Communication theory related to a famous song - Research Paper Example

Symbolic Interactionism: “Now I’m that Chick” BY YOU YOUR SCHOOL HERE YOUR HERE HERE Symbolic Interactionism: “Now I’m that Chick” Description of the Artifact Some contemporary song lyrics tend to over-emphasize how people in society view their relationships when they have either turned sour or have produced outcomes that were less than what was originally expected at the onset of the partnership. One specific artifact, Livvi Franc’s song “Now I’m that Chick” reinforces the psychological trauma and vengeful nature that can be created in the face of such a relationship.

This artifact further offers insight into what occurs in the mind of a once-partnered female in the event that a previous partner has reconsiderations about renewing their relationship. Songs such as “Now I’m that Chick” reinforces the complexity of the female psyche and their views on self-identity versus emotions on soured romantic relationships. Description of the Theory This song best fits the profile of symbolic interactionism, which is best defined as a direct response that occurs not as a product of their views on another’s personal actions, but on the significance they give to the action itself (uregina.ca, 2000). Under this theory, meaning is created based on the direct social interaction that occurs with others in society and then meaning is further interpreted using various coping strategies or direct emotional outburst; whether negative or positive.

Symbolic interactionism describes the various cultural symbols that help to shape both identity and a person’s reaction to various social stimuli (McClelland, 2000) such as the termination or hopeful renewal of what might have been a bad romantic relationship. The social norm for handling this situation might have been reinforced on the individual through various media formats or experience with peer reactions in similar situations and the individual develops their own symbolic meaning about these situations and then applies what they believe to be appropriate action.

Connecting Symbolic Interactionism to the Lyrics One line from “Now I’m that Chick” states, Cause you thought that I was pure as snow, guess you didn’t know, which is a form of self-reinforcement to another party, in this case an old romance, that the individual is emotionally strong and largely defiant. The lyrics seem to point toward the return of an old flame that wants to renew this poor romance and Franc identifies that such a thing would be impossible for her to endure based on the symbolism she attached to the experience.

Another line states, Now I’m that Chick, and you’re just a clown, in a further effort to either create her own defense mechanism (a psychological view) or to stab cruelly at the receiver’s self-confidence or self-esteem. This receiver is practically begging to be reconsidered for romantic encounters, but her drive to strengthen her own self-concept prevents her from allowing this type of damage to continue. The symbolic interactionism theory would suggest that there had once been considerable positive meaning placed on this relationship and Franc had been caught off guard by whatever negative action had occurred on behalf of the receiver.

Combative, negative emotional outbursts stemming from Franc in the face of requests for relationship renewal indicates that she had put considerable faith or confidence in this relationship and it had been violated. The interaction with other humans is what drives self-concept (Scott, 2006) and Franc symbolized what had occurred as a violation. In response, in order to justify her own importance and self-protectionism, she chooses language that legitimizes her personal values and strengths.

ReferencesMcClelland, Kent. (2000). “Symbolic Interactionism” Retrieved March 31, 2010 from http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/soc/s00/soc111-01/IntroTheories/Symbolic.html Scott, Carissa. (2006). “A Practical Approach to Symbolic Interactionism”. Retrieved March 31, 2010 from http://department.monm.edu/portfolio/2008portfolios/cjscott/Research%20Paper.pdfUregina.ca. (2000). “Symbolic Interactionism”. University of Regina. Retrieved April 1, 2010 from http://uregina.ca/~gingrich/f100.

htmAppendix: “Now I’m that Chick” – Livvi FrancHi, my name is - You wont remember; wait till December. Cause you thought that I was pure as snow. Guess you didnt know. Hold tight, surprise, open your eyes its springtime. Flowers blossoming - I am one of them - bet you like how Ive grown. Cause now Im that chick Youll never get to - uh. Cant get what you want, so youre acting like a punk. You were too fly then, so fly away now. Now Im that chick, and youre just a clown. Now Im that chick.

Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick, and youre just a clown. Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick; yeah look at me now. Why should I even remember back when you blanked me, to put it frankly? But now Im back; Im not attracted, and youre not getting none. Cause Im not for the taking. Im not a bender, "return to sender." I laugh at you even asking to - to get with me tonight. Cause now Im that chick Youll never get to - uh. Cant get what you want, so youre acting like a punk.

You were too fly then, so fly away now. Now Im that chick. and youre just a clown. Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick, and youre just a clown. Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick; yeah look at me now. You passed me by, never looked twice. Now Im the chick you wanna be with. Isnt it so funny now, Im the one to shut you down. Dont worry girls, if he didnt notice you, Soon hell be begging to. Cause now Im that chick Youll never get to - uh. Cant get what you want, so youre acting like a punk.

You were too fly then, so fly away now. Now Im that chick, and youre just a clown. Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick, and youre just a clown. Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick. Now Im that chick; yeah look at me now.