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Symbolic interaction is a theoretical paradigm that enables people to understand various processes that take place in society. It is possible to apply some concepts developed within the theoretical paradigm when analyzing the film American Beauty (1999). The film reveals a story of an ordinary middle-class family that has to address ordinary issues but does it peculiarly. One of the male characters is of particular interest as his self is constructed in a specific way. He chooses to be an outcast rather than conform his behavior to the accepted norms (Mendes, 1999). The concept of deviance is central to this character.
Ricky has been labeled as a weirdo and a dangerous maniac in the school setting. He spent some time in a military school and in a psychiatric hospital, which is seen as evidence of his being a psycho. Roark, Gillard, Evans, Wells, and Blauer (2012) stress that students often lack the skills to develop friendly relationships. Ricky is one of such individuals who does not fit in the entire educational system. Link, Wells, Phelan, and Yang (2015) argue that the stigma of a mental health issue shapes the way affected individuals form their identities. Ricky can be an illustration of this phenomenon. He chooses to bear the stigma and alienate himself from the rest. The adolescent accepts his deviance and chooses to be regarded as a weirdo rather than try to fit in. Haney, Thomas, and Vaughn (2011) stress that delinquent teenagers have difficulties with reintegrating into society as their peers usually feel hostile. This hostility affects the way the former delinquents’ identities develop. Ricky becomes an outcast who does not interact with others and sees himself as different (and even superior).
The theory of symbolic interaction is based on the concept of the symbol as well. This concept is also present in the film. Ricky’s father has a hidden collection of some Nazi artifacts. Türe and Ger (2016) claim that heirlooms play an important role for families as they serve as a glue of generations. For Ricky, his father’s artifacts are symbols of their likeness. Both, Ricky and his father, have something to hide. Ricky sees his father’s deviance, which helps him shape his own identity. He chooses a similar approach. The teenager conceals his real self, as well as his real source of income, just like his father hides his attitude towards something prohibited and labeled in the society they live in.
The development of routines is also discussed within the terrain of the symbolic interaction theory. Dionysiou and Tsoukas (2012) stress that routines also create specific symbolic interactions. This process is vivid in the film as Ricky develops the routines that are acceptable in society as well as some routines that are regarded as deviant. The teenager’s self is shaped as he chooses to conceal some aspects of his identity through concealing routines that are not accepted in American society.
In conclusion, it is necessary to note that the film can be regarded as an illustration of major concepts found within the theory of symbolic interaction. The film depicts an adolescent who chooses to be isolated rather than conform to the accepted behavioral patterns. Society labels people and creates barriers to proper interaction. Different people utilize different strategies to address this peculiarity of human society. Living in certain isolation often seems to be the best option.
Reference List
Dionysiou, D., & Tsoukas, H. (2012). Understanding the (re)creation of routines from within: A symbolic interactionist perspective. Academy of Management Review, 38(2), 181-205.
Haney, K.G., Thomas, J., & Vaughn, C. (2011). Identity border crossings within school communities, precursors to restorative conferencing: A symbolic interactionist study. The School Community Journal, 21(2), 55-80.
Link, B., Wells, J., Phelan, J., & Yang, L. (2015). Understanding the importance of “symbolic interaction stigma”: How expectations about the reactions of others adds to the burden of mental illness stigma. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 38(2), 117-124.
Mendes, S. (Director). (1999). American Beauty [Motion picture]. Universal City, CA: DreamWorks Pictures.
Roark, M.F., Gillard, A., Evans, F., Wells, M.S., & Blauer, M.M. (2012). Effect of intentionally designed experiences on friendship skills of youth: An application of Symbolic Interaction Theory. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 30(3), 24-36.
Türe, M., & Ger, G. (2016). Continuity through change: Navigating temporalities through heirloom rejuvenation. Journal of Consumer Research, 43(1), 1-25.
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