Conflict and Power
V.
Power to Make Lifestyle Changes
Once Spanky found out Alfalfa was a ‘woman lover’ he immediately punished him and banned Alfalfa from seeing Darla. Alfalfa was forced to sleep in a tent by himself in the rain for a night, but the rest of the rascals eventually showed up to also suffer through the cold. According to Guerrero, “The most frequent attempt in close relationships involves the desire to change the behavior patterns of a partner, friend, or family member.”[21] Spanky does this in a number of ways throughout the film, starting the sleepover, but Alfalfa just cannot resist Darla.
Once Spanky found out Alfalfa was a ‘woman lover’ he immediately punished him and banned Alfalfa from seeing Darla. Alfalfa was forced to sleep in a tent by himself in the rain for a night, but the rest of the rascals eventually showed up to also suffer through the cold. According to Guerrero, “The most frequent attempt in close relationships involves the desire to change the behavior patterns of a partner, friend, or family member.”[21] Spanky does this in a number of ways throughout the film, starting the sleepover, but Alfalfa just cannot resist Darla.
Nonverbal Power Plays—Physical Appearance
Two bullies constantly give the rascals, especially Alfalfa, a hard time. They chase after him, and are the rascals’ main competition in the go-cart race. They play dirty, and even look grungy. Butch and Woim are taller than the rascals and wear leather jackets. Their dress and behavior intimidate the rascals and deems power over them throughout most of the film. Guerrero describes men with power dress “more rigidly and generally must be modest, masculine, and appropriate to the occasion.”[22] Butch and Woim definitely dressed more rigidly and also wear black and other neutrals as another form of power over the rascals.
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Two bullies constantly give the rascals, especially Alfalfa, a hard time. They chase after him, and are the rascals’ main competition in the go-cart race. They play dirty, and even look grungy. Butch and Woim are taller than the rascals and wear leather jackets. Their dress and behavior intimidate the rascals and deems power over them throughout most of the film. Guerrero describes men with power dress “more rigidly and generally must be modest, masculine, and appropriate to the occasion.”[22] Butch and Woim definitely dressed more rigidly and also wear black and other neutrals as another form of power over the rascals.
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