ELite Journal: International Journal of Education, Language and Literature
Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): ELite Journal (Volume 6 Number 3, July 2026)

NEGOTIATING CULTURAL IDENTITY OF MEI LEE IN TURNING RED (2022)

Tsabita Putri Ibrahim (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Ayu Saraswati (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Jul 2026

Abstract

In the era of globalization, second-generation immigrants often face complex challenges in negotiating their cultural identity as they balance heritage values with the norms of their host country. This study aims to analyze how the main character in the film Turning Red (2022) negotiates her cultural identity within a Chinese-Canadian family. This study applies Will Kymlicka’s (1995) theory of multiculturalism as an analytical approach, focusing on the concepts of polyethnic rights and internal restrictions. This research uses a qualitative content analysis with the main data source in the form of dialogue. The findings indicate that the main character, Mei, initially experiences strong internal restrictions imposed by her family, which limit her individual autonomy. However, as the film progresses, she gradually asserts her individuality and redefines her identity. She can finally control the inner red panda within herself that will come out whenever she is too emotional, and it symbolizes the success in balancing her sense of belonging to her culture with her individual autonomy.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

elite

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The scope includes theory and practice in Education, Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, language teachers training, teaching English as a second and foreign ...