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Communication Theories and Their Application in the Movie “42”

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Communication Theories and Their Application in the Movie “42”
Introduction
The film “42” is a biographical sports drama that is about the story of Jackie
Robinson, the first African American who played in the modern history or timeframe in
Major League Baseball. This movie, directed by Brian Helgeland, was released in the year
2013 with Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, the
executive of the Brooklyn Dodgers team. The film present actions in the mid-40s, not long
when the segregation of race was still a norm in the American communities. It gives the
imagery that she designers the obstacles that Robinson faced when he broke the colour bar.
Going through the binding of racial slurs by fans and players to the feeling of loneliness in
his very team, Robinson's journey was tougher than the hard times. In this essay, the two
theories of communication and their application to the film "42" will be considered. The
theories will be succinctly summarized and then analysed through the application of their
laws to particular scenes and exchanges in the movie. A final statement will encompass what
has been accomplished and a brief recap of views.
Analysis 1: Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic Interactionism, the theory introduced by George Herbert Mead in the 20th
century, is based on the understanding that human behaviour is inspired by the symbolic
impressions they generate through social interactions (Blumer, 1986). Such basics are sense,
language, and thinking. In the film “ 42,” the dramatized interaction between Jackie Robinson
and Branch Rickey forms the appropriate stage for the illustration of Symbolic
Interactionism. The sequence, in which Rickey went about getting Robinson was particularly
informative. Aware of the challenges Robinson had to overcome as the first black baseball
player in Major League Baseball, Rickey presents his message in symbols. The special

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attention to the words 'courage' and 'resolution' aims at pushing Robinson to overcome all
obstacles and exceed all expectations during his career.
Likewise, in one scene, Rickey said to Robinson that he wanted a player who had
enough boldness not to fight back. This could be interpreted to mean that Robinson would be
required to endure racial abuse without retaliation. This message gains a big significance to
Robinson's personality in the film, causing him to think and behave in different ways during
the movie. He can always be in control and he shows them as his actions remain firm, even in
times of extreme provocation.
In the movie, the number "42" inscribed on Jackie Robinson's jersey passes beyond
being an identification number, becoming a powerful symbol of the social obstacles and
racial barriers that he had to overcome as the first African American into Major League
Baseball (MLB). Besides this jersey number, which distinguishes Robinson among his other
peers, performs as a medal of fortitude to endure. He finds the rock his companion that stands
to remind him of struggles which should be overcome and the new way he has embarked on.
Position "42" exercise is not only a bounty for Robinson but also the light that indicates the
battle for fairness and justice in mass media which is the limelight of the sports world.
A moment comes when Branch Rickey, the executive who helped Robinson to sign
with the major league, says a famous speech that motivates us all. This part of the speech
sums up the shared responsibility and the fact that the whole nation is standing against the
segregation of races at this time. Thus, this speech is essential in broadening Robinson’s view
of the world, that is to see himself not only as a fellow club member but also as an agent of
change and a key figure in the fight against social injustice. Rickey’s argument here was to
imply that both Robinson's success and failure would have an impact on the movement
towards equal rights so that his destiny then also became equivalent to the prospects of many.

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As the movie progresses the baseball bat held by Jackie Robinson acts as a loaded
army that signifies defiance and opposition to racism. When he holds the bat, it is not about
starting a game, but about defending against and overcoming the racism which has
discoloured the game and society. Each routine is symbolic--the strike against the injustice
that he encounters is a powerful move which speaks to not only his success but also to the
change in racial dynamics in baseball--his determination.
The variety of responses by members of the audience, while Robinson is touring, is
symbolic of many social attitudes regarding racial integration at that specific time. The
heckles and cheers heard when he is out on the field symbolize the aligned public positions
that are taken on racial issues. These engagements from the public also have a significant
effect they affect how Robinson feels on and off the playing ground. He had to bear with
intense public gaze associated with color segregation and racial discrimination.
The decision of Jackie Robinson to turn a deaf ear to the racial slurs and aggressive
discrimination infamous in the era he lived in forms a powerful icon of nonviolent ordeal. His
silence is not the precursor of capitulation, but rather a very tactful stroke of defiance,
represented by a total immersion of himself into the exertion of his skills during the game.
This act of pure defiance not only reconfigures the interactions of his whole team but also
sets up an example of dealing with racial bigotry respectfully and firmly.
The film's climax brings to the previous acceptance of Robinson by his team that later
turns against a racist opponent in his defence, confirming a remarkable transformation in the
team dynamics and, societal inclinations. These specific players stand as a representation of
the constant change of racial acceptance and unity which can be seen within the team as well
as throughout the broader society that tend to move towards integration and equality. It is
there that we meet the turning point in Robinson's adventure, where he, who previously was
seen as a black participant, does not as an integrated and respected team member.

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The last scene of the film that shows Jackie Robinson being inducted, into the
Baseball Hall of Fame is incredibly symbolic as it suggests that in the end, Robinson was
able to overcome the racial barriers that were considered insurmountable by many. Such an
achievement was not just fulfilling to Robinson's acting career but also a historical point for
African Americans competing in sports. This act will make a huge difference in how African
American players are viewed and remembered in the history books because this will be a
monumental step in the removal of racial barriers and recognition of the great contribution
Robinson and other players like him made to baseball and other sports fields.
Analysis 2: Social Penetration Theory
Social Penetration Theory
Social Penetration Theory, proposed by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor
in1973believes that relationships are formed predictably and gradually from a superficial to
the intimacy level (Petronio & Child, 2020). Its principle is based on the theory Application
of Social Penetration Theory. Initially, the relationship between Robinson and Reese is about
decency, and they are only talking about the things which are necessary for survival. We can
see that in their initial talks, they talk about baseball strategies and that's typical
corresponding information in the “onion” model of Altman and Taylor.
At the beginning of the movie, Reese communicates with Jackie Robinson in a way
that is determined by baseball, which fully complies with their early stage appearance in
which they talk, but not about really important things. It is thus very much realistic of the
movie to express the watchful, guarded, and careful attitude of the persons during their first
contact usually avoiding the exchange of sensitive emotions and personal matters. The movie
uses these back-and-forth dialogue exchanges to lay the groundwork for their growing
relationship, signalling the chasm in their present affection which is synonymous with fresh

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romantic involvements that occur in highly competitive and public settings like professional
baseball.
In essence, an important scene in the movie is when Reese witnesses the racism being
spewed at Bernie during a game. In this scene, Reese has one of the moments that would start
opening his eyes to the problems that Robinson is going through. It differs from what Reese
has been perceiving up to this point, as her statement shows that behind her initial dismissal
of the injustices endured by Robinson, there is real awareness. It is this acknowledgement
that is most important, as somebody realizing what Robinson is undergoing means a coming
shift in Reese's mind about him from just being a teammate to an individual amid great
issues.
Reese's Support - Act of Solidarity: Reese going public with his stand for Robinson
by putting an arm toward him on...