You need to watch the film “The Intern” and perform a critical cultural analysis. In two pages students will discuss how various cultural/social identities interacted with career choices made in the film.
ANSWER
Critical Cultural Analysis of the Film “The Intern”
The film “The Intern” explores the career choices of individuals from different cultural and social identities. The film’s protagonist, Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro), is a retired widower who decides to intern at an online fashion company, About The Fit, led by Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway).
Generational Identity
One of the key themes of the film is the clash between different generations in the workplace. Ben is a Baby Boomer, while Jules is a Millennial. Ben is from a generation that values experience and hard work, while Jules is from a generation that values innovation and work-life balance.
At first, Ben and Jules clash over their different work styles. Ben is used to working long hours and following a strict hierarchy. Jules, on the other hand, encourages her employees to work flexible hours and to take breaks when they need them.
However, over time, Ben and Jules learn from each other and come to respect each other’s different perspectives. Ben helps Jules to see the value of experience and hard work, while Jules helps Ben to see the value of innovation and work-life balance.
Gender Identity
Another key theme of the film is the challenges faced by women in the workplace. Jules is a successful businesswoman, but she still faces sexism and discrimination.
For example, Jules is often underestimated by her male colleagues. They assume that she is not as qualified or capable as they are. Jules also has to deal with unrealistic expectations from her employees and customers.
Ben provides support to Jules as she navigates these challenges. He helps her to build confidence and to stand up for herself. Ben also helps Jules to see the value of her work and to appreciate her accomplishments.
Social Class Identity
The film also explores the challenges faced by individuals from lower social classes in the workplace. Ben is a retired blue-collar worker. He is used to working hard and following orders.
However, Ben struggles to adjust to the corporate culture of About The Fit. He feels out of place and intimidated by his younger, more affluent colleagues.
Jules helps Ben to feel more comfortable in the workplace. She encourages him to share his knowledge and experience with his colleagues. Jules also helps Ben to see the value of his work and to appreciate his accomplishments.
Conclusion
The film “The Intern” provides a nuanced and complex portrayal of the career choices made by individuals from different cultural and social identities. The film shows how these individuals can learn from each other and support each other in the workplace.
The film also highlights the challenges faced by women and individuals from lower social classes in the workplace. However, the film also shows that these individuals can overcome these challenges and achieve success.
In addition to the themes discussed above, the film also explores the following cultural/social identities and their interactions with career choices:
Race and ethnicity: Ben is white, while Jules is black. Ben’s whiteness gives him certain advantages in the workplace, such as being more likely to be seen as competent and trustworthy. Jules’ blackness, on the other hand, can make her more likely to face discrimination and prejudice.
Sexual orientation: Ben is heterosexual, while Jules is implied to be bisexual. Ben’s heterosexuality gives him certain advantages in the workplace, such as being more likely to be seen as “normal” and “fitting in.” Jules’ bisexuality, on the other hand, can make her more likely to face discrimination and prejudice.
Disability: Ben is physically fit and healthy, while Jules has a chronic illness. Ben’s physical fitness and health give him certain advantages in the workplace, such as being more likely to be seen as “strong” and “capable.” Jules’ chronic illness, on the other hand, can make her more likely to face discrimination and prejudice.
The film shows how these cultural/social identities can interact with career choices in complex and sometimes contradictory ways. For example, Ben’s whiteness may give him advantages in some areas of the workplace, but it may also make him more likely to be stereotyped and dismissed. Jules’ blackness may make her more likely to face discrimination, but it may also give her a unique perspective and insight that is valuable to her company.
Overall, the film “The Intern” provides a valuable and thought-provoking exploration of the career choices made by individuals from different cultural and social identities. The film shows how these individuals can overcome challenges and achieve success, but it also shows that there is still much work to be done to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.