How Jim gains cultural intelligence from the film Empire of the Sun
Cultural intelligence can be defined as an individual’s capability to relate and work effectively across all cultures. Cultural knowledge refers to the ability of a person to be aware of various norms and rules across all cultures. In the film Empire of the Sun, an actor going by the name Jamie Graham (Jim) demonstrated a lot of cultural intelligence from his actions.
Firstly, the film focuses on Japan war with the United States and the United Kingdom. Jim was used to high class living he was introduced by his parents who were very prominent in Japan. He gained a lot of intelligence after being separated from his parents after the Pearl Harbor attack. Jim was able to relate well with American sailors and convinces them not to kill him because he knew where they could find treasures. In addition, Jim could confidently and effectively function in a culturally diverse setting. During the Pacific War, Jim thrived in poor conditions experienced in the camp he used to stay however; he could not starve or suffer because he had a strong network with the camp commanding officers. Moreover, when the camp was attacked by American Jim was left by the rescue group. He was taken to the wilderness together with a group of prisoners. Jim expressed his cultural intelligence since he was able to tell the prisoners that the war had come to an end after witnessing a flash from atomic bombing (Empire of the sun).
Jim’s cultural education before and after the Japanese invasion into Shanghai was influenced by the experiences he underwent since he was separated from his parents. Jim learned how to endure suffering and thought of passing his experience to his peers. He was strategic and knowledgeable when it came to issues involving giving back the society. His cultural intelligence made him adapt to verbal and nonverbal behavior that was necessary in the diverse culture. In addition, Jim was seen worshiping the Japanese aviators, showing his increasing hostility from his prewar self and society (Empire of the sun).
The levels of CQ shown by some of the Japanese characters from the film
Japanese characters in the film Empire of the Sun demonstrated some CQ levels as discussed below. Firstly, they demonstrated the level of knowledge. Jim’s father was a sharp parent who knew one day his son will be left alone. He used to take him to various places where he encountered people from different cultures and learned their behaviors. Jim’s father also demonstrated a high level of humility, which played a role in shaping the life of his son. Jim learned this from his parents and he was very humble even when taken to prisoner’s camp. Secondly, the level of mindfulness is demonstrated by Japanese actors. Mindfulness links knowledge to actions. Guts Ishimatsu, who acted as the Japanese soldier showed high level of mindfulness because he could see Jim was in problem and shoots his friend who was offering him a mango. The above action indicated that the soldier was mindful of the welfare of others without considering the tribe or culture (Ang and Linn 22-30).
The xenophobic effects on Chinese and Japanese people as a result of western colonialist and corporate influences in east Asia before World War 2
The people of China and Japan were greatly affected the western colonialists. Firstly, the Chinese foreign relations were affected after they broke into war with United States and United Kingdom. Japanese were chased from the international markets since they were believed to contain weapons of mass destruction that were used in the World War I. As a result, the western civilization ensured Japan government had no right to impose tariffs, something which destroyed the Japanese economy greatly. In addition, the China government was given free trade and they were allowed to export their products in Europe (JAPAN, COLONIZED 2).
In 1950s, the Japanese people called for peace and reconciliation of countries involved in the World War I and II. The cultural intelligence lectures offered contributed to the expansion of the Japanese empire since they had a bigger audience and people were praying for peace to prevail.
Works cited
Ang, Soon, and Linn Dyne. Handbook of cultural intelligence theory, measurement, and applications. Armonk, N.Y.: M.E. Sharpe, 2008. Print.
Empire of the sun. Dir. Steven Spielberg. Perf. Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Joe Pantoliano & Nigel Havers. distributed by Warner Home Video, 1987. DVD.
"JAPAN, COLONIZED (Western Colonialism)." whatwhenhow RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2014. <http://what-when-how.com/western-colonialism/japan-colonized-western-colonialism/>.
