COMM 490 The White Savior Industrial Complex and Cross Cultural Film Analysis

This paper is a cross-cultural film analysis. The film I selected is Australia (2008) starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh jackman please watch the film if you have not seen it!! It will help you a lot with answering the concepts and this is the film you will be using for the analysis.

The concepts I have selected and you will be using are: WHITE SAVIOR COMPLEX & ASSIMILATION

Paper Outline Format your paper as follows:

A. Introduction (~1 paragraph)

B. Plot summary (~1 paragraph)

C. Critical Analysis:

a. Concept #1

i. Define the concept in your own words and explain, also in your own words, how it’s been explored in scholarly research using selected scholarly source (~1 paragraph)

ii. Explain how concept applied to film, refer to scholarly source again (~1 paragraph)

iii. Briefly describe 2-4 scenes or moments where concept can be seen operating in the storyline and/or characters’ relationships (~1 paragraph)

iv. Select one of the aforementioned scenes to analyze in depth and explain how the concept applies, briefly refer to first scholarly source (~2-3 paragraphs)

b. Concept #2

i. Define the concept in your own words and explain, also in your own words, how it’s been explored in scholarly research using selected scholarly source (~1 paragraph)

ii. Explain how concept is applied to film, refer to the scholarly source again (~1 paragraph)

iii. Briefly describe 2-4 scenes or moments where the concept can be seen operating in the storyline and/or characters’ relationships (~1 paragraph)

iv. Select one of the aforementioned scenes to analyze in-depth and explain how the concept applies, briefly refer to a second scholarly source (~2-3 paragraphs)

c. Macro-Contexts and Evaluation

i. Identify and describe macro-contexts and power relations depicted in the film and how they relate to the selected concepts. (~1-2 paragraphs)

ii. Evaluate how the film reinforces or challenges forces of power, oppression, and/or human and identity movements. Make an argument for how these representations could be improved or how they are represented appropriately in the film. (~1-2 paragraphs)

Above is an outline of the entire paper however you are ONLYdoing the critical analysis concept sections where it shows you what should be answered! Everything is outlined there! As well as the macro contexts!

here is a reference you will use the WHITE SAVIOR COMPLEX to help you back up the concept

