Examples Of Deviance In Easy Rider

Deviance is defined as “a behavior, trait or belief that departs from a norm and generates a negative reaction in a particular group (Real World: An Introduction to Sociology, pg. 153). I believe one of the most important things to know about deviance is that it’s not always a negative thing; it’s just different than the norm. Although the behavior may not be negative, deviances often get negative reactions from members of society, an idea that is seen throughout this movie. Deviances are defined differently across cultures as well. In some cultures, tattoos are seen as deviant and in other’s it’s the norm. I agree with Alex Thio’s statement that the film Easy Rider influenced US and global drug culture and I see it from two different standpoints. In order to analyze the movie Easy Rider, I want to pull from different aspects of the movie paying special attention to the following conversation between Billy and George Hanson.

157). They have different goals than the norm of a successful job, happy family, etc., but rather have the goal of spiritual happiness. They also take on different means than the norm, which is to go to work every day, instead they do drugs. The film does indeed give the impression that the lifestyles of Wyatt and Billy are carefree ones. They are experiencing life and freedom by trying all of these drugs and living differently from the norm. The way they dress, in American-flag adorned clothing and Native American influenced clothing, implies that the two don’t have a care in the world and not many responsibilities. The music played in the movie is country and rock and roll and implies “we’re just living life without a care.” Because of these aspects, Easy Rider may have changed the way America saw drug culture by just letting those who looked down on these people know that they were just enjoying their lives differently than the next