The Commercial Appeal of The Foreigner

In the eyes of many critics, The Foreigner is viewed through a lens tinted with "commercial" allure, likening it to the familiar beats of television sitcoms. Delve into the depths of Shue's play alongside your cherished sitcoms, and craft a compelling argument that supports or refutes this notion.

Portrayal of Southerners in The Foreigner

Some voices in the critical sphere contend that The Foreigner paints southerners with a brush dipped in "politically incorrect" stereotypes. Dive into the characters of Betty, Catherine, Ellard, David Lee, and Owen, and juxtapose their depiction with the portrayals of southerners found in both serious literature and popular entertainment.

The Ku Klux Klan in the 1980s

Embark on a detailed exploration of the Ku Klux Klan's history in America, focusing on its status and activities during the early 1980s. Illuminate the shadowy presence of the Klan during this turbulent era.

Monitoring Hate Groups

Klanwatch, a dedicated arm of the Southern Poverty Law Center, has kept a vigilant eye on the Klan and kindred hate groups since 1981. As the 1990s drew to a close, Klanwatch identified over 400 racist and neo-Nazi hate groups scattered across America, alongside 500 "militia" groups. Investigate this surge of hate-filled movements in the latter twentieth century, and consider whether a comedy like The Foreigner can hope to mitigate such a pervasive societal issue.

Understanding Shyness

Delve into the psychological realms of shyness, bashfulness, or timidity. What are the roots of this condition in reality? Compare the journey of conquering real-life shyness with Charlie's triumphant emergence from his shell in The Foreigner.