Description
The thing is, I submitted a paper, and then I found a third party to check for plagiarism before submitting it to Turnitin. As a result, a third party accidentally submitted my paper. But they didn’t tell me. So the plagiarism happened after I turned it in.I need you to help me write a statement of the case and a rebuttal to the existing materials. Requires a word and power point.I hope you have read the given materials and the school’s policy on plagiarism and hearings (this is very important). It should be written according to the school’s policy. SCHOOL IS UCLA
Unformatted Attachment Preview
Hearing Packet Cover Page
Referral Documents for X. Lei
Case #: 04063-001-2023
Referral Documents
Page 2:
Email for referral dated September 17, 2023
Pages 3-5:
Collective Behavior (Soc 130) Summer Session C 2023 Syllabus
Pages 6-8:
Week 3 and 4 Short Essay
Pages 9-18:
X. Lei Paper with Turnitin report
Witness: Gary Yeritsian (Professor/RP)
Page 19:
Witness Meeting Notes by Dean Tsau on October 20, 2023
Student: Ximin Lei
Pages 20-21:
Meeting Notes by Dean Tsau on September 19, 2023
Page 22:
Meeting Notes by Dean Tsau on October 26, 2023
Page 23:
Meeting Notes by Dean Tsau on November 15, 2023
Official Notices
Pages 24-25:
Notice Letter to X. Lei dated September 22, 2023
Page 26:
SCC Letter to X. Lei dated December 5, 2023
1
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
Gary Yeritsian
Dean Of Students Office
Suspected Academic Integrity Violation Report
Sunday, September 17, 2023 12:47:08 AM
Ximin Lei Turnitin Report.pdf
Dear Dean of Students,
I’m contacting you to report a suspected violation of academic integrity by my student, Ximin
Lei (UID 006-037-648), in Sociology 130 (Summer Session C).
Ximin submitted a written assignment that showed an extremely high Turnitn match
percentage (attached). She claimed this was due to using a ‘third party service’ to check for
plagiarism.
However, I noticed the assignment contains many unusual phrases, references, pieces of word
choice, etc, which have little direct relation to our class material. I therefore held a one-on-one
meeting with Ximin and asked her to define these various phrases included in the
submitted essay – ‘Plato and Aristotle’; ‘naturalistic fallacy’; ‘temporal incongruity’; ‘normative
character’; ‘social pathology.’ Ximin was unable to correctly define or explain ANY of the
above terms. Instead she merely guessed (incorrectly) at their meaning during our
conversation. I concluded that it’s extremely unlikely she wrote the attached assignment.
I pass the matter on to you and am happy to provide further information.
All best,
Gary Yeritsian
—
Gary Yeritsian, PhD
2
UPDATED 9-9-23
Self and Society (Soc 130)
Summer 2023 Session C – UCLA
MW 11am-12:30pm (Online)
Professor: Gary Yeritsian ([email protected])
Office Hours: MW 9:30-10:30am
Zoom Link: https://ucla.zoom.us/my/yeritsian
Description
This course is based upon the following proposition: rather than being fully autonomous or distinct from
society, the self is embedded in an array of social relationships and interactions. In other words, one’s identity
marks one’s location within the social world. The course develops this perspective by exploring, in turn, how
the self is shaped and reshaped through the process of socialization; the ways in which it engages in
‘dramaturgical’ interaction with other selves; its embeddedness within socially organized structures of space
and time; its relation to systems of meaning; its negotiation of forms of domination and resistance; and its
connection to contemporary media forms. Students will be encouraged to make use of the ‘sociological
imagination,’ i.e., to ask how they can make sense of their biographies with reference to course concepts.
Format
The course will be delivered online. On Mondays I will deliver a live Zoom lecture on the textual material. An
audio version of this lecture will be posted later in the week. Additionally, each week I will assign a
supplemental piece of material, typically a film, that you watch on your own (in some weeks, this may be an
alternative source, e.g., a piece of popular nonfiction writing). The Wednesday ‘lecture’ will actually be a
discussion section during which I’ll answer student questions about that week’s film – it will be studentdriven, so you must bring a question.
