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1 Character Development Analysis of "Boyz N the Hood" : A Biopsychosocial Perspective on Tre Styles Student's Name Institution Instructor Course Date
2 Introduction The 1991 movie "Boyz N the Hood" brought John Singleton's harrowing portrayal of the societal challenges African American teenage boys growing up in South Central Los Angeles were forced to deal with. The film highlights issues in urban life not only in convenience and safety but also in gang violence, poverty, and racism -- in particular, the latter's effect on individual development (Singleton, 1991). While the movie effectively tells the story, it serves as an outstandingly constructive example for social work students who could analyze the characters' development against the different environmental and societal variables. This essay is focused on exploring different social work theories and concepts that allow us to understand and examine the formation of the film's main character, Tray Styles. While following Tre's path, we will learn more about how our life, the people around us, and anything happening to us in the external world may also influence our muscular personal development and more straightforward pressure. The analysis will utilize primary concepts of child development such as attachment theory, systems theory, and moral and spiritual theories that have shed light on Tre's growth as a character. This study will also put forward suggestions that will aim to support Tro's developmental needs, looking from a holistic perspective in social work practice. Movie Title, Year, and Storyline "Boyz n the Hood" was the debut movie of John Singleton, who was only 23 years old. It was about the life of people living in South Central Los Angeles. He was critically acclaimed for his portrayal, which was tough yet factual (Old & Good Movies, 2019). The flick focuses on the lives of three young guys, Tre Styles, portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr., Ricky Baker, played by Morris Chestnut, and Doughboy, rendered by Ice Cube, as they pass through the hurdles of
3 facing impossible situations, which include gang violence, poverty, and systemic prejudice in a locality. The central theme centered on a 15-year-old Tre, who was forced to temporarily move in with his father, Furious Styles (Larry Fishburne), after his mother became unable to deal with his aggressive behavior. The teacher, Mr. Furious, who is firm and morally rigorous, tries to infuse a sense of guilt in Tre that is the polar opposite of the brutally hard street to which the boy is adversely used. All this time, as he grows up and receives practical advice from his father, he sees how the fates of his old pals, Ricky and Doughboy, deviate from each other. The screenwriter seeks to tell the story of Ricky, a gifted athlete who tries to gain a college scholarship and move on from cycles of violence that have followed him since childhood. On the other hand, his dreams come short with shatter by the gang fight in which he is caught in the crossfire of a gang-related shooting. In contrast with Tre, Doughboy features in the inner circle of the Bloods and slides deeper and deeper into a quagmire of violence and revenge (Singleton, 1991). The movie gives a parallel narration through which the story of the growing individual in the neighborhood and the neighborhood itself is examined using complexities like poverty, racism, perennial features of violence, etc. It traces how these aspects shape the characters' growth, connections, ions, and decisions in the long run. By ruling out the dark side of humanity, we can see the victorious power of human creation amid a challenging environment. Character Introduction Trey 'Tre' Styles is a Black teenage protagonist who is also a central character in Boyz N the Hood . He is at a pivotal stage of his growth. At the onset of the film, Tre is estimated to be ten years old, which means that he is now in the psychoanalytic mental stage of industry vs.
