Truman Show and Panopticon - Assignment Example

Author’s name Instructors’ name Course Date Question 1 Truman Show and Panopticon Introduction Over time, sociologists have grappled with the issue of people’s attitudes towards their environment, and the interpretation of the same. This has become even more important with the increased surveillance on people’s social life. Panopticon has thus become difficult to avoid in the current world. The following essay intends to discuss how difficult it is to overcome panopticon among individuals and groups. The Truman Show will be used widely to illustrate this statement. However, sociological theories will as well be discussed to support the argument raised in every paragraph (Van Krieken, Robert & Van Krieken, Robert, 2014).These include critical theory that emphasizes the deeper understanding of social environment instead of the traditional one that simply seeks to only explain it. The five types of groups of people explained in the Structural Strain Theory have been provided, showing the how individuals and groups do what they can to archive their goals in life. Further, Symbolic Interaction Theory illustrates how people attach meanings to objects or events as they interact. These theories will be followed by examples in real life situations. Overview of the Truman Show and Panopticon The Truman Show is a satirical movie that depicts a character that faces challenges in coming out of an environment where he is watched in all directions. This ‘studio’ is a contrived world-an invention of the media (Klemens 2007). The surveillance cameras have been installed in every part of the facility but it is ironical that Truman Burbank is not able to realize that he is being watched. The artificial lightings of the sky and other decorations have made the main character believe that he is in his own world Van Krieken, Robert & Van Krieken, Robert (2014).He is made to act and behave in a given way by the producer or director who directs every behavior on the stage. It however comes a point where he is able to realize that he is being watched. Having noted this, Truman tries to escape from this situation. In doing so, he is faced with several challenges including his own fear (Klemens 2007). The message of the movie is that the society should stand up against the manipulations in life that make them unable to control themselves and determine how they should behave. On the other side, panopticon refers to the illusion that people find themselves in where they are watched on daily basis by various agencies or using various media (Brunon-Ernst 2012). It refers to an institutional building that was designed by Jeremy Bentham in 18th century. He was an English philosopher as well as a social theorist. The building’s concept was to allow a guard to observe what the inmates were doing and control their actions (Brunon-Ernst 2012). Further, the inmates would be allowed to know that they are being watched and thus be careful on what they were doing. This means that even when the guard’s eyes were not on them, they could think that they were being watched. Their behavior and thinking were therefore being indirectly controlled due to such surveillance (Brunon-Ernst 2012). In this essay, the relationship between Truman Show and how individuals or groups may not overcome panopticon will be shown. This will be done by the use of sociological theories followed by examples. Why it is Impossible to Overcome Panopticon Critical Theory It is critical that that people must know how to come out of traditional thinking and understand the reality of life . Over the last one century, there has been development, which has taken place in all sectors. However, technological development has changed the way people lead their lives. There are any innovations, which have been advanced by scientists over the years. The way people communicate and interact has widely changed over the last few decades Van Krieken et al (2014).This has been because of development in various channels of communication, such as phones and social media. At the same time, the world has developed surveillance systems that make people fear on almost everything they are doing whether right or wrong. Cities are installed with surveillance cameras that are intended to observe what the citizens are doing. However, many people are not aware of such developments. The producer as well as the audience has portrayed this in the Truman Show, where Truman is taking time to realize that he is being watched (Klemens 2007). It is only after realizing this that he decides to find a way of escaping. A critical thinking and analysis is thus crucial at an individual level. This has been shown under the critical theory as explained below Critical theory is one of the social theories that were oriented in trying to analyze the way people think of the society and consequently change the same (Collins 2007). This is in contrast to the traditional understanding of how the society is, that was only focused on explaining the world and its social parameters. However, critical theory seeks to dig deeper and provide a platform through which people can uncover the forces and assumptions that makes humankind unable to have full understanding of how the world works. The critical theory emphasizes the involvement of all facets of the society including psychology and social sciences (Collins 2007). It is therefore important that people should think critically under the circumstances they find themselves in. It is through such thinking and critical analysis of aspects that they are able to move out of situations that Truman found himself. In light of the above discussion, a case in point is a shopping mall. It is common