Analyzing Symbolic Interactionism through Star Wars

Welcome to week two of my blog. In case you forgot and or are new, I am analyzing communication theory and how the Star Wars movies apply each of these theories. This post I will be discussing Symbolic Interactionism. I will give a brief introduction to the theory and then show you some examples of how these concepts are played out.

Symbolic interactionism deals with how humans interpret different symbols. (Seems pretty self-explanatory, right?) George Herbert Mead, the creator of this theory says that we interpret symbols through three different means, meaning, language, and thinking. I will take the time to break these down further. Meaning is dedicated to how humans picture objects in their minds. We all put give meaning to different things and people whether we want to admit it or not. A student will act differently around his or her teacher compared to his or her friends. This is not necessarily a bad thing as much as it is something to take note of. It is a good thing to keep a professional tone around your teacher or your boss. When it becomes problematic is when you are trying to exploit someone by paying special respect or attention. The second concept is language. Language is used to bring different images and symbols to our minds. If I was to say the word nerd, what do you think of? I picture a person that is really well read on some obscure topic (Like Star Wars…) But when one thinks of a nerd he or she may picture a person who is really successful in school. Or someone is picturing the candy brand Nerds. Everyone has different word pictures when presented with a new word. Finally, there is the premise of thinking. The premise of thinking is a little more abstract that may require your imagination. Thinking (or as Mead says Minding) is where you are trying to view yourself in the eyes of someone else. The term I grew up hearing was called mind-checkers. You are working a step ahead of the person by anticipating what he or she is thinking or going to say. Mead uses the analogy of a three-way mirror to further describe the thinking concept.

Now that we have a decent understanding of the theory of Symbolic Interactionism, we will see how Star Wars applies this theory in its characters. Darth Vader, also known as Anakin Skywalker is by far my favorite fictional character in cinema history. Therefore, it seems pretty obvious that I use him as my example for Symbolic Interactionism. Before Anakin fell to the dark side he was a Jedi Knight. Anakin had two major influencers in his life. His Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi and a political leader, Chancellor Palpatine. Anakin gave special meaning two both of these people in his life. Even though Anakin had a good relationship with his master, he still had to behave in a manner that was appropriate for a student and a mentor. However, the situation was different for Anakin and Palpatine. Palpatine sought him out and established a friendship with Anakin. Because of Palpatine’s friendship, Anakin put a special meaning that would supersede any other view aside from the one Anakin had placed. Anakin’s place of meaning in symbolism would later lead him to his dreadful fate. Moving right along, Anakin also is an example of language. Anakin was taught from a young age that the Sith (the “bad guys” of the series) were evil and destructive. He associated that word with all that was wrong in the world. However, counter to Anakin’s belief, Palpatine had a different image in mind. Palpatine believed that the Sith symbolized power and stability. Because of Anakin applying the first concept of meaning, he also changed his symbolism in language. Which leads him to apply the last concept of thinking. Anakin is seduced by Chancellor Palpatine’s promise of power and control and he ends up committing heinous crimes for Palpatine. In light of what Anakin has done, society deems him a monster. Although his acts are evil, Anakin can only focus on what others say he is instead of what he thinks of himself. Palpatine sees him as a weapon while Obi-wan sees a damaged machine. Therefore, Anakin embraces both roles of weapon and machine and becomes Darth Vader. Darth Vader was born by a man anticipating and embracing what society wanted him to be.

All of us as humans support the theory of symbolic interactionism in one regard or another. Granted, many of you (I hope…) are not struggling with becoming the dark lord of the Sith. Regardless, we all apply communication theory to our life. Whether it is through meaning, our ability to shape reality through the meaning we place in people and objects. Language, the symbols that are associated with the words used, or in our thinking. The symbolism of us trying to interpret how others view ourselves. Understanding how humans apply symbolic interactionism allows us to catch a glimpse of how people think and therefore, making healthier humans within society.