The Ambiguity of Belonging

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one (often contradicting) aspects or meanings feeling of being torn apart, incomplete, isolated being connected to other promises security, comfort, happiness but can also make us feel uncertain and insecure sometimes the different facets of our identity may be in conflict with each other-> feeling alienated or excluded no single/easy answer to the question: Where do I belong?-> different, sometimes contradictory answers belonging is ambiguous regarding duration (only belonging to group for certain time period), intention (feeling art of place in a group one hasn't intentionally rushed), intensity (individuals' need for belonging differentiate) Belonging in Gran Torino Belonging and Gender Traditional gender roles in Hmong culture: patriarchy-> men as leaders who should be strong and in control (-> Thao doesn't correspond), women's primary roles are childbearing, household chores, should be submissive and obedient to husband/ father/ brother Often especially difficult for Hmong boys to find place in American society-> fathers are either absent or not able to fulfil expectations of strong leaders-> Thao's insecurity, lack of orientation, gang's violence Walt's stereotypical masculinity: drinks beer, eats beef jerky, special language with friends, former solider, solves conflicts with violence, handyman, doesn't want to show weaknesses, hides his illness, refuses gadgets for elderly people Walt as male role model for Thao Walt's aim: "manning Thao up": acquire basic handyman skills, get a job, learn how to curse/ speak like a man, ask a girl out Thao's development: Backyard: spreading mulch in backyard corresponds to lack of perspective, his language mirrors his insecurity-> many questions and 'maybe's, takes Walt's teasing remarks seriously Construction site: stands for masculinity, strength, future prospects, ambition, progress body language still shows insecurity but he has learned how men talk Thao as a boy-> shy, submissive, no job-> housekeeper, childlike/ insecure body language Thao as a man-> self-confident, positive outlook on life, Job/ girlfriend-> pride Belonging and class Setting: impoverished neighborhood in Detroit whose automotive industry was once flourishing-> how: unemployment, abandoned neighborhoods, drop in population Gun violence probably a result of disorientation, hopelessness and lack of future prospects Walt's blue-collar mentality: has worked in the car industry for almost 30 years, proud of Gran Torino and handyman skills Contemptuous of his son Mitch and his middle-class existence (job in sales of foreign cars) Thao without direction as to his future until Walt tutors him and gets him a job in construction Belonging and Home/ Place Walt still lives in his old neighborhood, although he feels alienated there because of the many Asian immigrants and although his sons urge him to move out Walt's reason for studying: connection to Dorothy/ to seemingly well-ordered past, trying to remain in control Neighborhood: helping each other, refurbishing houses in the neighborhood (Walt and Thao) Belonging and Religion Walt Does not really have a religious belief, but ceremonies should be held appropriately Dorothy's wish for Walt to go to confession-> ultimately confesses, but only his "neglectable" sins (kissing another woman, not paying taxes)-> no sense of belonging to church, doesn't confess whole-heartedly Rejection of the hypocrisy of church Father Janovich's development: from rather shallow, meaningless sermon to learning about life and death through Walt's example Hmong shaman is the first to sense Walt's troubled soul Development-> leaves his house to church, opens up to father Janovich, respects him, Walt's Christlike sacrifice Hmong family - Religious traditions/ ceremonies are very important and emotional Family members show great respect towards newborn ceremony Traditional clothing at church (Walt's funeral) Thao seems uninterested in the ceremony-> lacks sense of belonging Belonging and Ethnicity/Race Hmong family Thao as typical example of teenager torn between two cultures: part of Hmong community, yet no place neither in family nor in gang, born in US, dresses like an American, wants to fit in (blue collar job/ clothes, language), Americanized by Walt, end: Gran Torino-> upward mobility, endless opportunities → Gangs seem to provide orientation for alienated male teenagers (Hispanics, Hmong, African Americans) Sue seems to be different: knows Hmong customs well, seems to be proud of her heritage, but also at home in American society (white boyfriend, college) Walt Feels alienated in his old neighborhood-> only white person in only well-maintained house in neighborhood with mostly Asian immigrants, likes order and cleanliness (exemplified by Gran Torino), traditional values Prejudice, in tolerance and racism fed by his past as solider in Korean war-> had to learn to have a low opinion of Asians in order to justify the atrocities Calls his neighbors "gooks", "chickens", "zipperheads", "swamprats", thinks in stereotypes-> Asians are smart, uncivilized