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WATCH THE MOVIE: The Pursuit of Happyness

You will make a narrative output based on this movie and taking into account the following:
1. Universal Values
 Comparison of Western Values versus Asian Values

Culture is commonly characterized by a social group's or society's social roles, normal


values, and traditions, which have been passed down over centuries. Cultural differences
between small and large groups are common. Throughout history, there have been parallels
in national heritage, language, faith, nationality, race, age, gender, and place. The cultural
variations between nations are made up of these and several other factors. Some of the
same factors establish cultures within cultures in each nation. Culture shapes our goals and
ideals, as well as our perceptions of what is good and undesirable, influencing our
understanding of what happiness is and how to achieve it.

In Western values/views, individual rights, obligations, and equality are more likely to be
emphasized in these nations. These cultures and values place a strong emphasis on an
interdependent view of self, in which personal identity is established in relation to others.
Social obligation, fulfilling social obligations, cooperating with others, and fostering social
cohesion are all valued in collectivist societies. We believe in a self that is separate, while
Asians believe in a self that is interdependent. It is more intertwined with relationships and
social contexts, according to Asians. Americans have a tendency to qualify their responses
with justifying arguments in order to give the impression of being true to them. In contexts,
Americans have a stronger need for self-consistency, and they are very comfortable
explaining themselves without meaning. Asians tend to be more at ease with self-description
of internal traits. Asians are more adaptable and have a context-dependent self, and they
are less concerned with maintaining consistency in different contexts.

After watching the film "The Pursuit of Happyness," we can see that certain ideals are
shared by Western and Asian values, but there are still gaps to be found. The first distinction
is that Asians are known for being overly family centered and for living with extended family
under one roof. Westerners, on the other hand, are considered to be more individualistic;
they tend to live alone, apart from their parents and siblings. Chris Gardner lives alone with
his wife and son, but his wife abandoned them in the middle because he is too unfortunate.
Another is coping with adversity; when Asians face difficulties, we typically seek assistance
from our families, relatives, and friends. When we are struggling, most of us depend on
other people. Though, as seen in the film, Chris Gardner never asks for support from any of
his friends, family, or relatives in the West. He solved his dilemma on his own, having the
foresight to solve all of his problems on his own. Now, there is one thing that they both have
in common: the importance of perseverance. Whether they are Westerners or Asians, we
can see that they all have perseverance in life. Even if no one believes us or supports us,
we never give up on our hopes and aspirations in life.

2. Stages of Moral Development


 Depict/identify any of the stages in the movie by identifying the part and explain further
your views on this

Post-Conventional: Stage 4 – Law and Order


He was sentenced to jail for the third time for illegal car parking. He doesn't want to sit in
prison at first because his son is waiting for him, and he has a meeting at 10 a.m.
tomorrow. However, it was the police station's policy that he would remain at the station
before 9:30 a.m. until the case was resolved. As a result, he followed because he
believes that is the law.

Conventional: Stage 3 - Social Approval


Chris Gardner did all right during his internship, gave it his all to do his job well, and never
used his condition as an excuse. As a result, he was able to gain his boss' approval that
he is indeed a dedicated worker, and he was hired on the spot after his six months of
internship. He was guided by what others and his superiors expected of him. He acted to
show them who he really is, and he cared about how he appeared to others.

3. Profession & Professional Ethics


 What were the professional challenges encountered?
 What were the specific features of profession being evident, identify in the movie
and explain?

Individualistic values
In The Pursuit of Happyness, the protagonist Chris Gardner exemplifies American
individualistic values by being courageous, strong-willed, and confident in the face
of adversity. Even though Chris Gardner faced many challenges in life and at work,
he maintained an ambitious, hopeful, and confident attitude, which is exactly what
individualistic ideals are. He relies on his own power, intellect, and perseverance to
achieve his greater life goals; in other words, he can only rely on his own strength,
intelligence, and perseverance to achieve success.

Spirit of independence
That is, people are encouraged to be independent, self-improved, and to build their
own environment by their own efforts. In American cultures, the self-helping spirit is
also a reflection of individualism. Chris Gardner is independent person. He took
care of his young son on his own and did not need assistance from others, even his
wife, who had abandoned them.

Respect for others


Despite the fact that Chris Gardner was facing many obstacles during his struggle,
he maintained a positive attitude toward his chaotic life. He didn't give in to the
challenges. Chris Gardner was never one to lament about his lot in life. In the film,
Chris Gardner's wife fought with him for a long time before eventually divorcing him
because she couldn't stand the poverty. He has always valued and respected his
wife's decision. However, when it came to his son's custody, he insisted on staying
with him because he knew a young black woman without a decent education and
financial difficulties could not properly care for his son. “Did mom quit because of
me?” the little son asked Chris Gardner when the homeless father and son found a
bed in an asylum. “Mother has her reasons for leaving, and she has made the
decision on her own. This decision was made without regard for others.” He
explained everything to his young son. He didn't hold it against his wife, and he
didn't criticize her in front of his son. He was concerned not just about his son's
physical well-being, but also about his mental well-being.

