theories, and HRQOL are portrayed in this movie in viewing the aging of the two main characters Daisy and Hoke (Zanuck, Zanuck, Beresford, & Uhry, 1989). Ageism There did not seem to be much ageism presented in the movie. It could be said that the son of Daisy, Boolie, might have displayed some ageism such as when he forbid his mother to drive anymore after the accident. His statement that no insurance company would touch her after her accident could be construed as ageism. For the most part Boolie seemed to be an attentive son that wanted his mother to be safe but to also keep as much of her independence as possible. There was a scene in the movie where two police officers make a comment about two old people traveling together but that seemed more racist than about ageism as they referred to Hoke and Daisy in derogatory terms of African American descent and the Jewish religion. The officers negative actions towards Hoke seemed more racist in nature than ageism. Hoke did not seem to face much ageism in the movie either. He seemed to be respected for his experience, knowledge, and usefulness by the few interactions with the younger generation shown in the movie. He seemed to assert himself at the appropriate times and in the appropriate ways to get the respect and recognition that he believed he deserved. One example of this is when he asked for a raise. Hoke knew his worth and wanted to be compensated for the good work he provided. He was still a productive member of society and did not show the negative picture of old people that ageism paints. The conflicts between Hoke and Daisy in the movie seemed to be more of personality and stereotype of race and religious type conflicts rather than conflicts presented by ageism. The

5 DRIVING MISS DAISY characters seemed to be presented by the writers and directors of the movie free of the negative stereotypes and discrimination seen by ageism viewpoints. Sociological Theories Role Theory Age norms are roles that society expects people to do within their age groups. Older people who act within their age norms can find the roles limiting and in a negative light (Touhy & Jett, 2012). Daisy in the movie acted in certain ways within her expected age norms and in other ways did not. Her presentation of herself to the world was as a respectable older person who did not put on airs and acted how she thought a person of her background and present standing should act. In a way her actions restricted access to her by other people in terms of being friends. She could come across as stern, strong, and set in her ways. This enabled her to have social acquaintances but prevented her from having close friends as evidenced by her being alone most of the time. Daisy did show that she could act and think out of the norms by knowing that she was still useful and productive by teaching Hoke how to read based on her experience as a teacher and by showing she had an open mind by attending a dinner for Martin Luther King in the South where she lived where racism and prejudices still were strong. Hoke did not restrict himself to age norms but did restrict himself by underlying race restrictions imposed by the society in which he lived. He was an open-minded older person who was willing to learn, take on new responsibilities, experience new adventures (first trip out of Georgia was in his seventies), and knew he was still a useful and productive member of society. Activity Theory The Activity Theory supposes that an older person needs to be active in order to stay young and happy (Touhy & Jett, 2012). Both Daisy and Hoke show the Activity Theory in

6 DRIVING MISS DAISY process by staying active in many interests, maintaining their independence for a long as they can, and being satisfied with their lives which showed happiness in their own individual ways. Daisy stayed involved in life by listening to music, knitting, gardening, attending church, and socializing with friends by playing games such as Mahjong. Hoke stayed involved in life by being a productive member of society and enjoying his work. We do not see his private life away from work in the movie. Disengagement Theory The Disengagement Theory proposes that in order for successful aging to take place, the older generation should step aside and let the younger generation take the reins. This theory can show age discrimination since people can misinterpret it as an older person is no longer fit mentally and physically to do a job or role they held when younger (Touhy & Jett, 2012). Daisy did retain as much of her independence as she could but did give up some when she allowed Boolie to take on the role as head of the family. She also relied on her son in trying times such as when Daisy believed Hoke was stealing from her and called Boolie right away to come to her aid. Boolie respected his mothers independence and accepted his role as head of the family to make sure his mother was safe and taken care of. Daisy did assert her primary role occasionally as seen when she ordered Boolie away in the nursing home so she could spend time with Hoke. Hoke showed the more accepted viewpoint of today in that an elders withdrawal is not necessarily a good thing for society (Touhy & Jett, 2012, p. 38). He was listened to and respected when the elevator was stuck and his experience enabled him to help others fix the elevator. He also continued working well past what would be considered retirement age and was recognized for his useful productivity. Continuity Theory

