Interpersonal Communication: Pop Culture References by Enyjé Sandoz

(Click on the titles to be redirected to each reference)

Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me

The first method of communication I will reference is song lyrics. The song “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift states: “But she wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts / She's Cheer Captain, and I'm on the bleachers.” Taylor Swift compares herself to her crush's current girlfriend. The singer is engaging in social comparison, “We describe and evaluate ourselves in terms of how we compare to other people” (pg. 34). Social comparison breaks down into two spectrums: inferiority vs. superiority and similarity vs. difference. In this instance, she compares herself to the crush’s girlfriend by highlighting their differences. She’s insinuating that his girlfriend is a girly girl, while she is more of a tomboy or not as invested in her looks. Thus, making her the better option for the guy because she’s “down the earth” and seemingly more relatable to her crush. She has compared herself to the girlfriend because she wants her crush to leave his current girlfriend and date her. This example highlights the negative impact of social comparison. The singer remains in a perpetual state of juxtaposition to the crush’s girlfriend; this is rooted in her insecurities and can result in a lack of self-esteem because she is basing her validity on whether or not the guy will date her.


Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

The second method of communication I will discuss is a movie. In the film, Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, Princess Mia (main character) plays a game of thumb wrestling while lying down with Nicholas (her ex-enemy/non-betrothed). They divulged personal information such as their secrets, greatest fears, etc. Mia and Nicholas exhibit characteristics of the social penetration theory, “We get to know someone, we engage in a reciprocal process of self-disclosure that changes in breadth and depth and affects how a relationship develops” (pg. 57). The duo delved into the depths (personal/sensitive information shared) of their lives with an expansive breadth (range of topics). The conversation fostered a deeper understanding and connection between the two and a space of vulnerability. When Mia spotted a cameraman (who she assumed was hired by Nicholas), she felt violated and betrayed. Engaging in deep conversations with another person is a form of intimacy, which leaves someone mentally and emotionally exposed. Each person intends to understand the other with an unspoken trust that the information will not be used against the person.


The Proud Family - Season 1, Episode 20: Hip-Hop Helicopter

The final method of communication is a cartoon. The Proud Family series consisted of a family: mom, dad, teen daughter (Penny), and toddler twins. In one of the episodes, Penny and her friends participated in a dance contest while wearing revealing clothes; her father was upset. This is an example of high conformity orientation because Penny’s father expected her to obey his orders and conform to his ideas or standards as a daughter.