The various readings and videos create a picture of the current and historical American society by showing how people live by imitating and trying to take advantage of each other. Social identity theory enables individuals to identify as belonging to a particular group, with some experiencing discrimination. Mimetic theory indicates that human desires result from an autonomous process even though it is a collective one; therefore, human beings want things because others like them too. Various movements in American society have been driven by a desire for change aiming to improve living conditions. American society is characterized by citizens seeking to belong to a group, imitating each other’s wants, and having a desire for change.
Social identity theory connects to American society by highlighting how individuals identify with a specific group based on their background. The theory indicates that an individual’s sense of who they are is based on their membership in a defined group (Lainez 0:30-1:15). Social identity theory influences how people interact and live with each other. American citizens have applied social identity theory in their lives by having a sense of belonging to a specific group by race, gender, or religious affiliation.
An individual from an insignificant group is likely to experience discrimination when trying to fit into a dominant group. This applies in the case of American citizens who come from minority racial groups trying to be like their white counterparts who form the dominant racial group. The theory is characterized by social characterization, which allows individuals to choose the group they want to belong to before determining how compatible they are with it.
Mimetic and scapegoat theory connects to American society by explaining how people live with each other on a day-to-day basis. Mimetic theory indicates that human desires result from an autonomous process even though it is a collective one (Rosic 0:10-0:30). In this case, human beings want things because others want them too. Scapegoating, which is based on mimetic theory, allows a person to develop their identity over an item or another person. People do not desire something because of their intrinsic value or because they have an investment in it, but because of imitating other people’s desires. This might explain why American citizens have an American dream whereby each person has a desire to live a good life by putting in needed efforts.
Mimetic scapegoat theory, as highlighted in “Reciprocity and Rivalry”, indicates how people have similar desires to the extent of causing harm to one another. Good mimesis is necessary for people to learn from one another, thus enhancing imitation without conflict and sacrifices. Human beings cannot achieve learning and participation in social life if they do not have mimetic desires. However, people can engage in acquisitive mimesis, which sees them imitate another person’s desires to the extent of causing violence, murder, and destroying order in the community.
Acquisitive mimesis leads to doubling, as evident in the political divide of today’s American society and marital life. This is characterized by insults, accusations, and the exchange of blows (Richardson and Manglos 426). This might explain the high rate of domestic violence in the United States experienced by individuals in marital life. Close to 20 people are physically abused by their intimate partners in the United States (NCADV 1). Acquisitive mimesis ends with one individual experiencing victimization, eliminating them from the bigger picture.
Parts 1 and 2 of “The True Believer” illustrate how American society is driven by a desire for change hence the numerous changes experienced in the past years. Current and historical American society has been characterized by individuals who have a desire for change (Hoffer 1). This has been a significant driving force in the rise of various revolutionary movements which attract individuals who desire to change living conditions. Religious and nationalist movements have been used as vehicles for change through enthusiasm or excitement (Hoffer 1). Significant changes have been implemented since the Civil War, with people being driven by enthusiasm for self-advancement. The need for radical reforms and the awakening of dormant communities has also been used to drive various changes in American society. The various movements that American citizens engage in are driven by a desire to implement positive change within society.
The story presented in “Dead Center” connects with the current American society since it indicates how individuals use negative issues affecting others to their political advantage. The story is based on a mass shooting on June 12, 2016, which left 49 people dead and 68 with injuries (Atmire 1). Even though such a situation would be expected to help unite the country, some individuals decided to use it to their political advantage. Some people even indicated that President Obama was responsible for the attack and therefore had to resign from office even though there was no evidence. Individuals from various political divides criticized each other because of the ideologies they believed in.
In conclusion, American society is characterized by citizens seeking to belong to a group, imitating each other’s desires, and having a desire for change. Belonging to a defined group gives an individual a sense of belonging and determines whether they are likely to experience discrimination or not. Imitating each other’s desires is defined by the mimetic theory, which indicates that an individual desires something because another wants it too. The current American society is also characterized by politicians who seek to use disasters to their political advantage rather than using the opportunity to unite all people despite having different backgrounds.
Works Cited
Altmire, Jason. Dead center: How political polarization divided America and what we can do about it. Sunbury Press, 2017.
Hoffer, Eric. “The true believer.” Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2010.
Lainez, Paulina. “Social Identity Theory.”YouTube, Web.
NCADV. “National Statistics.” Ncadv.org, 2022, Web.
Richardson, Frank C., and Manglos, Nicolette D. “Reciprocity and rivalry: A critical introduction to mimetic scapegoat theory.” Pastoral Psychology 62.4 (2013): 423-436.
Rosic, Ameer. “What Is Mimetic Theory? A Short Basic Introduction.”YouTube, 2019, Web.