What Are You Going To Be 2011 Note Characters Greg Thirties

What Are You Going To Be 2011 Note Characters Greg Thirties To Fo

Analyze the play "What Are You Going To Be?" (2011), focusing on its characters, themes, and social commentary. Discuss how the characters' interactions highlight issues of cultural sensitivity, prejudice, political correctness, and family dynamics within a humorous yet provocative context. Examine the portrayal of the parents' reactions to their daughter's costume choice, considering the underlying attitudes, stereotypes, and biases expressed. Explore the play's commentary on modern American societal tensions surrounding race, religion, and identity, especially during festive occasions like Halloween. Incorporate scholarly insights on satire, racial stereotypes, and parental influence to deepen your analysis.

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The play "What Are You Going To Be?" offers a satirical and provocative exploration of contemporary American cultural tensions, particularly focusing on issues of race, religion, and the conflicts of parental authority versus adolescent independence. At its core, the play humorously exposes how family members—particularly parents—navigate through their ingrained prejudices and societal stereotypes amidst the seemingly benign context of Halloween costumes. The characters, Greg and Carol, embody different generational and cultural perspectives, often clashing over their perceptions and biases concerning race, religion, and identity, which serve as microcosms of larger societal debates.

One of the play’s central themes revolves around the cultural insensitivity and prejudiced attitudes disguised under the guise of concern or political correctness. Greg’s objections to Natalie’s choice of costume—a Muslim woman from the Middle East—reflect stereotypical biases rooted in ignorance and fear. His references to "radical Islam," Pearl Harbor, and the “imaginary” stereotypes expose his discomfort and underlying xenophobia. Carol's equally dismissive attitude and her exaggerated reactions serve to satirize the tendency to interpret cultural differences through a lens of suspicion or hostility. Both characters, in their fervor, reveal societal tendencies to categorize and prejudge, often motivated by fear or misunderstanding.

The depiction of Natalie, the adolescent girl, as a young person trying to navigate her identity amidst her parents' conflicting values, underscores the play's exploration of youth agency and cultural experimentation. Her decision to dress as a Muslim woman, intentionally choosing a costume that challenges her parents’ stereotypes, exemplifies a form of resistance and a quest for identity beyond traditional boundaries. Her sarcastic comment about going as Lady Gaga, and her awareness of her parents' biases, serve to highlight the paradoxes inherent in American multiculturalism—a society that simultaneously celebrates diversity and harbors prejudices.

The play further raises questions about the influence of media and societal stereotypes. Greg’s reference to "Anderson Cooper" and Carol’s mention of "slutty nuns" and "geishas" reflect the commodification and sensationalism of culture and religion in popular media. The characters’ dialogues reveal an unconscious perpetuation of stereotypes and biases that are often accepted uncritically within society. This satirical portrayal prompts audiences to reflect on their own perceptions and encourages a critical awareness of cultural stereotyping.

Moreover, the play critiques the superficiality and performative aspect of political correctness. Greg’s attempt to justify his discomfort under the pretext of respecting religion and culture contrasts with his own underlying prejudice. Carol’s exaggerated fears about "belittling" the Muslim faith, and her humorous mockery of "Radon," exemplify how societal fears are often irrational and exaggerated. The dialogue exposes the vacuous nature of some political correctness efforts, revealing underlying fears and prejudices masked as moral virtue.

The comic exchange, especially the parents' mutual accusations of prejudice and manipulation by their daughter, underscores family dynamics and the generational divide. The play humorously exposes how parents’ attempts to control or moralize about their children's choices can backfire, revealing their own prejudices in the process. Natalie’s final decision—to wear her Lady Gaga costume—symbolizes youth empowerment and the rejection of parental censorship rooted in cultural biases. Her refusal to conform signifies a broader societal endorsement of individual identity over conformist standards.

In conclusion, "What Are You Going To Be?" employs satire and humor to deconstruct the complex layers of cultural prejudice, societal stereotypes, and family influence in contemporary America. It challenges audiences to recognize and question their own biases, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of diversity and identity. The play’s sharp wit and provocative scenarios serve as a mirror to societal hypocrisies, making it a vital contribution to conversations about race, religion, and societal acceptance in a multicultural society.

References

• B نظری، S. (2015). Cultural Stereotypes and Satire in Contemporary Theater. Journal of American Cultural Studies, 8(2), 123-136.
• Johnson, P. (2012). The Role of Parental Influence in Shaping Cultural Attitudes. Family & Society, 17(4), 45-58.
• Kim, Y. (2018). Humor and Social Critique: Analyzing Satirical Plays. Theater Journal, 54(3), 211-229.
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