Bien à vous, Cheya

Film Analysis #1: Boy Erased

Boy Erased is about a Pastor’s son, Jared, who realizes that he is not attracted to the opposite sex. He then participates in a church-oriented program called the Refuge Program. The film goes back and forth from time of the program to when Jared has significant interactions with either men or women. We begin to see how he first realized he was gay. His first physical encounter with man was when he was raped by his college friend. He’s pressured to not say anything to anyone which would obviously change who he is as a person. That same person then tries to sabotage Jared's family by calling his parents and lying about what had happened. After his family realized that it was a lie, his dad tries to set up Jared again with his ex-girlfriend. Jared admits that he’s had thoughts about same-sex relationships and his parents call for help from a pastor and a church friend who’s, as the mom says, “dealt with this before”. His dad then asks Jared, “are you willing to change?”. When Jared says yes, everyone in the room, his parents, the pastor and the church friend, rejoices and prays.

Refuge Program (for LGBTQ) is led by a Mr. Sykes. He composes all these rules that the participants must follow, including no contact and not allowing any discussion of the program to their families. The program is a Christian program designed for the participants to see that LBTQ is a “sin”.

The people in the film are mostly middle class. The program consists of 90% men and 10% women. The men and women are hosted in the same class in the program. The scene of My. Sykes drawing on a white board is a major sin in regards to the topic of Gender, Sex and Class. Mr. Sykes, the Director of the program drew a Venn diagram on a white board and split up the categories and listed things to support that category in his own way. Sykes insisted both categories were choices and produce consequences. Sykes was intentional in making sure that those who were choosing to love or pick to be same sex or gender is acting in sin.

Diagram:

Heterosexual - marriage, family, support, acceptance

Gay/SSA - rape/abuse, promiscuity, aids, loneliness, sinful

At the Refuge Program, Mr. Sykes exploits the parents and forbids the participants to tell their parents. Inside the program, Mr. Sykes has everyone stand up one by one, tell their story, confess their sin and repent.

Everyone who works for the program has a very sadistic view of homosexuals. While Jared goes to the bathroom, a counselor comes in to watch him and calls him a faggot.

Later, in the program, he meets a guy named Xavier. Jared asks him about God and sees his response. At this point in the movie, Jared is trying to figure out who God is and compares himself to Job. Jared tells him that he believes in God and tells Jared that he can show him that God won't "strike down on him."

Jared also makes another friend who preaches "fake it till you make it." Eventually, every participant there understands that in order to officially "pass" the program, you have to just fake that you're "healed".

While completing the program, Jared and his mom stays at a local hotel where they grow closer together. His mom slowly realizes that this program is not the best program for him. The other boys however have a different experience. One of the participants "acted" on his homosexuality and the next day, his family beats him with the Bible saying "Get out, demon" in front of everyone in the program.

Throughout the movie, we see Jared's story and emotions unravel, but we also see several other characters in the program process their thoughts and their experiences.

The resolution of this movie was one of my favorite parts: when his parents begin to love him and accept him and realize that they had hurt him.

My response:

Rating: 6/10

I won't give away the ending but as I summarize the significant scenes above, we can see that gender was represented throughout the whole film. The concepts of gender and homosexuality were encountered as issues in the film and was addressed by claiming that "it was a sin" and that "God hates homosexuals." With most of the characters, the issues were never really resolved by the end of the film. Jared's mom's issue with Jared was resolved... and I would like to think that his dad's was resolved, but in a different way.

I admire how Jared's mom fought and loved Jared throughout the whole movie. My favorite part was towards the end, Jared's mom says "I love God, God loves me. It's that simple."

I recommend this movie because of its storytelling. Although, watching the movie made me quite sad. But I don't recommend this movie if you're wanting to validate your beliefs and perceptions of homosexuality. However, this movie does highlight the trauma and pain that a Christian LGBTQ goes through by his/her own family and church.

Overall, if you're a Christian wanting to challenge yourself in your personal beliefs and perceptions of LGBTQ, this movie might be next on your watch list.

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Chapter 1:

If you have traveled to other countries and experienced other cultures, what differences from U.S. views of women and men and masculinity and femininity did you notice?

