FYI: For some reason, I got a 45/41 on this thing.. Odd, I so BSd it. Done last year. therefore, 4th year in Canada.
As I said, I was going to post past projects that I really liked here. So, please, DO NOT READ IT. You're wasting your time, I tell you. Go away.
Well, here goes.
This move seems to be about Greek-American culture;in fact, it is really about all kinds of ethnic people/cultures and the differences each culture brings. Explain how we can see this in the film.
~~~~Just before the first five minutes of the film ended, it has already shown us a great number of differences between the two main cultures in the film: Greek and your typical American. Toula's first lines actually told us how big the difference of expectations a Greek girl has from an American one. She stated that they were expected to do three things in their lives: first, marry a Greek boy, second, make Greek babies, and third, feed everyone.
~~~After that, she started to talk about her growing up years. As a six year old kid, she already knew that she was different. From her looks ("I was a swarthy six year old with sideburns." -Toula) to the food that she ate (i.e. Moussaka vs. wonder bread sandwiches) and the extre schooling she got (greek school). Also, as a kid, she grew up getting used too her mom's delicious cooking and her special side dish, which was called "steaming hot guilt". If anyone thinks that that wasn't enough, their house was modeled after the Parthenon, completed with Corinthian columns and was guarded by the gods.
~~All in all, Toula's concluding sentence was: "And in case the neighbours had any doubts about our heritage, they could just check out our subtle tribute to the Greek flag."
~These are just some of the many examples of how Toula and the film itself showed the difference between each culture.
What cultural dilemma/problem do Ian and Toula face?
~As a Greek woman, Toula was expected to marry a Greek man, make Greek babies and feed everyone. And so, after falling for and getting together with Ian, they faced the wrath of her whole family (especially her father) for two main reasons: first, for not letting them know earlier, and second, for Ian not being... well, Greek. But Ian wanted to prove how much he loves her, and so, he decided to freely become a part of the Greek Orthodox Church in order to be able to marry Toula and not offend her family and the traditions they lived by.
If you were Ian, would you have agreed to join another church in order to marry Toula? Explain why or why not.
~If I were him, my decision would lie based on the Church's traditions. If its beliefs and my original Church's beliefs are quite similar, and not contradictory, then I would choose to become a part that Order. I can't really base my decision on the things that he based his for, for I have never been in the same situation (and doubt that I'll ever be).
What are some of the symbols related to Toula's culture that were present in the film? Why is it important to her family to have these cultural symbols displayed?
~The first symbol related to Toula's culture was the family's house completely based 9just the outside) on the infamous Parthenon. The second was the Greek gods outside their house that was meant to 'protect' the inhabitants within it. The other symbols that followed throughout the film were: the Greek flag, the food, dances and the wine. All these symbols held great importance to Toula's family. For one, it reminded them of their hometown and mother country. Second, every time they see, eat or participate in one of these symbols/traditions, they feel as if they were home. It also reminded them to not forget about their own culture, while they adapted to a new one. in short, these symbols made their culture more distinct and unique than anyone else.
How does Toula feel about her culture and her family?
~~~Ever since the start of the film, Toula felt trapped by her family and their culture: the expectations that she had to live up to, the traditions that slowly pissed her off and the rules that she had to follow. near the beginning of the film, Toula showed an interest in studying computers. But since Greek girls were expected to be married by her age, and not do anything else except help out in their family restaurant, Toula barely had any choice. Therefore, she asked her mother for help in convincing her father to let her go to college and find her own path for success.
~~As the story progressed, she met and ignored one of her family's traditions - having a Greek boyfriend. As happy as she was in finding Ian and having him on her life, she was afraid to introduce him to her family for she had never known anyone within it that got together or marry a non-Greek. In the end, Ian had to become a part of her Church, in order to marry her.
~Speaking of marriage, Toula and Ian never had any say on the event. Her whole family decided to budge in and make their opinions matter (and happen). Toula felt taht they were too pushy and loud, and big and annoying. But as she said in the end, no matter how much they fought or laughed, they were still her family.
What is the major institution that is present in this film? Describe who is a part of it, each member's roles and the values/norms that are being upheld in this institution.
~The film My Big Fat Greek Wedding is basically about the Portakalos family's traditions and the life that they live. The main family consists of Gus (Kostas) as the father, Maria (mother), Athena (the "perfect" - Greekly speaking - older sister), Fotoula (a failure of a woman - in Greek terms) and Nick (the artist wannabe). Gus, as the head of the family dictates and ensures order to everyone within it. He also acts as the decision maker - in short, whatever he says goes. Maria, the "neck" of the family, cooks, takes care of the children and manages the restaurant. She acts as the referee between everyone and makes Gus understands his children's decisions. She's also the only one who can turn the bull-headed Gus the other way around. Athena, the oldest child in the family, portrays the perfect woman (in Greek terms). She had successfully married young, had three kids and learned to nag a whole lot more than what she's used to. In the movie, she left the confines of the Portakolos family and is now living with her poor husband. Toula, the protagonist of the story, works at her family's restaurant, the Dancing Zorba, and was afraid of getting stuck there for the rest of her life. in the family, she acts as her mother's and sister's assistant and works as a waitress at the restaurant. last but not the least, is Nick. As the second man in the family, he's given and is expected to do two main tasks: to cook in the restaurant and to marry a Greek virgin.
Do you feel that Canada has largely succeeded in creating a great "mosaic" or is it more like a "salad bowl"?
~Based on the school alone, teachers and students can really see and feel the differences of the people around them - especially at lunch time where all the little cliques gathers up and eat together as a group. Canada, in my opinion, has been successful in introducing and 'mixing' together tons of different people from other cultures but isn't quite there yet to be considered a "mosaic". people still tend to "hang out" with those of the same race, color, religion and physical looks. Just looking at all of the grades, most of the more oriental-looking Asians hang out together at lunch (hence, the "Asian table"). And although they may have "other" friends, they mostly keep to themselves. i, for one, having been in this country for four years** [at the time] was used to this even if I hang out with, as I would say, a truly mixed group at lunch. I believe that no matter whom or what we are, all of us have that instinct of wanting to be with the people who we feel that we belong to.
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