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4 inferiority, that is, a test of his ability to do a job by himself, according to Erikson (Gordon, 2019,). This developmental phase is a period of childhood where children become five to six years old and operate independently, identifying with their physical selves and forming a sense of accomplishment from mastering new skills, building their own competence, and setting their own goals. The initial scenes of the movie show Tre as a young boy who is having a hard time with his biological aging seemingly abandoning him. He is portrayed as the trouble-making and rule- breaking child who bombards school with a ruckus and also challenges his mother's authority at home. Eventually, this station cannot prevent his mother from letting him live with his father, Furious Styles, having very strict parenting, in an attempt to achieve the influence and personal commitment that is still missing in Tre's life. When Tre adjusts to his father's place, the child's developmental stage emerges. Hence, the protagonist is introduced to a society structured to the highest societal norms and expectations, which, at first, the protagonist treats as his prison, being against his will for personal freedom. Furious (the one who has many children) Styles, an ex-military man, explains very clearly what he expects from Tre's behavior and academic performance. Furious sets high standards for respect, responsibility, and morality. That way, he pushes the boy the right way with some help from his guardians. However, with his father's relationship, Tre is slowly opting towards forging productive self-esteem. He boldly gives his attention to the school work; he learns and has valuable skills. He understands and realizes the outcomes of events. In conclusion, the designation of Tree's character as the central figure during his growing-up phase indicates the progression of the
5 mentioned stage of his development, resulting in understanding the new aspects and gaining confidence. Nonetheless, when Tre tries to make a positive change, he is faced not only with violence and the glamour of the gangs' culture but also the risks that come from the things that can prevent him from making a good development. This conflict, though, between individual development and the outer world layers that are so extensively around him presents the ground for a somewhat complex process of investigating the obstacles and difficulties that characterize the main character (Tre) in the movie. Barriers and Challenges to Development Young Tre Styles, who is going through the typical process of child development, is drowning in a tough environment that is putting his expected developmental benchmarks behind schedule. The facts of living in South Central Los Angeles, which include poverty, street violence, and institutional racism, influence the harsh realities challenging Jayden, who is shaping his personality and a well-balanced life. One of the most serious problems teenage Tre has to deal with is her facing violence, which causes her suffering. By the age of ten, he has seen his fair share of the aggression and violence in his neighborhood, specifically when his friend Ricky has been shot. The victims of constant, repeated exposure to the atrocity might experience severe psychological consequences, which include rising uncertainty, emotional indifference, and a distorted perception of the world as a dangerous space (Gordon, 2019). Moreover, apart from the alluring gang lifestyle with its wonted sense of belonging and power, this can be an enticing offer for Tre, a young man. While his dad, Furious Styles, is trying to put different perspectives into Tre's head and to give him good direction in life, his friends,
6 Doughboy and Ricky, seem to take another route and present Tre with options, which are going against everything that Furious Styles has been saying to him about making good grades, taking responsibility for one's actions, and living by a code of moral values. The other barrier that Tre avoids is systemic racism and other forms of discrimination that are inherited from the history of the country as well. Like a young Black person of South-Central Los Angeles, he has to face the hardships of racial profiling, police brutality, and being at the bottom of society, barely seen, let alone understood. These systemic challenges give rise to despondency and injury without addressing the core issues, which undermines the search for solutions and aims to attain productive aspirations. On the other hand, the poverty level in Tre's present situation and poor access to resources become barriers to Tre getting a good education, medical treatment, and desired role models in general. Poverty, the lack of meaningful employment, and the busted dream of economic progress can bring about a sense of defeat and difficulty in believing that success is possible through the legal way. This is not just about a barrier or challenge; such barriers and challenges exist as a self- consistent system. Of course, this does not happen individually but interacts to form a complex system that shapes destinies. However, these hurdles require his resilience, the strength of those who are on his side, and, most importantly, a zeal to quit the violence and adverse conditions that encircle him. Application of Developmental Theories To understand Tre Styles' character development comprehensively, it is essential to apply relevant developmental theories discussed in social work practice. Erikson's stages of psychosocial development and Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory provide valuable
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7 frameworks for analyzing Tre's growth and the factors that influence his journey. Erikson's theory postulates that individuals progress through a series of psychosocial stages, each characterized by a central developmental task or crisis. As mentioned, Tre falls within the industry versus inferiority stage, where he seeks to develop competence and a sense of self-worth through his efforts and accomplishments. Tre's character arc demonstrates his gradual progression through this stage as he navigates his environment's challenges. His father's guidance and emphasis on discipline, responsibility, and moral values help shape Tre's developing sense of industry and competence. By excelling academically, learning valuable life skills, and gaining a deeper understanding of the consequences of his actions, Tre successfully resolves the central crisis of this stage (Old & Good Movies, 2019). However, the external influences of gang culture, violence, and systemic oppression threaten to derail his development and foster a sense of inferiority and lack of self- worth. Tre's ability to overcome these challenges and maintain a positive self-concept is a testament to his resilience and support from positive role models, such as his father and teachers. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory provides a broader framework for understanding the interplay between individual development and the various environmental systems surrounding an individual. This theory recognizes that a person's development is influenced by multiple levels of their environment, including the microsystem (immediate relationships and surroundings), the mesosystem (connections between microsystems), the ecosystem (indirect environmental influences), and the macrosystem (cultural values and societal norms). One of the microsystem elements to be noted in Tre's case is his family relationships, specifically, his relationship with his father, his furious style, and his social environment in the
