THE MOVIE BOYHOOD

1. What American Values are reflected in the movie?

- The movie “Boyhood” reflected three basic American values in terms of
Individual Freedom and Self-Reliance; Equality of Opportunity and
Competition; and Material Wealth and Hard work. However, Individual
Freedom and Self Reliance are reflected most clearly and in detail.

❖ Individual Freedom and Self-Reliance:

● Personal Decision: During Mason and Samantha grow up, they show the rule
to make decisions in education, relationships, and self-expression.
For example:
+ Mason’s decision to attend college away from home and explore new
opportunities (get part-time jobs and manage his finances) -> Independence
from His Family Dynamics
+ Despite societal pressures, Mason decided not to conform and follow the
traditional path his classmates take after high school
● Freedom of Expression: The film shows Mason's evolving sense of
self-expression.
For example:
+ Mason experiments with various forms of self-expression, such as music,
photography, and writing which allows him to explore and discover new
aspects of himself, allowing him to ascertain his beliefs, values, and dreams
● The Pursuit of Happiness: this value is strongly expressed by Olivia (Mason’s
mother). It is shown when she pursues her education and attends college
classes, highlighting her independence and desire for her own personal growth.
Additionally, she exercises her freedom by expressing her needs in
relationships, advocating for herself, and making choices that align with her
own happiness and well-being.

❖ Equality of Opportunity and Competition

 The film shows the importance of building a fair society and ensuring that
everyone has the opportunity to grow and develop.
● Educational Opportunities: Mason is given equal educational opportunities
like his friends although he has an unlucky background.
For example:
+ Despite facing financial struggles, Mason still goes on pursuing his dream, his
passion. Mason’s mother encourages him to pursue his passion for
photography, giving him an equal opportunity to explore his talents and
interests. Besides that, his sister is also encouraged to pursue her interest in
dance.
+ Throughout the film, Mason’s parents treat him and his sisters, stepbrother, and
stepsister equally, ensuring all children are given the same love, attention, and
support.

❖ Material Wealth and Competition:

● Economic struggle:
+ Although Mason’s mother, Olivia, faces financial struggles at times (as a single
mother), she manages to pursue a college degree and later secure a stable job as
a college professor. This suggests a certain level of financial stability and the
ability to offer her children better opportunities and raise the standard of their
lives.
+ Mason’s father starts off the film as a struggling musician, living in a small
apartment and struggling to make ends meet. However, a few years later, with
his efforts and tries, he becomes more successful in his career and eventually
moves into a larger house with his new wife and children.
● Competition:
As they grow older, children face competition in terms of academics,
extracurricular activities, and even relationships to raise their lives.
For example:
+ Mason’s stepfather, Bill constantly pushes Mason to excel academically and
participate in various activities. This pressure creates a competitive
 environment for him, as he always feels the need to constantly prove himself
and meet the expectations set for him.
2. What do you learn about the modern American family?
In the film Boyhood, I can learn about various aspects of the modern American
family.
● Methods of teaching children:
+ Parents should not constantly "manage" their children; instead, they should let
them mature on their own and only intervene when necessary.
+ Prioritize their children: Mason’s father and mother still try to spend as much
time as they can with their children, despite the fact that their relationship has
ended.
+ Respect their children’s ideas: They always ask their children's opinions before
making a decision. For example, Mason’s mother asks his siblings about
moving to another city to live and work, Houston.
● Parental Growth:
+ Throughout the film, both Mason’s mother, Olivia, and father, Mason Sr.,
undergo personal growth as parents. They learn from their mistakes and
involve themselves as they try to provide the best support for their children.
This shows the concept of parenting as a continuous learning process.
● Family Connection:
+ Boyhood showcases the challenges faced by single parents. Although Mason
Sr. has many difficulties in his life, he still tries to adjust and maintain a
connection with his children. It highlights the resilience and determination
needed to raise children as single parents.
+ In many curricula, regarding positive or negative cases, parents are always by
their children’s side to support and share feelings.