Social Identity in the Breakfast Club
He said, "If we weren't in school I'd waste you." Andrew had made a perception error. He saw Bender as a "bum". He said to Bender "Only weed burners smoke dope", which classified Bender as a drug using bum. Andrew was ignorant to the fact that Bender had any feelings, as if drug users didn't have any. Later on Andrew revealed his ability to be empathetic. He showed empathy when he put himself in the place of the nerd he taped. Andrew had taped up some persons butt. Afterward he thought about it. He put himself in that kids place, and looked at the humiliation that the kid must have had to face. Again Andrew showed his compassionate side with Allison. He asked her what was the matter with her. He used empathetic listening. She then revealed through self-disclosure that her problem at home was that her parents ignored her. He could then relate to what she was going through. Richard Vernon was in a constant communication and behavioral conflict with the students. This was especially true in the competitive relationship with Bender. Bender showed no respect for anyone, including this authoritative symbol, the principle. The principle felt he had to raise his voice and show his power. There was a lose-lose situation here with Bender. He used the power of language with direct blunt statements such as " you will not, we are going to, describe to me who you think you are". A great example of his powerful language is "Don't mess with the bull,