for one to find many CCTV cameras installed in every part of the mall. The main aim is to observe every movement of the shoppers to detect criminals Van Krieken et al (2014).However, it makes many shoppers who do not have any bad intention uncomfortable since they are not free to do what they want. For instance, when one is helping himself in washrooms of the same mall, he fears that somebody somewhere might be watching what he is doing. Conclusively, it is true that Truman Show brings the current reality in the world. It is important that people know that in the current world, it is impossible to avoid being watched. However, the degree of surveillance at a certain point of time is what matters. Structural Strain Theory It must be accepted that the world is filled with innovators. In the ‘Truman Show’, the producer or director is aware of what is happening to the Truman (Klemens 2007). He has used the available technology, which has been invented in order to confuse Truman. In the current world, people are trying what they can to come up with new and different ways of doing things besides the conventional methods. It is thus impossible for one to avoid being observed by the ‘watchmen’. In the Structural Strain Theory, developed by Merton, five groups of individuals have been described (Andersen & Taylor 2008). One of these is the innovators. These are individuals who have accepted the way social forces are, but they are ready to do what they can to change the status quo (Andersen & Taylor 2008). It is through such efforts of such individuals that new ways of surveillance will ever be invented. It thus makes it hard for one to avoid panopticon aspects in the society. The use of GPRS systems changed every aspect of human life. Using phones, the system can allow one to be traced wherever he is. It is one of the ways used in tracking thefts , terrorism and others forms of crimes, which makes people be cautious of how they use their electronic devices especially in communicating. Symbolic Interaction Theory The world has become too commercialized and business people are taking this opportunity to advertise their products on various media (Andersen & Taylor 2008). This has well been observed in the Truman Show. In so doing, Truman is not aware that he is advertising other people’s product when consuming them. Those people that are surrounding him understand what they are doing in the studio. By consuming the product, there is a direct connection with the audience. The audience as well believes the product is great based on how the actors are consuming it. Further the panopticon aspect comes in where people think they are satisfying their needs but someone is watching how they are using the product he is advertising (Klemens 2007). The meaning of the product is symbolically represented in people‘s mind based on what they can see in the media. Symbolic Interaction Theory explains the attachment that people have on what they see through their mental interpretation (ISP&FSI et al 2012). It is through such ways that people make decisions. People are convinced through interactions that some meaningful deductions are true. However, this might not be the case in reality. This theory explains that the society is constructed based on the interactions that people attach to certain objects, behaviors or events (ISP&FSI et al 2012). Thus, they are made to behave in a certain ways due to manipulations coming from various sectors. Therefore, people are watched to determine the impact of such efforts like advertisements. Women have been sexualized in many advertisements. Cosmetic products and fashion are full of women who expose their beauty to attract potential buyers. The main aim is to convince and to show how one will become, after using the product. It should be agreed that the owner of advertised products is secretly observing to see the impact of such advertisement that he has used all his money on. On the other hand, the consumer is not aware that he is being watched thus making it hard to avoid panopticon. Conclusion Based on the above discussion, it is clear that it is difficult to avoid panopticon. This has been supported from examples in the ‘Truman Show’ that depict how difficult it is to avoid panopticon in the current society. Theories have been used throughout the essay for the same purpose. At the same time, examples have been provided to support every point in the paragraph. References Andersen, M. L., & Taylor, H. F. (2008). Sociology: understanding a diverse society. Belmont, CA, Wadsworth/Thomson Learning Brunon-Ernst, A. (2012). Beyond Foucault new perspectives on Bentham's Panopticon. Farnham, Ashgate. Collins, R. (2007). The sociology of philosophies a global theory of intellectual change. Cambridge, Mass, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. International Symposium on the Present and Future of Symbolic Interactionism, Salvini, A., Kotarba, J. A., & Merrill, B. (2012). The present and future of symbolic interactionism: proceedings of the international symposium, Pisa 2010. Milano, F. Angeli. Klemens, N. (2007). Peter Weir's "The Truman Show": The ultimate hidden Camera Special. München, GRIN Verlag GmbH. Question 2 Sociology of Deviance and Crime Introduction The following essay intends to illustrate that discourses of crime and deviance are socially constructed. Sociologists have spent much of their time to study the relationship between crime and deviance and whether the two are socially constructed (Van Krieken et al., 2014).Cultural Transmission theory argues that social behaviors are learned and transmitted from one generation to the other (Lawson & Heaton 2010). However, Social Control Theory argues that the society has put