What Makes Napoleon Dynamite and The Greasers Deviant in Film?
Why is Napoleon Dynamite considered a deviant in the film?
Napoleon Dynamite is considered a deviant due to his strange behavior and habits. He often behaves differently from his peers, makes strange noises, and is generally socially awkward. His dress code is also quite unique.
Who are identified as the deviants in The Outsiders and why?
In the film, The Outsiders, the Greasers are considered deviants. They are a group of teenagers who come from low-income families and are known for their rough and tough behavior. They are often seen as outsiders and outcasts by the rest of the community.
Final Answer:
In the film 'Napoleon Dynamite,' Napoleon is considered deviant due to his distinct behaviors, while in 'The Outsiders,' the Greasers are labeled as deviants because of their lower social status and style. The portrayal of these characters can have societal impacts and affect perceptions of cultural groups, potentially reinforcing stereotypes linked to ethnocentrism.
Explanation:
Deviant behavior is a sociological concept that refers to actions or behaviors that violate the norms or expectations of a particular social group. In the context of fictional movies, characters may be deemed 'deviant' based on the norms of their society within the film. In Napoleon Dynamite, Napoleon himself is seen as a deviant because of his quirky and unconventional behavior. Examples include his unique dance moves, his eccentric clothing, and his interest in seemingly odd hobbies like drawing ligers and practicing with nunchucks. These traits mark him as an outsider to the mainstream social groups in his high school.
In The Outsiders, the characters considered deviants are the Greaser gang. They stand out from the more socially accepted Socs due to their lower socioeconomic status, distinctive style (such as leather jackets and greased hair), and their reputation for being tough and prone to engaging in fights. This portrayal reflects class divisions and social conflicts that can lead to individuals or groups being labeled as deviant.
There are significant societal impacts and consequences when it comes to the relativity of deviance. For instance, misrepresentations or stereotypes of cultural groups in media, echoing notions of ethnocentrism, primitivism, or orientalism, can reinforce prejudices and misconceptions in society at large.