Gran Torino 2008 Film Studies Essay

Gran Torino 2008 Film Studies Essay Clint Eastwood. A legend in the film industry. Born on the 31st of May in 1930, he began directing in 1971 and producing in 1982. Famous for his roles in the Dollars Trilogy, the Dirty Harry films, Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, his name is synonymous with masculinity. He has 7 children from 5 different women where only 2 of whom, each were at one point his wife. In December 2008, Gran Torino was released and distributed by Warner Brothers. The movie tells a story of Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), a caucasian veteran of the Korean War. Walt is the spitting image of the generic racist American war veteran who sits outside his house with a 12 gauge shotgun firmly pointed at immigrants with a southern drawl. Clint Eastwoods portrayal of Walt is true to this generic image albeit as the story progresses, his attitude towards his neighbours softens. Walts most prized possession is his Gran Torino, a classic muscle car. The film begins with Walt Kowalski mourning silently the passing of his wife. Living alone, his two sons do not get along well with their father. Days later, Walts neighbours son, Thao (Bee Vang), tries to steal his car as part of a gang initiation ceremony. Walt foils this attempt with his semi-automatic rifle from his war days. Thaos family is grateful towards Walts actions that saved Thao from a life in the gang. Walt takes it upon himself to set Thao on the right path. But when Thaos sister, Sue (Ahney Her) is assaulted by the same gang who tried to recruit Thao, Walt is forced to take action. Walts rifle from the Korean War is symbolic of his past deeds. It represents the acts of violence and aggression he perpetrated during his days of service. Shut the fuck up! You want to know what its like to kill a man? Well its goddamn awful, thats what it is. The only thing worse is getting a medal of valour for killing some poor kid that wanted to just give up, thats all. Yeah, some scared little gook just like you. I shot him right in the face with that rifle you were holding in there a while ago. Theres not a day goes by that I dont think about it. You dont want that on your soul. But I got blood on my hands. Im soiled. Thats why Im going it alone tonight. Walt is a man who is tortured by his past. Walts Gran Torino and his dog, Daisy are the only source of happiness and comfort for him prior to him befriending his Hmong neighbours. At the beginning of the movie, Walts distaste for the asian people is very apparent. He refers to them as gooks most of the time. However, as the film progresses, he realises that he is closer to his asian neighbours than he is to his own family. God, I got more in common with these gooks than I do with my own spoiled-rotten family. Jesus. Happy birthday. At one point in the movie, Walt becomes so close to Thaos family that hes seen grilling some steak in his backyard with Thao, Sue and Thaos date. Walts resourcefulness is apparent as he has a garage filled with tools that according to him took 50 years to put together. He sees Thaos interest in them and gifts to him a lubricant, duct tape and a visier grip. He later goes on to to help toughen Thao up by teaching him how to talk like a man. Walt even goes so far as to help Thao secure a job at a construction site and purchase tools for him to kickstart his independence. In order to show their appreciation of Walts help towards Thao, the local Hmong community frequently brings food to him. At first, Walt is reluctant to accept the gifts. But as they persist, he gives in after tasting and falling in love with the flavorful Hmong food. The Hmong shaman reads Walt and tells him that he is not respected by people and that he carries a heavy burden. Upon hearing this, Walt becomes visibly shaken and begins coughing blood. Every instance that Walt was about to take aggressive action, a military themed drum beat would follow. This use of music indicated to the audience that Walt was about to undertake something important. The military drum beat also brings to mind a sense of patriotism that Walt has towards his country. This is further illustrated by the large American flag on his porch. The overall colour used throughout the movie is a dull green. This is reflective of the calm pace of the movie with the exception of the times during confrontation when it is usually dark. Thaos character at the beginning of the film is a passive one. He seldom talks and even when he does, he speaks with a soft tone. This can be attributed to his sisters role as the dominant figure in the house. Thao is regarded as feminine even by his own family. Needless to say, Walt despises Toad as he calls him. Yeah Yum Yum yeah nice girl nice girl, very charming girl I talked with her yeah. But you, you just let her walk out right out with the Three Stooges. And you know why? Cause youre a big fat pussy. Well, I