Introduction

Movie Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK2vTDsuBB8

Interconnectedness
Reduced costs of transportation and enhanced ease of longdistance communication are connecting cultures like never before (Heine, 2008). Such interconnectedness has created a global culture-many large companies span national borders (Heine, 2008). The concept behind interconnectedness has forced Dre and his mother to move to China. This affects the relationship between him and his mother with Dres resistant to move and dislike for China as their stay progresses. This sparks emotions of anger within Dre, which he often unleashes onto his mom.

Individualism

Dre is from Detroit so he is considered to be apart of the "American culture;" one that is generally individualistic. Individualism can describe a culture where individuals are encouraged to consider themselves as distinct from others and prioritize own personal goals over collective goals (Heine, 2008). "Fundamental to the individualist perspective is a focus on autonomy, independence, and selffulfillment" (Finkelstein, 2012). "Personal goals take precedence over group goals and personal attitudes over group norms" (Finkelstein, 2012). When Dre first begins learning Kung Fu, his motivation arises after losing a fight against a group of bullies, resulting with him feeling the need to gain revenge.

Collectivism
In contrast to individualism, collectivists define themselves in relation to the group. They are, therefore, more likely to submerge personal goals for the good of the whole and to maintain relationships with the group even when the personal cost exceeds the rewards (Finkelstein, 2012).

The culture of China tends to be collectivist, while northern and western European and North American cultures tend to be individualistic (Triandis, H., Bontempo, R., Villareal, M. (1988).
The bullies elicit collectivism the way they protect the family friend of the head bully Cheng. They threaten Dre and violently harm him on numerous occasions, when he repeatedly approaches the girl.

Prestige

After winning the Kung Fu competition, Dre and Mr. Han gained prestige. Prestige- the idea that humans are attuned to cues that signal prestige. After the fight, the boys who had beaten him up so many times shook his hand alongside their teacher. The fact that he won created peace among his enemies and gained the upmost respect in the Kung Fu culture.

Imitative Learning
After Dre gets attacked by bullies, he is immediately interested in Kung Fu and watches a video of people engaging in this style of fighting. While watching the tape, he copies their stances and powerful punches by evoking imitative learning. He further exudes this learning style by imitating skills taught by Mr. Han, while creating an emotional relationship.

Transmitted Culture
Transmitted culture: Cultural idea that is learned via social transmission or modeling (Heine, 2008). The elements of culture may be acquired through modeling or social learning and transmitted throughout a population (Martin, L., & Erber, R., (2006). The bullies that harm Dre are taught Kung Fu by Mr. Li who teaches them verbally and physically that their enemies deserve pain and the concept of no mercy. The class taught by Mr. Li is a culture within its own, (aka a subculture).

Factors That Cause Ideas to Spread

Stereotypes can be seen to reflect shared ideas that people have in particular cultural contexts about some specific cultural groups (Heine, 2008). Dres mother is surprised when Dre tells her that he is learning Kung Fu from the maintenance man and asks, Youre learning Kung Fu from the plumber? He replies, Its China mom, everyone knows Kung Fu.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xb4DUD9OZM

Summary
In conclusion, Dres behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and relationships were all affected by his immersion into the Chinese culture. He was deeply influenced throughout this journey while learning new ideas and concepts. He embraced this through his preconceived mentalities which were created through his personal experiences, and continued to more or less expand due to his new experiences brought by China.

References
Finkelstein, M. A. (2012). Individualism/collectivism and organizational citizenship behavior: An integrative framework. Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal, 40(10), 1633-1643.

Heine, S. (2008). Cultural psychology. New York: W.W. Norton. (Original work published 2008) Martin, L., & Erber, R. (2006). Psychological Inquiry . An International Journal for the Advancement of Psychological Theory, 17, 75-151. Retrieved June 11, 2013, from http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/comm/haselto

Sony Pictures Releasing UK, (2010). The Karate Kid clip Dude, Im From Detroit. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=0xb4DUD9OZM
Triandis, H., Bontempo, R., & Villareal, M. (1988). Individualism and Collectivism: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Self-Ingroup Relationship. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54, 323-338. Retrieved June 11, 2013, from http://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/ teachers/higginj/S0DBE81F6-0DBF1F22.3/Individualism%20and%20Collectivism%20Cross-Cultural%20Perspectives%20.pdf Wiimeo, (2009 Dec, 22). THE KARATE KID Jackie Chan Official MOVIE TRAILER. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=sK2vTDsuBB8