Are The Theories Of Abuse In Finding Fish By Antwone Quenton Fisher

Finding Fish is a memoir written by Antwone Quenton Fisher. Fisher recounts several aspects of his life and incorporates them into a well written novel. Act one, Ward of the State describes several challenges Fisher faced during his childhood. One of those challenges was Mizz Pickett’s abuse towards him. One particular form of abuse he endured was physical abuse. Often his foster mother Mizz Picket would tie Antwone and his other foster siblings to a pole in the basement and beat them. Additionally, Mizz Picket verbally abused Antwone where she would call him derogatory names, belittle him, and constantly remind him and his foster siblings that they were not real members of the Pickett family. Antwone is also sexually abused by a neighbor who

When looking at Antwone’s childhood through a social work lens there are many different theories that could be used to function as a guide to inform the practice. One particular theory that would be useful would be the symbolic interaction theory. This theory “refers to the unique ways in which people and systems interact and communicate with one another as well as the essence and characteristics of that interaction and communication” (Rogers, 2016, p. 121). An important component of this theory is that people attach meaning to communication with others based on where that interaction takes place. Information is interpreted based on culture, cognition, and experiences. It is important to remember that every person can interpret situations differently. Some of the current systems in Antwone’s life include his foster family with the Picketts, his friends at school and those in his neighborhood. Another component of the symbolic interaction theory is the looking-glass self concept which is where individuals learn about themselves through their impressions of how others perceive them. Specifically, with Antwone this could be seen how Mizz Pickett perceives him as not

However, I believe he is very resilient and has become desensitized to emotion so I believe he will still be able to become successful and escape the abuse towards him in the Pickett home. The symbolic interaction theory attaches meaning to life experiences and in Antwone’s case the sexual abuse he endured and meaning he attached with that situation was more negative. He would try to avoid being alone with her. This experience could influence his ability to develop close relationships in the future. Additionally, the abuse he endured while in the Pickett house I think will have a negative impact on his mental health in the future. On the other hand, he has had one teacher in grade school, Mrs. Profit who had a positive impact on him. This particular point in his life is where I am attaching hope to his future since Mrs. Profit believed in him and had a positive impact on his self-esteem. Although Mrs. Profit had a positive impact on Antwone all teachers are not the same and do not exert the same effort and concern so I believe he will struggle academically as his finishes his high school