Stereotypes exist for all types of people based on race, gender, or age. They can often influence someone's perception and help make assumptions about what that person will be like, even though that may not be true. This is the case in the movie Finding Forrester, where both Jamal and William experience assumptions being made about them. In the film, Jamal and William manage to challenge these assumptions and explore the unknown. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay False assumptions are made about both William and Jamal. For example, Jamal is African American, so he is perceived as an ignorant criminal. That's why the man with the BMW is afraid of him when they start talking. Furthermore, as an athlete, Jamal is perceived as only being good at basketball and that is why the school wants him to stay and for no other reason. They suggest that he be placed in easier classes to entice him to stay so he can play basketball and make school look good. William, on the other hand, is perceived as a monster because he continues to stare at the boys when they play basketball when in reality he is alone. In short, both characters are perceived as things they are not. Even though Jamal is perceived as an ignorant potential criminal, he doesn't let this hinder his success. For example, when the man with the BMW is afraid of him, Jamal doesn't hesitate to give him an interesting lesson about the history of his car. The man is very shocked that Jamal knows so much, especially since he thought Jamal was trying to harm him. Jamal also overcomes the belief that he is a bad student because he is African American. He protests and goes to private school and leaves all his friends behind so he can be himself without having to worry about fitting in. He decides to take this opportunity to go to the new school and travel into the unknown. As a result, Jamal's overcoming of the assumptions made about him makes him stronger and wiser. Another person who is able to overcome the assumptions made about him in the film is William. He was finally able to face his fears of going out with Jamal's help and prove to the outside world that he wasn't a creepy hermit. Even though he has a panic attack the first time, he manages to gather the strength to go out again. She is able to come to terms with her past and put it behind her thanks to Jamal and her realization that she can't stay in the dark forever because there are places to go and things to see. For this reason he was able to enjoy the final part of his life and leave his painful past behind. Therefore, William was able to have a better life due to his decision to overcome the assumptions made about him. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Ultimately, William and Jamal of Finding Forrester managed to triumph over the assumptions made about them, which greatly benefited them. These characters are a great example of how useful it is to face your fears and take risks. People who do this will not only become stronger and wiser, but will also live better lives.