Exploring the Cultural Differences Highlighted in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’
As the world becomes more globalized, it’s essential to acknowledge and respect the cultural differences that exist. ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ does an excellent job of highlighting the cultural differences between the Greeks and non-Greeks in the United States.
Introduction
‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a Greek-American woman named Toula Portokalos, who falls in love with a non-Greek man named Ian Miller. The film explores the cultural differences between the two families and the challenges they face in coming together.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the cultural differences highlighted in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ and how they relate to the real world.
Family Dynamics
Greek families are known for their strong family ties and close-knit relationships. From the first scene of the movie, it’s apparent that Toula’s family is deeply rooted in their Greek heritage. They speak Greek at home, dance to traditional Greek music, and prioritize their family above all else.
In contrast, Ian’s family is more reserved and independent. They don’t have the same level of closeness as Toula’s family, and it takes them some time to get used to the Greek way of life.
This cultural difference in family dynamics is an essential aspect of the film and sheds light on the importance of family in Greek culture.
The Role of Women
Greek culture places a significant emphasis on family, and women play a crucial role in maintaining family traditions and values. In ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding,’ Toula’s mother, Maria, is a prime example of this. She’s the one responsible for organizing and planning all the family events, from weddings to baptisms and everything in between.
In contrast, Ian’s mother, Harriet, doesn’t have the same responsibilities and isn’t as involved in family matters. This cultural difference reflects the traditional gender roles in Greek society, where women are expected to take care of the family and household.
Food and Hospitality
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is the Portokalos family dinner, where Ian is introduced to his fiancée’s family for the first time. The sheer amount of food and hospitality on display is overwhelming and speaks to the importance of food in Greek culture.
Greek cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, and is often shared with family and friends. This cultural difference is highlighted in the film, where Ian’s reserved family is taken aback by the amount of food and hospitality on display.
The Importance of Marriage
In Greek culture, marriage is seen as a sacred union between two people. In ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding,’ Toula’s family places a significant emphasis on her getting married and starting a family.
Ian’s family doesn’t share the same sentiment, and the cultural difference in the importance of marriage leads to tension between the families.
Conclusion
‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ offers a glimpse into the cultural differences between Greeks and non-Greeks in the United States. From family dynamics to the importance of marriage and food, the film highlights the unique aspects of Greek culture and how they differ from other cultures.
As the world becomes more interconnected, it’s essential to celebrate and respect the cultural differences that exist. ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ is an excellent reminder of this, and it’s a film that everyone should watch to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural diversity in society.
