Grand Torino
Grand Torino Analysis
Cultural Diversity Through Interpersonal Communication
Margaret Heinsohn
Florida International University
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study the interpersonal communication taking place in a cultured shocked neighborhood. The findings of these studies are applied to the film Grand Torino. In addition, this study will discuss the communication styles applied by the characters of the movie. I believe they are essential to understanding the reasons why in general individuals are racists, stereotypical and unable to adapt to different cultures as well as living with those who are different to us. We will first examine how Walt’s character adapts to the cultural diversity. Next, we will examine the cultural differences and conflict between the Hmong people and Walt; an American. Later I discuss the difference between the communication and friendship styles of both cultures. In order to do this study, the movie Grand Torino was watched and notes were recorded over the span of a week.
Cultural Diversity through Interpersonal Communication
Gran Torino, focuses on the relationship between Walt Kowalski, a retired Korean War veteran who has just lost his wife, and his neighbors, who are of the Hmong culture. The story revolves around Walt, the teenage son, Thao, and daughter, Sue. The Hmong people are from Asia. This creates tension between Walt and the family because of Walts stereotypes and racism. He refers to them as “gooks” which is a derogatory slang term for Asian people, most commonly Koreans, this is something he took away from the Korean war. Walt does not see his culturally diverse neighbors as anything but “gooks” because he believes that Koreans and other Asians are all the same. There are many cultural differences between Walt and the Hmong family. They are a family rich with tradition and cultural values. Yet, they also struggle to adapt to the American
Cultural Diversity Through Interpersonal Communication
Margaret Heinsohn
Florida International University
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study the interpersonal communication taking place in a cultured shocked neighborhood. The findings of these studies are applied to the film Grand Torino. In addition, this study will discuss the communication styles applied by the characters of the movie. I believe they are essential to understanding the reasons why in general individuals are racists, stereotypical and unable to adapt to different cultures as well as living with those who are different to us. We will first examine how Walt’s character adapts to the cultural diversity. Next, we will examine the cultural differences and conflict between the Hmong people and Walt; an American. Later I discuss the difference between the communication and friendship styles of both cultures. In order to do this study, the movie Grand Torino was watched and notes were recorded over the span of a week.
Cultural Diversity through Interpersonal Communication
Gran Torino, focuses on the relationship between Walt Kowalski, a retired Korean War veteran who has just lost his wife, and his neighbors, who are of the Hmong culture. The story revolves around Walt, the teenage son, Thao, and daughter, Sue. The Hmong people are from Asia. This creates tension between Walt and the family because of Walts stereotypes and racism. He refers to them as “gooks” which is a derogatory slang term for Asian people, most commonly Koreans, this is something he took away from the Korean war. Walt does not see his culturally diverse neighbors as anything but “gooks” because he believes that Koreans and other Asians are all the same. There are many cultural differences between Walt and the Hmong family. They are a family rich with tradition and cultural values. Yet, they also struggle to adapt to the American
References: Eastwood, C. (Director). (2008). Gran Torino [DVD]. Los Angeles: Warner Brothers. Duffy, J., Harmon, R., Ranard D., Thao B., & Yang, K. (2004). The Hmong: An introduction to their history and culture. Retrieved from: http://www.culturalorientation.net/library/publications/the-hmong-culture-profile Steven A. Beebe, Susan J. Beebe, Mark V. Redmond ,Terri M. Geerinck . Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others, Pearson Education Canada; 5 edition (Feb. 15 2010)