In Gran Torino, the central social problem is racism and gender stereotyping. All conflict of from the movie derives from the racial discrimination between the characters. In the beginning of the movie, it is obvious that Walt is blatantly racist, especially towards those of Asian descent. This is made most clear through his relationship with his Asian neighbors, constantly referring to them as "fish heads and chinks" (Gran Torino). As the movie progresses, we learn that Walt is not the only one that has racial prejudice towards other races. From the brief encounters between the racial gangs, to the Asian grandma next door, almost every interaction in Gran Torino is affected from some type of racial discrimination. Everyone appears to be satisfied with the racial group they identify with, and have no interest in experiencing the values and beliefs of a different culture, which is the cause of huge cultural gap between the characters. .
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The Gran Torino symbolizes Walt's belief that hard work and integrity earns you what you want in life. He expresses his dislike for those who cheat and steal to get what they want. To the Hmong gang, the Gran Torino represents the white man and the idea that they are superior to the other races. Stealing the car from Walt was the Hmong's way to show the superiority of their race. At first, Thao believed that the car would prove his loyalty to the Hmong gang, but as he gets to know Walt and begins to understand Walt's values and beliefs, Thao learns that the car represents the integrity and respect that comes from those who earn it, not demand it. As walk begins to see this change in Thao, he rewards him by slowly trusting him with the Gran Torino (washing it, driving it on a date, etc.) In the end, Walt showed Thao that he had fully achieved his idea of respect by granting Thao the car in his will. .
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The idea that "Hmong girls go to college and Hmong boys go to jail"" is not entirely unique to the Hmong culture.