Select A Movie Or TV Show That Effectively Communicates

Select A Movie Or Tv Show That Effectively Communicates The Cultural

Select a movie or TV show that effectively communicates the cultural, values and norms of a society that is different from your own culture. Ideally, this movie or TV show would be a foreign film with subtitles. The movie or TV show you select should provide you with a glimpse of what life is like in another culture. The process of watching this movie or TV show should provide you with a unique, cultural experience. Watch the movie/TV show that you selected, and use your reactions as part of your response to the following topic: Define ethnocentrism and how it affects individuals, societies, and multinational corporations.

Your paper should provide a comprehensive overview of the concept of ethnocentrism. You should use your cultural experience of watching the selected movie or TV show to discuss the effect of ethnocentrism on individuals, societies, and multinational corporations. Please feel free to use any personal experiences you may have had visiting different countries around the world as part of this paper; however, do not let your personal experiences with other cultures be the focal point of this paper. The focal point of the paper is your cultural experience watching the selected movie or TV show and your comprehensive overview of the concept of ethnocentrism. Please note that this paper is not intended to be a summary of the movie or TV show.

Your paper should focus on the cultural observations that you are able to make based on this experience. Your response should be 2–3 pages.

Paper For Above instruction

Effectively Communicates The Cultural

The portrayal of cultural norms, values, and social behaviors in foreign films and television shows offers insightful perspectives into societies different from our own. Such media serve as windows into understanding the nuances of other cultures, revealing how social norms shape individuals' behaviors and societal structures. To explore this, I selected the South Korean film Parasite (2019), directed by Bong Joon-ho, which vividly depicts class disparities and social stratification within Korean society. Through watching this film, I gained a deeper understanding of Korean societal values and norms, especially related to social hierarchy, family loyalty, and respect for authority, which are central to Korean culture.

Parasite provides a compelling portrayal of two families at opposite ends of the social spectrum—one affluent, the other impoverished—living in close proximity but separated by social and economic barriers. This depiction resonated with the traditional emphasis on social harmony and hierarchy prevalent in Korean society, reflecting both collective societal values and individual attitudes. Observing the characters' interactions illuminated how deeply ingrained notions of respect and social status influence behavior and decision-making, limiting mobility and reinforcing existing class divisions.

Understanding Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism refers to the tendency of individuals to view their own culture as the standard against which other cultures are judged. It often involves a belief in the superiority of one's cultural norms and practices over those of others, leading to biased perceptions and often misunderstandings of different cultures. Ethnocentrism can manifest at individual levels, affecting personal attitudes and behaviors, and more broadly within societies and multinational organizations, shaping policies and intercultural interactions.

Effect of Ethnocentrism on Individuals

On an individual level, ethnocentrism can cause misjudgments and cultural insensitivity. Watching Parasite, I noticed how the characters' actions are deeply rooted in their cultural context, influenced by social norms that may seem strange or inferior from an outside perspective. When individuals are ethnocentric, they may dismiss or devalue other cultural expressions, leading to prejudice and stereotyping. Personal biases may hinder cross-cultural communication, making it difficult for individuals to understand or appreciate differences. For example, in my travels, I encountered instances where travelers dismissed local customs as backward or strange, reflecting ethnocentric attitudes that prevented genuine cultural exchange.

Impact on Societies

At the societal level, ethnocentrism reinforces social divides and can impede social cohesion. In Korea, traditional Confucian values emphasize respect for hierarchy and elders, which can be misunderstood by outsiders as authoritarian or oppressive. When societies hold ethnocentric views, they may resist adopting foreign ideas or practices that could benefit social development, fearing loss of cultural identity. This resistance can hinder intercultural dialogue and cooperation, especially in multicultural contexts or international collaborations. For instance, some nations may reject foreign policies or innovations that conflict with their perceived cultural norms, impeding progress.

Implications for Multinational Corporations

In the context of multinational corporations, ethnocentrism can adversely affect international business practices. Companies that assume their management styles, marketing strategies, or corporate cultures are universally applicable risk alienating local markets and employees. This often results in cultural insensitivity, misunderstandings, and conflicts, ultimately impairing business performance. An example from my observations involves Western companies entering Asian markets without adequately adapting to local customs and values, which sometimes backfired and led to public relations issues. Recognizing and respecting cultural diversity is crucial for multinational firms to succeed in global markets.

Conclusion

The cultural experience provided by Parasite underscored how ethnocentrism can influence perceptions and behaviors within a society. Understanding that our cultural standards are just one of many perspectives is vital for fostering intercultural understanding and cooperation. Ethnocentrism, when unchecked, can perpetuate inequality and misunderstanding across individuals, societies, and corporations. Conversely, embracing cultural relativism promotes a more inclusive and harmonious global coexistence, enabling better communication, collaboration, and mutual respect across diverse cultures.

References

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