gotta go. Good day, pusscake. As the film progresses, Walt gradually succeeds in toughening Thao up. At one point, Thao stands up for himself when he encounters the Hmong gang while going home from work. Though Thao may be weak willed, he is definitely a kind and helpful boy intent on helping others. At one point in the film, when a caucasian lady drops her groceries on the sidewalk, a group of 3 Hmong teenagers notice but do not help. Instead they make lewd gestures. Thao however rushes to aid the lady much to the surprise of Walt who was watching intently. Some of the issues discussed in the movie are that of racism, multiculturalism and religion. In terms of racism, Walt is racist towards every non caucasian person in the film. Though he mostly keeps it to himself, sometimes his outburts contain racial slurs. Walts neighbourhood is also assumed to be a previously white dominant one. But as immigrants moved in, more people of other races settled down there. Particularly the Hmong people. The movie intends to show audiences that racism can be overcome by intellect. This is apparent when Walt saves Sue from some African American thugs. When Sue is in the car conversing with Walt, he tells her that shes alright. From then on, the relationship between Walt and Thaos family improves and they become close allies. Multiculturalism is an important aspect of this film as various races can be seen and traditions of the races are also portrayed. When Walt is invited for lunch at Thaos house for a celebration, he pats a child on her head. This act is seen as disrespectful in Hmong culture. In the scene where Sue is ambushed by the African Americans, she is seen to be dating a caucasian teen. During Walts visit to the doctor, in the waiting room, people from various races can be seen as well. Theres Walt, a caucasian, an African American lady, an Indian lady with a traditional dress, a presumably Mexican man, an Arabian nurse with a headdress and an asian doctor. The film intends to educate the viewers that the American landscape is fast changing where once Walts neighbourhood used to be predominantly White, it is a rarity to see a caucasian. In terms of religion, Walt is a catholic though not a devout one. His take on faith is insouciant and of disdain. Father Janovich: Why didnt you call the police? Walt Kowalski: Well you know, I prayed for them to come but nobody answered. While talking to Father Janovich, he calls the priest a young 27 year old virgin. By the end of the movie though, he appears to reconnect with his religious roots as he attends confession. The movie doesnt appear to lean to either to matriarchy or patriarchy. Though the values of the different cultures are quite apparent. In the Hmong culture, a lot of family members can be seen congregating. Communication is generally open and inclusive. Whereas for the western culture as seen in Walts family, the viewer can see a family which is estranged and on bad terms. Walts sons dont pay much attention to their father and only contact him when they want something. In terms of respect, the Hmong people generally are more respectful towards their elders. But in the case of Walts grandkids, the granddaughter smoked a cigarette in Walts house. There are a few film techniques used in the film that are noteworthy. When Walt is confronting the gangs house at night towards the end of the film, an estblishing wide shot is used showing Walt approach the house. The lighting at this point is very low-key, only highlighting what the audience needs to see. Faint background noises such as a barking dog, and crickets can be heard in the distance leading the viewer to assume that the location is one which is seldom visited. When the gang members begin talking to Walt, the camera cuts to a wide shot of him. From the houses behind him in the background, curious neighbours can be seen coming out of their rooms. In the next few moments, a few more shots of neighbours coming out of their houses can be seen to further emphasise the point that the whole scenario is being scrutinised. At this point, the gang leader draws his weapon, but Walt keeps insulting them, determined to carry out his plan unfazed. He insists on defending his neighbours. This is the point where the viewers see that deep beneath the grouchy exterior, Walt is a genuinely good man. The movie overall was a refreshing change from the regular action films which lack depth and substance. Gran Torino has enough action to maintain the male audience attention while catering to the emotional aspect as well via good character development and storyline. The touching scenes in the film truly can impact the viewer and make them question their own attitudes towards culture and racism and doing whats right. Where at first the viewer is antagonistic towards Walt, they come to appreciate is gruffness and empathise with him and feel genuine sadness when he sacrifices his life in the end.