Each week the film (or alternate source) will function as a ‘case study’ to which you will apply the Monday
conceptual material. For example, in week 1, you should think about how the Berger and Luckmann (1966)
text on socialization applies to the (true) events depicted in Francois Truffaut’s Wild Child (1970), a film about
a ‘feral’ child adopted by a teacher in 18 th century France.
Note that film is a particularly useful object of sociological analysis, given that it’s a quasi-realistic medium
that captures the flow and texture of human social interaction, even if presented in fictionalized form. It thus
encourages the creative application of concepts in a way that enhances students’ ‘sociological imagination.’
Assignments
You’ll have to write a short (3-page double-spaced) essay for each week in the course. These mini-essays will
be due in three 6-page ‘bundles’ – at the end of weeks 2, 4, and 6. I will post the prompts as we proceed,
typically on Wednesdays. Thus, I’ll post the week 1 prompt on 8/9 and the week 2 prompt on 8/16, and
those two mini-essays will be due together on Sunday night, 8/20.
Grading
Grading will be conducted by two course readers under my supervision. Essays will be assessed on the basis
of the cogency and systematicity of their arguments (connecting concepts with the film); and the depth of
engagement with course material. The three writing grades will be averaged and final course grades
determined according to the following scheme: 92.5% and above, A; 90%, A-; 87.5%, B+; 82.5%, B; 80%, B-;
3
UPDATED 9-9-23
77.5%, C+; 72.5%, C; 70% C-; and so on. I reserve the right to curve grades up (but not down). I will also
assign each reader to half of the alphabet, and if one reader has higher grades, I’ll curve the other half up to
match.
Readings and Films
All readings will be posted as pdfs to the Canvas site. Links to sites at which you can watch or download the
films will also be provided.
Office Hours
I will hold two Zoom office hours per week (same Zoom link) to accommodate my two session C courses –
MW 9:30-10:30 a.m. I might alter these as we proceed. Feel free to come in to ask course-related questions or
to chat more generally. I’m happy to talk about the field of sociology and our department, or even to provide
informal career counseling and suggest ways that the degree may connect to career paths.
Course Schedule
Week One – Socialization and the Self (8/7-8/9)
Reading: Berger and Luckmann, The Social Construction of Reality (1966), pgs 149-182 (pdf).
Film: The Wild Child (1970, dir. Francois Truffaut). Vimeo link (may require free signup).
Essay 1: Prompt posted Wednesday (due 8/20, along with Essay 2). 3 pages, double-spaced.
Week Two – The Self as Performance (8/14-8/16)
Reading: Goffman, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (1956), pgs 1-46.
Film: The Imposter (2012, dir. Bart Layton). Tubi link (those outside US can use UCLA VPN).
Essay 2: Prompt posted Weds (due 8/20, along with Essay 1). 3 pages, double-spaced.
Week Three – The Self in Space and Time (8/21-8/23)
Reading: Simmel, Metropolis and Mental Life (1903), pgs 469-477.
Urry, The Sociology of Space and Place (2004), pgs 3-15.
Zerubavel, Hidden Rhythms: Schedules and Calendars in Social Life (1985), pgs 1-30.
Film: Taxi Driver (1976, dir. Martin Scorsese)
Essay 3: Prompt posted Weds (due 9/3, along with Essay 4). 3 pages, double-spaced.
4
UPDATED 9-9-23
Week Four – Meaning and the Self (8/28-8/30)
Reading: Geertz, The Interpretation of Cultures (1973), pgs 3-30, 126-141.
Film: Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015, dir. Alex Gibney).
Essay 4: Prompt posted Weds (due 9/3, along with Essay 3). 3 pages, double-spaced.
Week Five – Domination, Resistance, and the Self (9/4-9/6)
Reading: Foucault, Discipline and Punish (1975), pgs 195-228.
