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Cultural Identity and Power in The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is widely regarded as one of the most impactful stories in American cinema. It’s not just a tale about gangsters; it dives deep into themes of family, loyalty, corruption, and the immigrant experience in the U.S. The film illustrates the rise and moral downfall of the Corleone family, serving as a powerful metaphor for the changing face of American identity, where the pursuit of ambition and success often walks hand in hand with moral decay. Coppola doesn’t present corruption as a one-time event; instead, he depicts it as a creeping process, a slow erosion of integrity through a series of small compromises and justifications. By examining how power corrupts both individuals and families, The Godfather reflects the complexities of the American Dream and the contradictions that lie beneath its surface.
At its heart, The Godfather tells a powerful story about cultural identity and the process of adapting to a new world. Vito Corleone, the family patriarch, represents the journey of Italian immigrants who came to America in search of a better life, only to face discrimination and hardship. His evolution from Vito Andolini of Corleone, Sicily, to Vito Corleone in New York illustrates the profound loss and eventual rebuilding of cultural identity. The name change he experiences at Ellis Island, a result of an immigration mix-up, highlights how many immigrants had their heritage stripped away and were reshaped by their circumstances. Coppola cleverly uses this detail to emphasize that assimilation often comes with a cost: to truly belong in America, one often has to sacrifice a piece of themselves.
The film also explores traditional Italian values, such as family honor, respect, and religion, which coexist with the American pursuit of wealth and power. In the opening wedding scene, bathed in warm and natural light, Coppola presents an image of harmony and tradition. However, beneath that brightness lies a world of deals, favors, and hidden violence. The light symbolizes the surface of respectability, while the darkness inside Don Corleone’s office reflects the moral ambiguity of those who navigate between legality and crime. This duality captures the conflict between old-world ethics and the ruthless pragmatism of modern America.

Representation of Societal Norms
Coppola’s depiction of corruption is gradual, nuanced, and deeply human. The assassination attempt on Vito serves as a turning point that destabilizes the family and forces Michael Corleone—once the moral outsider—to confront the violent world he had rejected. In one of the most symbolic scenes, Michael visits his father in the hospital and realizes that moral purity is no longer an option. Through low-key lighting and expressive shadows, Coppola visually represents Michael’s descent into darkness. His transformation from a war hero to a calculating leader illustrates how power seduces and corrupts, not through hatred, but through logic and necessity.
Michael’s famous line, “It’s not personal, it’s strictly business,” epitomizes the normalization of corruption within American culture. It reveals how violence and immorality can be justified through professionalism and efficiency—the same principles celebrated in corporate America. The film blurs the line between criminal enterprise and legitimate business, suggesting that both operate under the same moral logic: success at any cost. This perspective turns The Godfather into a critique of the capitalist ideology that often defines social status and identity in the United States.
Michael’s exile in Sicily marks a symbolic return to his ancestral roots, a temporary escape from the corruption of the modern world. There, he reconnects with purity, simplicity, and the ancient codes of honor. His marriage to Apollonia represents rebirth and hope, but also fatal destiny. Her death in a car explosion signifies the destruction of innocence and the closing of the circle of vengeance. When Michael returns to America, he is no longer the same man; his eyes are cold, distant, and devoid of light. Al Pacino’s performance captures this chilling transformation—a man who has lost his humanity in exchange for control.
By the end of the film, Michael assumes the role of the new Godfather, completing his father’s legacy while destroying his own moral essence. The famous final scene, where the door closes on Kay’s face, symbolizes the barrier between two worlds: the public façade of legitimacy and the private reality of corruption. This moment encapsulates the tragedy of identity in American culture—the impossibility of reconciling morality with success in a system driven by ambition.

Conclusion
The Godfather transcends its genre to become a timeless commentary on power, family, and the moral cost of success. Through the Corleone family, Coppola exposes the dark side of the American Dream, revealing how the pursuit of wealth and control can erode cultural and personal integrity. The film suggests that corruption is not an external force but a structural element of modern society—subtle, logical, and inevitable. Ultimately, The Godfather reflects the transformation of cultural identity within the American experience: from hope and resilience to ambition and moral decay. Coppola’s masterpiece remains a profound exploration of how the desire for power reshapes both the individual and the collective conscience of a nation.

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Analysis of cultural identity and power in The Godfather (1972)

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Analysis of cultural identity and power in The Godfather (1972)

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Cultural analysis. The film The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

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Cultural analysis. The film The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

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The Pursuit of Happyness

Introduction

The film The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith, is a cinematic narrative based on true events that portrays the life of Chris Gardner, a man who struggles with poverty while trying to build a dignified future for himself and his son. I chose this work because it clearly represents the cultural value of the “American Dream”, understood as the belief that anyone, regardless of their origins or limitations, can achieve success through effort, perseverance, and hard work.
In this sense, the film is much more than a personal story: it is a mirror of the values that shape American culture and a portrait of the tensions between the hope for social mobility and the harsh realities of the economic system.

