Option A: The Karate Kid (2010)

7/28/2019 Option A: The Karate Kid (2010)

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Introduction

Movie Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK2vTDsuBB8


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Interconnectedness

Reduced costs of transportation and enhanced ease of long-

distance communication are connecting cultures like never

before (Heine, 2008). Such interconnectedness has created a

global culture-many large companies span national borders

(Heine, 2008).

The concept behind interconnectedness has forced Dre and his

mother to move to China. This affects the relationship between

him and his mother with Dres resistant to move and dislike forChina as their stay progresses. This sparks emotions of anger

within Dre, which he often unleashes onto his mom.


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Individualism

Dre is from Detroit so he isconsidered to be apart of the"American culture;" one thatis generally individualistic.Individualism can describe aculture where individuals areencouraged to considerthemselves as distinct fromothers and prioritize ownpersonal goals over collectivegoals (Heine, 2008)."Fundamental to the

individualist perspective is afocus on autonomy,independence, and self-fulfillment" (Finkelstein,2012). "Personal goals takeprecedence over group goalsand personal attitudes over

group norms" (Finkelstein,2012). When Dre first beginslearning Kung Fu, hismotivation arises after losinga fight against a group ofbullies, resulting with himfeeling the need to gainrevenge.


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Collectivism

In contrast to individualism, collectivists define themselves inrelation to the group. They are, therefore, more likely tosubmerge personal goals for the good of the whole and to

maintain relationships with the group even when the personalcost exceeds the rewards (Finkelstein, 2012).

The culture of China tends to be collectivist, while northern andwestern European and North American cultures tend to beindividualistic (Triandis, H., Bontempo, R., Villareal, M. (1988).

The bullies elicit collectivism the way they protect the familyfriend of the head bully Cheng. They threaten Dre and violentlyharm him on numerous occasions, when he repeatedlyapproaches the girl.


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After winning the Kung Fu

competition, Dre and Mr. Hangained prestige. Prestige- the

idea that humans are attunedto cues that signal prestige.After the fight, the boys whohad beaten him up so manytimes shook his handalongside their teacher. Thefact that he won created

peace among his enemiesand gained the upmostrespect in the Kung Fuculture.

Prestige


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Imitative

Learning

After Dre gets attacked by bullies,he is immediately interested in

Kung Fu and watches a video ofpeople engaging in this style of

fighting. While watching the tape,he copies their stances and

powerful punches by evokingimitative learning. He further exudesthis learning style by imitating skills

taught by Mr. Han, while creating anemotional relationship.


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Transmitted Culture

Transmitted culture: Cultural idea that is learned viasocial transmission or modeling (Heine, 2008). Theelements of culture may be acquired through modeling orsocial learning and transmitted throughout a population(Martin, L., & Erber, R., (2006).

The bullies that harm Dre are taught Kung Fu by Mr. Liwho teaches them verbally and physically that their

enemies deserve pain and the concept of no mercy.The class taught by Mr. Li is a culture within its own, (akaa subculture).


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Factors That Cause Ideas to Spread

Stereotypes can be seen to reflect shared ideas that people

have in particular cultural contexts about some specific cultural

groups (Heine, 2008).

Dres mother is surprised when Dre tells her that he is learning

Kung Fu from the maintenance man and asks, Youre learning

Kung Fu from the plumber? He replies, Its China mom,

everyone knows Kung Fu.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xb4DUD9OZM


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Summary

In conclusion, Dres behaviors, thoughts, emotions,

and relationships were all affected by his immersion

into the Chinese culture. He was deeply influencedthroughout this journey while learning new ideas and

concepts. He embraced this through his pre-

conceived mentalities which were created through his

personal experiences, and continued to more or less

expand due to his new experiences brought by China.


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References

Finkelstein, M. A. (2012). Individualism/collectivism and organizational citizenship behavior: An integrative framework.

Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal, 40(10), 1633-1643.

Heine, S. (2008). Cultural psychology. New York: W.W. Norton. (Original work published 2008)

Martin, L., & Erber, R. (2006). Psychological Inquiry .An International Journal for the Advancement of Psychological Theory, 17, 75-151.

Retrieved June 11, 2013, from http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/comm/haselto

Sony Pictures Releasing UK, (2010). The Karate Kid clip Dude, Im From Detroit. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=0xb4DUD9OZM

Triandis, H., Bontempo, R., & Villareal, M. (1988). Individualism and Collectivism: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Self-Ingroup Relationship.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54, 323-338. Retrieved June 11, 2013, from http://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/

teachers/higginj/S0DBE81F6-0DBF1F22.3/Individualism%20and%20Collectivism%20Cross-Cultural%20Perspectives%20.pdf

Wiimeo, (2009 Dec, 22). THE KARATE KID Jackie Chan Official MOVIE TRAILER. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=sK2vTDsuBB8
http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/comm/haseltohttp://www.youtube.com/watchhttp://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/http://www.youtube.com/watchhttp://www.youtube.com/watchhttp://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/http://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/http://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/http://www.youtube.com/watchhttp://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/comm/haselto

Documents

Option A: The Karate Kid (2010)