and "jungle people" ➤ Development of Walt's racism: Keeps racist façade until end, but his behavior shows that his attitude has changed towards more openness, empathy and tolerance Through relationship with Sue and Thao he learns to see people as individuals whose moral standing and worthiness doesn't depend on ethnicity Former "strangeness" is seen as expressions of cultural traditions and contentions by Walt in the end-> becomes more tolerant But has he really changed his opinions towards immigrants in general? The need to assimilate Thao into mainstream society is accepting Thao as Hmong member Belonging and family Walt Usual white middle-class family Was married to the best wife he could imagine-> lost his beloved wife Never had close relationship to sons-> distant, unemotional atmosphere, feels completely estranged from them and their families, shows no genuine sympathy for each other, no connection, feelings like greed, disappointment, lack of understanding and interest, betrayal-> nursing home, burden to his family Generation conflict: conservatism vs. "spoilt youth", different values in life → Growing sense of alienation, but Walt tries to bridge the gap-> tries to call son to tell him about his illness Only companion: dog Daisy Hmong family Traditional family-> closeness, respectful behavior, relaxing atmosphere, community more important than individual, patriarchal structure Thao: protection by his 'inner circle' (Sue/his mother)-> close ties, emotional and financial support Generation conflict: different degrees of integration/ assimilation Thao: alienated, outsider within his family-> does not fulfill the family's expectations/ doesn't live up to the family's ideals of masculinity Wrong image of family loyalty as propagated by Hmong gang → Both don't fulfill family's expectations: related by blood, yet out of touch, both feel alone and not part of their family-> no belonging → Walt appears to show open contempt for his family while Thao is submissive and lacks self-confidence Belonging and Friendship/Peer group Hmong gang: connected due to family ties (Fong/ Spider is Thao's cousin), offer protection from other gangs, possible replacement for lack of friends, but Thao is not convinced to join-> has to steal the Gran Torino Family doesn't need to be defined by blood ties-> Walt's closer relationship with Sue and Thao than with own sons → Development from loose neighbors to strong male bonding (maybe even "father-son") 4 initiations that bring them closer: Unsuccessful theft 1. 2. Thao working for Walt and slowly standing up to him-> freezer scene 3. Thao proving that he can act and talk like a man 4. Thao passing the job interview ➜ Offers sense of belonging outside the family Final bonding-> repair shop/ final handshake (mutual respect) => scarification Belonging and language Hmong family: older generations don't speak English at all, whereas Sue and Thao are bilingual Hmong gang speaks English (rebellion against older generations) Typical sociolects for different ethnic groups Walt's racist and insulting language presented as sign of his masculinity, "manning Thao up" involves showing him "how men talk", wants to appear superior and cover his own insecurities, to create a sense of belonging with the group of people he wants to be part of-> use of language is ambiguous because it has different functions, both exclusion and inclusion Belonging and Violence Escalation of violence: insults, threats, physical violence (Smokie burning Thao with cigarette, Walt beating up Smokie, gun attack, Sue's rape, Walt provoking gang into shooting him dead) Walt probably suffering from PTSD (=post traumatic stress disorder-> mental health condition which results from either witnessing or experiencing a terrifying situation) → Distanced relationship with fellow men, emotional numbness, bitterness, recurring feelings of guilt Walt used to solving problems by use of violence (war veteran)-> defends his property and possessions, not relying on the police Ending of the conflict and Walt's redemption and self-sacrifice: Walt is unarmed, pretends to seek vengeance Belonging and Guilt/Redemption Confessions in church Kissed another woman Didn't pay taxes while selling a boat and a motor Was never close with his sons → Neglectable-> no sense of belonging to church → Find peace with Dorothy before finding peace with himself Yes/ What he does Does he really atone for his sins? Goes to confession Relationship with sons: tries to call son after his diagnosis, helps Thao find a job-> replaces father role War: sacrifices himself, tries to help Thao/ Sue wherever he can- > give them the chance he took from teenager in Korea Gang conflict: ends it by sacrificing his life, puts life of others first and suffers himself->saves Thao and Sue from further violence, redeeming his former sins Belonging in Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter Loneliness Confessions to Thao in the basement. Killed people in war-> is soiled, has blood on his hands → True, hidden, evil sins-> friendship, pure honesty, deep bond, relationship developes Alice Jones is forced to