I went to see "Prometheus" last night and being in a movie theater again brought to mind some of the concepts we've been learning about in this class. Everyone in the theater was an adult or teen, so they were all familiar with the "movie theater role"...they were familiar with the American norms of being in a movie theater and no one defied these norms. Rules of engagement for this context include being quiet while watching the movie, remain seated and still unless you have to go the bathroom or otherwise leave the theater, and, if there is enough room in the theater, leave a seat between your group and the next group in your row. My brother and I defied these rules a bit by talking to each other at points during the movie, but even then we would lean in close and whisper in very quiet tones.
At one point during the film, someone in the movie made a comment that could have been interpreted as amusing, but only one woman in the theater laughed. I felt embarrassed for her...laughing, especially in a social public setting like that, is usually a group activity; it can be awkward if you laugh at something and no one else joins you. My feeling of embarrassment was maybe a way for me to deal with the awkwardness of the moment.
I've heard that in other cultures--and even other subcultures within the United States--that these movie theater norms are different. For instance, in African American communities I have heard it's not unusual for people to be more boisterous during a film, talking and even yelling things about the movie while the movie is playing.
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