Representation of Gender Roles in Whale Rider Anonymous 9th Grade

Films have the ability to shift our perspective about gender roles. Outdated cultural gender roles must be challenged in order to create a fairer society for men and women. The film Whale Rider (2003), directed by Niki Caro, is an exceptional illustration of a traditional community where traditions were broken when new generations were born. The film highlights how gender roles are deeply ingrained in traditional societies, where men are expected to be leaders and women are expected to be caregivers. However, the main character challenges these gender roles by demonstrating her leadership qualities and proving that she is capable of leading the tribe. As a result, we can learn that everyone has a chance to break free from old fashioned, cultural beliefs.

By being open to change, it can allow other aspects of culture to improve. A glimpse into how Maori society perceives gender roles can be found in the rope scene. Paikea asks her grandfather about their family history at the beginning of the scene because she is very interested in it because her family has a long history of being chiefs. Koro accidentally breaks the rope he uses to symbolise their prestigious chief lineage. Paikea fixes the rope by herself because she is...