Individual Paper
6. Using the Arts, Media and Culture: Contestations and Collaborations
In the dynamic landscape of Asia's ever-evolving societies, the interplay between modernity and modality finds a unique and compelling expression in the cinematic portrayal of gangsterism, illuminating the complex influence of these narratives on cultural values and societal dynamics. This article offers a nuanced exploration of the influence of gangsterism in movies on Asian society, with a particular focus on the intersection of modernity and modality. Against the backdrop of Asia's rapidly evolving socio-cultural landscape and postmodernism, the research delves into how gangster narratives in films have become a modality through which modernity is both negotiated and interpreted in the region. By analyzing the cinematic portrayal of organized crime and its impact on societal values, behaviors, and aspirations, this study uncovers the multifaceted dynamics at play. It scrutinizes how gangster narratives, whether reflecting or challenging traditional values and contemporary aspirations, serve as a modality to examine the coexistence of modernity and the preservation of cultural legacies within Asian societies. This research contributes to a broader discourse on the intricate interplay between cinematic representations and the complex process of societal change in the context of an evolving Asia.
Vishnu P. Satya
University of Southern California, United States