Racism_in_Gran_Turino

Prejudice’s in the Film ‘Gran Torino’ By Will Anderson The movie Gran Torino contains many forms of predjudice and shows situations that are experienced by three diverse cultures. The three cultures or subcultures presented are the Caucasian, Hmong and gangs. I will describe some of the issues each group faces with socialization, discrimination and culture. Their diversity causes discrimination between them; they judge each other based on race alone without giving any thought to each person’s individuality. Due to the many differences in their socialization each of these groups are unique. Besides the cultural diversity here, there is always human diversity in every neighbourhood. Their cultural differences make it even harder for these families to co-exist in the same neighbourhood. While quite different from one another, each culture demonstrates similarities that eventually bring some of these groups together to form mutual friendships as well as mutual respect for one another’s ethnicity. Socialization is unique to each individual but can be seen in a culture as a whole through their values, ethics, beliefs and traditions. This is seen in the everyday practices of each group. One example of socialization variation is how Walt maintains his property well when the neighbours do not. As a child, Walt was shown how to do the upkeep, taught that it was important and then as an adult he followed through. Tao shows that he was not taught the same things because he needs help maintaining his home. Ethically, the Hmong family shows that it is important to them that they work for what they have. They show this, while teaching Tao, by having Tao work for Walt to make up for him trying to steal Walt’s Gran Torino. Similarly, Walt expresses his own work ethic by speaking of his work in the plant for so many years. The gangs exhibit no work ethic at all. The Hmong believe that it is an insult and rude to look into someone’s eyes. The Caucasian see looking into the eyes as a sign of respect. This social difference could easily hinder the formation of friendships between the cultures because they could easily mistake each other for being rude and insulting. 　 Discrimination is seen throughout this neighbourhood and is demonstrated differently by each group. Each group makes assumptions about each other based on the fact that they belong to a particular group rather than on personal merit. Several different forms of discrimination are seen throughout the movie. Walt’s use of racial and ethnic slurs are used to insult the Hmong race, even though when he uses racial and ethnic slurs toward his friends it is only in humour. He shows prejudice toward the gangs by expecting them to respond positively to violence, when he violently tells them to stay away from Tao, which is obviously wrong because they retaliate. Walt does not like either the Hmong or the gang because they are different from him and he is acting out racism. Sexism, economic deprivation and ageism are forms of discrimination demonstrated in the movie. Sexism is a form of discrimination that is illustrated by a Hmong family member when she mentions that Tao only does women’s work and will never become a real man by only doing what his sister tells him to do. The gang, too, demonstrates sexism by Assulting Sue. Economic deprivation is felt by Sue who believes that Tao will not be able to attend college because he is a Hmong male. She believes he will not have the same opportunities as other males even though he is smart enough to warrant the opportunities. The gang discriminates against Walt by believing him to be a weak old man who could be easily taken advantage of by stealing his car. They prematurely pass judgment on Walt based on his age alone, this is ageism. The gang also use oppression to get Tao to agree to the initiation of the gang. They force him by using intimidation and threats; Tao was in no position to say no. In all of these discrimination incidences each group is practicing stereotyping. They have an image of how each group will react based on an overly simplified view of that group.   The Caucasian and Hmong all had different lifestyle patterns passed on to them from generations before. Due to the individual cultures within each of these groups they have different languages, traditions, and each group has uniquely formed family relationships. The language barrier is the first cultural road block in forming friendships between the Hmong and the Caucasian. Although the gangs speak the language of both cultures the way the languages are spoken is broken and without rules which shows a lack of education. This makes verbal communication with the gang difficult and uncomfortable. One similar cultural tradition that is exhibited between the Hmong and the Caucasian is gatherings. The Hmong gather to celebrate the birth of a child and the Caucasian gather to mourn the death of a woman. Although only the Hmong perform ceremonies during their gatherings both cultures show group support for friends and family in need. Cultural diversity is easy to see in the living arrangements of each group. When Hmong adult children marry they continue to live with their parents. Remaining under the same roof is the cultural way of the Hmong. This is usually only seen in unique situations in Caucasian families and usually only in circumstances of economic instability. While the Hmong are living together as extended families and taking care of their elderly, Walt’s children are encouraging him to move into a retirement community so that they don’t have to worry about him. This is something that the Hmong would never consider doing; it would be considered a major false step. The gang members live close together so that they are able to protect one another. They do not live with or take care of their parents. The difference between each culture has inhibited the connection between them. The younger Hmong members actually put forth effort in order to become friends with Walt. It is difficult to look past cultural and social differences to become aware of the similarities in them as well as individual personalities. Once Walt was able to look past the fact that the Hmong were people of colour he was able to understand some of the Hmong traditions. Walt became aware that the Hmong were actually being held back by the fact that they are Hmong. Knowledge of one another’s differences enhanced the relationships, giving understanding to some of the things that would seem strange to someone without this knowledge.