In this paper, I will review the experiences of Lawrence Otis Graham at Princeton University, his alma matter, using the functionalist, group/conflict, cultural, network, and interactionist perspectives. Ultimately, I will conclude that the interactionist perspective delivers the most compelling analysis of Graham’s college experience. Through the functionalist perspective, segregation and racism at Princeton University are societal functions that promoted positive ends for the Princeton macro-society. Despite making African-Americans worse off, segregation and racism allowed social cohesion to persist and brought positive social functions. Princeton could receive a plethora of donations from wealthy whites who were enticed by the appeal
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Goffman explains the interactionist perspective as being characterized by the impression one gives and the subconscious impression one gives off. If the impression one gives and one gives off match, the individual will be seen as authentic and the witnesses of an interaction will agree to their definition of a situation. First impressions are also valued under this perspective because an initial impression is the first thing a witness of an interaction will analyze. When speaking to blacks or whites, Larry would change his expressiveness and alter the impression he gives and gives off to fit into these distinct social groups. Larry explained that he “talked white” to make white groups comfortable and “slept black” to place his greatest loyalties and trust with the black community (Graham 215). He did this so he could become an “integrated” black and form social connections with the white community while staying true to his black roots. Larry utilized the interactionist perspective by “getting people to like the person they thought I was” (Graham 216). He had to become adept at changing the way he spoke and acted to win white acceptance through crowd pleasing. He even had a process for interacting with white people that contained a warm first impression, finding a common interest, and sharing deep thoughts (Graham 217). To fit in with the black community, Larry attended militant demonstrations and spoke out against inequality emotionally and with rage. It was easier for him to match the impression he gave off with the impression he gave when trying to fit in with the black community because he was genuinely angry about his treatment at Princeton. The interactionist perspective shows that the only way Larry could be an integral part of both the black and white social groups was by changing his expressiveness to validate his claims
Goffman explains the interactionist perspective as being characterized by the impression one gives and the subconscious impression one gives off. If the impression one gives and one gives off match, the individual will be seen as authentic and the witnesses of an interaction will agree to their definition of a situation. First impressions are also valued under this perspective because an initial impression is the first thing a witness of an interaction will analyze. When speaking to blacks or whites, Larry would change his expressiveness and alter the impression he gives and gives off to fit into these distinct social groups. Larry explained that he “talked white” to make white groups comfortable and “slept black” to place his greatest loyalties and trust with the black community (Graham 215). He did this so he could become an “integrated” black and form social connections with the white community while staying true to his black roots. Larry utilized the interactionist perspective by “getting people to like the person they thought I was” (Graham 216). He had to become adept at changing the way he spoke and acted to win white acceptance through crowd pleasing. He even had a process for interacting with white people that contained a warm first impression, finding a common interest, and sharing deep thoughts (Graham 217). To fit in with the black community, Larry attended militant demonstrations and spoke out against inequality emotionally and with rage. It was easier for him to match the impression he gave off with the impression he gave when trying to fit in with the black community because he was genuinely angry about his treatment at Princeton. The interactionist perspective shows that the only way Larry could be an integral part of both the black and white social groups was by changing his expressiveness to validate his claims