The understanding of ethnic boundaries among independent film Gadoh (2009) viewers

Abstract

Within the process of social cohesion, studies have highlighted a gap in critical pedagogies for meaningful cross-ethnic relations. Therefore, this study has explored the impact evaluation of Malaysian youths on the potential use of Malaysian independent film Gadoh as a pedagogical tool to shift ethnic boundaries in the process of maintaining Malaysia’s social cohesion. This study utilized the qualitative research design in the form of Case study, Focus group Interview, In-depth Interview and Film Content Analysis. This study purposely sampled one Malaysian independent film and its filmmaker and 10 selected Malaysian youths who are arts and culture enthusiasts. Three results were identified. Firstly, the study found that an ethnic socialization process within an ethnicised social structure functioned to thicken ethnic boundaries. An increased ethnic socialization process outside of their ethnicised social structure functioned to thin the ethnic boundaries. Lastly an ethnic socialization process through shared struggles and aspirations functioned to dissolve the ethnic boundaries of the informants. Secondly, experiencing a segregative educational approach functioned to thicken ethnic boundaries. Experiencing a creative-interactive education approach functioned to thin ethnic boundaries and lastly, experiencing a creative-critical educational approach functioned to dissolve ethnic boundaries. Thirdly, the evaluation of Gadoh as a simplistic pedagogical tool functioned to thicken ethnic boundaries, whereas the evaluation of Gadoh as an experiential pedagogical tool functioned to thin ethnic boundaries. Lastly, the evaluation of Gadoh as a critical pedagogical tool functioned to dissolve ethnic boundaries. This study argues that the independent performing arts such as films and theatre should be prioritized as a social reconciliation platform. Therefore, the informants evaluated the Malaysian independent film GADOH as a critical pedagogical tool that has the potential to facilitate the shifting of ethnic boundaries by enabling them to engage in interethnic dialogue, the deconstruction process of ethnicised social structures and form transethnic solidarity.