Introduction Essay - 1,334 words

Introduction Background of the movie Explaining Stratification Deficiency Theory Functionalism Conflict Theory Symbolic Interactionism Perspective on Discrimination and Stratification Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory Conclusion Sociology Video Assignment In this world that we live in, stratification and other types of discrimination is evident. Each individual in the society is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions about a certain matter. Everyday individuals experience challenge as they walk down their busy world. Challenge meaning how others will perceive and judge them for what they see. One can survive this judgmental world by being able to handle situations in their own way. Guess Who? movie is about a couple fighting for their love because of their skin difference. The girl, Teresa, is black and the guy, Simon, is white. This is not the typical couple that you will see on the streets.


Teresas parents were having their wedding anniversary so she had to go home and finally introduce Simon. Over the phone, whenever Teresa would talk about Simon with her dad, she would really brag that he works for J.P. Oliver and that he is a rising star. Unfortunately, Teresa doesnt know that Simon quit her job. So the big day came, Teresa and Simon went to her hometown to see the parents. Upon arriving, Teresa did not tell her parents that Simon was white, so the dad taught that the taxi driver was Simon because he was black and totally ignored the real Simon and even asked him to carry the bags inside their house. Then finally, Teresa butted in and cleared things by formally introducing Simon. And so the story begins there. The researcher would like to explain the stratification that exists in the movie through the four perspectives.


First is the deficiency theory. This stratification uses ability to determine ones success. This was evident in that scene wherein Percy was interrogating Simon about his hobbies, specifically about sports. Simon does not really like sports, but he lied to Percy because he wanted to get on his good side and impress him. Percy seems to connect manhood with sports. Simon said that he used to work in the pit with Jeff Gordon.


He did not know that Percy knew Jeff, so he was caught lying. For Percy, if you are a real man, then you should have at least one sport. Simon not having a sport showed Percy his weakness. Percy being athletic gave him the power to perceive Simon as a weakling because majority of the guys are sports inclined and he is not. Without even looking at possible factors that contributed to Simon not liking sports, Percy judged him already. Second is functionalism. This is where the society makes sure that the high statuses are occupied by the right people, meaning, individuals who have the capability. Functionalism also serves as motivation for individuals to work hard.


Every individual needs to work to inter-dependently to fulfill the survival that the society is attaining for. Example, when Simon quit his job in J.P. Oliver, the company felt his loss because he was able to contribute a lot to their success. But when he left, they had a hole to fill. Due to Simons decision, the function of the group was disoriented. J.P. Oliver had a hard time looking for a replacement.


One person can affect the whole system if they are not able to meet the societys expectations. Third is conflict theory. This is where the society fights for scarce resources. It shows survival of the fittest. This is one reason why being employed was of great importance to Percy. He did not want his daughter to experience a hard life.


Marrying a man without a job will create social change in their lives. Percy being in the upper class would not want that to happen. It is in their system that when they are in the better side of the w ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Essay Tags: simon, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, percy, teresa

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