Stereotypes, racial slurs, labeling, and norms are observed and used daily and can be seen in virtually every aspect of life, from race to religion . These aspects are used repeatedly throughout the popular film "Gran Torino". Clint Eastwood plays the steamy character of Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran whose memories of the war continue to haunt him. His values ​​and beliefs lead him to pass judgment on others he meets. He can't seem to get along with anyone in his declining Detroit neighborhood, but an unlikely bond with his Hmong neighbors leads him to redemption, coming face to face with the same catastrophic prejudices that consume the community gang members who kill him. devoured. At the beginning of the film Walt attends the funeral of his wife Dorothy. He finds himself bombarded by young Father Janovich, who informs Walt that he is there to fulfill Dorothy's wish, which involves her husband confessing. Walt responds by insulting and mocking the Father, expressing, "I never really cared about the church and only went there because of it." » Then he insults him even more by saying: “I wouldn't admit it to a boy who has just left his seminary. » This statement provides the viewer with labeling, there are also obvious cultural differences in this scene, which include age, religion, and identity that obscure both Father and Walt's mutual realization. Their cultures are very different, which makes conversations difficult. Communication between people is most effective when the other person we are speaking with matches the identity we think is most crucial at the moment. Clearly, Walt does not think that Fathe... middle of paper ... Functional structural theory sets the framework for building a theory that sees society as complex whose parts work together to promote stability and solidarity. This statement couldn't be more true when it comes to the film Gran Torino. From the beginning to the end of the film, you see a character evolve from a racist, selfish, and ignorant individual to an understanding individual. All aspects of society, such as religion, race, and culture, are truly what make the world go round. If Walt had never been able to put aside his cultural background, opinions, and beliefs, he would never have had the opportunity to experience Hmong culture. It just goes to show that maybe if people made more of an effort to get to know each other through a sociological perspective, maybe they would be more accepting of each other, making society stronger...