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11th Edition

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Chapter 27—Co-Cultural Theory

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Title:
Come From Away
Claim:
Members of co-cultural groups may choose to assimilate, fitting into the dominant culture and shedding markers of their co-cultural group membership.
Application:
The musical Come From Away tells the true story of travelers who were forced to land in a small Newfoundland town during the events of September 11, 2011 terrorist attacks. Two of these travelers are Kevin and Kevin, a gay couple who are concerned that the small town will reject them because of their sexual orientation. At first they try to blend in, not presenting themselves as a couple; they chose to assimilate. When their coupled status slips out after a few drinks at the bar, the couple is surprised at the warm reception they receive from the townspeople. How would dominant group theory explain that?
Link:
https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/come-from-away/umc.cmc.262n0v53nmotkz7ulzuuco7rq
Discovered  By:
Andrew

Title:
Selma
Claim:
With assertive accommodation, co-cultural group members openly advocate for the interests of their group while respecting the interests of the dominant group.
Application:
In this clip, Dr. King argues boldly for the right of Black people to vote, doing so within the formal structures of the U.S. presidency. How would dominant group theory describe President Johnson's response?
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JFEsH-9ojI
Cue Point:
Dr. King meets with President Johnson in the Oval Office
Discovered  By:
Andrew

Title:
The Employables, S1, E1, "Hire Intelligence"
Claim:
Communication approach is the preferred outcome for co-cultural group members when they interact with members of the dominant group.
Application:
The Employables covers neurodivergent people as they navigate the job market. In this brief clip, the host of the show discusses with an autistic man whether he should or shouldn't disclose his disability to potential employers. How would co-cultural theory describe his options in terms of communication approach?
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyvMps9Ppzk
Discovered  By:
Andrew

Title:
Hidden Figures
Claim:
Communication approach is the preferred outcome for co-cultural group members when they interact with members of the dominant group. Likewise, dominant group members have preferred outcome as well.
Application:
Hidden Figures tells the story of Black female mathematicians who provided crucial contributions to the United States space program in the 1950s. A particular challenge for these women was segregated bathrooms, with the restroom they could use located far away. When group director Al Harrison (Kevin Costner) confront Katherine Goble Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) about her lengthy absences, his preferred outcome seems to be reinforcement of his white male privilege. After Katherine's aggressive accommodation, watch as his preferred outcome changes dramatically in one of the film's most powerful images.
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNK8FCFpmm4
Discovered  By:
Andrew

Title:
black-ish, S7, E10, "What About Gary?"
Claim:
Dominant group members may want to reinforce, impede or dismantle oppressive power structures faced by co-cultural group members.
Application:
Dre's wife's white cousin, Gary, has shown interest in understanding racism and working against it. This scene occurs after Dre explained the Black experience to Gary the previous night. As they speak in the morning, though, Dre doesn't think Gary's effort goes far enough. How would dominant group theory describe Gary's approach, and how would it describe the approach Dre wants him to take?
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S72o5lhF1Uk
Discovered  By:
Andrew

Title:
"You Need to Calm Down", Taylor Swift, Lover
Claim:
Dominant group theory addresses how members of dominant groups communicate with members of co-cultural groups.
Application:
Orbe’s research has investigated the LGBTQ community, an audience Taylor addresses in this song. How would dominant group theory describe the lyrics of the second verse?
Link:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6RRNNciQGZEXnqk8SQ9yv5?si=9519f93237554ae2
Discovered  By:
Andrew

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