Personal struggles
In this regard, the film primarily demonstrates his upbeat and progressive outlook,
as well as his never-say-die attitude in the face of adversity. Chris Gardner's fleeing
is the most memorable scene in the film. His first run resulted in the scanner being
stolen by street performers. It was his family's one-month living expenses. He took
a taxi with the investment manager for the second time in order to get an interview,
but he didn't have enough money to pay the taxi fare. As a result, he had no choice
but to flee by running. He was sentenced to jail for the third time for illegal car
parking. He was pushed out of the hotel for the fourth time during internship; he
also had to hurry to the asylum for queuing as soon as possible every afternoon
after work, in order to get a bed for his son, on the morning of the second day.

Responsibility
Individuals, culture, and family members all bear responsibility. Chris Gardner was
in control of his own life in the film. Despite his frustrations, he never gave up and
did whatever he could to find the road to happiness. When he saw everyone
laughing happily as they exited the stock exchange, he wanted to change his life by
becoming a security analyst. He calmly assessed his qualifications, numerical
abilities, and communication abilities. Although in the face of his wife's cynicism and
serious challenges in real life, he never gave up and eventually proved himself.
Chris was also able to overcome such a hostile climate and succeed in his career
because of his responsibility for his son. He had a difficult childhood. He didn't see
his father until he was 28 years old, so he told himself that if he had a child, he
would make him happy. He insisted on securing guardianship of his son with the
attitude of being responsible for his son because he knew that his wife took better
care of him than he could.

Reliable & Work-life balance


Despite facing many challenges, Chris Gardner maintains his loyalty to the
organization as an intern and commits himself to doing the right things. He also
demonstrates how professionals are supposed to conduct themselves at work,
emphasizing the importance of separating our personal and professional lives.

4. Decision Making
 Identify any part of the movie where the 7-Steps Guide to Ethical Decision- Making
was performed
The scenario when the owner of the apartment they are renting tells them they must leave immediately,
he considers other choices or solutions for them to remain in the apartment, such as painting the space
so they can stay for another week. Another thing is when his wife abandoned him, leaving him
homeless and penniless at the same time, he became completely depressed. He has the choice of
giving up and giving his son to his wife, but he has never done so. He knows that keeping his son with
him, even though he has nothing, is the best decision because he knows he can get through the
difficulties. Finally, he took advantage of the opportunities presented to him by his internship, even
though he was not paid for the first six months. He also considers ways to leave his job early so that he
can pick up his son from school and be in asylum where people are willing to give them a free space to
sleep in.

5. Happiness
 What are your views/opinions/insights of the movie watched?
The challenges Chris Gardner faced seemed insignificant when I watched "The Pursuit of Happiness."
However, a line from the film has stayed with me and continues to inspire me to be happy and to be successful.
“You got a dream. You got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you that you
can’t do it. If you want something, go get it period. The film depicts Chris Gardner's life's ups and downs, and
how, despite the punches thrown by reality, he rose above it with a smile on his face. The film taught me to
protect my dream with my heart and mind. It taught me how to overcome my fears and achieve my goals amid
the odds. It is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a man who loses everything before regaining it all. He
plays a hardworking, compassionate, and loving father in the film The Pursuit of Happyness, who struggles
financially to provide for his wife and children. Despite the fact that the real story differs from the movie's plot,
Chris Gardner comes across as a man of bravery, perseverance, and faith. His wife abandoned him, and
destiny led him to a life he had never imagined. He became homeless, and he worked as a salesman while
caring for his young son (he sold medical devices, that according to one of the characters in the movie were
useless). And he finds a six-month unpaid internship at a brokerage company. While trying to provide an honest
living for his son, he fails to get contracts for the company. He needs to pick up his son from daycare and get to
one of the nearby homeless shelters on time. His was the kind of life you think you'd never be able to manage.
Several people who signed contracts with the brokerage firm trusted him because of his abilities and expertise,
as well as his charm and personality. Finally, we see that he was offered the one paying role, and his life
changed drastically as a result. Happiness, according to Aristotle's description, is found inside us. Despite the
difficulties he has faced, he remains optimistic and eager to continue; he finds strength and satisfaction in his
son. Finally, Aristotle defines happiness in terms of wealth, enjoyment, and honor.

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