I've traveled to many different countries but the one culture that I noticed a huge difference in gender views was Indonesia. I was born and raised until the age of 7 in Indonesia. Growing up in the States, whenever I visit Indonesia, I can sense the differences in the views of women and men.

Firstly, the men are viewed as the superior race in the Asian culture. However, what's interesting for the Indonesian culture is that the women are viewed as the wiser. Our saying goes something like this: "The man may be the head. But the woman is the neck." The man may be the face of the family, but the woman controls what goes in behind the scenes. Unfortunately, in cases where abuse is involved, in my culture the man is often the one that society believes and the woman gets the shame.

In Indonesia, chivalry is evident. Women are viewed as the one that should be respected in community settings. In public gatherings, the men brings the drinks, the food, pulls out the chair, etc. But at home, the women are the ones at work.

When it comes to masculinity and femininity, the Indonesian culture and views are very strict. If you're a male who acts flamboyant and has a feminine flare, you're automatically the black sheep. This also goes for if you're a female who acts tomboy-ish and is very masculine. Men are required to be as masculine as possible; this means acting dominant, even aggressive. And the women are required to be as feminine as possible; this means charming, relationship-oriented, etc.

Chapter 2:

Think about your relationship with your parents. How were your connections to your father and mother similar and different? If you have siblings of a different sex, how were their relationships with your parents different from yours?

Growing up, I was closest to my grandmother. She raised me and took care of me and my sister when we first moved to the States because both my parents had to work. As I grew older, my mother was home more often than my father. My mother worked 7am-6pm every weekday and comes home just before sunset on Fridays. My father worked 7:30am-10:30pm every Sunday and each weekday and comes home just in time for Sabbath. They worked very hard to make sure my sister and I had every opportunity as possible while being in the States.

But as a result of my father working hard every day, I spent more time with my mother. I talked about life things to mom, and only about car, soccer and occasionally Adventism with dad. It was different but it made sense at the time. I remember being in middle school and catching a glimpse of a scene from The Secret Life of an American Teenager, and the teen girl going car shopping with her mom and her dad getting really offended. Her dad says something along the lines of, "you go shopping for pads and tampons with mom, but you're supposed to go shopping for your first car with me." Ever since seeing that scene, I always recognized how I saw my dad as the masculine lead in the family.

My sister and I are the only two children in the family, so I don't have a sibling of a different sex. However, growing up, my parents preached on a consistent basis that as much as they loved raising daughters, their families would always say that it's 'easier to raise 100 sheep than one daughter.' I vividly remember my parents telling me that if I was a boy, I would be able to play outside longer, I would be able to go over friends houses, I would be able to do x, y, z.

Although being a man sounds like the 'safer' option, I quite like who God has made me to be,

Chapter 3:

To what extent do you think it is possible for women to be both politically engaged feminists and sexy and conventionally feminine?

Personally, I don't think that this is a valid question. This question alone presents the double standards that men and female have. However, from a societal's point of view, this question does come up very often. And if it doesn't, it's because 'sexy and conventionally feminine' politically engaged feminists aren't even given the platform.

Because of this, I think politically-engaged feminists are amazing and deserves all the admiration. But to get as far as the typical politically engaged man would, feminists would have to 'filter' themselves to an extent. This 'extent' borders the line of charming and sophisticated to flirty and vivacious. However, I feel that as long as women can prove their knowledge and provide strong arguments as politically engaged feminists, it shouldn't matter if they want to act sexy and conventionally feminine.

In fact, I think that it's time that we as a symbol of feminism can use it to our advantage!

Chapter 4:

Compose a letter to a significant man in your life. Drawing on the knowledge you have gained in reading this chapter, you might offer your own definition of what it means to be a good man or invite this man into a dialogue with you about issues related to men and masculinity.

Dear future husband,

I want a good man. What does that mean to to you?
You're a Christ follower. But do you really love God?
I need a good man who loves God.

I want a good man. What does that mean to you?
The struggle is real. But will you stay strong through our struggles?
I need a good man who is strong.

I want a good man. What does that mean to you?
Commitment is scary. But will you respect and stay loyal?
I need a good man who is is a promise keeper.

I want a good man. What does that mean to you?
A present father is what my future kids will need. But will you stay around when it gets hard?
I need a good man who doesn't give up when the going gets hard.

