Communication Themes in Dancing With Wolves

This work is dedicated to the specific topic called “Dancing with wolves”. It consists from gaining and discussing the information and expressions, which are given in various works about this topic. The essay’s core focus is on the main argument of the definition and discussion of the film called “Dancing with wolves”. This paper discuss main points of such questions: what are three intercultural or communication themes in the movie, how does the storyline/topic of the movie relate to every day life, and other. Thus, I am going to show and illustrate all sides of the themes in this film through this paper.

Introduction

We are talking about the film called “Dances with wolves”. To understand the plot and context of this film clearly we should mention that it is important to see the film by own. According to Blake, “Dances with Wolves has been called a “revisionist western” – a movie that reversed the traditional roles of Cowboys and Indians. In fact, it is nothing of the sort. However, it is said, “Dances with wolves” is a historical drama about the relationship between a Civil War soldier and a band of Sioux Indians, Kevin Costner’s directorial debut was also a surprisingly popular hit, considering its length, period setting, and often somber tone (1998, pg 43). According to my experience, this film is seemed to begin with a definitely dark note, as great melancholic Union lieutenant (whose name was John W. Dunbar) attempts to commit suicide, further still, instead becomes an unintentional hero. However, his actions resulted into the reassignment to a remote post in South Dakota, the place where, as we are concerned, he encounters the Sioux. It is believed that the main hero decides to leave his usual form of life behind in order to be able to join them, changing his previous name to the Dances with Wolves. Shortly after, he has become a definitely desired member in the tribe and, unsurprisingly for me, during being the member of the tribe John becomes being in love with a white woman, however, she has been raised amongst the tribe. While Union soldiers come having designs on the land of Sioux, the main character’s definitely peaceful existence starts to be threatened, as well. Moreover, “Dances with Wolves” is seemed to work through many levels. It is seemed to be a rousing and definitely thrilling (involving) adventure, a breathtaking romance, and even a stirring and psychological drama. Desobrie has mentioned, the characters populating Dances with Wolves are strongly written and effectively portrayed. While no one is going to place Costner alongside Laurence Olivier in the acting department, he brings likability to Dunbar that many better performers might not have been able to match. In fact, we know nothing of his past – he comes to us as a clean slate, born through his act of suicidal courage (1999, pg 34). Moreover, I want to add, that the obviously reality of his life starts in the same moment when we meet him at first time.

Intercultural/communication themes in the movie

Talking about intercultural or communication themes, which appears in the movie, we should notice that there are some, which are worth of attention. Strictly talking, I have chosen three of them, which are definitely interest me. First, I think, is a well known tradition that is about misunderstanding and even hostility between two nations: United States society and Native American tribes. This fact, however, was noticed in the early history. As far as I am concerned, barriers of intercultural communications lent them to intolerance and assumptions that definitely resulted in warfare, bloodshed, and even the entire culture’s usual ways and styles of life eventual destruction. Svetkey (1991) noticed, “One motion picture, released almost two decades ago, served to demonstrate how a thoughtful, respectful approach across cultural boundaries might have resulted in a more peaceful exchange of understanding and appreciation for differences among peoples”. It is nothing to be against of in these words. Nothing known about Sioux’ people, Dunbar see a Kicking Bird, a medicine man in Sioux. He seemed to be a real Indian: tough, wild and free. He radiated wisdom and was a man of responsibility in his community. However, Kicking Bird was staring at the “new” Ford Sedgewick. I think, it was even funny, when described the first meeting of these two certainly different men. Kicking Bird as well as Dunbar was interested and, in the same time, scared (Dances With Wolves (Wilson & Costner, 1990), page 23).

