one page movie analysis

Murat Ince

4/16/16

Soc 122

 

Movie Analysis

 

            In class we watched Iron Jaw Angels and Zapatistas which were movies that both had strong political messages behind them. In Iron Jaw Angels the women deliberately get arrested in front of the White House because of it's obvious location and popularity but also, and maybe most importantly, because they knew that they would get their picture taken and be put on the newspaper as well. This is a perfect example of resource mobilization, political opportunity, and even framing. They nailed all three core facets of having an effective social movement with one stone. Their pictures being plastered all over newspapers gets their word out and keeps them relevant. Their mistreatment by the police creates an air of sympathy for them. And last but not least their message on the banner allows them to frame their message exactly the way they want… oh but these "Angels" didn't stop there. Hunger strike? Your damn right. These women believed that they got arrested unjustly and because of that they refused to participate in being a regular prisoner. They wanted their own clothes because they were political prisoners and would not eat any food given to them so they can keep pressure on the government. At the end of the day, "You can't have a dead body on your doorstep… what would the neighbors say?"

As for Zapatistas this movie was filled with political opportunity, framing, and resource mobilization as well. The key element in this movie was the articulate speech of the leader of the Zapatistas as well as his use of the media. He continuously changed his appearance to appeal more to people in pictures. Hell some women were "Crazy" about him without ever seeing his face. Never the less his image meant a lot to the cause, all the way down to the pipe he smoked out of. Another vey important element in this movie was the use of the internet by the Zapatistas which got their message out to a lot more people, in particular college students. Ultimately their membership grew as a direct result of this. Both of these movies showed just how much social movements depend on these tactics but most importantly these movies showed just how crucial these movements are to the livelihood of these people.