Persuasion in “12 Angry Men”

 

Persuasion in “12 Angry Men”
“12 Angry Men,” released in 1957, is a gripping film that explores the dynamics of persuasion within a group of jurors deliberating a murder case. The film showcases various theories of persuasion and provides a thought-provoking analysis of human behavior and decision-making. In this review, we will examine how the film exemplifies the theories of persuasion and the impact of attitudes, as well as discuss the contrasting elements between the time periods.

Three-Part Definition of Persuasion: The three-part definition of persuasion involves the communicator, the message, and the audience. In “12 Angry Men,” we see examples of each of these components. The jurors take on the role of communicators, presenting their arguments and attempting to convince others of their viewpoints. The messages they convey are based on their interpretation of the evidence and their personal biases. The audience, in this case, is the group of jurors themselves, who must be persuaded to reach a unanimous verdict.

Attitude and Persuasion: Attitudes play a crucial role in persuasion, and we see this in the film. Each juror enters the deliberation room with preconceived notions and biases that shape their attitudes towards the defendant and the evidence presented. As the deliberations progress, some jurors experience a shift in their attitudes due to persuasive arguments or the revelation of new information. For example, Juror 8 (played by Henry Fonda) challenges the group’s initial negative attitude towards the defendant and gradually convinces them to reconsider their stance.

Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM): The ELM suggests that there are two routes to persuasion: central route and peripheral route. In “12 Angry Men,” we witness both routes being employed. Some jurors employ a central route by carefully analyzing the evidence, engaging in logical reasoning, and presenting rational arguments. Others rely on peripheral cues such as personal experiences or emotional appeals to sway their fellow jurors. The effectiveness of these approaches varies depending on the jurors’ receptiveness to logic or emotional appeals.

Theory of Planned Behavior: The Theory of Planned Behavior posits that behavior is influenced by behavioral intention, which is determined by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. In the film, we see instances where jurors’ behavioral intentions are influenced by their attitudes towards the defendant and their perception of social norms. For example, Juror 3’s strong negative attitude towards the defendant leads him to advocate for a guilty verdict despite lacking concrete evidence. The influence of subjective norms is evident as some jurors conform to the majority’s opinion rather than expressing their own beliefs.

Inoculation Theory: The Inoculation Theory suggests that individuals can be resistant to persuasive influences by being exposed to weakened versions of opposing arguments. In “12 Angry Men,” Juror 8 uses this approach by presenting alternative scenarios and raising reasonable doubts about the prosecution’s case. By preemptively addressing potential counterarguments raised by other jurors, he strengthens his position and inoculates them against opposing viewpoints. This strategic use of refutational preemption helps him gradually persuade others to reconsider their initial positions.

Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm: Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm emphasizes the power of storytelling in persuasion. In “12 Angry Men,” Juror 8 effectively uses narrative to construct a compelling argument. He tells a story that challenges the assumptions made by other jurors and presents alternative perspectives on the case. By weaving together facts, personal experiences, and emotional appeals, he creates a narrative that resonates with his audience and ultimately sways their opinions.

Contrasts Between Time Periods: As a film from 1957, “12 Angry Men” presents some contrasts when compared to today’s societal norms and persuasive approaches. The film highlights the importance of reasoned debate and critical thinking, which may seem less prevalent in today’s fast-paced and polarized society. The persuasive approaches employed in the film, such as logical reasoning and emotional appeals, still hold relevance today but may need adaptation to resonate with modern audiences.

In conclusion, “12 Angry Men” provides a compelling exploration of persuasion within a group setting. The film exemplifies various theories of persuasion, including the three-part definition of persuasion, ELM, Theory of Planned Behavior, Inoculation Theory, and Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm. It also prompts viewers to reflect on how attitudes shape decision-making processes and how societal changes influence persuasive approaches over time.