As humans, we are distinct from any other species in our ability to communicate via speech. Along with verbal tools, communication consists of non-verbal ones, as well. Communication is a vital element of men’s lives since it allows them to build relationships, connect with each other and express themselves in terms of opinions, needs and experiences. However, often, the process of communication can be hampered by misunderstanding that occurs from discrepancies in the cultures of its participants. This essay will elaborate on the topic of how culture is implicated in communication and how it influences this process in the example of “Punch Drunk Love”, a film by P. T. Anderson.
When the term “culture” is addressed in regard to communication, it implies the array of beliefs, norms, values, customs and etc., which are common for a specific group of people. Individual’s culture dictates the way they behave while encountering others. Culture might take roots from a person’s family, peers, gender, neighborhood, state and many other factors (DeVito, 2019). That is why cultures of different people might be extremely diverse, which, in turn, often becomes a cause of miscommunication. Thus, in order to be able to communicate effectively, one must treat others’ cultures with respect.
The collision of people with unlike cultures is depicted in a movie called “Punch Drunk Love” by director Paul T. Anderson. The main character, Barry, a mostly shy and quiet man, has a background of being raised in a family where he was the youngest. Moreover, he had seven older sisters, who were abusive to him in his childhood and continued to mistreat him, when he is an adult. That obstacle made Barry avoid any romantic relationship with women, as well as contributed to his social anxiety and anger issues. However, eventually, he meets Lena, a young woman, who finally shows Barry that he can be loved and fills his life with meaning. Although the previous story of Lena is not demonstrated in the movie, the behavior of her character allows to assume she is much more sociable and pro-active than Barry. Despite their differences, they manage to find common ground and fall in love with each other.
One of the turning points of “Punch Drunk Love” is when Barry gets attacked by his detractors, and Lena, who accompanies him at the moment, gets hurt. She ends up in the hospital, but Barry wants to avenge the offenders who wounded his beloved one and rushes to execute it all the way to another state. However, Lena does not know his intentions and feels abandoned when she finds out that Barry left without saying a word. Several days later, when Barry comes to her house to apologize, his speech seems disorganized and rapid. He tries his best to explain himself, but the words sound like nonsense. And while Barry’s message might seem deceiving, it is completely clear to Lena since she looks into the person as well as his words (DeVito, 2019). She forgives him, only asking him not to leave her alone anymore. Therefore, Lena’s culture allows her to accept and understand Barry’s culture, even though his way of expressing feelings might seem odd.
In conclusion, it can be stated that the culture of people engaging in communication plays a large role in its process. Misunderstandings that arise from the clash of different individuals’ backgrounds can be a fatal factor, preventing them from establishing a successful relationship. However, in some cases, these differences between people can be overcome if they show understanding and appreciation towards each other’s cultures like Lena did to Barry in “Punch Drunk Love” by P. T. Anderson.
References
Anderson, P. T. (2002). Punch drunk love [Film]. Columbia Pictures.
DeVito, J. A. (2019). Essentials of Human Communication (10th ed.). Pearson Education.