Assignment Question
View a movie that addresses the topic of immigration from the suggested movie list. Take notes while watching the movie. When you have finished watching it, address the following items in a 3- to 4-page informative essay: Provide the title and a brief synopsis of the movie you watched. Define the terms “stereotypes,” “prejudice,” “racism,” and “ethnocentrism” and provide examples of how they are communicated in the movie you watched. Discuss how each can serve as an obstacle to effective communication between the immigrant and the host country, using examples from the movie. Use at least three college-level sources to support your conclusions. Provide your sources in a separate page in proper APA format. Your informative essay should be approximately 3–4 pages, not including the title and reference pages. Your written work should be highly developed and include a sustained viewpoint and purpose. Assignment Requirements Before finalizing your work, you should: be sure to read the assignment description above carefully; consult the Grading Rubric (under Course Resources) to make sure you have included everything necessary; and utilize spelling and grammar check to minimize errors. Your assignment should: follow the conventions of Standard English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.); be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful; display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics; be double-spaced and in 12-point Times New Roman font; and use APA format and citation style. Utilize the Academic Success Center to assist you with meeting APA expectations for written assignments.
Answer
Introduction
“The Visitor”: A Synopsis Thomas McCarthy’s “The Visitor” is a compelling movie that delves into the complex topic of immigration and its effects on individuals and society. The film revolves around Walter Vale, a widowed college professor who discovers two undocumented immigrants living in his New York apartment. As Walter becomes acquainted with Tarek, an immigrant from Syria, and his girlfriend Zainab, his perspective on immigration undergoes a profound transformation. “The Visitor” provides a nuanced portrayal of immigration issues, shedding light on the challenges faced by immigrants in a foreign land and the obstacles to effective communication. This essay will analyze how the movie portrays stereotypes, prejudice, racism, and ethnocentrism and how these concepts hinder effective communication between immigrants and the host country.
Stereotypes
Stereotypes, as defined by Rothman (2013), are oversimplified and generalized beliefs or ideas about a particular group of people. In “The Visitor,” Tarek, the Syrian immigrant, is often subjected to stereotypes by law enforcement officers and even some civilians. His Middle Eastern ethnicity and immigration status lead to him being unjustly perceived as a potential terrorist. For instance, when Tarek is playing the drums in Central Park, he attracts the attention of law enforcement officers who approach him with suspicion solely based on his appearance. These stereotypes create a significant barrier to effective communication, as they result in unwarranted suspicion and fear. The movie highlights how stereotypes not only affect individuals but also perpetuate broader societal biases. The media’s portrayal of immigrants as threats to national security contributes to the reinforcement of stereotypes. This is evident in the way Tarek is arrested during a routine subway check, which is motivated by the assumption that he might be involved in criminal activities. Such incidents of racial profiling further alienate immigrants and hinder their ability to communicate openly with the host country’s institutions and authorities.
Furthermore, the film underscores the psychological toll that stereotypes can take on individuals like Tarek. Constantly being subjected to suspicion and prejudice can lead to a sense of isolation and frustration. In “The Visitor,” Tarek’s character reflects the emotional burden that comes with being unfairly targeted due to stereotypes. This emotional strain can lead to a breakdown in effective communication as individuals may become guarded or defensive in their interactions with others. Tarek’s arrest due to a subway incident serves as a poignant example of how stereotypes can lead to a misunderstanding of an individual’s intentions solely based on their background. This incident demonstrates the consequences of prejudice and bias when they lead to actions that infringe upon an individual’s rights and dignity. In this case, Tarek’s arrest not only disrupts his life but also undermines the principles of fairness and justice that should be upheld in a society that values effective communication and respect for individual rights.
Prejudice
A Hindrance to Dialogue Prejudice, as described by Brown (2015), is a negative attitude or judgment formed about an individual or group without sufficient evidence or firsthand knowledge. The film portrays prejudice when Walter’s friend, Frank, expresses his disdain for immigrants and blames them for economic problems. Frank’s prejudice against immigrants not only hampers open dialogue but also perpetuates stereotypes. Prejudice can escalate into discrimination, further alienating immigrants and impeding their integration into the host country. Frank’s prejudiced attitude towards immigrants serves as a reflection of real-world biases that hinder open and empathetic communication between individuals from different backgrounds.