Metrics

The constant expansion in the services industry, particularly in hotel and restaurant management, had brought managers and business owners whose specialty is providing service-oriented fields to acquire practical and depth understanding about the industry. Dominantly in the business industry, providing reliable and customer-friendly services, is of high concern to provide both customers and organizations expectations mutually. And still growing, further sophisticated technical supervision must be practiced to excel and gain in the competition. Innovation is the key focus to excel in the industry.Utilizing service management for proper handling and delivery of services is the aspect which the services industry must set a priority in their areas of concern for promotion and company’s growth – including industries in health care, caterers, manufacturers and suppliers, tourism and financial services.Organizations must set the difference between the idea of customer satisfac tion and service of quality rendered to clients. Although sometimes considered ambiguous, a specific label is required that will detach these important entities with regards in providing services of which supposed as one. Both are correlated in terms of industrial needs but different. Customers may vary on every organization to which they provide their products, be of services or goods, by some mechanism acceptable in the industry’s marketplace. Of course, getting through the competition in the market is another endeavor which organization needs focus.Customer satisfaction is a business term which is used to capture the idea of measuring how satisfied an enterprise's customers are with the organization's efforts in a marketplace (Wikipedia, 2006). Once customer’s expectations are exceeded, the organization will attain high levels of customer satisfaction and will create â€Å"customer delight.†Ã‚   This implies that organization must possess the ability to fulfi ll the consumers’ needs through business, emotional and psychological aspects.The interaction between the service provider and the recipient, which are the customers, must not be in idle to properly measure the level of satisfaction. Proper attitude in dealing with varied customers should be considered; knowing their attitudes, feedbacks or commendations can contribute in determining the organization’s marketing strategies. Basically, organizations aim is to retain customers in patronizing their services offered and the target of increasing the number of loyal customers and eventually increasing the organization’s revenues.Although customer satisfaction may vary from customer-to-customer, it is important to consider that physical and psychological characteristics which play a very important factor in measuring the degree where customers satisfy with the organization’s services. Comparatively speaking, the customer’s expectation can be evaluated wit h the customer’s experience prior relevant to the services the organization delivers. Organization must take into account that satisfaction is not quantitatively measured since it is more of a psychological aspect; it is more of the qualitative. And, service of quality will be now measured.Commonly, customers define ‘quality’ as they are met by their perception and experience. This is the degree or level of customer’s satisfaction with the services or products an organization offers dependently to the environment and the kind of service given. It is difficult to conform to the expectations of the customers needs with the level they require with regards to efficiency, quality, flexibility, and dependability to the services delivered.To achieve this, Total Quality Management (TQM) is applied. TQM is management philosophy committed to a focus on continuous improvements of product and services with the involvement of the entire workforce. This principle is a l ong-term process to sustain business excellence and the comprehensively and continuously involvement of all organization functions. Through this method, organization can now have the adequate knowledge where the mistake has been made and will consider as factors. These factors are then submitted into variety of measurements, commonly the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) and Attribution Based Method (ABM).Critical Incident Technique (CIT) is used for collecting direct observation from customers’ experience in relation to the services or products the organization provides. This is a flexible method which relies on determining and reviewing the collected information from the participants. Data are then submitted for fact finding to determine the issues encountered. Evaluation is followed to find solutions and resolve the raised issues to cause no further problem. The foundation of this technique was laid by the studies of Sir Francis Galton (circa 1930). This method can also av oid the stereotype opinions about the organization.This technique is more of academic since it use the qualitative research method.   