Journey Essay.
True journeys will challenge the traveller quite profoundly.
Every journey undertaken challenges the traveller immensely. A single journey may incorporate physical, imaginative or an inner aspects. Regardless of type, most journeys involve emotional upheaval, as well as challenges that need to be faced or overcome. An individuals understanding of journey and its nature differs from person to person and that is what makes the process and experiences of a journey so transformative to an individual. The film, “Gran Torino” directed by Clint Eastwood in 2008 and the play, “Othello” written by William Shakespeare, are examples of physical and inner journeys, in which the traveller is transformed as a result of the tension between good versus evil apparent in racism against honesty in their respective contexts. These themes create a profound challenge that the traveller experiences.
In the film “Gran Torino,” Clint Eastwood tells the story the protagonist Walt Kowalski, who embarks on a self journey. Race is a major theme in this film. The neighbor hood is dominated by Asian immigrants and the main character, Walt, evidently shows racism through comments and judgmental remarks in the beginning of the film. “Gook” and “zipperhead” are frequently used terms said by Walt. In one scene when he is in the Hmog neighbors house, they offer him food and he replies with “Yeah, well just keep your hands off my dog.” This racial quote shows a stereotypical judgement towards the Asians. Change occurs as the journey undertaken involves overcoming the prejudice of racism. This is through the close friendship he gains with Thao and Sue. Overcoming racial prejudice was a challenge for Walt as it took time for him to not give racist comments and remarks and to befriend his Asian neighbors.
Similarly, in the play “Othello,” race is a critical theme as it influences how people regard the protagonist, Othello. Race influences how Othello is perceived by others and...