Social versus Individual Fulfillment - Movie Review Example

Social versus Individual Fulfillment March 5, China has come a long way from its once-closed conservative Maoist society, as it turned into a symbol of rapid economic development. Its quick economic growth, however, is not free from social and individual issues. Aronson and Williams (2008) made the documentary, Young & Restless in China, to capture these diverse issues that impact the youth. One of the issues in modern China is the conflict between social and individual fulfillment. On the one hand, many Chinese believe that they have social responsibilities, especially to their families, communities, and even the nation. On the other hand, other Chinese feel that being too focused on social demands, especially on the need to make more money, can make them forget other important individual fulfillment issues, particularly, having a good family relationship, being independent, and attaining a strong sense of spiritual identity. Several characters struggle with the conflict between social and economic needs and individual issues, although the film shows how they also balance these needs by fitting into the social system without losing their sense of individuality and freedom. Traditions impact some individuals by limiting their ability to reach their dreams. Women feel particularly limited because of social gender norms. Wei Zhanyan, a migrant worker, feels the pressure of social traditions. First, she stops studying because she needs to work, so that her brother can finish his studies. She works early at the age of 14 (Aronson & Williams, 2008). This experience shows how men are still valued more than women in modern China. Families find it normal for women to sacrifice their education to give way for the education of their brothers. Second, as a woman, she is expected to get married, but she does not want to. She says she is afraid of marriage, and she just wants to work and preserve her freedom (Aronson & Williams, 2008). However, her family pressures her to get married because they say she is beyond marrying age (Aronson & Williams, 2008). They even had a matchmaker set her up with another man, so that she can get married. In matchmaking, when a girl agrees to marriage, she cannot change her mind. Zhanyan agrees at first, but she is changing her mind. But she is trapped with her agreement. If she breaks it, people will talk about it and shame her and her family (Aronson & Williams, 2008). It is clear from her problem that society is making demands from her that she does not want. Because of her allegiance to her parents and fear of social stigma if she does not go into marriage, Zhanyan marries her fiancé anyway. Another woman experiences the same traditions that affect her freedom. Miranda Hong, Marketing executive, is not poor like Zhanyan. Hong also has an MBA. Despite her academic credentials, she faces the pressures of gender norms. She noted how competitive it is in companies, so during interviews, women are asked when they are going to have children (Aronson & Williams, 2008). The meaning of this question is that, if these women plan to have children soon, then they are not desirable applicants because companies demand long work hours and complete dedication. Hong does not want to have children yet too, however, her mother is pressuring her. She says that her mother does not tell it to her directly, but she tells this to their relatives and her relatives tell it to her (Aronson & Williams, 2008). Her problem is similar to Zhanyan. She is facing limitations to her dreams because of social pressures to her womanhood. These women are experiencing struggles because of the conflict between their individual dreams and social norms and expectations. Social norms limit their freedom and individuality which shows the contrast between modern China and traditional China. Aside from traditions, the pressure of materialism is preventing people from having a balanced life. Young & Restless in China showed that many Chinese who studied and worked abroad returned to China because of economic opportunities. Some examples are Ben Wu, an Internet café entrepreneur and consultant, and Lu Dong, owner of an Internet-based tailoring company. They are already working in the U.S. but they still went back to China to pursue business. Lung Do’s main issue is that he is looking for the meaning of life and universal truths. He said that religion has not been part of his American education and he cannot understand it (Aronson & Williams, 2008). He stresses that he wants something more in life than just having a business (Aronson & Williams, 2008). Ben Wu left his life in the U.S., even his parents and wife, so that he can open an Internet café business. He works hard on the business, while also maintaining his consultancy job. Sometimes, he says that he questions himself why he is China and what he is doing there (Aronson & Williams, 2008). He is sacrificing his family for his dreams of material success. Both men are dealing with problems of dissatisfaction in life because they cannot balance their individual dreams for meaning and family life and economic needs. Materialism seems to be controlling their lives more than their personal simple dreams in life. Though their lives have self-versus-society conflicts, these Chinese interviewees strive to balance social and individual needs by not forgetting their core values and goals. Lung Do finds meaning in life through converting to Christianity. He says that only the Christian Bible has helped him find meaning in his life (Aronson & Williams, 2008). He says that, after being baptized, he does not feel lonely anymore. At the same time, he mentioned having problems with corrupt business practices in China. Before, he says that he cannot change the dirty water, and he compares himself to a fish that has to learn to swim in “dirty water” (Aronson & Williams, 2008). Now, as a Christian, he is trying to keep his part of the water as cleanly as possible (Aronson & Williams, 2008). As for Hong, she focuses on her career and does not give in to gender and social pressures. She preserves her freedom and individualism through not being too focused on social demands. Wu also does not want to forget his core values. He intends to go into a more society-beneficial kind of business in the future (Aronson & Williams, 2008). He says that he does not plan to be in the Internet café business all his life. He wants to have a business someday that is socially responsible and has social benefits (Aronson & Williams, 2008). These people are fighting for their freedom by fitting into the system, and yet not forgetting their dreams in life. They are balancing social and individual dreams. Social expectations are hard to follow nowadays in China, as the society is shifting from collective society to individualistic society. Though individualism is more important now to the Chinese than before, they still feel the pressures of social norms. Some men feel the pressure of balancing work and family or spiritual life issues. Women experience multiple burdens. They want to earn money and be independent, but they also try to follow gender norms of having a family. All of them feel the rising materialism in China that affects their values and behaviors. The youth are restless because they have personal dreams that conflict social demands and expectation. They feel restless too because of money and family issues. Their experience is not as different as other people. However, only they can decide the sacrifices they have to make, as they make decisions that try to balance their innermost needs with social roles and obligations. Reference Aronson, R. (Producer), & Williams, S. (Director). (2008). Young & restless in China [Motion picture]. United States: Ambrica Productions. Read More