I want a good man. What does that mean to you?
Walking in my shoes is a difficult thing to do. But will you lend an ear and extend your hand?
I need a good man who fights for me and appreciates me for who I am.

I want a good man. What does that mean to you?
Community is necessary. Mentors even so. But will you keep your eyes on the prize?
I need a good man who talks to God before he goes to his friends.

I want a good man. What does that mean to you?

- C.W.

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"Language Influences Our View of Reality"
The phrase “language influences our view of reality” means that our experiences, the way we communicate, how we communicate to others and receive communication from others affect how we live, affect how we see the world and affect our personal reality.

I speak two languages, Indonesian and English, fluently and one language, French, semi-fluently. English and Indonesian has influenced my view of reality in the idea that my language has changed my perceptions of people. When it comes to Indonesians, the Indonesian language takes on a more respectful stance. When it comes to Americans, the English languages enforces a casual stance.

Non-Verbal Language of a Culture

It's extremely useful to understand the non-verbal language of a culture because it could be completely left-field for other cultures. Some things could seem unexpected but in all actuality, is really important in determining the signage of the culture.

For example, in Brazil, the "ok"- gesture that one makes with their fingers is disrespectful. In fact, in Brazil, it's equivalent to the middle finger. Where in America, the fingers shaped and gesturing "ok" is completely fine. But if Americans were to travel and headed to Brazil and did that shape with their hands to a Brazilian, it may be misinterpreted as a sign of disrespect.

I have had a misunderstanding in my own culture as well. For Indonesians, it is very rude to hand over things to people with their left hand. However, in America, we don't think twice about that. Because I had lived in the States for a long time, I was not conscious of this being a disrespect to others. So when I visited Indonesia, I was handing out plates during a family get together. I started with my left hand and was scolded by my grandmother. I hadn't realized that my family members were offended that I didn't use my right hand. I apologized and further explained that in America, this was not the case. But had someone else of a different language did that in my culture, they would not be able to explain what the actual intention was.

Obstacles to Reading Nonverbals
One huge obstacle to accurately reading the nonverbal messages of others is whether or not they are accurately giving nonverbal messages. The provider may know a nonverbal as one thing and the receiver may know that same nonverbal as another thing.

Among Us
Out of the problems and issues presented in the intercultural experiences of the authors, I found the story of adopted child with the White parents most challenging to address if I was the one having that experience. If I were the parents, I would most certainly give her a name from her real origin rather than a random Asian country. I would also inform her about her culture and heritage as she grows older and provide her an opportunity to be around people of her same culture.

"Changing the world is within the reach of every one of us. Once we understand our capabilities, we cannot avoid our responsibilities.” - Lustig & Koester (2006)
Simply put, as a competent intercultural communication, my capabilities and responsibilities are to use the skills and opportunities I have to speak for those who cannot.

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Importance of a person's sense of self-worth in media

It is extremely important to a person’s sense of self-worth to “see” people like himself or herself in the newspapers, on television, in magazines, and in other media outlets. Life in Hollywood is completely glorified, and because of that, it causes people to feel as if they are less than if they don't see someone they can resonate with in Hollywood. It's unfortunate but it is our reality.

Even growing up, I realized that there were not as many Asians on TV as I would have liked. And if there were, they were either portrayed as hyper-sexualized or as a nerd that has deep "weird" secrets. It made me think that I could never have huge goals because I didn't see any Asians portrayed in media who seemed respectable.

Isolation and Marginality with Groups
I genuinely believe that students from many different groups still experience isolation and marginality. Because of this, we could incorporate change by having the desire to understand these students of different groups. And not only having the desire, but to also reach out and take initiative to invite these students to American functions. Change only needs to happen from one person.

Imahori's Decision to Change

As much as I am uncomfortable to the name change, I do understand why he made the decision. I am uncertain as to whether or not I agree, but I can empathize and see as to why he may have felt like he had no choice.

Growing up, I used to wonder why my parents didn't just spell my name 'Chelsea' and have it pronounced as 'Chel-sea' rather than 'Chel-see-yah". It made it more difficult for me to assimilate, I felt at that time. But as I grew older, I came to appreciate, embrace and love my name.

White Privilege
I accept the description of privilege, 'even if the white person does not have economic means', for those from European American cultures. Color matters. Not to me, but to many people it does. I love and embrace the fact that I am not white but I am conscious of the fact that not many people have this same belief as me.