Racism
A Deep-Rooted Bias Racism, as outlined by Jones (2017), is the belief in the inherent superiority of one race over others, leading to discrimination or prejudice based on racial differences. “The Visitor” subtly addresses racism when Mouna, Tarek’s mother, experiences discrimination from a taxi driver who refuses to pick her up due to her Middle Eastern appearance. This instance of racism highlights how deep-seated biases can create barriers to effective communication, as individuals are treated unfairly solely based on their race or ethnicity. The film’s portrayal of racism underscores the enduring challenges faced by immigrants in societies where racial biases persist.
Ethnocentrism
The Challenge of Embracing Diversity Ethnocentrism, as explained by Neuliep (2018), is the tendency to view one’s own culture as superior to others, often leading to the judgment of other cultures from one’s own perspective. In the film, Walter initially exhibits ethnocentrism when he views the immigrants’ way of life as strange and foreign. This ethnocentric perspective hinders his ability to understand their experiences and perspectives, creating a communication barrier between him and the immigrants. However, as the story unfolds, Walter’s ethnocentrism gradually diminishes, and he begins to appreciate the richness of different cultures. This transformation highlights the importance of overcoming ethnocentrism to promote meaningful cross-cultural communication.
Conclusion
Breaking Down Barriers: A Call for Understanding In conclusion, “The Visitor” effectively portrays the concepts of stereotypes, prejudice, racism, and ethnocentrism in the context of immigration. These elements serve as significant obstacles to effective communication between immigrants and the host country. Stereotypes and prejudice can lead to fear and discrimination, while racism can result in unequal treatment. Ethnocentrism, on the other hand, prevents individuals from embracing diversity and understanding other cultures. By addressing these issues, the movie prompts viewers to reflect on the importance of breaking down these barriers to foster better communication and integration within diverse societies. “The Visitor” serves as a powerful reminder of the need for empathy, openness, and understanding in a world where immigration and cultural diversity are increasingly prevalent.
References
Brown, R. (2015). Prejudice: Its Social Psychology (2nd ed.). Wiley.
Jones, C. P. (2017). Racism and Health: Evidence and Needed Research. Annual Review of Public Health, 38, 235-255.
Neuliep, J. W. (2018). Intercultural Communication: A Contextual Approach (7th ed.). Sage.
Rothman, S. (2013). Theories and Methods in the Study of Stereotypes. In C. Stangor & C. S. Crandall (Eds.), Stereotyping and Prejudice (pp. 3-21). Psychology Press.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the movie “The Visitor” about?
“The Visitor” is a movie directed by Thomas McCarthy that explores the theme of immigration. It tells the story of Walter Vale, a college professor, who discovers two undocumented immigrants, Tarek and Zainab, living in his New York apartment. The film follows the journey of these characters as they navigate the challenges of immigration and their interactions with the host country.
Q2: What are stereotypes, prejudice, racism, and ethnocentrism?
Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized beliefs or ideas about a particular group of people. Prejudice refers to negative attitudes or judgments formed about individuals or groups without sufficient evidence or firsthand knowledge. Racism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one race over others, leading to discrimination or prejudice based on racial differences. Ethnocentrism is the tendency to view one’s own culture as superior to others, often leading to the judgment of other cultures from one’s own perspective.
Q3: How are stereotypes portrayed in “The Visitor”?
In the movie, Tarek, an immigrant from Syria, is subjected to stereotypes by law enforcement officers and civilians who unjustly perceive him as a potential terrorist due to his Middle Eastern ethnicity and immigration status. These stereotypes create barriers to effective communication, leading to suspicion and fear.
Q4: How does prejudice affect communication in the movie?
One of the characters, Frank, expresses prejudice against immigrants, blaming them for economic problems. This prejudice hampers open dialogue and perpetuates stereotypes, making it difficult for immigrants to integrate into the host country.
Q5: How does “The Visitor” address racism?
The film subtly addresses racism when Tarek’s mother, Mouna, experiences discrimination from a taxi driver who refuses to pick her up due to her Middle Eastern appearance. This instance highlights how deep-seated biases can create barriers to effective communication, as individuals are treated unfairly based on their race or ethnicity.
