Cinderella is one of the most popular and well-known classics when it comes to fairy-tales. The story of Cinderella has evolved over the centuries, and has roamed many nations and regions in different forms, at different points in time. The history of this tale is quite interesting once you actually delve into the details, for it will tell you just how many versions have actually been produced of this ancient legend, if one calls it that.
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.