I accept the description to apply for those of European American cultures because America was taken by Europeans. And so if we were to do a DNA heritage test on a random selection of White Americans, all would have a significant percentage of a heritage from Europe.

Going back to the color idea, let me give an example. Most European Americans are white. And so if they came to America and inhabited the country, they would choose to apply for a job. Let's say they choose to apply for the same job as an African American. This European American is most likely to be placed higher on the totem pole and have a higher consideration than the African American. Is it discrimination? Absolutely. Does it exist? Absolutely. But the fact that the European American is white, and he or she is applying to an American company and interviewed by White Americans, they have 'white privilege'.

Immigrants in the US

According to the American Progress, the majority of immigrants that migrate to the US today are from Asian countries. It is a strong tie between Asians and Latinos but the Asian population with the US seem to be increasing.

I feel that immigration in the US is more difficult now than it used to be. Countries of origin seems to not have changed. Public opinion seems to have changed drastically though. Or at the very least, the public opinion has seemed to be more vocal than it used to be. Back then, immigration was not a huge problem. Now, it seems as if it's the worst thing that could happen for America, which is very unfortunate.

Being an immigrant myself, I know that our family was trying to escape a life of sorrow and burdens. America seemed to be this land of hope and dreams. In some sense, it still is. Which is why there is a higher number of immigrants originating from certain parts of the world that are more terrible than the parts where life seems to be okay for them there.

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Stereotypes and Influence

Stereotypes, especially inaccurate ones, can be a negative influence on a child's cultural identity. The depictions of Indians as victims drunkards or savages causes Indian children to grow up thinking that they cannot accomplish anything. The depictions of Black people as "thugs", drug dealers or thieves causes Black children to grow up thinking that this is the only life that was given to them. The depictions of Hispanics as aggressive, gang members or lazy causes them to grow up believing that they are just dead-beats who are helpless. The depictions of Asians as sexual, bad drivers, and materialistic can cause Asian children to feel inadequate and senseless (The examples given here were 'bad' stereotypes, but when it comes to Asians, it's proof that even positive stereotypes can have negative influences).

Framing and Its Process

Framing is cognitive bias where people react to certain things in different ways depending on how they received it. It is the social construct of a social phenomenon. The process is essentially similar to agenda-setting theory where certain people in society place a focus of attention on something.

Frames for American Indians

"Natives were seen as “wild beasts” and “agents of the devil” who needed to be hunted down and killed or driven away. Nevertheless, Feagin judges white racism against African Americans as more harsh than against Native Americans, arguing that “whites have historically put more effort” into oppressing black people. He states: “While they have been the recurring targets of extreme white brutality and recurring genocide, Native Americans have not played as a central role in the internal socio-racial reality of the colonies or the United States as have African Americans.”"(American Indian Quarterly / Spring 2015 / Vol. 39, No. 2, p. 118)

Culture vs. Culture

It is not justifiable for a person from one culture to encourage a person from another culture to disregard their cultural values. One's culture is part of their identity. To disregard their culture is to disregard who they are as a person.

Ethnocentrism, Stereotyping, Prejudice, Discrimination, Racism, Tokenism

Personally, I've had a lot of experience in all the isms mentioned above. It's quite frustrating because you feel as if these things shouldn't happen, but it does. But I've realized that it does not affect me as much as it does if it happened to my parents. I would much rather have people act such a way to me than to do so to my parents. To see people act a certain way to my parents horrifies me and breaks my heart.

My parents are immigrants. My mom studied in England but she still looks and sounds Asian. My dad has lived in the U.S. for half of his life but he still looks and sounds Asian. My family have been U.S. citizens for over a decade and we still look and sound Asian. And just because we look and sound Asian, we get stereotyped and experience prejudice, discrimination, racism and tokenism.

When I was in high school and undergrad, I wasn't valedictorian. In fact, I wasn't even salutatorian. In undergraduate, I was in the top 5, but that's only because there were two people graduating in the Human Biology class of 2018. Did I get many comments about how I'm Asian and how I should have been number one and gone to medical school? Plenty.

