Dubbed the "Cinderella Man" by a newspaper columnist of the day, Braddock received a second-chance at boxing success through a fortunate turn of events. On a much smaller scale, each day individual people win modest victories that improve their own lives, or the lives of their families. The triumph of Colonial America over the British Empire, David's conquest of Goliath, and Jesus' victory over death were all indisputably world-changing events. Braddock, like the fictional Cinderella, was acting in his own best interest. His victory was greeted by the downtrodden as their own and became a source of inspiration and hope.
Through Cinderella Story, those experiencing adversity in their lives, a group with which the entire human race can identify, are offered solace and hope. Cinderella’s story, if factual, would fall within this category. Along the way, through actions such as returning all the funds he had collected while on public assistance, he endeared himself to the common people. Yet, his own interests became the interests of many. Such was the case with James J. In this regard, Cinderella represents every person. Sometimes, however, the triumph of an individual, although beneficial to himself and his family, can have meaning for others. And, his benefit, primarily economic, was transformed into a benefit of the soul and spirit for those who identified themselves with his struggle.
In these instances, the individual victor is viewed by a large group as representative of their plight and so his victory is perceived as theirs as well. If the naive and virtuous Cinderella, bereft of any resources, can overcome her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, capture the attention and affection of a prince, and live happily ever after, then so can we all, metaphorically speaking. Although the story differs from place to place, the animated Walt Disney Cinderella version of the tale is the one with which most English-speaking people are familiar. Like Braddock, we should all endeavor to fight the good fight, whatever that battle might be, for even our smallest successes may commence a ripple effect that may spawn a tidal wave for the benefit of humankind.
And thus, Cinderella tells the story of triumph over undeserved oppression. Driven by love for his family and sheer determination, he seized the opportunity, rose through the ranks, and against all odds, dethroned the current champion, Max Baer, who had killed a man in the ring and was considered virtually unbeatable. Throughout the millennia of recorded history, the act of triumphing over adversity has become the archetypal harbinger of radical changes in life and the world.
As with all fairy tales, Cinderella blends magical and mythical elements to illuminate the human condition. Usually, such tales have happy endings. In the early 1930's, Braddock was a washed-up ex-prizefighter who, like multitudes of other Americans, was forced to go on the public dole as a result of the Great Depression. Braddock whose story was recounted in the 2005 Academy Award-nominated drama “Cinderella Man". The fairy tale story of Cinderella is known by people in various parts of the world.
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