remain lonely-> son with married man Ina Ott suffers-> is avoided due to son's role as murder suspect No Sins can't be undone-> dead people don't come back to life Had disease-> was going to die anyway Preferred to die as hero (American, manly stereotype) instead of dying in silence in nursing home → Savior complex-> uses his neighbors to make up for past mistakes, to make himself feel better, runs away from problems Problem that accompanies Larry from infancy to adulthood-> accepts Wallace as friend-> makes it easy for others to deceive and manipulate him, the only moment where he can break free from his loneliness is at the haunted house party Wallace is an outsider-> deviant behavior and strange habits Betrayal Carl betrays Ina by sleeping with Alice and allowing her and Silas to live on their land Larry betrays his father by telling his mom that Carl has given Alice and Silas a ride Larry betrays Silas when he offends him using the N-word Silas betrays Cindy by not rescuing her from her from her father, breaking up with her and starting a baseball career Silas betrays Larry because he remains silent about Cindy's disappearance Cindy betrays Larry to be able to meet up with Silas Belonging and Language Especially in direct speech: Southern vernacular which emphasizes the novel's local character Partly racist slurs and insults to mark "men's speech" (Carl, Cecil, Wallace) Larry presented as rather well-read through his use of technical terms Belonging and Religion Ina Ott is highly religious-> night time prayer about a "special friend" for Larry-> family Larry initially wants to continue to go to his mother's church-> connection to his mother, loyalty-> family Church is the place where Wallace sees Larry for the first time Churches mostly segregated in Larry's and Sila's youth-> ethnicity Belonging and Gender Larry seen as girlish and not manly enough by his father and peers-> family/ peer group Larry's "girlishness" one of the reasons why he is an outsider and why his alleged date is so important to him-> family/ peer group One aspect of the plot: (sexual) crime against women-> Tina, Cindy, Wallace's misogynist attitude (dog John Wayne Gacy, named after serial killer and rapist) Belonging and Ethnicity/Race Setting: Southern US, Mississippi, late 1970s (after segregation period) But Chabot is depicted as a racially biased community-> underlying racism shown by Cecil and Carl illustrates the mindset of the rural population in the South at this time Larry and Silas go to a racially integrated high school, but racism still part of everyday life Racism affects Larry's role as an outsider at school-> excluded from mostly black community as one of only few white boys Larry's racism as means to belong to a group of white boys and as reaction to humiliation and bullying (Monkey Lips incident)-> as adult distanced from racism African American Alice as maid (and mistress) of white Ott family (Carl)-> Alice's reluctance to let Silas spend time with Larry is due to personal experience, not primary due to racism Miscegenation (=interracial relationships) shown as a "forbidden fruit / a sin" in society-> Carl-Alice, Silas-Cindy Racism is part of the friendship plotline (reason why Silas and Larry have to hide their friendship-> eventually falls apart due to racial animosities-> insult n-word ends the friendship (connection with inferiority, humiliation, getting the upper hand) Belonging and Class Larry is born in a rather well-off middle-class family (possession of land, father's respected job in his own garage) As an adult, Larry's social standing has deteriorated: high school dropout, few customers, has to sell land Sila's early time in Chabot marked by extreme poverty: single mother has two jobs, they live on the fringes of society in Ott's old cabin-> Silas aware of this inequality As an adult, Silas has become a well-respected member of society: baseball career offered him an opportunity to go to college, becomes member of Chabot's police force Walker family: lower class, dysfunctional family, Cindy's wish to escape "White trash Avenue": Wallace Stringfellow, Irina Mott and others as typical representatives of a white "underclass" Belonging and Home/ Place Silas Moves to Chabot from Chicago at 13, returns after college Chicago: part of black community-> estrangement from his home and mother-> less belonging Chabot: reaches bottom of social ladder, robbed of former life-> loss of belonging, Silas- uprooted outsider in new community field up with racial violence Seems to fit in perfectly with the concept of masculinity prevalent in the South but cannot reach full acceptance-> place with long- standing tradition of racial prejudices Larry Wants to fit in with male-dominated culture of South but is rejected by chief representative: Carl Ott Feels attracted to guns and hunting, is familiar with surrounding area, deeply rooted in traditional ways of the South But cannot gain access to the local community after becoming murder suspect-> withdraws from community Does not leave despite being an outsider and having no customers → They both have a deep-rooted connection to