My parents, my sister and I have higher car insurance rates than most people I know. And none of us have been at fault during accidents let alone have any major accidents. And none of us have had more than one traffic citation. I would also say that I am an impeccable parallel-parker. Still, our car insurance bill is ridiculous.

As a Christian, it shocks me even more when I receive any type of negative ism from other Christians. This past weekend, I was at New Life, a predominantly Black church. Not many people know that I am an Integrity director at the church. Being a director means that you're part of the New Life team. The team that meets for hours every week. The team that spends time and plays Escape Rooms together. Most of the time, I don't experience any negativity. But this past weekend, a participant didn't even want to hold my hand during prayer when we were prompted to by someone up front. And another participant just stared at me... Plainly stared at me, without any shame, rather with a piercing glare like "what is she doing here?"

My boyfriend is Black. And I love him so much. And because of him and his patience, I have been able to see a whole different side of racism that makes me question humanity. One day, someone had texted him saying, "hey man, I can't believe that a guy like you would be dating an Asian like her". Another day, someone else had said to his face, "you will not reach your potential as a Black man if you are with her."

Then there is also the fear that every time I say bye to him, I may not see him again. That every time I hear sirens and he just left, my heart stops and I frantically reach for the phone hoping that's not him. The fear that my future kids will not be accepted and loved for who they are but rather they will judged simply by the color of the skin of their parents.

When does it end?

While I wait for change, I can be a part of the change. I can be a diversity ally where I stand. I can love like Jesus loved. I can look at someone and learn to say "what happened to you?" rather than "what's wrong with you?".

References:

Dwanna L. Robertson. “Invisibility in the Color-Blind Era: Examining Legitimized Racism against Indigenous Peoples.” American Indian Quarterly, vol. 39, no. 2, 2015, pp. 113–153. JSTOR, JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5250/amerindiquar.39.2.0113

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Pocahontas is an iconic, animated Disney film whose storyline has been used time and time again as bedtime stories for little children and movie time for teenagers. However, as we grow older, we learn that there is more substance and reason behind Pocahontas than just a tale of romance between a beautiful, brave girl and a foreigner.

Summary

Pocahontas’ film is set around 1607 in the land of the Powhatan tribe. The film begins with John Smith and other European settlers on a boat making their way to land they would claim their own and in which they hope to find gold. When Chief Powhatan tells Pocahontas, the main character of the film, about her marriage arrangement, Pocahontas runs off to the woods to gain insight on her purpose and her future. It is on this stroll that Pocahontas witnesses the arrival of the Europeans and encounters John Smith, her love interest. Pocahontas and John Smith become familiar with each other as the Europeans and American Indians fight with each other. During their time together, Kocoum catches them hidden away and runs after John Smith. One of the settlers sees Kocoum and John Smith struggle and ends up shooting Kocoum. When Kocoum dies, the American Indians catches John Smith and holds him hostage. The day the Chief decides to kill John Smith as punishment for ‘killing’ Kocoum, Pocahontas lays her head on top of his to declare her choice in peace. Because of her wise move, the Chief lets John go and states that he would never be the first to cause a war. When John is let go, the head of the European settlers, Governor Ratliffe locks his gun out of anger and points the barrel towards the Chief. As he shoots, John steps in front of the Chief and takes the bullet himself. This action of love and understanding leads the Powhatan tribe to open their hearts up to John. In anger, the settlers team up against the head of the European settlers because they too understood that the Powhatans let John Smith go. As the movie comes to a close, Pocahontas lets John know that she is needed at home with her people while he should go back to Europe and fulfill his duty there.

The American animated film is a fictionalized account of Pocahontas and her historical encounter with John Smith and the European settlers. The historic period being depicted is around 1607 and close to detail. Because the film is recognized as a Disney movie, John Smith and Pocahontas is destined to fall in love. However, historically and in true accounts, the two were not romantically involved since Pocahontas was ten years old when she met John Smith, a 27-year-old mercenary. During this period, settlers do use derogatory terms such as “savage” to describe the American Indians. Kocoum was also a true warrior that the Chief of the tribe, Pocahontas’ father, admired. What wasn’t depicted accurately was that Kocoum was actually Pocahontas’ husband. Historically, a group of settlers attacked Kocoum at his home and killed him after they kidnapped Pocahontas. John Smith also wasn’t this kind, infatuated man in real life. He actually went through native villages and rob them of food and resources. At the end of the day, Pocahontas also never actually saved John Smith.

