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Exploring Jackie Chan’s Resilience through Grotberg’s Framework: A Study of his ‘I Am, I Have, I Can

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This article examines Jackie Chan’s resilience through Grotberg’s “I Am, I Have, I Can” framework, highlighting how these three elements underpin his success and global appeal. Using secondary sources, including autobiographies, interviews, and media reports, a thematic analysis explores how Grotberg’s model aligns with Jackie Chan’s journey from his humble beginnings in Hong Kong to his rise as a global action star and brand icon. The analysis reveals that Chan’s resilience is rooted in his identity (I Am – self-worth, ruggedness, tenacity, competitiveness, cultural pride), relationships (I Have – family, mentorship, community, global connections), and skills (I Can – physical abilities, adaptability, problem-solving, endurance). The fourteen traits are crucial to his personal and professional growth. The findings suggest that Grotberg’s framework provides valuable insights into resilience as a core element of celebrity branding, illustrating how figures like Chan maintain relevance in both celebrity and personal branding. Furthermore, two resilience traits—competence and ruggedness—from the ‘I Am’ component align with Aaker’s Brand Personality Theory, contributing to the creation of durable and inspiring public personas. While this article focuses solely on Grotberg’s framework, integrating Aaker’s Brand Personality Theory in future research could deepen our understanding of how resilience shapes both celebrity and personal branding.
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