De Certeau, The Practice of Everyday Life (1980), pgs 91-102.
Film: Man on Wire (2008, dir. James Marsh).
Essay 5: Prompt posted Weds (due 9/17, along with Essay 6). 3 pages, double-spaced.
Week Six – Media and the Self (9/11-9/13)
Reading: Brubaker, Digital Hyperconnectivity and the Self (2020)
Film: Hyper-reality (2016, dir. Keiichi Matsuda, short film)
Essay 6: Prompt posted Weds (due 9/17, along with Essay 5). 3 pages, double-spaced.
5
10/2/23, 12:40 AM
Week 3 and 4 Short Essays (6 pages total) | Due Sunday, September 3, 11:59p.m.
Week 3 and 4 Short Essays (6 pages total) | Due Sunday,
September 3, 11:59p.m.
Published
Edit
Week 3
Use all three week 3 readings (on space and time) to analyze the film Taxi Driver. Work to
generate a thesis statement that articulates an overarching argument; then support that
argument with substantial engagement with all three readings.
Week 4
Apply the ideas of Geertz to the religion of Scientology, as presented in Going Clear. (Prompt ideas:
how Scientology functions as a system of meaning for its practitioners; the interrelations between its
worldview/ethos/symbols. As usual you have room to craft your own prompt/essay, if you so
choose).
Both essays should be 3 pages, double-spaced, with 12 point font (for a total of 6 pages).
SUBMIT AS ONE DOCUMENT.
You’ll be graded on two core criteria: argumentative cogency – how compelling and cohesive an
argument you generate – and textual engagement – how closely you engage with the textual
material. Cite page numbers from the texts parenthetically as (author, pg #). You may also cite
lecture material as (GY, date).
Of course, UCLA’s academic integrity policy (https://deanofstudents.ucla.edu/academic-integrity)
applies here, which means you must work alone; cite your sources; and not reproduce more than
four words in a row from a source without quoting. No need for a separate Works Cited page – cite
parenthetically in the text.
You are not to use AI programs like ChatGPT in the preparation of this assignment. AI generates
artificially slick essays that lack cogency and flow and are easy to tell apart from strong student
writing. Violations of academic integrity can result in referral to the Dean of Students.
Submit both assignments as a single document by 11:59 p.m., September 3.
Late assignments are subject to a penalty of up to 10% per day late.
Points
Submitting
40
a file upload
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https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/165771/assignments/1466258
1/2
10/2/23, 12:40 AM
Week 3 and 4 Short Essays (6 pages total) | Due Sunday, September 3, 11:59p.m.
File Types
doc and pdf
Due
For
Available from
Until
Sep 3
Everyone
Aug 29 at 12am
Sep 8 at 11:59pm
Rubric
7
https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/165771/assignments/1466258
2/2
9/20/23, 9:31 PM
Assessment 3 of 3 (Revolutions) – 5 pages, due Sunday Sept 17 11:59 p.m.
plagiarism checker, and we will look at the originality reports. Violations of this policy will result in a
lowering of your grade and possible referral to the Dean of Students.
Due: The assignment is due Sunday night, 9/17, at 11:59 pm. It is worth one-third of your overall
grade. Late submissions are subject to a penalty of 10% off per 24 hours late. We cannot accept
assignments after Tuesday night, 9/19.
Points
40
Submitting
a file upload
File Types
doc and pdf
Due
For
Available from
Until
Sep 17
Everyone
Sep 10 at 12am
Sep 19 at 11:59pm
Rubric
8
https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/166037/assignments/1471268
2/2
SOCI130_week3:4-3.pdf
by XIMIN LEI
Submission date: 03-Sep-2023 08:11PM (UTC-0700)
Submission ID: 2157261025
File name: SOCI130_week3_3A4.pdf (80.41K)
Word count: 1881
Character count: 10863
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SOCI130_week3:4-3.pdf
ORIGINALITY REPORT
95
1%
%
SIMILARITY INDEX
0%
INTERNET SOURCES
PUBLICATIONS
95%
STUDENT PAPERS
PRIMARY SOURCES
1
Submitted to Winston-Salem State University
2
docplayer.com.br
Student Paper
1%
Internet Source
Exclude quotes
Off
Exclude bibliography
Off
94%
Exclude matches
18
Off
Witness Meeting Notes
Witness Name:
Gary Yeritsian (RP)
Case #:
04063-001-2023
Date of Meeting:
October 20, 2023
Witness Meeting on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 1:00 pm via Zoom.
