Globalization in the Beijing Bicycle

Posted by Beth-Jo Gewirtz on 10:48 AM

I intend to prove that.......The bicycle in "Beijing Bicycle" represents the disorienting effect that economic modernization and consumerism, or globalization, has had on China.

The fight for the bicycle between Guei and Jian is similar to the fight for Latika between Jamal and Salim.

Globalization is a term created and approved by Chinese mass media, so only fitting it should start there? What else?!?!

Tie in bike and tricks from X Games in USA?

3 comments:

Comment by Melissa on May 5, 2010 at 5:04 PM

Beth-Jo,

I think you have some strong ideas going into your paper. I like how you found the symbolism in the bicycle. I also like your tie in witht he bike and tricks form X Games in USA. It is a good example of how globalization directly effects individual lives.

-Melissa

 
Comment by Unknown on May 5, 2010 at 5:08 PM

You should ask if you can compare the two movies. I think the connection between the bicycle and Latika as an attainable object could make for a fascinating analysis. There could be notes of feminism alongside globalization.

 
Comment by Jen No on May 5, 2010 at 5:11 PM

Are you going to touch on both movies in your paper, or were you just mentioning that as an interested fact? I haven't had the opportunity to watch Beijing Bicyle so I don't know if I agree with your comment or not, but it's an interested premise. Jamal viewed Latika as the objective of his struggles, as something he loved; Salim saw Latika in as a mean to an ends, viewed her in terms of what she could get him (whether he wanted sex, wanted to sell her, wanted to use her to gain the favor of his crime boss) and if she wasn't useful, he didn't want her (which is why he let go of her hand, when they were fleeing from Maman as children). I think this is an interesting parallel and would show a mindset that goes beyond a single movie, so I definitely think you should touch on this in your paper!

 

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