Introduction
The movie “bottle rocket” by Wes Anderson clearly shows how criminal behavior is learned through interactions. As such, individuals learn criminal behavior by interacting with others who influence their actions in the undesired manner. Social learning is one of the theories used in criminal law to explain how criminal behavior is acquired through interactions. According to the theory, individuals learn criminal behavior through associating with other people who have criminal thoughts, values, and attitudes. For instance, in the movie, Anthony acquired criminal behavior through interacting with Dignan. Additionally, the theory asserts that reinforcements play a significant role in the acquisition of any form of criminal behavior. These reinforcements may be positive or negative whereby positive reinforcements such as monetary rewards attract people to criminal behavior. On the other hand, negative reinforcements such as punishments discourage people from acquiring the criminal behavior. As such, individuals engage in criminal behavior whose positive reinforcements outweigh the negative ones. For example, Anthony escapes from the mental asylum and engages in stealing because it is rewarding compared to his stay at the asylum where freedom is limited. The purpose of this analysis is to show the application of social learning in criminal law.
The movie begins with the rescuing of Anthony from a mental asylum by Dignan. Dignan influences Antony into crime after rescuing him from the asylum, and he introduces him to the Burglary plan whereby he intends to make money through stealing from various stores. Having no car to execute their first heist, Dignan, the gang leader recruits Bob into the group because he own a car that they plan to use in carrying out their first heist on a bookstore. After Bob’s recruitment, the trio purchase firearms to execute their mission. They rob a bookstore and get away with a significant amount of cash. After their first mission, they go to celebrate their victory in a hotel where Anthony meets and falls in love with a maid named Inez. Anthony uses Dignan to deliver an envelope containing their remaining cash to Inez for safe keeping. The group breaks up when Dignan learned that Anthony does not have their remaining money, but they later reunite to continue their acts. The group finally robs a factory where Dignan is arrested and jailed.
As such, the movie is a clear depiction of how innocent people are pushed into criminal activities by others. For instance, Anthony is pushed into criminal activities by Dignan because he rescues him from the asylum and uses this as blackmail. As such, individuals adopt criminal behavior though blackmails because they are afraid that the blackmailing individuals could expose their wrongdoings. On the other hand, some people choose to be influenced into crime because of the rewards associated with the criminal activities. For instance, Bob willingly agrees to participate in crime because he is promised monetary rewards by Dignan. However, whether individuals are pushed or choose to participate in criminal activities they eventually adopt criminal behaviors and influence others into the same. In addition, frequent reinforcements encourage criminal behaviors while infrequent reinforcements discourage these behaviors.
Therefore, the most suitable method to discourage criminal behaviors is to come up with appropriate punishments to deter people from participating in criminal activities. On the other hand, certain environments encourage criminal behavior. For example, individuals who live in environments that reinforce criminal behavior are more likely to engage in criminal activities and adopt criminal behavior. In addition, the criminal justice system should embark on designing negative reinforcements that discourage criminal behavior. Furthermore, people should learn to control themselves from criminal acts since individual control is the most fundamental aspect in minimizing the acquisition of criminal behavior.
References
Anderson, W. (Director). (1996). Bottle Rocket [Motion picture]. Indian Paintbrush Gracie Films.