home: family loyalty, "unfinished business"-> guilt/ redemption Belonging and Violence Larry's experiences with violence: victim of school bullying, abusive father, accused of violent sexuality motivated crime against Cindy Walker (and Tina Rutherford), almost killed by Wallace Gun ownership connected to masculinity, power, having a father (figure)-> attractive to young Larry and Sias In their adult lives, both men are rather suspicious of guns Belonging and Guilt/Redemption Apparently obvious guilt: Larry and his alleged crime vs. hidden guilt: Sila's cowardice N-word insult as real reason for end of friendship or as pretext for conscience-stricken Silas not to tell the truth Wallace's obvious guilt and Larry's attempt at denying it When Larry is shot, Silas is at first hesitant to respond to Larry's phone call Chances his mind and wants to amend for his betrayal by taking up investigations in Larry's case, he is ready to forgive Larry and asks him for forgiveness ➜ → Sila's attempts at making up for past errors: feeding chickens, visiting mrs Ott, finally telling the truth, visiting Larry Is forgiveness possible after years of lies? Larry's sense of belonging-> haunted house party Larry himself is responsible for being an outsider The others treat Larry like an outsider Not actively going up to people, just standing there and Silas not waving back at Larry waiting for people to talk to him Not going to ball games or prom Everyone pretending not to see him when he came out of the house Silas didn't run after Larry when he drove away-> everyone laughing Everyone keeps talking, ignoring Larry, looking away Seeing him as a mask, not as a person Bringing snakes/ zombie mask to school without actively trying to socialize In the black neighborhood in Chicago, Silas feels well-accepted and well-integrated, but once he has returned to Chabot, he is confronted with white racism and cannot establish a network of friends-> only superficially acquainted with his co-workers and no profound relationship with Angie-> flirts with Irina Belonging and Family Silas Alice loves Silas dearly and works hard to provide him with better chances in life Silas is dissatisfied with his poor and fearless upbringing and his mother's seeming security to white people, but he often feels guilty for not being a good son and "lacking something" in his mother's eyes-> guilt/ redemption He is Carl Ott's illegitimate child-> character strongly shaped by absence of father figure Being half-brothers, Silas and Larry belong to each other-> Silas reflects their father's side, Larry seems to resemble his mother's side (Ina Ott, uncle Colin) Larry Larry + Carl's father-son relationship Carl is abusive father, demands respect instead of showing love Dislikes Larry because of appearance and interests-> humiliation Sadistic treatment, lacks emotional depth and thoughtfulness-> fight, uncaring husband, alcoholic Larry tries to get in touch with him but doesn't succeed Is longing for belonging to /respect by his father Character shaped by presence of dominating/ cruel father →But lifelong loyalty-> Larry becomes a mechanic, looks after house and chickens, visits mother in care home, wants to go to Ina's church Belonging and Peer group/Friendship Larry Larry + Ina's mother-son relationship Ina loves and protects Larry But he can't rely on her-> as house-wife she's too dependent on Carl, only prays for Larry He's closer to her but takes care as given Concentrates more on pleasing Carl Youth: outsider, excluded, not accepted by other boys, victim of school bullying-> low self-esteem, longs for friendship-> vulnerable for other's attempts to manipulate him (Ken and David, Cindy) No close connection to others, only part of local community because of parental roots Never capable of stripping off role as outside observer, reader of environment, not part of it Life after Cindy's disappearance: complete loneliness-> accepts loneliness which he compensates by resorting to horror novels Isolated from the sphere of human relations, he even bonds with Wallace and assumes responsibility for him (plans to hire him at the garage), senses as father figure/ role model Silas Popularity and social standing in Chabot: baseball star, later police officer, but also based on concealing the truth about Cindy's disappearance Relationship with angie: only gradually opening up to her and letting her see behind the façade of the famous ex-baseballer and popular police officer Larry's and Sila's friendship Pro Connected because of lack of father who takes care of them Bond because they are outsiders Spend time together-> exploring woods, hunting, fishing ➜Friendship gives them a sense of belonging Con Have to keep friendship secret because parents would disapprove Not common interests/ beliefs-> observing Cindy Interracial friendship is considered wrong/ unethical in the context of discrimination Friendship on unequal footing: Silas is socially "inferior" but more self- confident, more popular Friendship is doomed to fail →Friendship ends after the fight for the rifle: Larry feels humiliated by Carl and makes a highly offensive