Namesake. (2011). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=img&q=http://entimg.s-msn.com/i/150/mo/OneSheets/new3/namesake.jpg&sa=X&ei=H83hTae2E9K1twfVu_2KBw&ved=0CAQQ8wc47QQ&usg=AFQjCNESGypDsJZ9yYOrTsaJf7v3yWenHg
This movie is based upon a novel of the same name by JhumpaLahiri. It is about a Hindu Bengali couple that moves from Calcutta to the United States to get married in an arranged wedding. While the husband adapts to the United States pretty quickly, his wife resists all things American and pines for her family back home. Nair, M. (Director). (2006). The Namesake [DVD].Ashoke and ashima. (2011). [Web]. Retrieved from http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRu-cNzaI0LnozsZTv0iQ5GzMvvumHFeOpFLMkwClC0UI90GEb9Namesake cover. (2011). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=img&q=http://bookpage.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/cover/November172008344pmnamesake.gif&sa=X&ei=xM3hTcTYKoiUtwef44T9Bg&ved=0CAQQ8wc4mgU&usg=AFQjCNF4MxwfMrhSjQwNChLgl6eQ7I0-Uw
Together, they have a son and daughter. The movie centers around their name choice for their son, whom they named Gogol Gangui after a Russian writer and in memory of a catastrophic event that occurred prior to them coming to the United states. The main focus is on Gogol as he constantly struggles with respecting old family traditions while enjoying the American way of life. Gangui family. (2011). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.pravasitoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/the-namesake.jpgNair, M. (Director). (2006). The Namesake [DVD].Young gogol. (2011). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Film/Pix/pictures/2007/03/21/namesake460.jpg
In high school, trying to escape embarrassment associated with his old world name, he changes his name Nikhil (the pet name given to him when he was a young child). Shortly after that, he goes off to college to become an architect and distances himself from his family and their traditions. When he does come back around, he further rebels by dating a wealthy white girl and resisting his parents desire for him to date a Bengali girl. Eventually, after grief strikes the family, Nikhil attempts to reconcile his two names and identities.Nair, M. (Director). (2006). The Namesake [DVD].Namesake. (2011). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=img&q=http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/03_03/TheNamesakeDM_228x171.jpgNamesake 2006. (2011). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=img&q=http://www.ifc.com/movies/310x229_namesake2006.jpg&sa=X&ei=X9DhTfN2yLW2B8q59a4H&ved=0CAQQ8wc4FA&usg=AFQjCNGDXUD7NVTY3ZukwGQg-FY_LKHKw
I think watching this movie would be helpful to youth development professionals because it offers a glimpse into what is a reality to many immigrant families and their children whether they are born in the United States or prior to the family immigrating here. It shines a light on middle eastern traditions while highlighting how cultural disorientation can cause conflicts for youth who are trying to assimilate themselves into American culture. By watching this movie, youth development professionals can develop empathy for the needs of youth born to immigrants, especially those from the Middle East and can find ways to make the transition easier for them.