Introduction to Critical Thinking Piece

For my critical thinking piece, I chose our second timed writing in which I was asked to demonstrate how the film, The Whale Rider, challenges my own perceptions of non-conformity. In this assignment I was able to put my critical thinking skills to the test by taking a peek into a culture different from my own and analyzing how the behaviors of the characters in the movie could be seen as non-conforming. My perception of non-conformity is someone who does not go with the flow, and causes ripples in society. With this in mind, I chose to focus on two characters, Porourangi and Pai, who I felt were the non-conformers in this movie. My analysis of these particular characters began with the following statement, “we see a young girl and her father who could be considered outlaws because of their refusal to except their chosen roles in the Maori tribe”. I analyzed how and why these characters refused to take on their expected roles and how this made them an outlaw within their tribe. For example, I talked about how Porourangi does not accept the role as the tribe leader his father, Koro expects him to fill. He rejects the tribe even more when his father asks him to ignore his newborn daughter and continue trying for son to become the new leader. I continue my analysis of non-conforming ways when I talk about Pai, Porourangi’s daughter. I discuss how Pai’s overwhelming need to fulfill her destiny overrides her ability to be “just a girl” in her tribe. This assignment required me to really look at the motives behind the actions of these characters, and sometimes it takes a little bit of non-conformity to find out true selves.