Identifying atypical events that may be missed by other methods can be eliminated using this technique. Also, this is expensive and provides rich information needed for fact-finding related to the issues. Disadvantage to this is that the information collected relies mostly on memory; events may be inaccurate or may even go unreported.Attribution Base Methods (ATM) focuses on risk and performance with a direct focus on standards of service. Using this methods, organization conceptualize the service or product must remain of standard or of higher level. Aiming to retain loyal customers and bringing a number in, suggest that regular raise of standards is made to meet different expectation level amongst customers. Organization intends to have the quality of excelling; possessing good merits in high degree.Some organization uses the customer satisfaction survey procedure. This is an efficient and easiest way to measure service quality which may be viewed as facile. Obtaining customers’ feedback helps ensure business is meeting the needs of customers and giving insights on which aspects needs improvement where changes should be made to increase customers’ overall satisfaction with regards to quality service. Lack of gathered details during the survey may cause some problems in measuring the relation of problems to the factors involved.SERVQUAL (Service Quality), derived from LODGSERV, is a method developed by Valarie A. Zeithaml, A. Parasuraman, and Leonard L. Berry. This technique is used in achieving gap analysis in an organization to gauge its service quality construct performance against customer service quality needs. Basically, this method is used to improve service quality when faults are detected to the service or product customer receives. Using this method demands to show the discrepancy between customer†™s expectation and customer’s perception, both must be answered to measure the customer’s attitude towards a service offered.This methodology comprises 5 key dimensions; tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. In the hospitality industry, it is necessary to do a qualitative study. In healthcare, SERVQUAL is used in determining issues between management, staff and the services offered to solve practical problems. This may be considered as an academic method as it uses professional surveys. Additionally, this provides assessment with the desired and actual performance; maximize service quality whilst costs are controlled. Comment box or card and survey questions can be used, usually present in most establishments especially in hotel rooms, restaurants and other servicing field.The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) program can also be used to measure quality assurance. Particularly, ISO 9000 family offers organizations with qual ity assurance seeking advantage through the implementation of a quality management system. The common notion of customer to an organization (like hotels, clinics, medical institution and the related) which acquired an ISO certification equally delivers their desired service quality – expectation and the confidence of customer are at high degree. With that, the service industry is determined to subscribe ISO service to obtain the certification. Similar to ISO, EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) was developed aiming service quality excellence driving organizations to be more competitive.There are many approaches in achieving sustainable excellence in all aspects of performance. Both deliver practical analysis to organizations seeking assessment with regards to their level of excellence to carry customer’s wants and expectations. Bearing the positive impact to potential customers, the organization must maintain their excellence or even increase service qual ity.Still at high priority, Total Quality Management (TQM), assist organizations to sustain customer’s quality satisfaction. The management and employees must be involved in the continuous development of products and services offered. Combining quality and management methods, TQM remains a necessary tool for organizations in achieving aims of increasing business and minimizing loss. Continuous improvement must deal not only with improving results, but more importantly with improving capabilities to produce better results in the future.Examining the various methodologies discussed may seem analogous. Their main purpose is to help organization attain the aim of delivering excellent services and products with proper management. In the hostility industry, it is advisable to know the expectations and needs of customer to retain loyal customers and attract prospect clients due to the industry’s high competition. Relevant information gathered is essential for quality analysis to achieve excellence in the services offered. Every department in the organization plays an important role for the continuous development and seizing in the boost of hostility market.Although some may say it is academic or facile, the important thing here is to deliver the needs and customer satisfaction. The mentioned methods or techniques can be applied differently on various industry; dependent on the level of issues and technical problems. Furthermore, to close gaps amongst customer-provider relation, service industry should focus to be more customer-oriented. Hence, service industry requires continues progress. This venture may be difficult, comprehensive, and a long-term process in maintaining the commitment of excellent service management.List of ReferencesParasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1994). Alternative scales for measuring service quality: A comparative assessment based on psychometric and diagnostic criteria. Journal of Marketing, 70 (3) Fall, 201-230.Wikipedia. (200 6). Customer Satisfaction. Retrieved July 20, 2006, from the  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wikipedia Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customer_satisfaction.Berry, L. L. (1990). Delivering Quality Service: Balancing Customer Perception and Expectations. The Free Press.Parasuraman, A.; Berry, L. L.; Zeithaml, V. A. (1988), SERVQUAL: A Multiple-Item Scale for Measuring Consumer Perceptions of Service Quality. Journal of Retailing, , 64, 12-40.Stephen, H. (1991). Why Quality Circles failed but Total Quality management might succeed.   