https://www.academia.edu/73486097/Leisure_and_the_…

COMM 490
Final Paper
Due: May 3 at 11:59 P.M. (CT)
Points Possible: 160
Final Paper
Cross Cultural Film Analysis
Guidelines
The goal of the final paper is to analyze how cross-cultural films can function as effective
case studies to understand the complexity of human mobility using an intercultural
communication lens. Specifically, students will use the critical approach to examine culture and
communication concepts related to identity, migration, mobility, cultural adaptation, and other
intercultural communication concepts, through the medium of film.
For this assignment, you will:
1. Select and watch any one cross-cultural film from the list below, or another film of your
choice that you can easily access, that deals with culture, communication, and mobility
issues (please ask if you’d like other recommendations; do NOT select one of the assigned films
in the course syllabus).
2. Analyze and interpret that film from an intercultural communication research perspective,
using at least two appropriate theories and/or concepts as covered in the course (paying
special attention to contexts of human mobility and/or identity movements).
a. The selected concepts should be specific and not too general. For example:
i. “Cultural Identity” is too general, but ascription and avowal, or face
negotiation theory would be appropriate course concepts.
ii. “Migration” is general, but migrant-host relationships or assimilation or
marginalization would be appropriate.
iii. “Place” is too vague to serve as a concept for this paper; instead, focus on
a specific aspect of nonverbal communication, like gray spaces or
deterritorialization or expectancy violations theory.
iv. “Minority” is too vague, but minority identity development is suitable.
v. “Value Systems” is too general, but low-power distance vs. high-power
distance, or individualism vs, collectivism, or uncertainty reduction theory
would be appropriate course concepts.
3. Use two scholarly sources (scholarly journal article or book chapter). The scholarly sources
should be related to the selected course concepts – i.e., one scholarly source per concept.
The point of using the sources is to help you develop a deeper understanding of the
course concepts and use the concepts to analyze the film. If the sources also happen to
discuss the film you’re analyzing, that’s great, but do not search for scholarly sources on
the film – use keywords to search for scholarly sources on your concepts.
4. Identify and describe macro-contexts (e.g., political, historical, economic, racial, ethnic,
mobility, migration, etc.) and power relations that are a part of the characters’ intercultural
experiences.
5. Explain and assess ways that the film’s narrative reinforces and/or resists forces of
power, oppression, and/or human and identity movements in terms of how these
representations could be improved.
COMM 490 Final Paper Guidelines
Page 1 of 5
COMM 490
Final Paper
Due: May 3 at 11:59 P.M. (CT)
Points Possible: 160
Key Components to Include
Your paper should include the following components:
1. Introduction
Identify the film you have chosen and why you think it is important to study it from an
intercultural communication and human mobility perspective. Identify the two course
concepts used to analyze the film and why they’re relevant to the film. Briefly introduce
your evaluation of the film of how it challenges or reinforces forces of power, oppression,
mobility, and identity.
2. Plot
Brief summary of the film’s plot.
3. Critical Analysis
a. Taking a critical approach, analyze the film in relation to the two selected course
concepts that you believe best explain the intercultural communication ideas,
relationships, and complexities highlighted in the film.
i. Example 1: You might write about minority identity development and
migrant-host relations as depicted in the selected film.
ii. Example 2: You might write about segregation and post-colonialism as
depicted in the selected film.
iii. Example 3: You might analyze a migrant’s movement along the U-curve
or W-curve models of intercultural adaptation.
iv. Example 4: You may decide to focus on cultural spaces depicted in the
film and their meanings for the characters, and/or cultural value systems in
communication style among the characters.
b. Identify and describe macro-contexts and power relations depicted in the film.
c. Evaluate how the film reinforces or challenges forces of power, oppression and/or
human and identity movements. Make an argument for how these representations
could be improved or how they are represented appropriately in the film.
d. Include in this analysis a brief summary of the selected scholarly sources and use
the sources to support your critical analysis. Focus on the key findings from the
sources rather than on explaining how they did their study. We need to know what
the findings were from that research and how that helps us better understand the
concept in relation to the film. Prioritize paraphrasing and avoid direct quotes
from the scholarly source, except for a phrase, sentence or two where relevant.
Use APA style for both in text citations as well as reference section at the end.
4. Conclusion
Summary of the key points made in your film analysis.
5. References
Reference section with APA style citations for the film and scholarly source cited in the
paper.
FOLLOW ‘PAPER OUTLINE’ BELOW TO WRITE /FORMAT THE FINAL PAPER
COMM 490 Final Paper Guidelines
Page 2 of 5
COMM 490
Final Paper
Due: May 3 at 11:59 P.M. (CT)
Points Possible: 160
Paper Outline
Format your paper as follows:
A. Introduction (~1 paragraph)
B. Plot summary (~1 paragraph)
C. Critical Analysis
a. Concept #1
i. Define the concept in your own words and explain, also in your own
words, how it’s been explored in scholarly research using selected
scholarly source (~1 paragraph)
ii. Explain how concept applied to film, refer to scholarly source again (~1
paragraph)
iii. Briefly describe 2-4 scenes or moments where concept can be seen
operating in the storyline and/or characters’ relationships (~1 paragraph)
iv. Select one of the aforementioned scenes to analyze in depth and explain
how the concept applies, briefly refer to first scholarly source (~2-3
paragraphs)
b. Concept #2
i. Define the concept in your own words and explain, also in your own
words, how it’s been explored in scholarly research using selected
scholarly source (~1 paragraph)
ii. Explain how concept applied to film, refer to scholarly source again (~1
paragraph)
iii. Briefly describe 2-4 scenes or moments where concept can be seen
operating in the storyline and/or characters’ relationships (~1 paragraph)
iv. Select one of the aforementioned scenes to analyze in depth and explain
how the concept applies, briefly refer to second scholarly source (~2-3
paragraphs)
c. Macro-Contexts and Evaluation
i. Identify and describe macro-contexts and power relations depicted in the
film and how they relate to the selected concepts. (~1-2 paragraphs)
ii. Evaluate how the film reinforces or challenges forces of power,
