【文章內(nèi)容簡介】 ct. “The differences between the history in the film and in real life are mostly small details and are changes made to incorporate Forrest into all of the events” (Liu 58). Cultural BackgroundAmerican cultures manifest themselves in many ways, including conservative and liberal elements, scientific and religious petitiveness, political structures, risk taking and free expression, materialist and moral elements. Despite certain consistent ideological principles, American cultures have a variety of expressions due to its geographical scale and demographic diversity. The flexibility of . culture and its highly symbolic nature lead some researchers to categorize American cultures as a mythic identity。 others view it as American exception.It also includes elements that evolved from indigenous Americans, and other ethnic cultures—most prominently the culture of African Americans, cultures from Latin America, and Asian American culture. Many American cultural elements, especially from popular culture, have been spread across the globe through modern mass media. The United States has traditionally been thought of as a melting pot, ever since the 1960s, the country trends are towards cultural diversity, pluralism and the image of a salad bowl instead. Due to the extent of American cultures, there are many integrated but unique social subcultures within the United States. The cultural affiliations of an individual in the United States may have monly depended on social class, political orientation and a multitude of demographic characteristics such as religious background, occupation, and ethnic group membership.Some people said that science and religion are the two roots in the American society. Science is American material backbone. Religion is the root of American spirit. In the past, generally, it was the older and the ill person, or the people who was in trouble that prayed to the God. But now, many welleducated people, the rich, or the young men also pray to the God for satisfying their spirit. Americans regard success they have achieved as the gift God gives.Today, organized religion has not relatively influenced more than 200 years ago in the everyday lives of most Americans. Churches played a role in the establishment of Prohibition in 1920, where for 14 years it was against the law to make or drink alcohol. Churches have played an active role in promoting the civil rights of minorities and have had a powerful impact on electing local and national leaders who support their causes.Religious groups also operate many elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes. They provide aid for refugees, the poor, the elderly, orphans, and other persons in need. Social religious groups play an active role in discussing such issues as birth control and rights for minorities and women. While no single organized religion plays a significant role in the lives of Americans, it is clear that the teaching and values of a society that believes in God heavily influence the nation. Religion influences and defines what is considered ethical and acceptable behavior for American leaders and is used to measure the value of ideas. Religion in America influences the nation to act in ways pleasing to God and to view God as the creator of the universe and the ultimate source of knowledge, power, and love.IV. American cultures in Forrest GumpForrest Gump contains recurring representations of American ideals that manifest national culture. Gump is the classic underdog, or the archetype of the unlikely yet loveable hero who overes the odds and succeeds eventually. Despite of his low IQ, physical disability, and modest background, Forrest works hard and thrives. At last, he makes a success in the battle, at pingpong, at running, and eventually in business with his shrimp pany. Jenny, his childhood sweetheart, fits into the damsel in distress archetype, since Forrest must continually save her from risky situations stemming from her misguided relationships with men. Americans know to root for the underdog, to expect a relatively happy ending for the protagonist, and to hope that the lovers will end up together eventually. With the diversity of unified people, a nation must be prised of many ideals, norms, groups, and customs, forming a multifaceted culture that enpasses the practices of each member. “By acknowledging this, one rejects the concept of cultural imperialism, which implies that each national culture is uniform and monolithic”(Marwan 56).Recurrent themes in Forrest Gump also depict the dominant national culture. The film emphasizes the theme of determination – the concept that hard work will lead to success. For example, Forrest continues to love Jenny despite of multiple denials, and eventually he is rewarded by her proposal. Determination has long been a value depicted in American society, due to the necessity of this value to flourish in a free market and the capitalist economy. The theme of determination illustrated in Forrest Gump has even bee a cultural artifact itself, with the phrase “Run, Forrest, run!” signifying determination against the odds. The theme of optimism and hope is displayed by Forrest, who never loses hope in his quest for Jenny’s love or in his expectation of the goodness in others. The film also has a strong undercurrent of patriotism, and it is a prominent factor shaping our national culture. Historical references and imagery in Forrest Gump also manifest American cultures. The rise of print led to a shift in the concept of time, which has placed an emphasis on history in present culture. Therefore, the history has played a more important role in modern society. Forrest Gump depicts a vast array of historical movements and events that happened during the 1960s and the 1970s. He engages in events that have changed national politics, economics, and consumer tastes. These representations are either of distinctly American events