Symbolic Interactionism Theory with real-life examples

 

Symbolic Interactionism theory attempts to explain differences in message interpretation as it analyzes how people interpret various meanings to words and symbols. Humans have the ability to interpret symbols and analyze another person’s viewpoint and as a result, this shapes a person’s self-concept and motivates their behavior in future.

For example, let’s talk about Bollywood. As much as we love Bollywood, we can’t deny the facts that most of the things shown in the movies are very stereotypical and have influenced us in a wrong way. Indian cinema has been greatly influential in our society.  This is where symbolic interactionism theory came into play, when we interpreted it and it influenced our behaviour.  Be it fashion trends or family gatherings or even general perceptions, films have shaped our thinking ever since its evolution.

Earlier, as shown in Bollywood movies, we thought things like stalking a girl and win her at the end, being touchy to woo her, physical and verbal abuse in a relationship, are all normal. Films like Ek Villain, showed us that if someone has wronged you, it’s okay to take the law in your own hand. Crimes have been committed in the country with this belief.

Another huge influence that these commercial Bollywood movies have had on the teenagers and young adults, even me, to some extent, is that “oh-so-perfect” face and body. Bollywood movies have always been glamourising flawless skin and perfect hour-glass body for women and broad shoulders and eight-pack abs for men. Many teens have been wrongly influenced by movies like Student of the Year, when 17-year-olds, both boys and girls, have perfect bodies. This portrayal of perfect body has made us all feel, less of ourselves at some point or the other. It made us believe for a moment, that it is normal to have that kind of body.

One such funny thing is when Bollywood showed us that removing a girl’s glasses can instantly change her personality and make her transform into hot from “behenji”. Like Naina from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. The boring book worm becomes so happening when after removing her chashma. What a change!

Stereotypes that have been shown to us through these movies, had stayed with us for a long, too. For example, what better way to show that you are a 'harmless' designer than to dress up in flamboyant outfits, call everyone darling and pretend to be gay. Films like Fashion, Partner are bright examples. Throughout most of our lives, we had built a perception that men who are into professions like designers, hairstylist, make-artists are supposed to be gay. It was until, when I stepped into the real world, and made male friends who are make-up artists and hairstylists, when my perception changed completely. The sad truth is, even in 2021, there are people who still believe in this. I, personally, have tried to oppose it and change their perception but it seems that these beliefs have been imbibed into them since very long and requires something of that intensity to change it.

No doubt Hindi movies have given us some classic movies which will be remembered till the end of time, but it is also true that the same film industry has given some totally crazy beliefs that we have followed and even believed for a long, long time.