With the steady increase of globalization and the interconnectedness we experience in the world today, comes the increase of cultural awareness, identity, diffusion and awareness of our cultural differences. In a world where the divisions between us seem so apparent we must strive to appreciate our differences and learn from them. The media landscape heavily reflects these topics, shedding light on the struggles and benefits of appreciating cultural diversity, while it becomes increasingly apparent in our modern world. The following is a list of four movies which follow the powerful stories of the benefits of embracing cultural diversity.
1. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Relation to Cultural Diveristy:
This movie follows the unexpected love story of Toula, a young woman from a very enthusiastic Greek family living in Chicago. The family has many deep-rooted Greek traditions and stereotypes, and it is known that she must marry a Greek to continue her lineage. However, she finds herself falling in love with Ian, who is an English teacher. This film follows the trials and tribulations of the couple learning about their cultural differences and attitudes, as well as their families. It concludes with a heartfelt message highlighting the importance of accepting different backgrounds and the beautiful consequences of that acceptance.
2. Lost in Translation
Relation to Cultural Diversity:
This beautiful film captures cultural differences from a different perspective. It follows Bob and Charlotte, two Americans during their brief stay in Japan. Both come from troubling relationships. After running into each other various times by accident, they connect over their shared culture and feelings of being lost and lonely in a foreign country. They develop a sort of friendship, highlighting how cultural differences and similarities can create unusually complex connections.
3. Babies
Relation to Cultural Diversity:
This highly interesting documentary follows four babies from vastly different cultures as they grow up. From Namibia to Japan, to Mongolia, and to California, this documentary, without a narrator, highlights the stunning differences between the various cultures while inviting the viewers to marvel at the beautiful display of these children being shaped by their environment as they develop during the universal process of childhood development.
4. Far and Away
Relation to Cultural Diversity:
This film showcases the importance of cultural diversity through the two main characters, Joseph, a poor Irish farmer, and Shannon, an upper-class Irish woman. The two have contrasting class identities, forcing them to bridge their differences through shared goals and ambitions. Not only do they have differing cultural identities, they additionally move to Boston, where they face another set of cultural differences. Their success ultimately comes from their understanding and learning how to use their unique qualities while respecting and navigating different cultural backgrounds, showcasing a great example of the power intercultural collaboration can have.
Amy Cooke is sophmore studying International Studies and Environmental & Sustainability Studies as well as minoring in Spanish. This is her third semester working IU’s Media Services. She is throughouly enjoying working in Media Services and is very excited to continue to during the rest of her time at IU!
1 Comment
Very intriguing and niche collection you have here. This is the best blog post I’ve ever read in my 19 years.