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Next theme, I think popular even nowadays, can be defined as language topic. Wilson (1990) mentioned “With the encouragement of Kicking Bird, a holy man of the tribe, Stands With a Fist works to remember her forgotten English so that the Lakota people can speak with Dunbar to determine if more white men are coming to their lands. Alone in the wilderness and isolated from his U.S. Army brethren, Dunbar grows more and more entrenched in the Lakota way of life, learning the tribe’s language and living among its people”. The language problem is depicted in the movie. Dunbar was in the community, where he was not understood, because of unknowing their language. Just a woman, with who he fell in love later, knew English earlier. The scene that depicts Kicking Bird, Dunbar, and Stands With a Fist (when they three meet together at first) in the Lakota village (Dances With Wolves (Wilson & Costner, 1990), page 107). Stands With a Fist is one, who can understand the white man, thus she is asked to talk to him. However, she is seemed to be reluctant to do so (the reason is her fear) that it can lead to the returning to the world of white people, and she obviously approaches Dunbar during assuming differences. In addition, Stands With a Fist believes she has nothing in common with white man. Dunbar and his visitors become unable to talk and understand each other’s various languages. Because Wind In His Hair has suspicion and scorn toward Dunbar at the fort, it is pictured feelings of cultural superiority toward Dunbar.

Last theme is discussed below. With a Fist’s initial reluctance to create what Beebe, Beebe, and Redmond (2008) refer to as a “third culture” (p. 111), in which the three could create an atmosphere of acceptance and find common ground upon which to learn about each other. Stands With a Fist could have acted as a more effective facilitator by using her prior knowledge of white culture to “develop mindfulness” (p. 113) of both Dunbar’s and Kicking Bird’s backgrounds to help them understand one another and answer each other’s questions. In addition, it should be mentioned, that this film is not only expounded on the joys and affirmations to be found in exploring other cultures but also demonstrated the dreadful consequences of intolerance and prejudice. It is believed that “Dances With Wolves” lives on as a cinematic commentary on the nation’s gross mishandling of an era, which, however, could have finished in friendship and even understanding, definitely rather than bloodshed and death. Desobrie (1999) stated, “All that could have made the difference is the concept of patient, mutual effort toward intercultural communication”.

Situation in the modern society

In contemporary world themes, which are discussed above, appear to be important. However, many problems are solved. Nowadays people know more about different cultures and communities. Even language problem can be solved with a help of interpreters and books. However, there is still lot of problems, which should be solved eventually. By asking questions and listening carefully to the answers, main characters learned how to understand each other. Beebe, Beebe, and Redmond (2008) stated, “However, their efforts are thwarted by Stands With a Fist’s initial reluctance to create a “third culture”, in which the three could create an atmosphere of acceptance and find common ground upon which to learn about each other. Stands With a Fist could have acted as a more effective facilitator by using her prior knowledge of white culture to “develop mindfulness” of both Dunbar’s and Kicking Bird’s backgrounds to help them understand one another and answer each other’s questions.” This brief case study demonstrates both the importance and the complexities involved in issues of communication and difference in the context of care. I think the greatest difference by far is that there is less face-to-face communication. Phone, E-mail or Festoon appeared now. No matter which alternative, however, face-to-face communication has an extra dimension: facial expression. It is also said that language differences definitely increase communication problems, even if the speakers have some knowledge of the others’ language.

Conclusion

It can generally be said that “Dances With Wolves” influenced my opinion. Now I have definitely changed my understanding of language problem, culture problem and other described in the paper. We were talking about the film called “Dances with wolves”. To understand the plot and context of this film clearly we mentioned that it is important to see the film by own. It is definitely talented play of actors and scenario. Whether this is good or bad is up for opinion. Nevertheless, it is obviously significant event. Some questions in the paper are very important and needed to be answered through the recent time. In the writing, I tried to do this completely. This paper will give you the opportunity to further discuss these topics by analyzing a movie, which focuses on intercultural communication issues. This movie is analyzed and it can definitely be noticed that it influence our perceptions and understanding of other cultures. The complicated and different human’s feelings are shown through this film. It becomes obvious that main heroes are trying to find the answers on questions that are worrying them. Unfortunately, hot always they can rely on them. Different languages, different colours of skin – are this factors enough to say that one human differs from other? Are these nuances enough to discriminate or to blame someone? I am sure they are not. The film touches many problems that worry humanity. It is worth of attention and discussion.