The Modern Machine vs. The Ancient Predator

       West Side Story views the racial divide between Americans and Puerto Ricans during the late 1950's/ early 1960's through an ethnocentric lens. "Ethnocentrism" is the belief that other cultures or people value themselves in regards to how they compare to other cultures or people. Consequently, to be "ethnocentric" is to critique other cultures or people in regards to your own culture. The title of the film, itself, is an example of this. The "West," as we refer to it in relation to the rest of the world, is the United States. Therefor, a West Side Story is an "American" story. Suggesting that it is a tale for Americans to connect to and relate with. Consequently, this sets up a basis for the film as favoring Americans over Puerto Ricans.

       This favoritism of American culture is further played-out in the two gangs' titles, "Sharks" and "Jets." A "shark" is typically viewed as an invader, a dangerous predator that poses a threat to it's prey. "Sharks" are blood-thirsty animals that have been around for hundreds (even thousands) of years that, when mentioned, bring to mind images of thrashing through ocean waters, disturbing the peace. A "jet," on the other hand, is viewed as being fast and sleek. "Jets" are a means for speedy transportation, and often bring to mind ideas of the military, particularly the air force - fighting to protect the freedoms of American citizens. "Jets" are a relatively modern invention capable of cutting through the air like a knife. Therefore, in labeling the Puerto Ricans as the "sharks" and the Americans as the "jets," the former are cast as ancient predators, and the Americans are cast as the modern fighters against such predators. Both groups are powerful; However, the more modern, mechanical team always wins. Thus, America has the power and the knowledge to invent a machine (a "jet") that can destroy a water-bound animal in seconds, and humans view themselves and their capabilities as far more forceful and powerful than those of animals.

       This idea of machine versus animal bleeds into the hierarchical idea of air-bound travel versus water-bound travel. Traveling by air is a modern invention. It takes skilled, intelligent people to fly planes. More particularly, it takes a person of some-what prestige to fly a "jet" say, for the United States air force. Conversely, traveling by sea is something that has been done since even before America was discovered. Boats are not regarded as a particularly "modern" invention, and someone who drives a boat isn't necessarily regarded as being particularly prestigious (I have been canoeing since I was in day camp at age six). Furthermore, "jets" fly in the air, "sharks" swim in the sea (obviously) but this works as a metaphor for where Puerto Ricans stand (in regards to West Side Story, of course) in relation to Americans - below them. Consequently, by casting the Puerto Ricans as the "sharks" and limiting them to water-bound travel, the notion that they are less-advanced, prestigious, and capable then Americans is enhanced. It connotes the idea that they had to utilize their "ancient" mode of transportation to come to America where more modern transportation exists.

       As a final thought, it could be assumed that most people don't particularly "like" "sharks." They are an animal you hope not to encounter on your next snorkeling expedition. Conversely, "jets" are typically viewed as "cool." At least I know I would like to ride in one if I got the chance. Therefor, this further emphasizes the idea that the American way is something to strive towards, and the Puerto Rican way is something to be avoided.