7 DRIVING MISS DAISY Aging in the Continuity Theory is seen as successful when a person maintains his/her personality in assuming different roles and responsibilities with a core pattern of behavior existing throughout the aging process (Touhy & Jett, 2012). Daisy and Hoke both seemed successful in term of the Continuity Theory. They both kept their personalities and behavior as they adjusted to circumstances that happened in their lives. One example is when the

housekeeper Idella died suddenly. Instead of hiring another housekeeper to take her place, Daisy took on new responsibilities in cooking for herself and Hoke. She kept her personality in not letting Hoke know when she adjusted the burner at the suggestion of Hoke when cooking fried chicken. Age-Stratification Theory Members of a certain age group can tend to be at specific developmental stages, have similar social needs, and have the ability to be understood due to identical time frames and experiences. The Age-Stratification Theory shows aging by having similarities to others in a young, middle-aged, or old age group (Touhy & Jett, 2012). Daisy showed her differences in her beliefs and practices by her criticism of the extravagance displayed by Boolies wife Florine in life such as over the top parties and a flashing of money that Daisy never would have thought to be appropriate. Daisy came from a background of not having much money, working hard to be successful, and not flaunting what she did have. Daisy had more in common than Hoke since they both came from the same era in experiencing hard times and worked hard to be successful. An example of the unsaid understanding between them both is after Idella died and Daisy says Idella was lucky in referring to her sudden death with no suffering with Hoke understanding completely with nothing further said (Zanuck et al., 1989). A younger age group might have needed an explanation to what Daisy said and meant.

8 DRIVING MISS DAISY Modernization Theory The Modernization Theory relates the technological age to the decline of higher status older people held in society when their knowledge, experience, skills, decision-making and ceremony power, and material ownership were important values needed by society in order for it to succeed. It proposes that the values that an older person had before the advancement of technology are no longer important to the function of society due to the shifting of power to a younger generation (Touhy & Jett, 2012). This theory can be seen in the movie in the

advancement of technology over the years in the family cotton factory. Boolie does not seek advice or help from any of the older generation in running the business. He has assumed role as head of the family. Daisy and Hoke are no longer involved in the business and find their life satisfaction through each other and their activities. Daisy does not have a leadership role in her church as maybe a person of her standing would have in the past. The value of older people in society has changed and the stereotypes of ageism has surfaced to which older people are starting to change with their voice just like any other oppressed group. Health-Related Quality of Life The quality of life concept can be seen throughout the movie involving both Daisy and Hoke. They both experience what is considered good health both physically and mentally as portrayed in the movie except towards the end when Daisy is in her nineties. Daisy and Hokes happiness and satisfaction with life are based on each ones unique experiences and what is important to them (North, n.d.). Daisys health and functioning satisfaction comes from still being independent despite some setbacks in her life like being unable to drive anymore and the death of her housekeeper. She also has her leisure activities and church. Daisy is financially independent, has a good education, high standard of living, and good support system in Boolie

9 DRIVING MISS DAISY and Hoke. Therefore her socioeconomic factor of quality of life is high which shows good life satisfaction. Daisys psychological and spiritual needs are met with her family, friends, and church. When Daisy started showing signs of dementia she found solid support in Hoke who she verbally recognized as a friend and which helped her in this frightening time of her life. Although Daisys extended family members lived a distance away she took delight in celebrating life with them as seen in the birthday party for an older member of her family. Even at the end of the movie Daisy could still find satisfaction in her life in the presence of her friend Hoke. The viewer is unable to assess much of Hokes life as related to HRQOL except as it related to his socioeconomic factor. Due to his employment with Boolie, Hoke is able to buy cars through the years so it is believed that Hoke had financial independence and an acceptable standard of living in his eyes. Hoke had high job satisfaction and knew his worth as an employee. Hoke was not afraid to learn new things and showed satisfaction with the ability to learn to read. It could be said that Daisy received more from the relationship but Hoke seemed to involved in Daisys life far more than what his employment called for so it could be said that he received satisfaction with his relationship with Daisy which enhanced his quality of life. As pertaining to the HRQOL factors in which help determine life satisfaction it can be said that both Daisy and Hoke experienced satisfaction with life based on their judgment of what constitutes a good life. Conclusion The Daisy and Hoke characters from the movie Driving Miss Daisy were shown to have happy, productive, satisfying lives when compared to the ageism concept, aging theories, and the quality of life factors. The movie showed that older members of the society still have a desire to learn, can adjust to difficulties, like their independence, do have open minds, still take

10 DRIVING MISS DAISY pleasure in activities, and can be productive. Aging can be a difficult process but life can still be very satisfying.

11 DRIVING MISS DAISY References North, S. (n.d.). Health-related quality of life [Powerpoint]. Retrieved October 24, 2012, from https://fsulearn.ferris.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2F webapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_368_ 1%26url%3D%252Fwebapps%252Fblackboard%252Fexecute%252FdisplayIndividualC ontent%253Fmode%253Dview%2526content_id%253D_87652_1%2526course_id%253 D_368_1 Touhy, T. A., & Jett, K. (2012). Ebersole and Hess toward healthy aging: Human needs and nursing response (8th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier. Zanuck, R. (Producer), Zanuck, L. (Producer), Beresford, B. (Director), & Uhry, A. (Writer). (1989). Driving Miss Daisy [Motion picture]. USA: Warner Bros. Pictures.