Interracial mariages/relationships and how cultural diversity plays out in interpersonal relationships

Part one: Lost in Paradise
To what extent can you relate to Ken? How so?
I relate with Ken because of the cultural constraints that interfere with his life. In as much as he wants to accommodate Kim’s family, they do not give his space for the same. I understand Ken’s frustrations because Kim seems indifferent toward his feelings. Also, it was quite unfair for Kim to make such rash decisions without consulting with Ken, her husband.
To what extent can you relate to Kim? How so?
Much as Kim may have been frustrated by Ken’s actions, I do not agree with her approach. It is wrong for her to alienate Ken by conversing in Chinese, a language that he does not understand (Novinger, 2001). She is only focused on pleasing her parents at Ken’s expense. Kim portrays narcissistic behavior by ignoring Ken’s requests and expecting to make all the decisions in their household. She should have handled the situation in a different manner by catering to both Ken and her parents.
Can you draw upon any real-life intimate relationship examples (involving yourself or your family members) that have had caused you tremendous relationship frustrations and stress? Are any of them related to cultural, ethnic, gender, religion, or sexual orientation issues?
A few years ago, I experienced a familial feud due to my cousin’s sexual orientation. He is like my best friend, and his happiness is important to me. Randall came out as a gay, and his parents threw him out of the house. They called all our relatives and informed them about their “disappointment”, and it was quite sad that my parents did not dispute.

Randall reached me, and I sneaked him into my room for almost two weeks. When my parents found out, I was punished severely.
If you can serve as a “relationship coach” to Ken and Kim, what would you say to them?
I would ask Ken and Kim to improve their communication skills. It is an important factor which either breaks or makes relationships. When Kim simply nods and ignores Ken’s requests, there is an evident loophole in their communicative process. In addition to cultural barriers, most of their problems emerged from petty misunderstandings.
Part two: Fools Rush In
Describe Matthew Perry’s character and some of his cultural attributes (individualism, collectivism, power dynamics, etc.)
Matthew Perry’s character is closely affiliated with the dynamics of power. As a wealthy and highly influential white man, he possesses control over the less fortunate members of his society. He is seen as a spontaneous individual due to his immediate lustful experience with Salma Hayek, who plays a female character in the film.
As a result of his social status, it is clear to observe Perry’s affiliation with individualism. The character, together with his counterparts, subscribe to a system that only focuses on individual development. As the film continues, the audience observes an extent of traditionalistic attributes in Matthew Perry’s character. He is in agreement with Hayek’s character regarding marriage simply because she is pregnant. In defining his character, the audience notes a connection between individualism and power dynamics.
Describe Salma Hayek’s character and some of her cultural attributes (individualism, collectivism, power dynamics, etc.)
In exploring Perry’s character, it is quite easy to understand the one played by Hayek. The female character is portrayed as a naïve character. It is, for this reason, that Perry’s character exercises his spontaneity and takes advantage of her. The inconsistency in Hayek’s character is notable through his failure to maintain contact with Perry after their first encounter. Unlike Perry’s character, she is seen to embrace collectivism; a missing trait during her childhood. The cultural constraints perpetrated by her relatives strengthen their affiliation with individualism. The character’s interaction with Perry’s character, however, is a clear indication of open-mindedness and change in her life. Making the choice of associating with people of diverse cultures reiterates the character’s accommodative traits.
What is the “problem” taking place in the movie?
There is an issue about cultural clashes and interracial marriages in the movie. Hayek’s character’s relatives are not appeased by her love interest. The difference in these individuals’ cultures accentuates the stereotypical nature of her family members. Andy Tennant’s audience may, therefore, assume that the problems faced by these protagonists are symbols of the prevalent distortion in the socio-cultural system (García, 2012). It is clear to observe that the cultural clashes give rise to class-consciousness. Perry’s character, for instance, accentuates the problematic nature of class alienation in various societies. People are discriminated based on race, cultures, and socio-economic capabilities, among others.
What are some of the cultural difficulties?
There are some cultural difficulties noted in Tennant’s film. He showcases Perry’s lamentations to his audience and portrays the problematic nature of stereotypical in-laws (Tennant, 1997). It is impossible for the female protagonist’s relatives to accept Perry’s character due to ethnical boundaries. They stick to their Mexican values and fail to accommodate the American man playing Matthew Perry’s character. Both characters’ families dispute their marriage, thereby, making it difficult for Perry’s and Hayek’s character.
How is intercultural flexibility shown?
In Tennant’s film, there is evidence of intercultural flexibility. Right from the beginning of his film, the audience meets two characters of different origins. Their impulsive coital encounter perpetuates the existence of intercultural flexibility. It is then accentuated further when the characters conceive. Tennant’s incorporation of a baby in the film is an indication of intercultural flexibility. He strives to unify these different characters by creating an object of extension. With the baby, Perry’s and Hayek’s character would have to get married. Their encounter also brings together these families of distinct cultural affiliations. Insofar as they object the marriage, Tennant manages to elicit slight instances of intercultural flexibility by developing an intimate bond between Perry and Hayek (Berardinelli, 2005).
If you were to give these characters “tips” on how to achieve more intercultural understanding towards the beginning of the movie, what would you tell them? How do you think this advice would help?
If I were to offer advice to these characters, I would recommend a change in approach. Their impulsiveness and engagement in sexual intercourse hinder the characters’ ability to communicate. After their meeting, I would ask them to meet and get to know one another over a decent meal. It is quite clear that engaging in rushed sexual intercourse interferes with their ability to lead happy lives. If they managed to converse, they would understand one another’s cultures, thereby, making it easier for their families as well. It is impossible to understand the female’s reason for leaving without notifying Perry’s character. From an intercultural point of view, the audience may be tempted to believe that Hayek was afraid of accepting her reality. She knew her family would not approve of Perry’s ethnicity yet she slept with him. I would advise the character to face her fears and stand up to her family members about the irrelevance of cultural constraints (Scollon, Scollon & Jones, 2012).
I am certain that my advice would help because it would change their perception of cultures. The issue of segregation is, quite frankly, backward and uncivilized. It is illogical to denounce an intimate union simply because the participants are from different cultures (Ting-Toomey & Chung, 2012). From my advice, Hayek’s character would acquire empowerment and education which she would dispense to her family members. Perry, on the other hand, would learn that the proper way of courting a female is not through sexual intercourse. In this, he will initiate proper conversation with Hayek thus understanding their cultural disparities. They would also learn that each is responsible for their actions. My advice would accentuate the prevalence of intercultural communication by improving the connection to these characters.
References
Berardinelli, J. (2005). Reel views 2: The ultimate guide to the best 1,000 modern movies on DVD and video. Boston: Justin, Charles & Co.
García, A. M. (2012). Contested images: Women of color in popular culture. Lanham: AltaMira Press.
Scollon, R., Scollon, S. B. K., & Jones, R. H. (2012). Intercultural communication: A discourse approach. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Tennant, A. (1997). Fools Rush In. Putlocker. Retrieved from: http://putlockers.ch/watch-fools-rush-in-online-free-putlocker.htmlTing-Toomey, S., & Chung, L. C. (2012). Understanding intercultural communication. New York: Oxford University Press.
Novinger, T. (2001). Intercultural communication: A practical guide. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press.