Analysis A

Task III A

"... we "bridge", reaching across to other groups and towards our inherent, shared humanity and connection, while recognising that we have differences;" (l. 67 - 68)

Briefly explain the quote in the context of the article and analyse what enables Sue to "bridge" as well as how she "bridges" in Gran Torino.

Brauchst du noch Informationen zu Gran Torino?
Schau jetzt in unsere Lektürehilfe!

Gran Torino: Hier gehts zu den Summaries

content 10 VP
language 15 VP

Weiter lernen mit SchulLV-PLUS!

monatlich kündbarSchulLV-PLUS-Vorteile im ÜberblickDu hast bereits einen Account?

Note:
Our solutions are listed in bullet points. In the examination, full marks can only be achieved by writing a continuous text. It must be noted that our conclusions contain only some of the possible aspects. Students can also find a different approach to argumentation.

the quote is about the fact that people, regardless of origin and culture, connect and that the partly ethnic differences are not an obstacle but, on the contrary, are beneficial to both sides of the spectrum
as challenging as it is, it is not always expedient to be able to present a common consensus. Instead, it makes sense to perceive each other's differences and to draw something positive from them

Introduction
Explanation of the quote referring to the article

despite the cultural differences, cooperation always requires a common starting point from which to build a foundation
so when it comes to fundamental issues such as values and the question of the meaning of life, we should agree

Main Body
Common ground is essential

the term "bridging" always implies a form of accommodation, compromise and cooperation
it is about creating something together instead of going in it alone
in life, there are always two possibilities. Either one builds a bridge to overcome the conflict/disagreement that separates one from the other at present
or instead, you burn down all bridges and with them all chances of reconciliation, of coming together.

Together vs. on my own

Sue Lor's role in Gran Torino also conveys the representation of cross-cultural connections. Especially the friendship between the young Vietnamese woman and Walt's much older and solitary character stands for the connection of foreign cultures
while Sue's roots come from the Fourth Vietnamese Hmong dynasty, Walt is an American who has not had any further encounter with foreign cultural heritage
another contrast of the unequal friends shows the fact, that the feminine, intuitive, and open-minded Sue meets the traditional, lonely and stubborn Walt. Not only do the two differ in character, but differences in gender, origin and age are also very apparent
the fact that Sue "bridges" to the culture that is initially foreign to her, i.e. to Walt, can be attributed primarily to her open-minded, warm-hearted and non-judgmental nature. Although Walt is initially dismissive of her, the girl does not give up and instinctively senses that the grumpy old man longs for friends as much as she does

Sue vs. Walt

Sue grows up in an American social context, but she continues to live the cultural values of her roots when she is at home with her family
as a child of immigrants, she grows up with both American and Hmong cultural practices. The duality of the two worlds reinforces as she speaks both languages equally
an indispensable component of her intercultural sensitivity stems from her level of education, which includes extensive knowledge of both her Hmong culture of origin and the genesis of America
the fact that the young woman possesses a comparatively high level of reflectiveness, empathy and self-confidence also makes it easier for her to approach Walt with confidence and to build the bridge to his shore
her unwavering sense of humour especially comes in handy when dealing with the brittle Walt. With her charming and humorous manner, Sue wins the otherwise rather shy gentleman

What frameworks qualify Sue to "bridge"?

Sue, knowing the ways of the Americans, knows what Walt values and how to communicate with him. She is also not intimidated and speaks openly and honestly with him
she even takes on the role of investigator when Walt meets her family and communicates between the Vietnamese and American sides
for example, she translates and teaches Walt about the history of the Hmong and mediates between Tao and Walt when the two are in danger of quarrelling
she reacts to Walt's sometimes unbalanced behaviour in a relaxed manner and does not allow herself to take his sometimes bad mood personally
by not taking herself too seriously, Sue also draws Walt out of his shell and loosens up his sometimes stiff manner
the young woman also has an enormously high potential for empathy, which is shown, among other things, by her concern for her old friend's health
her loyal nature also means that she never says a bad word about Walt

Ways in which Sue bridges the gap

being able to build a bridge to a foreign culture always requires being aware of the differences between the two cultures and yet allowing for an interpersonal common ground
the latter is necessary to lay the foundation for a friendship or relationship of any kind. Mutual respect such as Walt and Sue have for each other is also essential
only where there is respect and appreciation for the other person, one can develop genuine affection and authentic interest
the will to introduce the other person to one's own culture and its practices is just as important as showing interest in the other person's origins

Conclusion

Weiter lernen mit SchulLV-PLUS!

monatlich kündbarSchulLV-PLUS-Vorteile im ÜberblickDu hast bereits einen Account?