Multicultural Practices in the Film “Hidden Figures”
Media Literacy Exercise 10-30 points - General Criteria: Critical viewing of a film to identify evidences of bilingual and multicultural practices. If you have a film (other than one from this list) please let me know before using it for this assignment. The following films are recommended for viewing:
Hidden Figures
The Hundred-Foot Journey Hardball
Real Women Have Curves
My Family American History X
A Walk in the Clouds
Black Cloud
The Milagro Bean Field War
Like water for Chocolate
Crazy from the Heart
Traffic
Heaven
Luminarias
Gangs of New York
Rabbit-Proof Fence
Fools Rush In
Crash
Something the Lord Made
The 3 Burials of Melquiades Estrada
English as a Second Language
Under the Same Moon
Cross Over
Avatar
The Help
Freedom Writers
La Mission
Outsourced
The media literacy exercise will give you the opportunity to identify linguistic and cultural practices that have been discussed throughout the course. Each film does not include every concept identified below; use your best judgment on a film that will include most of these topics. If you choose a film other than one that is listed, inform the instructor before using it as your multicultural project. Explicit articulation in writing will be expected from students upon critical viewing of the film regarding the following topics: Identification of language-learning hypotheses: ✓ [BICS/CALPS] ✓ "Affective Filter" theory ✓ Factors in language retention and loss
Identification of multicultural aspects including stereotypes and generalizations about different languages, cultures, or ethnicities. Identification of bilingual and multicultural issues; by name identify which character and/or relationship in the video depicts an issue affecting bilingual and multicultural education. Include theories of accommodation, acculturation, and assimilation from your readings and research as well as the applications of the different models listed below: ✓ Ogbu's Classification Model ✓ Schumann's Acculturation Model ✓ Hall's Conception of Culture According to Context
Write a 3-5 page paper based on a current film. This paper will reflect what you have learned about multicultural theories as described in the Wayne Wright text and from module lectures. This paper must include at least 3 references and written in APA style. You will be expected to do a little research on your own to understand the multicultural issues related to education.
Multicultural Practices in the Film “Hidden Figures”
Introduction
The film “Hidden Figures” is an inspiring true story that showcases various multicultural practices and addresses issues related to language, culture, and ethnicity. This paper aims to analyze the film from a multicultural perspective and apply theories of accommodation, acculturation, and assimilation to understand the challenges faced by the characters. By examining the film through the lens of multicultural theories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of bilingual and multicultural education.
Language-Learning Hypotheses
In “Hidden Figures,” we can identify the language-learning hypotheses of BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) and CALPS (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency). The African-American women working at NASA, including Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan, display their BICS by effectively communicating with each other in their daily interactions. However, they also face challenges in developing their CALPS as they strive to overcome racial and gender barriers in a predominantly white and male-dominated environment.
Multicultural Aspects and Stereotypes
The film addresses various multicultural aspects and challenges stereotypes about different cultures and ethnicities. It highlights the discrimination faced by African-Americans during the 1960s, as they were subjected to racial segregation and limited opportunities for advancement. The film challenges the stereotype that women, especially African-American women, are incapable of excelling in fields such as mathematics and engineering.
Bilingual and Multicultural Issues
In “Hidden Figures,” the character Katherine Johnson represents an issue affecting bilingual and multicultural education. As an African-American woman working in a predominantly white institution, she faces numerous challenges related to language, culture, and ethnicity. Katherine’s ability to contribute her expertise is often undermined due to her race and gender. She experiences a lack of inclusion and struggles to navigate a system that does not fully accommodate her bilingual and multicultural background.
Theories of Accommodation, Acculturation, and Assimilation
Applying theories from our readings and research, we can analyze the experiences of the characters in “Hidden Figures.” Ogbu’s Classification Model helps us understand how African-Americans were placed in the subordinate category during this period and faced limited opportunities for upward mobility. Schumann’s Acculturation Model is evident in the way the African-American characters navigate their identities within a predominantly white environment, adopting elements of the dominant culture while maintaining their own cultural heritage. Hall’s Conception of Culture According to Context is observed as characters negotiate their identities and switch between different cultural codes depending on the situation.
Conclusion
“Hidden Figures” is a powerful film that sheds light on important multicultural issues related to language, culture, and ethnicity. Through the lens of theories of accommodation, acculturation, and assimilation, we can analyze the challenges faced by the characters in a predominantly white society. The film encourages us to reflect on the importance of bilingual and multicultural education, as it highlights how individuals from diverse backgrounds can overcome barriers and make significant contributions. By understanding these multicultural practices and theories, we can strive for a more inclusive and equitable society.