British Journal of Industrial Relations, 29(4), 541-568.Anderson, Kristin & Kerr, Carol (2002). Customer Relationship Management.Berry, Leonard L; Parasuraman, A; Zeithaml, Valarie; Adsit, Dennis (1994). Improving service quality in America: Lessons learned; Executive commentary. The Academy of Management Executive. May.  Favell, Andy (2002). Opinion Sites Offer Guidance To E-Commerce Consumers. The Wall Street Journal.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1644 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2019/03/25 Category History Essay Level High school Tags: Autobiography Essay Malcolm X Essay Did you like this example? Malcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1925. His father, Earl, was a Baptist preacher and was targeted by white supremacists. Earl had 6 children, he abused all of them except for Malcolm because he was the lightest skin out of 6 siblings. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" essay for you Create order Being light skin gave you the upper advantage to not be treated as badly as a dark skin person. Malcolm had a rough childhood, he experienced racial discrimination at an early age when his family moved to Michigan and shortly after their house was burned down by a white supremacist group. Ever since Malcolm was a child he had a dream of becoming a lawyer. In Junior high, Malcolm moved in with his sister who lived in Boston. Malcolm met a black woman named Laura while he was dancing at a club. Though he has an emotional attachment to her, he leaves Laura to pursue a white woman named Sophia and ends up dating her. He utilizes his association with Sophia to get away from the racial exploitation of his childhood by becoming an enforcer of racism himself. He dated her to represent himself better around his associates in Boston. Malcolms goal was to take the power back that was extracted from him in Michigan. His childhood consisted of economic instability, racial oppression and inner gen eration trauma. Domestic violence and systematic violence was reflecting a particular community, his fathers behavior was surrounding the violence that happened to him. One of the problems Malcolm faced was the media attacking him. In 1957 Malcolm founds Muhammed Speaks, became the Nation of Islams own newspaper and a few years later the nation received harsh criticism from the media. Malcolm represented Muhammad on radio stations, TV, and colleges. He received numerous letters from people 95% of the letters were from white people ( CH.15). A few letters were categorized in the Dear Nigger X or the death threat category ( CH.15). Malcolm tried to get away from all the racial discrimination when he was living with his family, once Malcolm converted to the nation of Islam and began to make his presence racial prejudice trailed him. Malcolm and his group wanted to integrate into the community and they were called fascists for trying to voice their views on slavery. One of the motives Muhammad had was to spread the notion of acceptance for black people in the community. All Mr. Muhammad is doing is trying to uplift the black mans mentality and the black mans social and economic condition in this country ( 245). Malcolm X fought against violence, resistance and racial oppression. Domestic violence and systematic violence is reflecting a particular community, his fathers behavior was surrounding the violence that happened to him. The author is addressing the problem of human rights, thus, supplied a demand for action and change. To be human is to find something worth to die for, Malcolm X challenged the Civil Rights movement and fought for the human rights of African Americans. He was later assassinated by his people (NOI). He experienced hate, bigotry, violence and racial prejudice during the Civil Rights movement. Since the whites never accepted the African Americans as equal, the Nation of Islam sanctioned the split of Whites and African Americans because there was no reason in fighting for acceptance. Black urban rebellion are affirmation of their being. Malcolms view on the violence directed to African Americans, was to defend ourselves by any means necessary . The history of unpunished violence against our people clearly indicates that we must be prepared to defend ourselves or we will continue to be a defenseless people at the mercy of a ruthless, violent and racist mob. Malcolm X emphasized Christianitys role in the oppression of blacks. He believes the role of religion is significant to ones way of life. Malcolm X was born in the era of white supremacy. In 1929, the family moved to Lansing, Michigan and shortly after, their house was burned down by a white supremacist group. At the age of 6, Malcolms father was murdered by white men that opposed the work his father Earl participated in. Malcolm had an extensive history of moving because of racial prejudice he experienced. The authors childhood experience of violence stemmed from the white race. In his adult life, he did not trust the white people and white culture because of the implications that stemmed from his childhood. Wilfred, Malcolms brother, introduced him to a strict but comforting Muslim household after his release from