This paper aims at exploring the filmic deployment of White and Greek ethnicity in specific contexts. The central questions discussed in this paper are: How are Whiteness and Greekness depicted in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”? More importantly, which essential message does the film convey? For this purpose, the paper will first of all take a closer look at American ethnic relations from a historical perspective in order to establish important references to the following film analysis.
In a second step, the paper will plunge into the analysis of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” as such. In this regard, it initially explores how Greekness and Whiteness and their relation as a cultural clash are portrayed in the film. Subsequently, it will examine how these two divergent worlds are connected by analyzing the two main characters Toula Portokalos and Ian Miller. Thereafter, the result of connecting the White American and the Greek American culture is investigated by analyzing the wedding. Finally, the paper concludes by summarizing the main findings and giving a brief outlook. It should, however, be mentioned that this paper solely examines how social structures of American ethnic relations are represented in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. To be more precise, it exclusively refers to the filmic level and does not aim at generalizing the main findings concerning American society as a whole.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- American Ethnic Relations: From Melting Pot to Salad Bowl
- Film Analysis
- Portraying Greek Immigrant Culture - The Portokalos
- Delineating Whiteness - The Millers
- Cross-Cultural Encounters – Reversal of Original Power Relations
- Connecting Two Different Worlds
- Toula Portokalos - Constructing the Ethnic Heroine
- Ian Miller – Deconstructing Male Whiteness
- The Wedding - A Celebration of Cross-Ethnic Understanding
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the portrayal of ethnicity and cross-cultural relations in the film *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* (2002). It examines how the film depicts Greek and White American identities and their interactions. The central question is: What message does the film convey about cultural otherness and cross-ethnic understanding? * Depiction of Greek and White American identities in *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*. * Exploration of the cultural clash between Greek and White American cultures. * Analysis of how the film portrays the relationship between these two cultures. * Examination of the film's message regarding cross-ethnic understanding. * Assessment of the film's representation of social structures in American ethnic relations.Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introduction sets the stage for the paper by highlighting the significance of ethnic representation in American cinema. It introduces differing perspectives on how Hollywood films portray ethnic groups, some reinforcing dominant cultural ideals and others exploring the complexities of immigrant experiences. The paper focuses on *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* (2002) as a case study, exploring its depiction of Greek-American and WASP identities and their interactions, aiming to analyze the film's central message regarding cross-cultural understanding. The introduction establishes the main research questions and outlines the paper's structure.
American Ethnic Relations: From Melting Pot to Salad Bowl: This chapter provides historical context by examining the evolution of American ethnic relations. It traces the historical dominance of White Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPs) and the hierarchical model of relations with subordinate ethnic groups. The chapter discusses the "melting pot" ideal of assimilation, contrasting it with the challenges and complexities of cultural integration in a nation built on immigration. It explores the Americanization campaigns of the early 20th century designed to assimilate immigrants, ultimately highlighting the tensions and evolving interpretations of national identity in the face of significant cultural diversity.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Film Analysis - FAQ
What is the overall purpose of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the portrayal of ethnicity and cross-cultural relations in the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002). It examines how the film depicts Greek and White American identities and their interactions, focusing on the film's message about cultural otherness and cross-ethnic understanding.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the depiction of Greek and White American identities, the cultural clash between these groups, the portrayal of their relationship, the film's message regarding cross-ethnic understanding, and the film's representation of social structures in American ethnic relations.
What aspects of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" are specifically analyzed?
The analysis focuses on the portrayal of Greek immigrant culture (through the Portokalos family), the depiction of White American identity (through the Millers), the cross-cultural encounters and power dynamics, the construction of the ethnic heroine (Toula Portokalos), the deconstruction of male Whiteness (Ian Miller), and the wedding scene as a symbol of cross-ethnic understanding.
What is the historical context provided in the paper?
The paper provides historical context by examining the evolution of American ethnic relations, tracing the dominance of White Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPs) and the hierarchical model of relations with other ethnic groups. It discusses the "melting pot" ideal and its limitations, contrasting it with the challenges of cultural integration in a diverse nation. The Americanization campaigns of the early 20th century and the tensions surrounding national identity are also explored.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, a chapter on American ethnic relations, and a section dedicated to film analysis, broken down into subsections focusing on the portrayal of different characters and cultural interactions within the film.
How does the paper structure its analysis of the film?
The film analysis section systematically examines various aspects of the movie, including the portrayal of specific characters and their cultural backgrounds, the dynamics of cross-cultural interactions, and the symbolic meaning of key scenes, such as the wedding.
What is the main research question addressed in this paper?
The central question guiding the analysis is: What message does the film convey about cultural otherness and cross-ethnic understanding?
What kind of information is included in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of the content and purpose of each section of the paper. They highlight the key arguments and findings of each chapter, giving the reader a clear understanding of the overall flow of the analysis.
- Quote paper
- Kim Frintrop (Author), 2016, The Decline of the WASP and the Promotion of Ethnic Diversity in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/322082
