https://padlet.com/sernaedith340/cultural-identity-through-narrative-the-pursuit-of-happiness-a6f1y6he35jmdm1e

By Rosa Isabel Perez Pereira:

https://padlet.com/co0283especialista2/imagine-john-lennon-language-culture-and-identity-in-a-narra-4vjbvzauykeknety

From Philip Rirey's perspective (2007), language not only communicates, but also expresses identity and cultural belonging. In Imagine, John Lennon uses poetic and symbolic language to propose a world without borders or divisions, where peace and equality reign. Through simple words, he conveys a universal vision that questions political and religious structures, turning the song into an anthem of unity and hope. As such, the English language functions as a vehicle for expressing a message of solidarity.

In The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner's story reflects core American values such as perseverance and belief in personal effort. However, the film also questions the “American dream” by showing that poverty, racism, and structural inequality hinder individual success. Gardner, while embodying hope, also represents social injustice, reminding us that true happiness lies beyond material success.

For its part, Freedom Writers shows the power of education and writing as means of social transformation. Teacher Erin helps her students, who belong to diverse ethnic groups, find in the written word a way to rebuild their identity and challenge discrimination. Writing becomes a symbol of resistance and unity, demonstrating that education can break down barriers and foster respect for diversity.

Finally, the song Alright (2015) builds a powerful testimony of African American resistance and pride. In a context marked by racial violence and the proposals of the Black Lives Matter movement, the phrase “We gon´be alright” becomes an anthem of collective hope. Its use of slang and street expressions reinforces the authenticity of the message, showing how language reflects the cultural identity of a historically marginalized social group.

Comparing the four narratives, it is clear that they all use language as a means of resistance and transformation. Imagine dreams of a united world, The Pursuit of Happyness defends dignity in the face of adversity, Freedom promotes equality through education, and alright celebrates the resilience of a people who refuse to give up.

These narratives show that language is much more than a tool for communication: it is a reflection of culture and a force capable of changing realities. Through music, literature, and film, the values and struggles that shape cultural identities are revealed.

Whether through music, film, or literature, each artistic manifestation reflects the collective identity of a community and the social tensions that shape it.
This essay aims to analyze how English language cultural narratives represented in the song “Imagine” by John Lennon, the film Freedom Writers (2007), the movie The Pursuit of Happiness (2006), and the song “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar reveal the close relationship between language, culture, and identity.

According to Philip Riley (2007), language is not merely a means of communication but an element that both reflects and constructs individual and collective identities.

Every word, expression, or way of speaking is infused with cultural meanings that give significance to social life; in this sense, cultural narratives become a mirror of a people’s values, beliefs, and aspirations, allowing us to understand how language acts as a bridge between personal experience and collective memory.

A clear example of this is John Lennon’s “Imagine” (1971), one of the most representative works of post-war British idealism.

Through simple yet deeply symbolic language, Lennon invites us to imagine a world without borders, religions, or possessions, questioning the social and political structures of his time. According to Sinha, Moreno-Núñez, and Tian (2020), cultural identity is constructed through the signs and symbols present in language; in this case, words such as peace, brotherhood, or no country function as signs that represent a vision of universal unity and human solidarity. “Imagine” thus becomes a narrative of peaceful resistance that reflects the progressive thought of a generation longing for freedom, equality, and social justice.

Similarly, the film Freedom Writers (2007), directed by Richard LaGravenese, shows how education and language can transform cultural identity in contexts of exclusion; inspired by a true story, teacher Erin Gruwell helps her students who come from diverse ethnic backgrounds use writing as a means to express their emotions and rebuild their sense of belonging; in this narrative, the classroom becomes a space of encounter where language acts as a bridge between cultures and life experiences.

The values of respect, empathy, and resilience that emerge in the film illustrate what Riley (2007) calls “the social dimension of language”: a process through which people not only communicate but also recognize themselves and others as members of a community.

In turn, The Pursuit of Happiness (2006) offers a critical look at the so-called “American Dream.” Through the story of Chris Gardner, the film highlights values such as perseverance, faith, and individual effort, pillars of American identity; however, it also exposes the contradictions within that same culture, showing how economic inequality, racism, and the lack of support networks limit opportunities for many citizens.

In the words of Sinha et al. (2020), cultural narratives function as “signs of life” that not only transmit values but also reveal the internal tensions of a society; thus, the film reflects the conflict between the meritocratic ideal and the reality of social exclusion, questioning the myth that success depends solely on personal effort.

A contemporary perspective on the relationship between language, culture, and identity can be found in “Alright” (2015) by Kendrick Lamar; written in a context of racial violence and Black Lives Matter protests, the song became an anthem of resistance and hope for the African American community.

The repeated phrase “We gon be alright” transcends the musical realm to become a collective affirmation of dignity and faith; Lamar uses a language rich in colloquial expressions and the slang of his community, which, following Riley (2007), constitutes a social marker of identity. The way we speak reflects who we are, and to which group we belong; likewise, the combination of hip-hop, gospel, and jazz rhythms, essential roots of African American culture, symbolizes the ability to turn pain into art and oppression into creative strength.

