The views on the cultural stereotypes that are represented in the film Bride and Prejudice that I have perceived is typical. The world is enveloped in various cultures and traditions. This means that there are bound to be stereotypes as time progresses such as how women in India are portrayed as simple and traditional and are apparently shunned to making too intelligible remarks or even stating their own opinion (a major concept in the film). Another cultural stereotype is marriage in both the Western and Indian cultures. As Mr. Darcy stated in the film “I just find the whole arrange marriage thing strange. How can two people marry each other when they don’t even know each other? It’s a little backward don’t you think?” it is clear to see that he is making a cultural judgement on how marriage is carried-out in India. I think that the whole issue of marriage that is presented in the film is a good way to compare and contrast our own culture. But every country has its own unique values and morals to uphold and if one may disagree to an arranged marriage, they can just separate in the future. For me, marriage should be for when two people love each other and that should be the extent of what it is for. Not for money or for power because love will find its way, even when the situation would be deemed highly unlikely (as in the case of Will Darcy and Lalita).
The clash of cultures is evident through the characterisation of Lalita and William Darcy and my view on the cultural stereotype of marriage and the role of women is somewhat confusion and disgust. The confusion is how marriage is such a complicated term in itself, with some using it as a means of gaining income and some to keep an eminent reputation and my disgust refers to how the masses think that women in India (or in any other place in the world) are contemplated as simple and traditional. Women also have feelings and opinions too, but because of the pressure that they are put under, are forced to keep unspoken and let themselves be treated as possessions for a variety of reasons.
The way the U.S/ British culture see the world gives one the benefit of the doubt that their culture may be better than this more ‘superior culture’. Darcy represents this cultural imperialism and discreetly imposes it upon Lalita and I think it is unjust and prejudice. When Darcy was actually given the opportunity to experience the Indian heritage, he may have actually come to enjoy it.
Therefore, I have a number of perspectives on the cultural stereotypes that are illustrated and changes each time I gain an insight into the real world and culture of the Indian people and other places.
What are your views on the cultural stereotypes represented in the film?
Date: 22/07/2010 | By: Chloee Wongso