People present: Dean Tsau (assigned Dean) and Gary Yeritsian (RP)
•
GY shared:
o He was able to view the course which the paper had come from it was a group
counseling course from Winston-Salem State, but did not see the paper.
o Specifically when shared by Dean Tsau about the student had shared that they
had used the reading from Week 3 and Week 4 materials, GY shared it was
highly unlikely because some of the terms were used (ie: temporal incongruity).
o GY still had academic concern because the student could not give context to the
materials that was written.
19
Student Meeting Notes
Student Name:
Ximin Lei
Case #:
04063-001-2023
Date of Meeting:
September 19, 2023
Student Meeting on Friday, September 19, 2023, at 12:56 p.m. via Zoom.
Dean Tsau (assigned Dean) and Ximin Lei (Student)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dean Tsau and XL made introductions.
Dean Tsau shared FERPA guidelines, the purpose of today’s meeting and it is a private
meeting.
Dean Tsau explained the process and XL confirmed they are in a safe and private space
for the meeting, will not be recording the meeting, and notes will be taken and can be
made by request in writing.
Dean Tsau also asked if XL had seen the documents for today’s meeting and XL said yes.
XL noted that the essay prompt and syllabus were for the wrong class. Dean Tsau said he
would email her the updated information, so the conversation would focus then on the
essay that she submitted which was shared in the alleged report.
XL shared:
o For the week 3 prompt was talking about the movie “Taxi Driver” and she wrote it
off just her week 3 reading materials.
o For the week 4 prompt was about religious symbolism around Scientology. She
also used material from week 4. She incorporated Aristotle because she thought
there was a connection between her theater class and this assignment.
o She was concerned about her essay because the faculty did not open the Turnitin
option, so her friend mentioned a website where she could pay to check for her.
The website is described as like eBay where people sell services and she
found a vendor that was the cheapest where she would upload her essay
to the website and then they sent her a report of her.
o She emphasized the work was her own.
Dean Tsau thanked XL for sharing.
Dean Tsau then shared his screen to discuss the Student Conduct Code in detail,
focusing on section 102.01a. During the review, XL said they understood the policy and
did not agree that they had violated 102.01a because she did not use outside sources
and followed the instructions that were given.
Dean Tsau then shared his screen to discuss the Student Conduct Code in detail,
focusing on section 102.01c. During the review, XL said they understood the policy and
did not agree that they had violated 102.01c because she had put together the
thoughts, used her own words and thoughts for the materials, and also cited properly.
She did acknowledge she did translate some of the readings using translation into
Chinese.
Dean Tsau then shared he will continue with his review and email her an update of the
documents when available. Also asked for XL to email him the documents she showed
during the meeting.
20
•
Finally, Dean Tsau asked if XL had any additional questions, and XL said no. Everyone
logged off Zoom at approximately 1:50 p.m.
21
Student Meeting Notes
Student Name:
Ximin Lei
Case #:
04063-001-2023
Date of Meeting:
October 26, 2023
Student Meeting on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 10:57 a.m. via Zoom.
Dean Tsau (assigned Dean) and Ximin Lei (Student)
•
•
•
•
XL shared:
o For week three: she googled the information to get a better understanding of the
materials. Then looked up the definitions of what they meant.
She shared specifically that she had googled temporal incongruity and go
an understanding of how to apply the idea to Taxi and using the lecture.
o For week four: felt it was similar to above.
o She also shared that during her meeting with the professor, she was trying to
taking the words and trying to define them, but since she didn’t have her notes
and terms she did not use frequently she struggled.
