Groupthink In Mean Girls

Groupthink is defined as “a pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics”(Merriam-Webster.com, 2016). When individuals form a group, usually a general consensus it formed and anyone who dares to go against it, is ostracized. What intrigues me about this theory is how it examines the thought process of an individual. I curiously investigated why individuals who may be more knowledgeable, are viewed as threats to the groups harmony. It then becomes human nature of the group to reject that person and their ideas. Groupthink theory, in my opinion, is pretty common in young adults. In the movie “Mean Girls”, Lindsay Lohan plays a naïve, homeschooled new kid, who gets …show more content…
These individuals still have a positive self-concept about themselves which they feel cannot be jeopardized by “rocking the boat”. This is what I believed happened with the Holocaust. In a scene in the movie, Cady knew that the burn book was basically a hateful book but she still made her contributions by talking about her real friends which was added to the book. She knew that it was wrong but she wanted to become a “Plastic” and be accepted. This scene made me aware of the Spiral of silence concept in this group’s …show more content…
Some researchers claim studies with group think “often using poor ―modes of measurement‖ – provided recommended approach. “(Park, 1990). Conclusively, groupthink studies have consistently shown to have an impact on group dynamics. In Mean Girls, Regina, who recently gained weight, wore sweatpants which is against the rules of the “Plastics”. She then was not allowed to sit with the group. This group has their own consensus and predetermined rules that they all abide by. Since Regina broke one of the rules she was rejected from the group for that