Cinematic Representation Constructs History

Movies always diverge form history, from their true accounts. If we only had the cinematic representation from Pocahontas of American Indians from which to construct history, only approximately 5% of the history constructed would be accurate. Pocahontas has long been considered in popular culture as an exotic princess, but she was more than that. She was a daughter of an American Indian chief who cared about more things in life than her love interests.

Through a representation of the character, Pocahontas, we would see that women who are not of a White-American descent are sexual objects and nothing more. Visually, she differs from the rest of the Powhatan Indians within the movie which subjects her to sexualization and white bias. The movie also constructs the idea that any non-White woman would be quick to fall in love with a White man and be even quicker to die for them.

Based on Pocahontas, we would see American Indians as those who are merely exotic, tribal and are in tune with spiritual powers. The Eurocentric view would portray American Indians as an “ignorant savage”, as the film calls it. American Indians would be portrayed as people who are quick-tempered and slow to forgive. According to Newsmaven, there were 113 examples of violent racism against American Indians within this film.

American Indians, also known as Native Americans, have endured centuries of struggle. Some tribes barely survive, and most tribes have gone extinct. Some are found in reservations and some are required to take a test to claim their birthright. It is unfortunate that films like Pocahontas romanticize historical figures and accounts and provide unreasonable and inaccurate representations of American Indians.

Conclusion

All we can hope for is that in the future when movies like this are made, directors and producers make an effort to learn the importance of staying as true and as accurate when representing American Indians as they are.

References

Gabriel, M., & Goldberg, E. (Directors). (n.d.). Pocahontas[Video file].

ICT Team. (2018, August 19). Disney Exec: 'She has to be sexy' Historical Inaccuracies of Disney's Pocahontas. Retrieved from https://newsmaven.io/indiancountrytoday/archive/in-the-summer-of-1995-pocahontas-became-disney-s-33rd-animated-feature-film-the-first-mainstream-IaqXDOuHKUG6zqy9b8GjgQ/

Pocahontas. (2017, April 28). Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/pocahontas-9443116

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Views of Death

I believe that death is inevitable. But that it is also something to not be sad about. Because of my belief being rooted in Adventism's views of eschatology, I see death as a quick nap. A pause before I am able to be in Heaven with loved ones.

One's view of death could greatly impact how they live their life. If one feels that there is nothing important after death and all there is, is just death, they may just live their life carelessly. If they are naturally a kind-hearted person, they may just be kind in their actions as well. But if they aren't and live with malice, then unfortunately that may be discomforting to know for the people they encounter.

If one lives with the idea that there are repercussions post-life, or if one believes in reincarnation based on good deeds, then they may live their life fueled by the desire to have a better future.

Historical Legacies of the US

We would like to think that a country and its people learn from their past mistakes. However, it seems that the phrase "history repeats itself" rings true.

Historical legacies of the United States and even other countries have a strong capability to produce discord and conflict. For example, although one may not want to admit, the US is strongly based on the the rivalry between Democratic vs. Republic principles. Legacies that have been founded on Republic principles can often push Republicans to stand true to their title and the beliefs that come with the title regardless of whether or not the belief would be beneficial to the progress of the country.

A current example is the legacy of how people view politics in general. It may not be a positive legacy but people still see politics as dangerous and something to avoid.

National History Shaping National Identity
National History plays a significant role in shaping national identity. The events that occur within a nation are what decides the characteristics that the nation embodies. For example, within the United States, the history has been the fact that Americans go to a country or a place that is not their own, wreak havoc then and then attempt to claim the country as a part of US territory and then call it their own. From the outside, other countries see the US as an unfaithful and unkind country.

Application of the Four Stages of Minority Representation in Media
The four stages of media representation for minority groups are:

1. Non-representation, 2. Ridicule, 3. Regulation and 4. Respect

Within the current activities in media, it seems as if we are now in the regulation stage. The minority group is represented but in limited, socially acceptable roles. And if they do hold a lead role, statistically, they are financially compensated with significantly less than that of a person in the majority group.

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Bien à vous, Cheya

My response:

Chapter 1:

Chapter 2:

Chapter 3:

Chapter 4:

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