Gran Torino Stereotypes

The movie, Gran Torino was released in 2008. The movie tells a story about a retired auto worker who was also a Korean War vet. The retired vet, Walt Kowalski who is played by Clint Eastwood has an empty life and fills his days with drinking beer, repairing his home, and despising the Asian, Black, and Latino families in the neighborhood. In the movie he becomes a reluctant hero when he stands up to the gangs who tried to force an Asian teen to steel Walt’s most prized position, his car. An unexpected friendship occurs between Walt and the teenager and he realizes he has more in common with his neighbors than he thought. This movie portrays a wealth of cultural diversity where resistance, prejudice, and stereotype are depicted in the main character; Walt. As Walt’s world changes, his neighborhood is also changing. His wife passes away, his relationship with his children is distant, and the memory of his years at war has destroyed his capability to enjoy life. Unexpectedly, he builds a bond with children of Hmong culture. He is faced with destructive prejudice that consumes his neighborhoods gang

He promised Walt’s wife that he would look after Walt to make sure he goes to confession after she was gone. In this scene, Walt and the father do not agree with the promises the father intends to keep. Walt mocks the priest instantly by saying “I never really cared much for church; I only went because of her”. He goes on to insult him further saying he would not confess to a boy right out of seminary. In this scene, cultural differences of identity, cloud both the father’s and Walt’s perception of each other. Their cultures are very different of each other and make communication difficult. Walt does not find the Father credible because of his age and his religion. However the Father’s religious culture and beliefs allow him to be more tolerant of Walt’s