Historical, social, and cultural context

The story takes place in the early 1980s in San Francisco, a period marked by economic recession in the United States. During those years, the country faced high unemployment rates, inflation, and social inequality. Many middle-class families fell into poverty, and minorities faced greater difficulties in accessing stable, well-paid jobs.
Chris Gardner, a salesman of medical scanners, embodies these difficulties: his business fails, he loses his home, and ends up living in temporary shelters with his young son. The film realistically reflects the social shortcomings of the time, as well as the competitiveness of the labor market in a capitalist system that does not always offer equal opportunities for everyone.
From a cultural perspective, the film represents the American Dream, a myth deeply rooted in the identity of the United States. This ideal asserts that anyone can “make it on their own” if they work hard enough, and it has been a central narrative in the cultural construction of the nation since the 19th century.

Cultural themes and values

One of the central themes of the film is perseverance in the face of adversity. Chris Gardner does not give up despite losing almost everything; his resilience and conviction in a better future reflect values of endurance and determination that are highlighted in American culture.
Another fundamental value is the importance of family. Throughout the story, the protagonist demonstrates that his main motivation is to provide a dignified future for his son. This highlights the cultural relevance of the family in the United States as both an emotional support system and a driving force to achieve goals.
A third key value is meritocracy, the belief that effort and talent will be rewarded with opportunities for social mobility. The film shows how Chris competes in a demanding unpaid internship program, confident that his dedication will earn him a position at a prestigious financial firm. This vision reflects a central principle of American culture: the possibility of upward mobility through individual effort.

Societal norms represented

The film also exposes the norms and social realities that condition the lives of those who pursue their dreams. A key example is the inequality of opportunities: although Chris is talented and hardworking, he constantly faces obstacles due to his economic situation.
The scene in which he and his son must sleep in a public restroom is a stark portrayal of poverty in a country considered a world power. This contrast reveals how, in practice, access to better opportunities is limited by structural factors such as social class, racism, or the lack of support networks.
Furthermore, the film emphasizes the extreme competition of the U.S. labor market. Chris must compete against other candidates who are financially better off in order to secure a position on Wall Street. This fact shows an implicit social norm: only the strongest, most resilient, and most persistent manage to survive and succeed in a system that rewards individual success over collective well-being.

Implications for cultural identity

The narrative reinforces the cultural identity of the United States by showing that it is possible to achieve success even in circumstances of extreme difficulty. Chris Gardner’s story becomes an inspiring example of personal achievement and a living representation of the self-made man myth. However, it also invites us to question the limits of this ideal, since not all people have the same real opportunities to rise socially.
Therefore, the film fulfills a dual cultural function: on the one hand, it nurtures the hope that hard work can transform lives; on the other, it exposes the contradictions of a system that often perpetuates inequality. From this perspective, the work reflects both the greatness and the shortcomings of American society.
In addition, the cultural impact of the film transcended borders. Its message of resilience, paternal love, and the pursuit of a better future resonated with audiences around the world, becoming a symbol of universal inspiration. This demonstrates how a local narrative can project itself globally and strengthen the cultural identity of a nation in the international imagination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Pursuit of Happyness is not only a story of individual success, but also a powerful representation of the cultural values that have defined the United States: hard work, perseverance, meritocracy, and the importance of family. At the same time, the film exposes the structural inequalities and barriers that limit the realization of the American Dream for many.
In this way, the narrative combines a hopeful message with an implicit social critique, offering a balanced and profound vision of American cultural identity. This analysis demonstrates that the film is one of the clearest expressions of how fiction can reflect both the ideals and the contradictions of a society.

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Cultural analysis. The song "Bohemian Rhapsody By Queen (1975)

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Cultural analysis. The song "Bohemian Rhapsody By Queen (1975)

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Cultural Narrative:
Released in 1975, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by the British rock band Queen is one of the most innovative and recognized songs in the history of music. The song combines rock, opera, and ballad elements to tell a dramatic and emotional story that reflects both personal conflict and artistic freedom.

Reflection of Cultural Identity and Values:
“Bohemian Rhapsody” represents the creativity and experimentation that defined British culture during the 1970s. The song breaks traditional musical rules, symbolizing individuality, freedom of expression, and the rejection of conformity values that were central to the youth and artistic movements of that time. Freddie Mercury’s theatrical performance and unique style also embody the spirit of self-expression and diversity that became an essential part of modern British identity.

Social Issues Addressed:
Although the song’s meaning is open to interpretation, many critics see it as a reflection on inner struggle, guilt, and the search for personal identity. It also challenges the conservative norms of the time, celebrating artistic authenticity and emotional honesty — themes that connect deeply with issues of acceptance and self-expression in society.

Conclusion:
Through “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Queen created a cultural narrative that celebrates freedom, creativity, and individuality. The song not only marked a turning point in rock music but also became a timeless symbol of the power of art to express human complexity and challenge social expectations.

