Cultural Diffusion In The Film Slumdog Millionaire
The modern world is full of cultural diffusion. Even though people are thousands miles apart, they have similar experiences. Television and social networks unite us in so many other ways that cultural dissemination can occur. Yet, many times it’s nations who are in control of the culture that start this diffusion. “Slumdog” is set in India. This nation was controlled and run by Britain at one time. British colonialism ended in India in 1947 but some aspects of British cultural influence remained, such as the television, language and pop culture. Jamal explains how he managed to win 20,000,000 rupees in the TV program Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The questions Jamal answers in the film and on the show illustrate how British influence Indian culture. The film “Slumdog millionaire” is a key tool in revealing the vast cultural diffusion of India that can be found today.
Jamal, a poor boy from a peasant family who had to face many hardships in his life was given the chance to appear on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Jamal had been asked questions which were strange, random and unlikely for a person of his background to know. But many of these questions related to foreign ideas. Jamal’s teacher asked him about the third musketeer from Alexander Dumas, a French author and not Indian. Jamal’s teacher forced him to memorize the characters from the book as a young child. It shows how European Literature has managed to penetrate Indian culture and gain prominence. Maman also offers Jamal, Salim, and the other boys two bottles coca-cola in the film to try to gain their trust. The bottle of coke may look simple, but the fact that it’s a drink popular in other countries is what makes it so appealing. This movie is a good example of cultural diffusion. However, there are many more.
It is obvious that globalization has occurred in India. Many Indians speak multiple languages but English is one they know. Jamal also has a job as a receptionist in a United Kingdom-based call centre. The workers are all British and speak to people from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales. This is a great example of culture diffusion. It shows India’s desire to be like western nations in terms of mindset and cultural values. The movie also shows how India is becoming a more popular tourist destination. Cultures will mix and blend as India attracts more tourists to places like the Taj Mahal. Jamal & Salim set up their own business to allow them to interact with Americans, Englishmen & other westerners. Jamal received a $100 American Bill, something he had never experienced before. He knew the value of different currencies. Jamal was aware that American money was more valuable, a sign of how western culture is praised in Indian society.
Slumdog millionaire is a great film, which shows Indian culture in multiple ways. This film shows how the world and society are becoming increasingly smaller. Nations are blending cultures to bring in aspects that seem alien at first. The film focuses on more than cultural differences. It shows the class difference between the rich and poor in India. India is slowly growing and aspires to be as respected and important as Britain and America. The film “Slumdog millionaire” shows how people around the world are similar. We all want to be successful and enjoy life as much as we can.
