Introduction

Immigration has been a topic of global significance, often portrayed in various forms of media, including film. In this essay, we will examine the movie “The Visitor” directed by Thomas McCarthy, which provides a thought-provoking perspective on immigration. The film follows the story of a widowed college professor, Walter Vale, who discovers two undocumented immigrants living in his New York City apartment. As he develops a connection with them, he becomes entangled in their lives and faces the complexities of immigration. “The Visitor” sheds light on the complexities of immigration by illustrating how stereotypes, prejudice, racism, and ethnocentrism can hinder effective communication between immigrants and their host country. The movie challenges viewers to question their own biases and to recognize the importance of fostering understanding and empathy towards immigrants. By delving into these themes, the movie underscores the need for open dialogue and policy changes to create a more inclusive society for all.

Stereotypes

Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a particular group of people (Kassin, Fein, & Markus, 2017). In the film, Tarek, an immigrant from Syria, faces stereotypes as he is perceived as a potential terrorist due to his Middle Eastern background, which creates barriers in his interactions with others. These stereotypes are not limited to Tarek alone; they also affect Zainab, Tarek’s girlfriend from Senegal, who faces preconceived notions about her culture and background. The film depicts how these stereotypes not only perpetuate misunderstandings but also result in the unjust treatment of immigrants, causing them to live in constant fear and isolation. Stereotypes, as portrayed in the film, illustrate how preconceived ideas can create significant obstacles to effective communication between immigrants and the host country, leading to discrimination and exclusion.

Prejudice

Prejudice, the negative attitudes and feelings towards a particular group, is another prominent theme (Allport, 1954). Walter, the protagonist, initially holds prejudiced views about immigrants, considering them as unwanted intruders. However, as the movie unfolds, Walter undergoes a transformation in his attitudes as he gets to know Tarek and Zainab on a personal level. The movie beautifully illustrates the power of personal connections in challenging and eventually overcoming prejudice. It highlights how Walter’s initial bias was based on ignorance and lack of exposure to the immigrant experience. “The Visitor” emphasizes that addressing prejudice requires empathy, education, and meaningful interactions between immigrants and the host country’s citizens.

Racism

Racism, the discrimination based on one’s race or ethnicity, is subtly portrayed in the film (Jones, 1997). Tarek’s experiences of racial profiling and his eventual detainment by immigration authorities highlight the systemic racism faced by immigrants in the United States. The film shows how racism can lead to unequal treatment, injustice, and the denial of basic rights to immigrants. It serves as a stark reminder that systemic racism remains a significant obstacle to effective communication and integration for immigrants. Tarek’s story in “The Visitor” underscores the urgency of addressing racial bias and working towards a more equitable society.

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism, the belief that one’s own cultural group is superior to others, is depicted through the lens of the American characters (Sumner, 1906). Walter’s initial ethnocentrism blinds him to the struggles of immigrants, but as he immerses himself in their lives, he begins to see the world from their perspective. Ethnocentrism can manifest in various ways, such as dismissing other cultures as inferior or resisting change and diversity. In the film, Walter’s transformation serves as a powerful example of how overcoming ethnocentrism can lead to greater cultural understanding and more effective communication between immigrants and the host country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Visitor” offers a compelling exploration of the intricacies of immigration, emphasizing how stereotypes, prejudice, racism, and ethnocentrism can obstruct effective communication between immigrants and their host country. The film encourages viewers to confront their own biases and to acknowledge the importance of fostering empathy and understanding towards immigrants. By addressing these themes in-depth, the movie underscores the necessity for open dialogue and policy reforms to create a more inclusive society for all individuals, regardless of their background or origin.

References

Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.

Jones, J. M. (1997). Prejudice and racism. McGraw-Hill.

Kassin, S. M., Fein, S., & Markus, H. R. (2017). Social psychology (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Sumner, W. G. (1906). Folkways: A study of the sociological importance of usages, manners, customs, mores, and morals. Ginn and Company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the movie “The Visitor” about?

A1: “The Visitor” is a film directed by Thomas McCarthy that tells the story of a widowed college professor, Walter Vale, who discovers two undocumented immigrants living in his New York City apartment. As he develops a connection with them, he becomes entangled in their lives and faces the complexities of immigration.

Q2: What are stereotypes, prejudice, racism, and ethnocentrism, and how are they portrayed in the movie?

A2: Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a particular group of people. Prejudice refers to negative attitudes and feelings towards a specific group. Racism is discrimination based on one’s race or ethnicity, and ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture is superior. In the movie “The Visitor,” these concepts are portrayed through the experiences of the characters and how they impact communication and interactions.

Q3: How do stereotypes affect the communication between immigrants and the host country in the film?

A3: Stereotypes in the film lead to misunderstandings, mistrust, and discrimination against immigrants, creating significant barriers to effective communication. For example, Tarek is stereotyped as a potential terrorist due to his Middle Eastern background.

Q4: How does the movie show the transformation of the protagonist, Walter, regarding his prejudice?

A4: Initially, Walter holds prejudiced views about immigrants but undergoes a transformation as he gets to know Tarek and Zainab on a personal level. The movie demonstrates the power of personal connections in challenging and overcoming prejudice.

Q5: What does “The Visitor” highlight about the systemic racism faced by immigrants in the United States?

A5: The film subtly portrays how racism can lead to racial profiling, unequal treatment, and the denial of basic rights to immigrants. Tarek’s story in the movie underscores the urgency of addressing racial bias and working towards a more equitable society.