My Big Fat Greek Wedding

My research of the Greek Culture began with the viewing of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. A romantic comedy about a woman’s, Toula, strong Greek upbringing. Her family’s pride for their homeland progresses on to affect her relationship with Ian and eventually the preparation for their wedding. I believe there are copious cultural instances to address in this film. Toula’s father’s “head of the house” mindset generates evidence of a eminently masculine household. Also, I recognized strong suggestions of a collective household through the closeness of the extended Portokalos family. This film also offers the undertones of a high-power distance through the actions and work environment of the Portokalos family. And simply watching Toula’s eye contact, I knew she would ultimately defy her family’s wishes. Toula’s father, Gus, views himself as the head of the household. All decisions proceed through and are

Gus’ mother stays with the family at all times. Although she is tough to manage and almost never in a lucid state, the Portokalos’ family considers her a priority. In contrast, Greece produces an intermediate style of power, but they require the utmost respect for their elderly, a sign of a high-power culture. (Geert Hofstede) There seems to be a high-power distance in the Toula’s family restaurant. Gus seems to accept all the responsibility and dislikes to witness change throughout the business. Geert Hofstede’s article on the Greek culture describes this as a common occurrence stating, “In companies there is one boss who takes complete responsibility.” The article continues to reveal that the Greek’s believe that other cultures have borrowed from their own culture. My Big Fat Greek shows this through Gus’ constant urging of his children, their friends, and neighbors to give him any word so he can show how it was a word that actually came from early Greek