XL was asked again for section 102.01a and shared she understood the policy and did
not agree that they had violated 102.01a because she used information from google but
the writing was from the course material.
XL was asked again for section 102.01c and shared she understood the policy and did not
agree that they had violated 102.01c because she had used citations and haven’t directly
copy, instead she processed it and used her own words and wrote it.
Finally, Dean Tsau and XL logged off at 11:31am.
22
Student Meeting Notes
Student Name:
Ximin Lei
Case #:
04063-001-2023
Date of Meeting:
November 15, 2023
Student Meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Dean Tsau (assigned Dean) and Ximin Lei (Student)
•
Dean Tsau shared with XL the SCC process and answered her questions.
23
September 22, 2023
CONFIDENTIAL
Ximin Lei
[email protected]
Log No.: 04063-001-2023
Dear Ximin,
The Office of Student Conduct has received information indicating that you may have been involved in an
incident which violates University regulations regarding student conduct.
Specifically, it has been reported that during Professor Gary Yeritsian’s Summer 2 Sociology 130 course,
you had plagiarized on your assignment.
If this allegation is true, your behavior is in violation of Section 102.01: Academic Dishonesty of the UCLA
Student Conduct Code, and may affect your student status.
Please visit the Appointment Scheduler on or before September 29, 2023, and schedule an appointment with me. During
our meeting, you will be given the opportunity to explain this situation from your perspective. Please contact the Office of
Student Conduct at (310) 825-3871 should you experience an issue with scheduling an appointment.
If you are scheduling an in-person meeting, you must ensure that you and any advisor or support person you bring to your
meeting are in compliance with all Covid-19 campus health and safety requirements.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the UCLA Student Conduct Code. Particularly, you may wish to refer to Section
III of the Code, entitled Student Conduct Procedures. You may also wish to review the resources and support services
that are available to you.
Please be advised that no degree may be conferred until any pending allegations and any assigned
sanctions and conditions have been completed. Additionally, if you fail to schedule an appointment by
September 29, 2023, or miss your scheduled appointment, a hold will be placed on your student records
and registration. This hold will prevent you from registering in subsequent academic terms, graduating, or
from obtaining transcripts, records or grades from the Office of the Registrar. It will also prohibit access to
the Wooden Center and limit your use of library services.
Sincerely,
24
Theodore Tsau
Assistant Dean of Students
25
December 05, 2023
CONFIDENTIAL
Ximin Lei
[email protected]
Log# 04063-001-2023
Dear Ximin,
Pursuant to section III. E. 3. of the UCLA Student Conduct Code, this is notice that your case has been referred to the
Student Conduct Committee for a hearing. This case is concerning the allegation that you have been involved in behavior
which violates Student Conduct Code Section(s): 102.01 (Academic Dishonesty). Specifically, it has been reported that on
or about Summer 2023, in Professor Gary Yeritsian’s Summer 2 Sociology 130 course, you had plagiarized on your
assignment.
You will be contacted by the Hearing Coordinator for further information concerning the hearing process. The Hearing
Coordinator can be reached by telephone at (310) 825-3871 or via email at [email protected]. A complete packet
including a copy of all documents forwarded to the Student Conduct Committee will be made available for you.
Please note that section III. K. 10. of the Code provides for continuing resolution of this matter. If you wish to make an
appointment to discuss this matter at any time before the Committee Chair (or the Hearing Officer) submits a report to the
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, you may do so by contacting me at (310) 825-3871.
Sincerely,
Theodore Tsau
Assistant Dean of Students
cc: Hearing Coordinator, Office of the Dean of Students
26
Student Meeting on Friday, September 19, 2023, at 12:56 p.m. via Zoom.
Dean Tsau (assigned Dean) and Ximin Lei (Student)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dean Tsau and XL made introductions.
Dean Tsau shared FERPA guidelines, the purpose of today’s meeting and it is a private
meeting.
