The film one flew over the Cuckoo's Nest - Essay Example

Forced Medications and Electro-Shock Therapy is Inappropriate The film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is about a mental and its patients. The film shows how some patients are voluntarily there, afraid to face real life, and others who are committed. R.P. McMurphy is a man committed after his inefficiency at the work farm. The question posed in the film is whether McMurphy is crazy or not. Before and after it is determined he is not crazy, just dangerous he is given medication and electro-shock therapy.

He was threatened by Nurse Ratchet, if he did not take the medication there “were other ways” other than orally (Fletcher). During the first electro-shock therapy he was told the procedure would not be painful, but was not given a choice with regards to the therapy. Eventually he was lobotomized again without consent because he was a danger. The film makes one ask if it is wrong to forcibly give medication and electro-shock therapy with a keen understanding in the end that it is wrong. It is wrong on a basic level in that it violates human rights.

Society believes there are inalienable and fundamental rights that cannot be overstepped because they are either natural or legal rights. In philosophy there is also the concept of human rights, which are considered universal and egalitarian. Forcing medications or electro-shock therapy on patients goes against these rights even if the patients may need help because the patient is not given a voice in the matter. It cannot be denied that some individuals may not understand what is being asked, but there are laws to protect an individual who is unable to speak for themselves.

In this instance a guardian, not the mental institution staff, with their best interests in mind would be given the choice in determining medication. By forcing a person to undergo treatment without consent, it becomes an abuse of power and control rather than actually helping the individual to overcome any issues they have. BibliographyOne Flew Over the Cuckoos Next. Dir. Milos Forman. Perf. Louise Fletcher. 1975. Film.