remark (uses the n-word)-> motivation for Silas's betrayal-> fails to exonerate Larry when concealing relationship with Cindy Topics Friendship and guilt - central topic: Sila's acknowledgement of guilt and the brother's final reconciliation -Silas is guilty for remaining silent about the true cause of events that lead to Cindy's disappearance-> Larry's ostracism - Carl is guilty for being unfaithful to his wife, for his rude ways with Larry, for ruining his friendship with Silas - Wallace is guilty for the crimes he has committed - Larry is guilty for ruining his friendship to Silas, hurting Silas-> calling him the N-word Secrets Alice Jone's affair with Carl Ott Larry's fascination with Cindy Wanker Murder cases remain unsolved for a while Focus of secrets: cabin-> Alice and Silas live there to be kept secret by Carl, Silas and Larry live out their secret friendship, Wallace buries Tina Rutherford Motifs ad Symbols Zombie mask, books, snakes, Carl Ott's rifle, mailboxes, chickens, coats and gloves, cabin (stark script) Larry's attempts to belong (in his youth) Attempts to belong Tries to please father-> mechanic store Calls Jackie 'monkey lips' to bond with Ken and David Wears zombie mask to haunted house party Brings snakes etc. to school- >seeks attention Passes rifle to Silas Date with Cindy-> thinks his life will change Consequences Belt-whipping from father Beaten up by class-> traumatized Ignored by peers-> laugh at him and only see him as mask, short moment of popularity Other students find him weird Start of secret friendship, but also fight-> end of friendship Ostracism, total breakdown of social ties-> people believe he killed her - still very easy to get a firearm - gun laws have many loopholes Leaves Chabot to army and to become mechanic-> stays outsider that is shunned by community, back to exclusion, loneliness Carl: continues drinking heavily-> dies in car accident, total rejection of son Ina: loss of social ties-> stops going to church, Alzheimer's Pro gun control - Most deadly and violent crimes committed with guns, restricting ownership gun would reduce number - Victim with guns may be more in danger than unarmed person - suicides and crimes of passion are higher with more gun availability, much easier to act immediately on your impulses when guns available - crimes that may be less harmful can be made more dangerous by guns - legalized gun ownership means guns have a greater chance of falling into hands of kids - increased terrorism, school shootings - settlers brought the fear of standing armies -> everyone had to protect themselves, nowadays they have army, navy, etc. - hunting eapons aren't the problem -> it's the semi- automatic rifles, made to kill ppl - guns make it easier for someone to kill sb. More guns -> more likelier use of guns - even legally owned weapons can lead to tragic deaths; can be stolen, often by children - banning guns won't make USA a gun-free country, but there will be fewer guns and therefore fewer gun related deaths - Potential benefits of a crime stopped have to be weighed against the risks involved - judiciary must bring ppl to justice, not individuals - shooting as Sport desensitizes ppl to the lethal and dangerous nature of firearms - other countries with strict gun laws have much lower gun- related deaths and wounds - prospect of meeting an armed citizen might lead to the criminal using their gun first Against gun gontrol - criminals will always find a way to get access to guns, leaving the others without weapons for protection - crimes often prevented because victim had a gun - women and weak pp! only have guns for self Defence, can't do it in other ways - guns in possession of citizens are an added protection against government tyranny - police overwhelmed to protect all citizens from violent crime - banning guns will create another potientially large source of organized criminal activity, black market for guns will develop - banning guns will take away another piece of citizens liberty and freedom - reasonable gun control and education steps can be put in place so absolute ban is unnecessary - second amendment says and grants that every US citizen shall have the right to keep and bear arms for the security of a free state - right to defend your family and property - gun ownership is also a cultural aspect - hunting is an important element of rural life - Europe was feudal and only nobility was allowed to hunt and fish, in US everybody is and was allowed to - farmers need guns to protect their livestock and crops from animals - in Alaska they need to protect themselves from wildlife like polar bears - guns don't kill people - people do. - guns have to be kept in secure places; there will always be irresponsible ppl, laws can't change that - most states have already limited gun ownership - gun control won't keep criminals from committing crime - armed citizens could stop a crime in its tracks before it comes worse - emphasized individualism, they rely less on government or police to protect them - shooting is a major sport enjoyed by many - citizens without guns will be helpless against armed criminals