oppression, and/or human and identity movements. Make an argument for
how these representations could be improved or how they are represented
appropriately in the film. (~1-2 paragraphs)
D. Conclusion (~1 paragraph)
E. References
Additional Details
The paper should be between 1000-1200 words in length (approx. 4-5 double-spaced pages) with 1inch margins on all sides, 12-point Times font, and submitted as a Word document. Include at
least two scholarly sources (journal article, and/or scholarly book chapter). Each scholarly
source/citation should correspond to each of the two intercultural communication concepts that
you will explain in your final paper, and provide examples for, from the selected film.
COMM 490 Final Paper Guidelines
Page 3 of 5
COMM 490
Final Paper
Due: May 3 at 11:59 P.M. (CT)
Points Possible: 160
Your paper may be written in the first person, but keep in mind that grammar and spelling count
– please proofread and spellcheck your work before submitting it. Late papers will not be
accepted and will earn 0 points.
Some Recommended Films
Below is a list of some films that feature intercultural communication topics, human/identity
movements and/or relationships. Some are available online via Netflix, Amazon, YouTube
and/or UIC Kanopy. You can select one film from the list below or select a different film that
focuses on intercultural communication, human/identity movements, and/or cross-cultural
relations/value systems.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Arranged (2007)
Persepolis (2007)
The Visitor (2007)
Cairo Time (2009)
The Immigrant (2013)
Buen Día, Ramon (2013)
The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
Meet the Patels (2014)
Vida Diferida (2014)
Viva (2015)
Brooklyn (2015)
Fatima’s Drawings (2016)
Dear Zindagi (2016)
The Big Sick (2017)
What Will People Say (2017)
Binti (2019)
Minari (2020)
Example
Plot Summary
The film Gran Torino (2008) tells the story of a surly, old, white American veteran, Walt
Kowalski, who lives in a Detroit neighborhood that is experiencing demographic changes. Many
of his fellow white, American neighbors have either passed away or moved, and Hmong
immigrant/refugee families have been moving in, much to Walt’s displeasure. Throughout the
film, though, Walt develops a close friendship with his two teenage neighbors – siblings Sue and
Thao Vang Lor.
Concepts Addressed in Film
Some conceptual areas addressed in the film are the individualism-collectivism value orientation,
cross-cultural facework, prejudice, ethnocentrism, language (via racial slurs) and their shifting
meaning throughout the film, gender dynamics, identity movements and cultural spaces.
What Next?
COMM 490 Final Paper Guidelines
Page 4 of 5
COMM 490
Final Paper
Due: May 3 at 11:59 P.M. (CT)
Points Possible: 160
To write the paper, I would –
1. Select two or three of these concepts, e.g., facework, cultural spaces and/or racial
stereotypes.
2. Identify specific scenes where these topics are illustrated among the characters and use
those to scenes to analyze how the concepts apply and play out in those scenes.
3. Locate two scholarly sources that addresses each these conceptual areas to help deepen
my analysis of the film.
4. Since I am taking a critical approach, I also want to identify macro-contexts (in this case,
US military history, political contexts, socio-economic, immigration policies, Hmong cultural
values, among others) that shape the relations/communication depicted in the film.
5. Evaluate how the film does with representing these topics – does it reinforce and/or resist
cultural stereotypes, and how could these depictions be improved? For example, this film
perpetuates the “white savior” racial stereotype wherein a white person acts as a hero
saving people of color/ethnic minority group from themselves. So, I would incorporate
this critique and evaluation of the film in the paper.
How To Do APA Style?
APA refers to the American Psychological Association. It is a style of writing papers and citing
work that you reference, both in the text of your paper and at the end in the reference section.
Different academic disciplines use different styles. Other styles you may have heard of or used
are MLA, Chicago, etc. In Communication, we use APA.
There are resources freely available online to help you learn how to do APA. One commonly
used source is the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University. Sometimes the information
you’re looking for is also on the APA website itself, however they want you to purchase their
materials so not everything is freely available.
There are also many citation managers or citation tools, but these are not reliable. You might use
these as a starting point, but you must double-check the citations because they often contain
errors. Students will tell me that they used a citation manager and assumed it was correct. Errors
caused by a citation manager are not an excuse for incorrect citations. You must manually
check your citations.
Paper is DUE via BB>Weekly Content>Week 16, on Tuesday, May 3, 11:59 PM (central time)
COMM 490 Final Paper Guidelines
Page 5 of 5
1 I STILL CALL AUSTRALIA HOME
Indigenous Belonging and Place in a
Postcolonizing Society
Our story is in the land . . . it is written in those sacred places. My
children will look after those places, that’s the law. Dreaming
place . . . you can’t change it no matter who you are. No matter
you rich man, no matter you King. You can’t change it. . . . Rock
stays, earth stays. I die and put my bones in cave or earth. Soon
my bones become earth . . . all the same. My spirit has gone back
to my country . . . my mother.
Copyright © 2015. University of Minnesota Press. All rights reserved.
—Big Bill Neidjie, Kakadu Man
Migrancy and dispossession indelibly mark configurations of
belonging, home, and place in the postcolonizing nation-state.1 In the
Australian context, the sense of belonging, home, and place enjoyed by
the non-Indigenous subject—colonizer/migrant—is based on the dispossession of the original owners of the land and the denial of our rights
under international customary law. It is a sense of belonging derived
from ownership as understood within the logic of capital, and it mobilizes the legend of the pioneer, “the battler,” in its self-legitimization.
Against this stands the Indigenous sense of belonging, home, and place
in its incommensurable difference. It is these differences in conceptions
and experiences of belonging that I address in this chapter. I do this
through a reconsideration of the discourses on British migrancy and a
critique of the ways that migrancy is mobilized in postcolonial theory.
I will focus on white British migrancy because of its role in colonization
and the dominant and privileged location of white people and institutions, which remain at the center of Australian society. I then discuss
some of the ways in which Indigenous people configure home, place,
and belonging and the social, political, and legal impositions that define
3
Aileen, M., & Moreton-Robinson, A. (2015). White possessive : Property, power, and indigenous
sovereignty. ProQuest Ebook Central