measures to control crime and deviance. According to Labeling Theory, individuals in the society label others as criminals or deviants. In order to show that crime and deviance are socially constructed, examples will be provided in every paragraph of the essay. Cultural Transmission or Differential Associations Theory There is no child born as a criminal or intended to deviate from the cultural norm or socially acceptable behavior (Lawson & Heaton 2010). This means that both crime and deviance are socially instigated. As noted above, what is considered as criminal in one community or society might not be the same in another. At the same time, cultural practices are different from one society to another (Downes & Rock 2011). Therefore, depending on where a child is raised in, he subscribes to already social formations that exist. This means that one goes against such norms if he breaches the same. According to the Cultural Transmission or Differential Associations Theory, people’s behavior is learned (Stark et al 2008). Crime in itself is a behavior. At the same time, any deviant behavior of an individual is as well learned. This theory argues that there are parameters to be considered when one is learning. One of them is the age of the learner, the ‘contact’ aspect with the teacher and lastly the ratio of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ in the learner (Stark et al 2008). Therefore, doing anything criminal or deviating from community’s norm is socially instigated. It is widely known that those who do terrorism mostly subscribe to Islam. It is for this reason that many young people are becoming radicalized to become Muslims and thus perform such acts. The process of radicalization involves teachings, which are ‘learned’. After an individual is fully equipped with this ‘knowledge’ he goes ahead to execute them. This is a good example to illustrate how crime and deviance are socially learned. Social Control Theory Despite the fact that crime is considered as evil in the society, there are many people who do what is considered as ‘good’ in the community (Lawson & Heaton 2010). The social norms are differently interpreted at an individual level. One may decide to go against social norms. However, this is mostly through the social control measures that have been put in place in the community. These measures show how crime and deviance can be controlled in the society. Social Control Theory explains why some people behave ‘normal’ while others seem to deviate (Lapiere 2006). It explains that the society has put measures in place to control crime and deviance. Some of the factors that make this to happen include attachment between individuals, commitment, involvement and belief (Van Krieken et al., 2014). These are some components that make one to deviate or not to. Although the above factors may show inverse correlation to deviance, some play critical roles in controlling the same. Commitment to community goals and objective is a good example. A police person in the society ‘may’ be committed to doing what is ‘right’ by following the law and protecting civilians from criminals. It is the same law that has obligated him to do that, which means that social control mechanism can be used to reduce crime or deviance. Labeling Theory It is understandably correct that it is ‘others’ who consider one as a criminal and a deviant in the society. On the other hand, the accused does not consider himself the same. This means that the society is responsible for labeling others as criminals or deviants (Farrington et al 2014). If this does not happen, then the habit of an individual will go unpunished. It illustrates that what is deemed as deviance or crime is dependent on the social interpretations and labeling. Labeling Theory supports this statement by arguing that deviance is a social process that involves other people in the society labeling others as deviants (Farrington et al 2014). Further, those who label tend to be of a given status in the community or a group. They are in a position to determine what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, and further recommend the step to be taken. The abortion debate in the world is a good example. In some jurisdiction, abortion is considered a crime while in some laws it is acceptable. If a woman undergoes abortion where it is illegal, then she is labeled as a deviant. In case she does the same in countries where it is acceptable, then no labeling would take place. Conclusion Conclusively, it is clear that crime and deviance are socially constructed. This has been shown by discussing three sociological theories followed by examples in all paragraphs. Cultural Transmission theory has illustrated that people become ‘criminals’ and ‘deviants’ after learning from the society. Social Control Theory has indicated that the society has put measures in order to control crime and deviance. Finally, Labeling Theory argues that labeling in the society makes one be considered as a criminal or a deviant. References Downes, D. M., & Rock, P. E. (2011). Understanding deviance: a guide to the sociology of crime and rule-breaking. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Farrington, D. P., & Murray, J. (2014). Labeling theory: empirical tests. Lapiere, R. T. (2006). Social control theory. New York, McGraw-Hill. Lawson, T., & Heaton, T. (2010). Crime and deviance. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan. Van Krieken, Robert & Van Krieken, Robert (2014). Sociology (5th edition). Frenchs Forest, N.S.W. Pearson Australia Stark, M. T., Bowser, B. J., Horne, L., & Kramer, C. (2008). Cultural transmission and material culture: breaking down boundaries. Tucson, University of Arizona Press. Read More

