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Grand Torino Essay

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Grand Torino Analysis
Cultural Diversity Through Interpersonal Communication
Margaret Heinsohn
Florida International University

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study the interpersonal communication taking place in a cultured shocked neighborhood. The findings of these studies are applied to the film Grand Torino. In addition, this study will discuss the communication styles applied by the characters of the movie. I believe they are essential to understanding the reasons why in general individuals are racists, stereotypical and unable to adapt to different cultures as well as living with those who are different to us. We will first examine how Walt’s character adapts to the cultural …show more content…

As a consequence, he avoided the Hmong family. He even expressed distaste for them to their face, not wanting to learn about them or their culture. After much conflict, Walt was presented with the opportunity to help his neighbors and to open his mind to adapting to the inevitable cultural diversity in his town.

The Hmong are very persistent and they relentlessly invited him to a party, coincidentally on his birthday. Walt finally accepts the invitation to the family barbeque which was the first step to creating a friendship with someone not of his kind. There he learned many things about the Hmong people’s customs, beliefs, traditions and communication style. He learned that you do not pat Hmong people or their children on the head ever because they believe the soul dwells there. Looking someone in the eye was considered rude; that is why everyone looked down instead of looking Walt directly in the eye. Another example of the Hmong communication style is when an elder from their family offers to “read him”. The elder tells Walt that his main problem is that he has no peace within and that is the reason he can’t find peace with others. There is a meaning to this; the shaman ritual of the Hmong tribe does not only represent a calling from ancestors but a ritual to show their fear towards the outside world.
One scene that accurately shows Walt’s communication style is

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