Joker Analysis | The Sociology of Crime and Deviance

Summary

The script explores the Joker's transformation from an overlooked citizen to a symbol of anarchy, reflecting on societal norms and power dynamics. It delves into how societal structures can lead to crime, examining the Joker's rise as a response to corruption, alienation, and lack of opportunity. The video connects the film's themes to real-world social issues, sparking a discussion on deviance and the creation of alternative opportunity structures.

Takeaways

• 😄 Comedy is subjective, and societal norms and rules are created by those in power.
• 👤 Conflict theorists argue that deviance and crime are socially constructed to benefit the dominant, often marginalizing others.
• 💼 The wealthy, like Thomas Wayne in the script, can avoid legal scrutiny and even represent the law due to their privilege.
• 🚫 The media often focuses on the status of criminals rather than their actions, reflecting societal biases.
• 🤕 Arthur Fleck, the Joker, faces injustice as the law fails to protect him, leading to his decision to protect himself.
• 😔 Arthur's struggle for recognition and love in a world that ignores him is a central theme of the film.
• 😳 Society's neglect and treatment of the mentally ill are highlighted through Arthur's experiences.
• 🤯 Social strain theory is exemplified by Arthur's turn to deviance when faced with a lack of opportunity.
• 🎭 The clown mask becomes a symbol of rebellion against the subjective ideal of a 'good life'.
• 🔥 The film suggests that when legitimate opportunities are blocked, some may turn to crime or anarchy.
• 🌐 The dynamics of deviance portrayed in the film are not just fictional but reflect real societal issues.

Q & A

What does the Joker's character invite us to reflect on according to the script?

The Joker invites us to reflect on who makes the rules in society, who decides what's funny, who creates social norms, and who decides what is criminal.

How do conflict theorists view deviance and crime according to the script?

Conflict theorists argue that deviance and crime are not objective facts but are socially constructed to benefit the dominant and powerful interests of society, often at the expense of the marginalized.

What is the role of Thomas Wayne in the script and how does he exemplify privilege and power?

Thomas Wayne is portrayed as a wealthy individual running for mayor, who is suggested to be illegally skirting his responsibilities. He exemplifies privilege and power by being able to avoid legal scrutiny and even become a representative of the law.

How does the media's portrayal of the Wall Street guys contrast with Arthur Fleck's treatment by society in the script?

The media focuses on the high rank of the Wall Street guys as employees within Wayne Investments and does not consider their illicit deeds, whereas Arthur Fleck, despite being a hardworking citizen, is neglected and not protected by the law.

What is the significance of Arthur Fleck taking Randall's gun in the script?

Arthur Fleck taking Randall's gun signifies his decision to protect himself when the law fails to do so, leading him to take matters into his own hands.

Why does the film portray Arthur Fleck as neglected by society?

The film portrays Arthur Fleck as neglected by society to highlight his constant struggle for recognition and love, being invisible to others, and not being taken seriously in his pursuit of becoming a comedian.

What does Arthur's transformation into the Joker represent according to the script?

Arthur's transformation into the Joker represents his adoption of a deviant identity as a response to feeling abandoned by society and his pursuit of alternative means to achieve his goals.

How does the clown mask become a symbol of rebellion in the script?

The clown mask becomes a symbol for those who rebel against the subjective ideal of the good life, as represented by Thomas Wayne and the elites of society.

What is the role of the anarchist criminal community of clowns in the script?

The anarchist criminal community of clowns serves as an alternative opportunity structure for disenfranchised members of society, providing a space where they can gain visibility and recognition through acts of anarchy.

How does the Joker's perception of 'good' change by the end of the film according to the script?

By the end of the film, the Joker associates the word 'good' with looting, rioting, and murder, reflecting a shift from the conventional societal norms to a new culture where he can achieve his goals.

What is the broader sociological message of the film according to the script?

The film conveys that dynamics of deviance are not isolated to Gotham City but are also present in today's social world, highlighting sociological forces like corruption, alienation, and lack of opportunity as key factors leading to crime.