Conflict In Movies: Conflict And Communication 532796

Conflict In the Movies" Conflict and Communication Conflict in the Movies

W7 Assignment “Conflict In the Movies" Conflict and Communication. Select a movie that deals with conflict and communication. Watch the movie and analyze how culture impacts the conflict and conflict management styles among the characters. Write a 2-3 page, double spaced paper that reviews the movie, including the diversity of themes observed. Include the title of the film, the year it was produced, the main characters, and a brief plot outline. Address the theme or themes noted while watching, such as cultural differences, issues of race, gender, religion, age discrimination, or differences in physical or mental ability. Discuss how the movie made you feel—angry, sad, sympathetic, or amused—and analyze the message the film aimed to convey and the emotions it intended to evoke. Identify any clear conflict addressed in the film. Describe how different characters handled the conflict, supporting your discussion with at least one theory or approach from course readings. Evaluate whether the conflict was resolved satisfactorily and whether violence was depicted, suggesting if better resolutions were possible. Reflect on whether you could see yourself in a similar situation and how understanding conflict in the film can aid in responding to cultural conflicts. The paper should be 2-3 pages, formatted in APA style with citations.

Paper For Above instruction

The chosen film for analysis is "Crash" (2004), directed by Paul Haggis. This drama explores racial and cultural conflicts in Los Angeles, highlighting misunderstandings and prejudices among diverse characters. The main characters include Officer Ryan (Matt Dillon), Jean Cabot (Sandra Bullock), and Farhad (Shaun Toub). The plot weaves multiple storylines depicting instances of prejudice, bias, and communication breakdowns, illustrating how cultural differences impact interactions and conflict resolution.

The overarching themes of the film revolve around racial tension, social stereotypes, and intergroup misunderstandings. One prominent theme is the pervasive nature of racial discrimination and the ways in which stereotypes influence behavior and perceptions. Additionally, the movie touches on issues of gender, such as the vulnerable position of women in a society marked by suspicion and mistrust. Religious differences also surface, especially in interactions between characters of different faiths, emphasizing how cultural identities shape conflict dynamics. These themes collectively paint a picture of a society riddled with prejudices that exacerbate conflicts and hinder effective communication.

Watching the film evoked a mixture of emotions, including sadness and frustration. It was disheartening to see how prejudice and miscommunication could escalate to violence and misunderstanding. The film’s portrayal of characters' struggles made me feel empathetic but also frustrated at the persistence of racial and cultural divisions. Nonetheless, the movie aimed to promote awareness about unconscious biases and the importance of understanding differing perspectives to foster social harmony.

The film clearly depicts conflict rooted in cultural misunderstandings. For example, Officer Ryan’s police interactions reveal how stereotypes influence behavior—initially leading to suspicion and hostility. The characters’ handling of conflict varies; some resort to violence or prejudice, while others show attempts at understanding. According to the contact hypothesis theory, positive interactions can reduce prejudice, which is exemplified by moments where characters overcome initial stereotypes and develop empathy (Allport, 1954). However, the film also demonstrates that unresolved prejudices lead to tragic outcomes—highlighted by the reckless shooting of a black character, Anthony.

While the conflicts are intense, some scenes underscore the possibilities of better conflict resolution through dialogue and empathy. Violence is depicted, and while sometimes reflecting real societal issues, alternative non-violent approaches—such as open communication and education—could have alleviated tensions and avoided tragedy. For instance, the scene where Officer Ryan and his partner confront racial biases suggests that awareness and self-reflection could lead to more constructive resolutions.

Imagining myself in such situations, I believe I would strive to approach conflicts with patience and seek understanding beyond surface stereotypes. Recognizing the underlying fears and biases driving disputes could lead to more compassionate responses. This perspective underscores the importance of cultural awareness and emotional intelligence in managing conflicts effectively.

Understanding conflict as portrayed in "Crash" enhances my ability to respond adaptively to cultural conflicts in real life. It highlights the need for empathy, open-mindedness, and active communication—key skills for navigating diverse environments. Recognizing how unconscious biases influence behavior encourages self-awareness and promotes societal harmony by fostering mutual respect and understanding.

References

• Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Addison-Wesley.
• Bushman, B. J., & Anderson, C. A. (2009). Media violence and engagement: Activities, real and virtual. American Psychologist, 64(3), 226–234.
• Crandall, C. S., & Eshleman, A. (2003). A hierarchical model of racism: The attributional rationalization for blatant and subtle prejudiced responses. Psychological Bulletin, 129(3), 215–242.
• Haggis, P. (Director). (2004). Crash [Film]. Lions Gate Films.
• Penner, L. A., & Dovidio, J. F. (2019). Intergroup bias and conflict: Insights from social psychology. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 465–490.
• Phinney, J. S. (1990). Ethnic identity in adolescents and adults: A review of research. Psychological Bulletin, 108(3), 499–514.
• Stangor, C. (2014). Stereotypes and prejudice: Essential readings. Psychology Press.
• Snyder, M., & Brandon, J. (2009). The psychology of conflict. In F. R. Fesbach (Ed.), Understanding and Controlling the Conflict (pp. 37-53). Routledge.
• Triandis, H. C. (1994). Culture and social behavior. McGraw-Hill.
• Wilson, T. D. (2002). Strangers to ourselves: Discovering the adaptive unconscious. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.