The message of the movie is that the society should stand up against the manipulations in life that make them unable to control themselves and determine how they should behave. On the other side, panopticon refers to the illusion that people find themselves in where they are watched on daily basis by various agencies or using various media (Brunon-Ernst 2012). It refers to an institutional building that was designed by Jeremy Bentham in 18th century. He was an English philosopher as well as a social theorist.

The building’s concept was to allow a guard to observe what the inmates were doing and control their actions (Brunon-Ernst 2012). Further, the inmates would be allowed to know that they are being watched and thus be careful on what they were doing. This means that even when the guard’s eyes were not on them, they could think that they were being watched. Their behavior and thinking were therefore being indirectly controlled due to such surveillance (Brunon-Ernst 2012). In this essay, the relationship between Truman Show and how individuals or groups may not overcome panopticon will be shown.

This will be done by the use of sociological theories followed by examples. Why it is Impossible to Overcome Panopticon Critical Theory It is critical that that people must know how to come out of traditional thinking and understand the reality of life . Over the last one century, there has been development, which has taken place in all sectors. However, technological development has changed the way people lead their lives. There are any innovations, which have been advanced by scientists over the years.

The way people communicate and interact has widely changed over the last few decades Van Krieken et al (2014).This has been because of development in various channels of communication, such as phones and social media. At the same time, the world has developed surveillance systems that make people fear on almost everything they are doing whether right or wrong. Cities are installed with surveillance cameras that are intended to observe what the citizens are doing. However, many people are not aware of such developments.

The producer as well as the audience has portrayed this in the Truman Show, where Truman is taking time to realize that he is being watched (Klemens 2007). It is only after realizing this that he decides to find a way of escaping. A critical thinking and analysis is thus crucial at an individual level. This has been shown under the critical theory as explained below Critical theory is one of the social theories that were oriented in trying to analyze the way people think of the society and consequently change the same (Collins 2007).

This is in contrast to the traditional understanding of how the society is, that was only focused on explaining the world and its social parameters. However, critical theory seeks to dig deeper and provide a platform through which people can uncover the forces and assumptions that makes humankind unable to have full understanding of how the world works. The critical theory emphasizes the involvement of all facets of the society including psychology and social sciences (Collins 2007). It is therefore important that people should think critically under the circumstances they find themselves in.

It is through such thinking and critical analysis of aspects that they are able to move out of situations that Truman found himself. In light of the above discussion, a case in point is a shopping mall. It is common for one to find many CCTV cameras installed in every part of the mall. The main aim is to observe every movement of the shoppers to detect criminals Van Krieken et al (2014).However, it makes many shoppers who do not have any bad intention uncomfortable since they are not free to do what they want.

For instance, when one is helping himself in washrooms of the same mall, he fears that somebody somewhere might be watching what he is doing. Conclusively, it is true that Truman Show brings the current reality in the world.

Read More