Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thoughts on Gran Torino
A topic that interests me in Gran Torino: "Is it right for older men to be openly racist?" Walt uses racist remarks throughout the entire movie. Yes, a lot of us chuckle at some of the things Walt says, but does that make it o.k. It is quite common to see the oldest generation in America to say racist remarks on a regular basis. This easily gets passed down through generations and allows it to continue today. I personally find it offensive to use racist remarks, even when its not direct towards another person. Older men are given a lot of respect in America, and there use of language and actions are usually unquestioned. Is it common in other cultures for older men to be openly racist?
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The racism in the movie is deep seeded. If you look at it from Walt's point of view he has some valid reasons. The war and being an american for one. He feels like he help build the country and the minorities in the neighborhood are not helping their case in his eyes. He was raised in a different time and the disrespect the new generations show (not even dependent of race) does not bode well to him. The movie obviously doesn't show any good by other races but from Walt's point of view he is seeing thugs and such disrespect that it would be hard to argue against him. I am not saying that is ok by any means but Walt can make a case why he is like that
ReplyDeleteI agree with many posters here that Walt seems to lack respect for the younger generation more so than other races, and I do not blame him. More and more people are just looking out for themselves and do not care about others or treat them with respect. Walt, being somebody from a time when this was not the case, is understandably hostile to the younger crowd.
ReplyDeleteAnswering the QuestionIs it common in other cultures for older men to be openly racist?
ReplyDeleteIn Arab community we do have a lot of respect for older age people, and they have the same. They consider as the advisors. They are not racist at all and they gain a lot of respect here. we, the young generation, feel shy to act stupidly or unprofessional in front of them.