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Identity In Moonlight

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Moonlight explores topics otherwise not prevalent in mainstream media such as the presence of LGBT characters, drug addicted parents, and identity. These issues have surrounded Chiron very early in his childhood. Little does he know that these are problems that will plague his life up into his adulthood. On top of facing these problems, Chiron is thrusted into identities from other individuals in the film. Lil, Chiron, and Black are the major roles he plays throughout his life as he attempts to figure out who he truly is. Moreover, Chiron’s life is a voyage of self-acceptance and discovery. The first chapter of Chiron’s life is titled as Lil. This both describes his age and height at the time, but also how innocent he is. At this stage, he …show more content…

He typically keeps to himself, and tries to blend into the crowd to avoid bullies despite them attacking him at any given moment. Although it is never revealed how the bullies know Chiron is gay, they torment him because of it. Not only does this affect Chiron mental but physically as well. In one specific scene where Chiron is walking home from school, Terrell catches up to him and begins to talk about his mother in a negative light. To defend himself, Chiron tells him to stop talking ill of his mother. However, Terrell overpowers Chiron and informs him to keep his head down and take the abuse. This scene exemplifies that Chiron is still a child inside who was never able to enjoy his time as a kid. Rather than fight back he sticks to the only tactics he knows which is to run away. However, as the film progresses Kevin is forced to beat up Chiron his close childhood friend. This specific scene prompts Chiron to one again take the beating, but to take action he realizes the only way to stop violence against him is to use force. As Chiron is in the washroom cleansing his face of blood another identity is born to defend himself from the world that has been so cruel to him. His rash actions lead him to being carted away in a police car because of his violent actions towards Terrell. This transforms the once shy teen Chiron to become hardened and cold. Although we do not see him physically transition to Black, a major

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