8 Los Angeles South Central neighborhood. The Mesosystem refers to the relationship between his home life and educational system. Attachment Theory, Systems Theory, Moral and Spiritual Development Attachment theory, centered on a child's emotional bond with their main caregiver, offers much to understand about Tre's growth. Through his interactions with his father, widely known as Furious Styles, Tre finds the source of his moral conviction and forms his personality. Furious, the ing solid core of a person with addiction becomes a secure attachment figure, which provides emotional support, guidance, ance, and safewhichthat are essential for healthy development. The theory of systems emphasizes the significance of these systems' interdependence and their influence on the subject's life. Tre's identity is created by the intricacy of family systems, school systems, and the outside world system interacting. When his dad struggles to give him worthy principles and his friend Tre enters the criminal world, it shows him that he is in a hard position and has to choose. Regarding the spiritual and moral development of the main character, These changes are consciously prompted by Hisa Furious Styles, who advocates ethics, honor, and right behavior that, in due time, is also reflected in the principles of the boy. Moreover, the film delves into the aspects of life and the search for the meaning and purpose of life, which are notable topics when a person is a teenager and during their young adulthood. Influence of Other Characters In addition to the honorable stand, the comedy of errors and the call of nature also teach a great lesson to Tre, either by helping him or hurting him. As his name implies, he is the most important positive character present in the main protagonist's life (Old & Good Movies, 2019). Through Tre, rather, he strives to instill in Tre the standards of moral right, perseverance,
9 and direction, all leading the boy on the positive path. Vieja Furiosa is another influential character who teaches Vic life skills, and she is a perfect contrast to all the negative aspects of his social environment. In contrast, Yolanda's friends Ricky and Doughboy stand as negative impacts. Taking part in drug trafficking and Tre's ultimate murder become ever-present and serve as a warning to Tre, pointing at the effects of the negative decisions and the risks of crimes. As a character, Doughboy underlines that Tre could make a wrong move as well and thereby find his way into more serious crimes. Intervention for Growth Tre's age, the phases of his development, and the fact that he is going through a tough time, a holistic intervention strategy that addresses various aspects of his life will benefit his growth. A complete concept that uses case management, family-based therapy, and community projects, as well as advocacy, is a preferable choice. The individual counseling could focus on how to cope with the stressors such as losing his friend Ricky and the way one can get through the environment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or trauma-treated interventions can be effective tools to handle problems of violence exposure and post-traumatic stress in at-risk youth populations. Family therapy could be a useful mechanism for creating a stronger relationship and dealing with any disputes or problems in the family hierarchy between Tray and his father, Frenzel. It could thus give more weight to the role Furious plays in this movie and provide a safe place for the development of Tre. Community-based interventions, for instance, youth mentorship programs, career training, and educational tutorship, may prove instrumental in enabling Tre to surround himself with constructive guides, learn skills, and move in a different, more positive direction(Bilgin &
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10 Kucuk, 2010). These initiatives could mean a positive change in a confusing social environment that places him vulnerable to losing his self-esteem and life direction. Systemic efforts in terms of advocacy should be taken into account as this would help tackle the underlying causes of problems that Tre and his fellows experience. Advocating for policy change, budget increases towards services for the masses, and initiatives to end discrimination on a racial scale could help in creating a conducive environment for the development and success of young African American men. Conclusion The movie " Boyz n the Hood" uses Tre Styles as an example to show a wide spectrum of individual and societal influences related to the development of a positive character of marginalized youth through a biopsychosocial analysis, which explains personal, cultural, and social relationships, developmental trajectories like individual appearance and growth can be described. Tre's case shows how family support, peer relationships, other people‘s examples, and special circumstances in the neighborhood make kids stronger. Although some systemic barriers exist in addition to one's compassion, Tre's story serves as a source of hope and belief that achievement is possible through educational advancement and empathetic support for at-risk youth.
11 References Bilgin, H., & Kucuk, L. (2010). Raising an Autistic Child: Perspectives From Turkish Mothers. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 23(2), 92–99. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6171.2010.00228.x Gordon, C. (2019, May 14). Biopsychosocial Analysis: Boys N The Hood. HubPages. https://discover.hubpages.com/entertainment/Biopsychosocial-Analysis-Boys-N-The- Hood#:~:text=Trey%20was%20constantly%20changing%20due Old And Good Movies. (2019). Boyz n the Hood is a 1991 Full Movie. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X59iVya7PQ Singleton, J. (1991, July 12). Boyz n the Hood. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101507/ Wong, P. T. P. (2011). Positive psychology 2.0: Towards a balanced interactive model of the good life. Canadian Psychology, 52(2), 69–81. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022511