Taken together, these narratives, Imagine, Freedom Writers, The Pursuit of Happiness, and Alright show that language is more than a means of communication; it is a tool of resistance, a means of reconstructing identity, and a bridge that connects individual experiences with collective memory.

While Lennon proposes an ideal of universal peace, Lamar expresses the struggle for dignity amid inequality; Gruwell demonstrates that the written word can transform lives, and Gardner embodies perseverance in the face of adversity; in every case, language articulates emotions, values, and worldviews that reflect the ideals and contradictions of English-speaking societies.

From an educational perspective, analyzing these narratives is essential to understanding the interrelation between language, culture, and identity.

Learning a foreign language should not be limited to acquiring grammatical structures but should also include understanding the values and cultural contexts that give it meaning; as Riley (2007) and Sinha et al. (2020) point out, language is a living manifestation of culture, and its study allows us to recognize diversity and the multiple ways in which people construct their worldview.

In conclusion, English language cultural narratives are living testimonies of the inseparable relationship between language, culture, and identity.

Through them, the ideals, conflicts, and social transformations of each era are expressed, strengthening bonds of understanding among communities. “Imagine” invites us to dream of peace; Freedom Writers demonstrates the educational power of language; The Pursuit of Happiness reveals the contradictions of the American Dream; and “Alright” reaffirms hope in the face of injustice.

Together, they show that language does more than name the world; it transforms it, reminding us that through words, societies build their identity and their shared future.

Through empathy, respect, and dedication, the class manages to overcome social and cultural barriers, showing that education can be a powerful tool for change and hope.

“Freedom Writers” (2007)  

By: Liseth Vanessa Santacruz Perez
https://padlet.com/lissan1996/freedom-writers-2007-9uxn0jkzj45fp4v2

 Cultural themes and values

The film emphasizes values such as respect, empathy, equality, and resilience. The students come from diverse ethnic backgrounds—Latino, African American, Asian—and live in contexts of poverty and violence. Through writing, they learn to express their emotions and recognize their shared humanity, showing that education can be a tool for hope and transformation.

 Representation of societal norms

Freedom Writers criticizes social norms that promote discrimination and segregation in American schools. At first, students are divided by race and stereotypes. Erin Gruwell challenges these divisions by promoting cooperation and mutual respect. Her actions demonstrate that equality can only exist when prejudice and exclusion are questioned.

 Implications for cultural identity

The film shows that cultural identity is dynamic and can be rebuilt through dialogue and education. By sharing their personal stories, the students regain their sense of belonging and dignity. Writing becomes a bridge between individual identity and collective understanding, reinforcing the idea that diversity is a source of strength.

 In summary, Freedom Writers highlights the transformative power of education and communication in multicultural societies. The film teaches that recognizing and respecting cultural differences is essential for achieving equality and peace.

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born in 1987 in Compton, California, a place known for its problems with poverty, gangs, and violence. Growing up in this environment influenced his music and the way he sees the world. Today, he is considered one of the most important rappers in the United States because his songs talk about real-life issues like racism, inequality, and hope.

The song “Alright” was released in 2015 as part of his album To Pimp a Butterfly. This song became very famous, not only because of its rhythm and lyrics, but because of the message it shares. It was written during a time when many people in the U.S. were protesting against police violence and racism, especially after the deaths of several Black citizens. The Black Lives Matter movement was growing stronger, and people started using the phrase “We gon’ be alright” during marches and protests as a way to stay united and positive.

The message of the song is about hope and resistance. Even though Kendrick talks about pain, fear, and injustice, the chorus repeats that things will be okay “We gon’ be alright.” This shows the strength and faith of the African American community, even in difficult times.

Musically, “Alright” mixes hip-hop, jazz, gospel, and funk, which are all part of Black musical culture. The rhythm is energetic and inspiring, and it helps to give the song a positive feeling, even though the lyrics talk about serious problems. Kendrick uses simple and real language including slang and expressions from his community to show pride in his culture and identity.

The music video for “Alright”, directed by Colin Tilley, also has a deep meaning. It shows Kendrick flying above the city, which represents freedom and hope. But it also shows images of police violence and social problems, reminding us that racism and fear are still part of daily life for many people. At the end of the video, Kendrick is shot by a police officer’s imaginary gun, showing how Black people often face violence no matter how much they try to rise above it.

Kendrick Lamar’s message goes beyond music. He uses his voice to make people think and to speak up about injustice. While many rap songs talk about fame and money, “Alright” talks about community, faith, and survival. In this way, Kendrick connects language, culture, and identity, because he uses his art to represent who he is and where he comes from.

Overall, “Alright” became much more than a popular song it became a symbol of hope and strength for many people. It shows that music can be a powerful tool to express feelings, defend rights, and bring people together. Kendrick Lamar used his story and his voice to represent a community that keeps fighting for equality, sending the message that, no matter what happens, “we gon’ be alright.”