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Cultural analysis. The song Hotel California, by The Eagle

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Cultural analysis. The song Hotel California, by The Eagle

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The Eagle es una banda nacida en los Angeles, california EE.UU en 1971 reconocida como figura del country rock, sus integrantes Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon y Randy Meisner. Antes algunos de estos integrantes trabajaban como músicos para Linda Ronstadt. La banda tuvo una separación en 1980 pero se volvieron a reunir en 1994. Glenn Frey uno de los vocalistas y fundadores fallece el 18 de enero de 2016, donde se cierra una era del rock que marco la historia de una generación.

En 1976 se publicó el álbum hotel california con una canción icónica con el mismo nombre que marco el momento más exitoso y una nueva historia para la banda.

Identidad cultural, social y valores en la sociedad

Cada uno de estos integrantes pertenecían a diferentes pueblos estadounidense, la formación de la banda fue un focus group de una sociedad en plena transformación cultural, el grupo supo hacer dialogar dos universos musicales: el country rock y el folk de la América y el pop edulcolorado que fluía en las marquesinas angelinas.

La canción hotel california fue compuesta jugueteando con una guitarra de doce cuerdas en la playa. Henley y frey, uno puso la letra y el otro los ajustes. La canción fue lanzada en 1976 a pesar los malos comentarios logró llegar a todos los rincones del mundo en poco tiempo etiquetándose como pilar de la cultura estado unidense, la letra es un mundo de sensaciones propias, misteriosas y memorables para el oyente. Hay muchas referencias e historias directas que apuntan a rupturas amorosas, decadencias del sueño americano, la industria de la música, drogas, glamur, religión e incluso sectas satánicas por lecturas controversiales.

Cada parte de la canción surge misterio y memorable letra que logra cautivar a sus fans y sus multiples interpretaciones que hacen de esta canción un icono, los integrantes pronunciaron en una de sus entrevistas que Beverly hills como un lugar lleno de esperanza, sueños y milagros, fue en ese momento donde Hennly y Glenn comenzaron a escribir letras que explicaban sus sentimientos sobre California, basada en experiencias y literatura por ejemplo el hotel california se inspiro en The Mages novela de 1965 de John Fowles, sigue la historia de un profesor Nicholas Urfee que después de experimentos psicológicos pierde todo sentido de realidad, esta irrealidad fue un paralelismo para esta banda y su propia experiencia en California, por lo que se propusieron crear una letra con sensación de inquietud, que cada que atraviesa una puerta hay una versión nueva de la realidad, querían una canción como si fuera una película, una canción sensual que describe el olor y la sensación del aire del mismo estado mental del oyente y poder entrar a un mundo extraño y desconocido, “en una oscura carretera del desierto, viento fresco en mi cabello, cálido olor a colitis que se eleva por el aire”. Una contradicción con la atmosfera de los versos, “Bienvenido al hotel california, un lugar tan encantador, un rostro tan encantador” Emerge un significado basado en sus experiencias, como una imagen de california como un lugar brillante, un hogar y una industria musical, hermosas personas un mundo maravilloso que todos aspiran. “Y yo estaba pensando para mi mismo: esto puede ser el cielo y esto podría ser el infierno”, muestra de glamur y poder que se pierde, “Asi que llame el capitán, por favor taeme mi vino. Dijo que no hemos tenido espíritu aquí desde 1969”. Aquí en muchas interpretaciones es el cambio en la industria de la música, una revolución, el movimiento psicodelico y una creencia por encontrar una mejor manera de vivir pero la industria de la música se volvió hastiada y cínica. Y se convirtió en un experimento viviente de capitalismo despiadado mientras tanto los psicodélicos expandían dieron paso a las drogas nuevas y pesadas, cocaína y heroína se apoderaron de la industria musical. Hay glamur pero también hay podredumbre en el núcleo de la vida de las estrellas, “puedes irte cuando quiera, pero nunca puedes irte”, mucho intentos de escapar pero las drogas siempre te llamaran desde algún pasillo lejano. Otra de las interpretaciones es como una alegoría religiosa con el hotel como una metáfora del infierno, una canción llena de referencias religiosas, haciendo usos de recursos literarios en la composición

Conclusion

Es fácil decir que hotel california es una moraleja sobre el estilo de vida de Hollywood, pero también se puede describir como una perdida de inocencia algo que se refleja en una interpretación popular que dice también  que la canción trata de una relación romántica donde el héroe anhela tiempos mejores en el pasado o simplemente una interpretación sobre drogas khalida como código de marihuana y los espejos en el techo como referencia a la cocaína y de las más populares es tratar como una metáfora religiosa. Donde la banda Eagle quería que la belleza en la música no reside en sus mensajes claros sino en la manera que desafían la naturaleza de la composición, cada cultura tiene su complejo de lenguaje de simbolismo y eso inevitablemente abre camino en su arte.

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Individual Analysis_Laura María Delgado Galván