Jenkins 1

Derrin Jenkins
Lookholder
Sociology 1
9 February 2015
Project 1 - Relating to The Wood
In the well-known movie The Wood (1999), Mike is new to the school, and
before class begins he finds a couple of interesting characters named Ro and Slim
that help him navigate his new surroundings. At break time, Mike finds himself in a
sticky situation trying to fit in. The boys dare Mike to pull a prank on Alicia; they go
as far as bribing him a dollar. Mike gives in and it turns out Alicia is not amused by
the prank; she is offended and committed to reaching out to her older brother,
Stacy, for protection.
Auguste Comte, (1798-1857), lead society to view more scientific
explanations. In accordance with our textbook SOC, written by Jon Witt, Comte
believed that knowledge of the social statics principal and the social dynamics
principal would better society and balance the needs for social order, with positive
change (Witt 13). Social statics are the various principals that society holds
together creating maintained order. Social dynamics are the multiple factors that
bring about change, and those that shape the nature and the direction of change.
Comte defined these principals by coining the term sociology, meaning the study
of the processes of companionship (13). If Comte had the opportunity to view the
video clip from The Wood, he would interpret the scene by analyzing each
interaction separately, thus resulting in the conclusion shown. Within the video clip,

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there are actions that demonstrate both social statics and social dynamics. In
Comtes perspective, each separate interaction would result in a change, this
change would then influence the next reaction. Relating to the video clip, Mikes
action, deciding to accept the challenge, was a risk that fell outside of the social
static norm; resulting in an altered environment- representing a social dynamic.
A simplistic conclusion of Mikes actions would be that he acted unreasonable
and displayed a great about of naivet. In the textbook SOC, Witt elaborates on
Durkheims beliefs stating external force [exists] above the level of the individual
and [exerts] its force and exerts its influence on individual behavior (13). Although
the scene from The Wood, does not portray a positive impact from the individuals
of society, Durkheims beliefs acknowledge and supports the idea of an influential
society. Durkheim argues that society is distracted by multiple tasks and perfecting
a specific craft. He defines this as anomie. Anomie is the loss of direction felt in
society when social control of individual behavior has become ineffective; (13)
anomie can increase isolation, loneliness, despair and possibly suicidal thoughts. If
Emile Durkheim had the opportunity to review the mentioned video clip, he would
argue on behalf of Mike; he would assert Mike was easily influenced by his
surroundings and was only at fault for not predicting the consequences of his
actions.
Mikes actions were not only risky, they were costly. The consequence of
Mikes desire to gain popularity with Ro and Slim was violent. His actions resulted in
a beat down by Alicias older brother. Applying the perspective of Karl Marx, Ro and
Slims idea had the tools and resources necessary for [a] transformation to
happen (14); the transformation was to better Mikes social status on campus.

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Continuing with this perspective, Mike only went along with Ro and Slim for the
opportunity to better himself.
This video clip falls relates best to the paradigm of Symbolic Interaction, this
is shown through many instances. Mike believed he would fit the social norms on
campus by going along with Ro and Slim; Mike took the risk because he believed
this would put him in good standings with them. Mike causes Alicia to feel
disrespected, and she makes sure he understands just that. Mike then realizes the
consequences of his actions, as it verified what he believed was certainly untrue.
The many separate interactions throughout the video clip have great influence on
one another; each interaction results in the next.