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The film "Our Family Wedding" explores the complexities and cultural clashes that arise when two families from different racial backgrounds come together to plan the wedding of their daughter and son. This cinematic narrative delves into the challenges and conflicts that arise due to the stark cultural differences between the two families. With a traditional Mexican family representing the bride, Lucia, and an African-American family representing the groom, Marcus, the film highlights the contrasting habits, lifestyles, values, and thought processes that lead to friction and collision plots throughout the planning process.
This essay aims to dissect the cultural disparities portrayed in the movie, examining their impact on the wedding planning and proposing strategies to mitigate such conflicts.
The core conflict within the movie stems from the cultural disparities between Lucia's Mexican family and Marcus's African-American family. Several instances in the film highlight these differences, leading to clashes in their wedding planning:
One of the early cultural clashes arises when Lucia's father insists that it is customary for a man to propose marriage to the woman's parents.
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“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”
He conveys this expectation to Marcus, emphasizing the importance of this tradition as a sign of respect for the woman's family. In contrast, Marcus, representing modern American culture, dismisses the need for such a proposal. This clash exemplifies the differences between traditional Mexican values, which hold this practice in high regard, and contemporary American beliefs that consider it unnecessary.
Proposal: To address this conflict, as their wedding planner, I would facilitate a discussion between the two families separately. This would allow each family to express their views and traditions without immediate opposition. Following these individual discussions, I would work to find a compromise that respects both the traditional Mexican customs and the modern American perspective. Encouraging open communication and understanding would be essential in resolving this issue.
Another significant clash arises when the engaged couple expresses their desire for a simple wedding. Despite their preference, both families have their own distinct ideas for the wedding, resulting in a contentious debate. Lucia's family leans towards a traditional Mexican wedding, while Marcus's family envisions an African descent wedding. The differences in customs and traditions further exacerbate the issue.
Proposal: As the wedding planner, I would advocate for a compromise that allows both families to celebrate their cultural heritage while respecting the couple's wishes for a simple wedding. This could involve incorporating elements of both Mexican and African-American traditions into the ceremony or hosting separate cultural celebrations before or after the main wedding event. Such a solution would acknowledge the importance of cultural identity while prioritizing the engaged couple's desires.
A significant cultural conflict centers around the choice between a Catholic-style wedding in a church and a non-traditional wedding favored by Marcus. Lucia's mother and grandmother, driven by their religious beliefs, vehemently oppose Marcus's preference for a non-traditional ceremony. This clash highlights the tension between religious convictions and personal choices.
Proposal: To address this issue, I would engage in individual conversations with both families to understand their religious beliefs and the significance of their preferred wedding styles. By facilitating open dialogue, I would aim to find common ground that respects the religious values of Lucia's family while accommodating Marcus's desire for a non-traditional wedding. This compromise could involve incorporating religious elements into the ceremony in a way that aligns with Marcus's beliefs without compromising the essence of the wedding.
"Our Family Wedding" offers a poignant portrayal of the challenges that arise when two families from different cultural backgrounds come together to plan a wedding. The clash of traditions, values, and beliefs serves as a backdrop for the narrative, underscoring the importance of open communication and compromise. As the wedding planner, my proposed strategies aim to navigate and mitigate these cultural conflicts, ultimately fostering understanding and unity between the families. By respecting each family's heritage while prioritizing the couple's wishes, a harmonious and memorable wedding celebration can be achieved, bridging the gap between diverse cultures and beliefs.
Cultural Differences in "Our Family Wedding". (2017, Jan 10). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/our-family-wedding-essay
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