Skin Movie Essay

Living in one of the most polarized and discriminatory eras, Sandra Laing was faced with many hardships during the South African apartheid. Although she was the daughter of two white parents, her skin was darker, and she found herself in a limbo between two cultures. Skin, the 2008 film directed by Anthony Fabian, clearly demonstrates themes of intercultural communication through the ideas of ethnocentrism and assertive rights. Ethnocentrism is the center of the apartheid itself, but Skin depicts it specifically through the representation of Sandra’s father, Abraham Laing. In the beginning of the movie, we see him try to lighten his daughter’s skin and fight both the school and government over her classification. These actions may be explained as a way to protect and do what is best for Sandra. However, as the movie continues, we see that his negative view of black people conflicts with this reasoning. When Sandra meets Petrus, her father expresses his dismay. He threatens her new love interest and even begins shooting at him. Mr. Laing …show more content…
One of the first ways it is demonstrated is after she is released from jail. She decides to not return back home despite her father’s threats to never see her family again. This is an example of Sandra using her assertive rights because she doesn’t give in to his manipulation or go with him just because he is an authority. This is the point where Sandra realizes that she can make decisions for herself. This theme continues when Petrus begins to abuse her. Sandra chooses to protect herself and her children by leaving him. The practice of these rights is something that is understandably foreign to Sandra, as she was raised to listen to her father and try to fit in as best as she can. Her father hindered her freedom because he saw her skin color as a problem. Sandra’s assertiveness throughout her life has pointed her in the direction of a better