Discuss how dance can be interpreted as a metaphor in Shall We Dance? Include the cultural implications within the narrative that underscore this metaphor
What will be an ideal response?
This charming social comedy centers on a 42-year-old accountant who
secretly takes up ballroom dancing—a totally foreign concept in Japan where such a
hobby would be considered weird. In a society that makes a fetish of social
conformity, any act of individualism is likely to be viewed as ridiculous and
laughable. "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down" is a proverb that virtually
all Japanese schoolchildren learn when they're very young. Even as adults, they are
intensely afraid of appearing different.
Nonetheless, our stifled hero decides to take dancing lessons. He's so ashamed that he
doesn't even tell his wife. Besides, they hardly speak anymore, though they're
unfailingly polite. He feels that there's something pretentious about imitating
"Western" oddities, something unmanly about wanting to be graceful. Most Japanese
would agree that it's eccentric and showoffy to perform strange steps in front of other
people. Yet his daily grind lacks excitement and romance. He is virtually a stranger to
his family. And maybe—just once—he would like to stand out in a crowd. This shot
embodies his double life: Above the desk, he's a conscientious accountant, but down
below, he's practicing his dance steps.
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In conversational analysis methodology, like Staske-Bell's study of mother-daughter talk and intimacy, which of the following is an important aspect of the study?
a. The words used b. The vocal patterns (pauses, volume, pitch) c. The nonverbal facial expressions d. Both a & b e. Both a & c
The best general advice for effectively negotiating conflict is to
a. avoid it at all costs. b. make sure to win. c. ensure everyone wins. d. embrace it as a growth opportunity.