Report on Cultural Diversity Essay Example
Running head: REPORT ON WALT KOWALSKI
Report on Walt Kowalski
Team B
University of Phoenix
Cultural Diversity and Special Populations
BSHS 422
October 12, 2009
According to Kiosk (2006), “Culture is an important guiding force in individuals' life and it shapes not only their perceptions, but their relationships with people and the world around them. Culture, in some ways, defines and organizes reality for people” (Kiosk, 2006). “An individual’s lifestyle, guiding beliefs and basic assumptions about life are also affected by culture” (Kiosk, 2006). Cultural diversity covers the entire range of the human experiences. The film Gran Torino is an excellent film that portrays the differences in culture. This film specifically shows differences in culture amongst Americans and Hmong’s, an Asian ethnic group. This is a report about the film Gran Torino. This report will explore the cultural diversity and cultural issues displayed in the film, as well as the benefits and drawbacks as portrayed by the character Walt Kowalski. This report will also provide culturally competent strategies that could improve the cultural issues. Background of Walt Kowalski The film “Gran Torino” is primarily about a man by the name of Walt Kowalski and his relationship with his neighbor Thao. Walt is a retired American Ford automobile assembly line worker and a Korean War veteran. The film begins at his wife’s funeral. From this the viewer is able to see Walt’s relationship with his family, which is not a good one. Walt views his relatives as rude, spoiled and self-regarding. Walt seems to be very angry and unapproachable. His language would lead one to believe he is quite prejudice. As the film continues, the viewer learns that Walt lives in a community that not only has different ethnic groups residing in it, but also resides in a community with gang violence. Despite Walt’s rough exterior and prejudice demeanor, this film shows the development
Report on Walt Kowalski
Team B
University of Phoenix
Cultural Diversity and Special Populations
BSHS 422
October 12, 2009
According to Kiosk (2006), “Culture is an important guiding force in individuals' life and it shapes not only their perceptions, but their relationships with people and the world around them. Culture, in some ways, defines and organizes reality for people” (Kiosk, 2006). “An individual’s lifestyle, guiding beliefs and basic assumptions about life are also affected by culture” (Kiosk, 2006). Cultural diversity covers the entire range of the human experiences. The film Gran Torino is an excellent film that portrays the differences in culture. This film specifically shows differences in culture amongst Americans and Hmong’s, an Asian ethnic group. This is a report about the film Gran Torino. This report will explore the cultural diversity and cultural issues displayed in the film, as well as the benefits and drawbacks as portrayed by the character Walt Kowalski. This report will also provide culturally competent strategies that could improve the cultural issues. Background of Walt Kowalski The film “Gran Torino” is primarily about a man by the name of Walt Kowalski and his relationship with his neighbor Thao. Walt is a retired American Ford automobile assembly line worker and a Korean War veteran. The film begins at his wife’s funeral. From this the viewer is able to see Walt’s relationship with his family, which is not a good one. Walt views his relatives as rude, spoiled and self-regarding. Walt seems to be very angry and unapproachable. His language would lead one to believe he is quite prejudice. As the film continues, the viewer learns that Walt lives in a community that not only has different ethnic groups residing in it, but also resides in a community with gang violence. Despite Walt’s rough exterior and prejudice demeanor, this film shows the development