Whale Rider's Opposing Forces - What happens when two opposing forces collide?

What happens when two opposing forces collide? The film Whale Rider has two main opposing forces, tradition versus change and opinion versus reality it is the collision of these two opposing forces that causes conflict in Whale Rider. Pai's Grandfather, Paka is the chief, and is looking for a new chief to succeed him. Since his first-born son does not want to be chief he has to look for a successor in the next generation. …

…woman. The two opposing forces in Whale Rider are tradition versus change and opinion versus reality. In Whale Rider the tradition that only men can be chiefs is changed to include Pai, a woman. In the film, Paka had the opinion that only men had the ability to be chief. The reality is that women have the same abilities. These opposing forces cause Paka to reconsider his own opinion and the traditions of the tribe.