In the popular 1990 film, "GoodFellas," members of organized crime were portrayed in a positive way that influence the culture it feed. Henry Hill, played by actor Ray Liotta, becomes involved in the mafia at a young age and becomes influenced by the Mafia's lifestyle, brotherhood, and camaraderie. At the beginning of the movie, Henry Hill says "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangsta." The impact of the movie from a cultural standpoint was incredible. The dream of power, wealth, and fame lead many young people to imitate the characters and the lifestyles they lived.
The movie is filled with strong violence, sexism, male dominance, and strong language. Yet, its popularity was incredible after its release. It is currently ranked #94 on the American Film Institute list of 100. Its impact is apparent in the attitudes and mindsets of the up and coming youth. Many young Americans display defiance to authority and handle their personal problems in ways that are ominously similar to the movies characters. Now I'm not implying that one movie changed the make-up of all American youth, but consider this fact. Its impact was so dramatic that in the year 2000 the United States Library of Congress deemed the film "culturally significant" and selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.
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