Lentz 1

Brett Lentz
Comm 289
8 February 2015
Application Log 1
Word Count: 995
The theory in this chapter that is presented is symbolic interactionism. Which Mead
believed that our thoughts, self-concept, and the wider community that we live in are created
through communication (Griffen 54). One significant part that helps us interpret the theory that
is proclaimed by Mead is the word meaning. The premise the book states for this core principle
is humans act toward people or things on the basis of the meanings they assign to those people
or things (Griffen 55). In past experiences the way I act and interpret information from people
differs by depending on who the person is. For example, when my football coach would yell at
me or teammate for doing something incorrectly it would be normal and not make us feel
uncomfortable. However when a person that I vaguely know yells at me for doing something
incorrect I tend to interpret it differently which makes me have an altered response compared to
my coach or authority figure yelling at me.
Furthermore, the next key premise of this theory is the term language. The way book
defines this is that the meaning arises out of the social interaction that people have with each
other (Griffen 55). Names for the most part have no logical affiliation with the object at hand.
The way we interact and use terms makes the object at hand linked and connected to the meaning
through language. Humanity is the only beings that communicate through our own language. In
everyday life we use symbols and words to gain a deeper connection with one another. For

Lentz 2
instance, in my personal life with using language I have been able to absorb material from others
whether it may be teachers, family members, or friends and apply it to everyday life
circumstances.
Moving on, the next premise that is discussed in this chapter is thinking. This premise is
an individuals interpretation of symbols is modified by his or her own thought process
(Griffin 57). This can be described as having a conversation in your mind with yourself. Mead
referred to this action as the term minding. Interactionists believe we have a two-second interval
when we process our next move in all situations in life. Mead also states that we dont need any
type of inspiration to search before we dive into actions. We talk to ourselves whenever we are in
difficult situations. When Im in difficult circumstances in life I always take the time to analyze
it and interpret it in a way to become the most successful I can out of the situation. I am never
too fast to jump the gun when it comes to serious decisions I have to make. With that being said,
mead ties that us as humans have minding through language. He reflects to animals in this issue,
because with few exceptions they act instinctively. Due to not having language like humans
possess, animals cant think reflectively and communicate symbolically. According to this theory
the human mind is made for thinking. Through every second of my life I am always thinking
about something whether it is about school, work, or things that are more enjoyable to my
personal interest.
Third, the final premise to this theory is the self. Once we are able to comprehend that
meaning, language, and thinking are all intertwined we can come to understanding Meads idea
of the self. The way we understand the self is taking the role of the other. This can be easily
defined as how we see ourselves looking to other people. In past experiences I have done this
many times. For example, whenever I am making a decision to do an activity I step aside to

Lentz 3
analyze how this action will reflect on others and how they will perceive me. The next part of the
self is the Looking-glass self. The mental self-image that results from taking the role of the
other; the objective self; me (Griffin 58). In this theory it explains looking at yourself from
neutral grounds and getting rid of the bias opinion that you have for yourself. In the past I have
friends that have done self analyzing similar to this process, usually what I have seen is people
are doing this reflection of themselves to make significant changes. Whether it is people
changing their friend group or trying to change their previous actions they are not pleased of.
Self-reflection is an often occurrence in many peoples lives.
Lastly, one of the last major contributions for supporting this theory is society. Society in
many ways is how people communicate and present themselves depending on what is popular or
not. One very important factor that helps explain this more is the generalized other. According to
mead this is defined as the composite mental image a person has of his or her self based on
societal expectations and responses (Griffin 60). People tend to refer to this when they are
debating if something will fit in with society or certain slang will associate with particular group
of people. Often times this is the part where people find where there persona associates the
greatest. For instances, when you move to a new school the generalized other comes to
significance because you are seeing what is acceptable and what type of friend group you will fit
in with. Frequently people will try and change themselves to appropriately fit into a certain
friend group by using the senses they get from the generalized other.
In conclusion, with these main points to supporting the interpretive theory of symbolic
interactionism it is clear that communication is of importance in life. The way we act is directly
how we are perceived in life by others. Communication is the way people see who a person is

Lentz 4
and the manner they present themselves. The main premises to this theory justify on how we
interact, think, and fit in into society.