TU The Wickersham Brothers Analysis
ANSWER
Quinney’s social reality theory is a criminological perspective that focuses on the construction of crime and criminals within a societal context. This theory posits that the definition of crime is not an objective, universally agreed-upon concept but is rather a product of social and political processes. Quinney argues that those in power, such as the government and social elites, play a significant role in shaping what is considered criminal behavior and who is labeled as a criminal.
In the lyrics from the Wickersham Brother’s song in “Horton Hears a Who,” we can see several elements that relate to Quinney’s social reality theory and the construction of crime and criminals:
- Construction of Criminals: The Wickersham Brothers portray themselves as vigilant spotters of “rotters and plotters.” They accuse the other party of being “dastardly, ghastardly, shnastardly schnook,” implying that they see them as criminals engaged in nefarious activities. This reflects the idea that those in power (in this case, the Wickersham Brothers) label and construct individuals or groups as criminals based on their own perceptions and interests.
- Political Plot: The lyrics suggest that the accused party is involved in a “deep, dire, evil political plot.” This accusation reflects the idea that crime is often defined and framed by those in power to serve their political agendas. It highlights how crime can be a tool used by the powerful to maintain control and suppress dissent.
- Control and Power: The Wickersham Brothers accuse the other party of trying to “seize the reins of government” and “kill free enterprise.” These allegations indicate a struggle for control and power, which is a central theme in Quinney’s theory. Those with power often label activities that threaten their control as criminal.
- Moral Panic: The lyrics convey a sense of moral panic, with the Wickersham Brothers claiming that the accused party is trying to “shatter our morale” and “stir up discontent.” This reflects how the construction of crime can be used to create fear and anxiety in society, leading to increased social control measures.
- Resistance: The Wickersham Brothers position themselves as the protectors who will “save our sons and our daughters” from the alleged criminals. This underscores the role of social control agents in defining and responding to crime, as discussed in Quinney’s theory.
Overall, the lyrics from the Wickersham Brother’s song provide a playful yet illustrative example of how crime and criminals can be constructed within a social and political context, with those in power shaping the narrative to suit their interests and maintain control.
QUESTION
Description
Analyze the following lyrics from the Wickersham Brother’s song (from “Horton…”) to briefly discuss Quinney’s social reality theory & the construction of crime & criminals (Figure 3.1 on pg. 47 will help you here).
“Rot, rot, rot, rot.
It’s a plot, plot, plot, plot.
We’re the Wickersham brothers. We’re onto your plot,
Pretending you’re talking to Whos who are not.
It’s a deep, dire, evil political plot,
Pretending you’re talking to Whos who are not.
We’re the Wickersham brothers. We’re vigilant spotters.
Hot shot spotters of rotters and plotters.
And we’re going to save our sons and our daughters from you.
You’re a dastardly, ghastardly, shnastardly schnook,
Trying to brainwash our brains – with this gobbledygook.
We know what you’re up to, pal:
You’re trying to shatter our morale.
You’re trying to stir up discontent
And seize the reins of government.
You’re trying to throw sand in our eyes.
You’re trying to kill free enterprise
And raise the cost of figs and dates
And wreck our compound interest rates.
And shut our schools, and steal our jewels,
And even change our football rules;
Take away our garden tools
And lock us up in vestibules!
But fortunately, we’re no fools.
We’re the Wickersham brothers. We know your type!
And we’re putting a stop to this trick-u-lous tripe
We’re the Wickersham brothers; we’re squashing your plot.
There’ll be no more talking to Whos who are not!
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