prison. This paved a new, brighter path for Malcolm, eventually leading to him meeting one of his greatest influences of religion, Elijah Muhammad. Elijah teaches Malcol m ways to influence the youth to join the Nation of Islam, branching out from Detroit, to Chicago, and eventually Boston. Throughout this process, he learns exceptional leadership and preaching skills, which helped grow the Nation of Islam. His motivation for converting to Islam, when he was in prison he started to give up on himself. His brother Reginald visited him told him about a man named Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. Malcolm and Elijah began to exchange letters and their conversations motivated him to convert to the NOI. This initiated Malcolm to begin reading books and educating himself upon this religion. He then started teaching the religion to other inmates and created a large group of followers. Malcolm Little changed his name to Malcolm X, the X resembles the unknown last name he wouldve had if his ancestors had not been taken against their will and enslaved. In 1958, the Nation of Islam protested against police brutality outside of the police station, one of the members of the NOI was brutally attacked by police officers. Brother Hinton was attacked with nightsticks. His scalp was split open, and a police car came and he was taken to a nearby precinct ( 238). Within 30 minutes of the attack, 50 members of the Fruit of Islam stood outside of the police station. Malcolm demanded his brother be sent to the hospital as he was only semi-conscious Blood had bathed his head, shoulders and face. As Hinton was taken to the hospital, the members followed in a larger organized demonstration to the hospit al, walking 15 blocks as other African Americans followed behind. It was a peaceful protest, but one that demanded a stop to police brutality, ultimately leading to the Nation of Islam suing the police department. A jury awarded him over $70,000, the largest police brutality judgement that New York City has ever paid (1239). Malcolm X had a strong advocacy for racism he was a strongly influential figure regarding religion. He had many great accomplishments during his time with NOI and brought many African Americans into religion, giving them purpose. Malcolms religious life led him to his travels to Africa and his journey to Mecca. In his journey to Mecca, his intention was to find a religion in whose principles and morals he can flourish in. This intention pushes him to create the Hajj a traditional Islamic pilgrimage5 to Mecca. The brotherhood of the Hajj emphasizes a religion in which everyone is equal under the one true god, in which there are no good or bad races and there are no Divine Men 5. Malcolms creation of the Hajj derives from his search to find the truth and equality among individuals. During this time Malcolm renamed himself as Malik E Shabazz and his autobiographical accounts show his excitement at being recognized in the orthodox Muslim world4. Malcolm accepting orthodox Islam formed his views on race relations, in particular his embrace of the universal concept of brotherhood represented in Islam 4. Malcolms religious journey consisted of the transformation from being an atheist to a minister for the NOI to a Sunni Muslim 4. He tried to implement the teachings of Sunni Islam to teach members how to perform Salat (prayer correctly) 4, the Salat is the mandatory Muslim prayer that is executed five times every day. Malcolm had found a very deep connection with Sunni Islam, and it is significant to comprehend that this had a substantial effect on the last portion of his life, ultimately leading him to the conversion of cultural ideology. Malcolms whole life was circulated around religion, he traveled to many different countries and states to spread the teachings, values, and the importance of Islam. Malcolms goal was to take the power back that was extracted from him in Michigan. His childhood consisted of economic instability, racial oppression and inner generation trauma. An aspect Malcolm X was known for was the fight against colonialism. Malcolm Xs stance against colonialism was that African Americans should be involved in taking approach. He did not believe in violence, he believed in peaceful protest with a purpose. One way Malcolm X believed that colonialism could be defeated was the Organization of Afro American Unity, this organization fought against any person that got in their way. The purpose of this organization was to bring about the complete independence of people of African descent, also to bring about the freedom of these people by any means necessary3. The Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights are the principles in which we believe and that these documents if put in to practice represent the essence of mankinds hopes and good intentions desirous that all Afro American people and organizations should hence forth unite so that the welfare and well-being of our people will be assured we are resolved. To reinforce the common bound of purpose between our people by submerging all of our differences and establishing nonsectarian constructive programs for human rights3. Malcolm spoke out on how Afro American people and organizations shall be unified as a whole and thus construct nonsectarian constructive programs for human rights. Malcolm X was a courageous leader and human rights activist who fought tremendously hard and strong for the rights of African Americans.

Faire Conjugation in French, Translation, and Examples