Sociology in the Films ‘Into the Wild’ by Penn and ‘Superbad’ by Mottola

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Main text
Summary
References

Introduction

The sociology class has been extremely educational and informative. Numerous aspects of life were learned by way of the various theorists and their educational theories. However, the three most important things which I learned from the class are as follows.

Main text

Socialization being an ongoing and educational process begins from childhood, and the role of the family in the process of socialization is immense. Family is a crucial factor in defining an individual’s ideas, beliefs, personality and self-esteem. The development of positive self-esteem and the ego are important for an individual to face the society and life with confidence. In the movie, ‘into the wild’ the protagonist of the film, Chris, goes on an adventurous journey and lies to the family regarding his whereabouts. A glimpse into the family scene provides us the reasons for Chris’s behavior.

The disillusionment and lack of security he has acquired from his parents’ distorted marriage plays a crucial role in devastating not only his excellent academic and sports career but also ultimately his life. By the time he realizes the true meaning of life by way of his journey, it is too late and Chris dies. Thus the important agents of socialization in his life, his parents, played havoc in his life by illustrating behavior that negatively affected the psychological development of Chris and changed the course of his life, towards death.

What we must understand is that growth and development of children in favorable environment is crucial so that they can face life and its challenges with confidence rather than with disillusionment, like in Chris’s case. We also learn about the fears and anxiety in the life of teenagers, in their transition from one role to another.

In the film, ‘Superbad’ the two friends, Evan and Seth are apprehensive of departing school and the secure atmosphere of home and friendship. In the film, the two teenagers exemplify the true nature of friendship and do funny things to get themselves invited to a party, even if it is at the cost of faking their identity. This highlights the mindset of the youth and their emotional weakness, which is present in the protagonists of both the films, but the actions being radically different.

Both the films give us useful insight into the minds of the youth and illustrate the socialization process and upbringing that is severely wanting. The illustration of the emotionally weak youth and the insecurity they experience teaches one of the potential problems the American teenagers today face.

Sociological theories, particularly Mills’ theory and argument regarding the psychological problems of teenagers, states that “‘nowadays men often feel that their private lives are a series of traps’. Mill further explains that the prime reason for this is the inability of the men to “fully understand the greater sociological patterns related to their private troubles” because their “visions and their powers are limited to the close-up scenes of job, family [and] neighborhood”.

The solution which Mills offers to this problem is by developing a “social imagination” which is the a manner of “understanding the interaction between individual lives and society,” and this “quality of mind” ultimately allows the individual to “grasp” the “history and biography and the relations between the two within society”

Lack of confidence, nervousness and fear are apparent in the youth, an issue which calls for serious attention. It’s high time children and their growth, not only physical but also the mental and psychological is given equal importance. The development of the ego or self-esteem occurs in an atmosphere of love, affection, trust and confidence. In situations where the atmosphere or the setting is wanting even in one of the mentioned factors, distortion of the family occurs and ultimately children begin to suffer.

The situation seems to be additionally grave in the U.S. with more and more nuclear families and divorced parents. The condition gets really serious when single parents, especially mothers strive to make both the ends meet, with two jobs, leaving little time and patience for quality time with children. In contrast the Asian countries for instance India has cultures and traditions, like joint family systems, religious education of children and strict marital rules which are highly beneficial for the development of children in all aspects.

The rapid development of these countries is proof of the fact that the youth are highly motivated, geared and confident to face the challenges of the new globalized world. Thus, there are numerous cultural differences in the socialization process between any two countries, for example, America and India.

The depiction and open discussion about sex among the youth are absolutely normal in the U.S. and films regarding sex, such as ‘Superbad’ are not only accepted but also get critical acclaim. In contrast, sex is taboo even in the current times and the cultural norms of India do not consider it decent or respectable to discuss sex-related topics. Besides, even films where the main theme is sex are not very well accepted in the Indian society.

The knowledge of the impact of the environment, upon individuals, along with the impact of cultures, are important paradigms for understanding the social problems of the youth of the current generation. Such a comprehension is vital to the study and to sociologists in particular, because youth and teenage are the primary years in the life of an adult when life takes its course towards a better or worse career and future. Therefore the knowledge of the psychological youth pressures will enable a deep insight into their problems which is essential to devise corrective strategies.

Warm, loving and secure homely atmospheres are conducive for the healthy psychological growth and development of children. Parents work and struggle with their jobs. Extramarital affairs, verbal assaults and the rapidly deflating cultural systems provide no opportunities for children to be happy. In such cases children look outwards, rather than inwards into the family, for support love care and happiness. They idolize film actors, friends, and college studs as their role models.

They begin to visualize themselves like them so that they can be acceptable in society and in this process of socialization the children lose their true identities, and drift away from family relations. Morals and ethics are rapidly lost and the independent views of society which the children and youth development are far from real.

The children and the youth of any country are its future and in order to stabilize and secure the future, the children and youth must be provided with a sense of security and belonging so that they can develop into healthy and confident individuals. Care must be taken by the important agents of socialization in the children’s life, primarily their parents to see that the children receive enough love and support to advance in life. Home should be the place where the child should love to get back and relax, rather than one where there are disagreements, abuses and quarrels.

Summary

The most vital thing which I have learned in this class is that positive socialization also occurs in the course of academics especially so when the teachers are good. The theories learned in this class will stay with me for life and will play a crucial role in setting a secure and safe atmosphere at home. I will certainly aspire to put to use all the things which I have acquired in this class, and try to bring a positive change in society, even if I am the only one trying to do so, for, drops of water make an ocean.

References

Film ‘Into the Wild’ by Sean Penn.

Film ‘Superbad’.

Luhman R., 1982. The Sociological Outlook: A Text with Readings, Belmont.

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Sociology in the Films ‘Into the Wild’ by Penn and ‘Superbad’ by Mottola

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