Dean Tsau explained the process and XL confirmed they are in a safe and private space
for the meeting, will not be recording the meeting, and notes will be taken and can be
made by request in writing.
Dean Tsau also asked if XL had seen the documents for today’s meeting and XL said yes.
XL noted that the essay prompt and syllabus were for the wrong class. Dean Tsau said he
would email her the updated information, so the conversation would focus then on the
essay that she submitted which was shared in the alleged report.
XL shared:
o For the week 3 prompt was talking about the movie “Taxi Driver” and she wrote it
off just her week 3 reading materials.
o For the week 4 prompt was about religious symbolism around Scientology. She
also used material from week 4. She incorporated Aristotle because she thought
there was a connection between her theater class and this assignment.
o She was concerned about her essay because the faculty did not open the Turnitin
option, so her friend mentioned a website where she could pay to check for her.
▪ The website is described as like eBay where people sell services and she
found a vendor that was the cheapest where she would upload her essay
to the website and then they sent her a report of her.
o She emphasized the work was her own.
Dean Tsau thanked XL for sharing.
Dean Tsau then shared his screen to discuss the Student Conduct Code in detail,
focusing on section 102.01a. During the review, XL said they understood the policy and
did not agree that they had violated 102.01a because she did not use outside sources
and followed the instructions that were given.
Dean Tsau then shared his screen to discuss the Student Conduct Code in detail,
focusing on section 102.01c. During the review, XL said they understood the policy and
did not agree that they had violated 102.01c because she had put together the
thoughts, used her own words and thoughts for the materials, and also cited properly.
She did acknowledge she did translate some of the readings using translation into
Chinese.
Dean Tsau then shared he will continue with his review and email her an update of the
documents when available. Also asked for XL to email him the documents she showed
during the meeting.
Finally, Dean Tsau asked if XL had any additional questions, and XL said no. Everyone
logged off Zoom at approximately 1:50 p.m.
Student Meeting on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 10:57 a.m. via Zoom.
Dean Tsau (assigned Dean) and Ximin Lei (Student)
•
•
•
•
XL shared:
o For week three: she googled the information to get a better understanding of the
materials. Then looked up the definitions of what they meant.
▪ She shared specifically that she had googled temporal incongruity and go
an understanding of how to apply the idea to Taxi and using the lecture.
o For week four: felt it was similar to above.
o She also shared that during her meeting with the professor, she was trying to
taking the words and trying to define them, but since she didn’t have her notes
and terms she did not use frequently she struggled.
XL was asked again for section 102.01a and shared she understood the policy and did
not agree that they had violated 102.01a because she used information from google but
the writing was from the course material.
XL was asked again for section 102.01c and shared she understood the policy and did not
agree that they had violated 102.01c because she had used citations and haven’t directly
copy, instead she processed it and used her own words and wrote it.
Finally, Dean Tsau and XL logged off at 11:31am.
Student Meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Dean Tsau (assigned Dean) and Ximin Lei (Student)
•
Dean Tsau shared with XL the SCC process and answered her questions.
wd
by Dd Sd
Submission date: 31-Aug-2023 10:57AM (UTC-0400)
Submission ID: 2155044159
File name: Analysis_of_Taxi_Driver.docx (24.87K)
Word count: 1108
Character count: 6386
wd
ORIGINALITY REPORT
4
1%
%
SIMILARITY INDEX
INTERNET SOURCES
0%
PUBLICATIONS
3%
STUDENT PAPERS
PRIMARY SOURCES
1
Submitted to Middle Georgia College
2%
2
Submitted to Thomas University
1%
3
www.coursehero.com
1%
Student Paper
Student Paper
Internet Source
Exclude quotes
Off
Exclude bibliography
On
Exclude matches
Off
Witness Meeting on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 1:00 pm via Zoom.
People present: Dean Tsau (assigned Dean) and Gary Yeritsian (TA)
•
GY shared:
o He was able to view the course which the paper had come from it was a group
counseling course from Winston-Salem State, but did not see the paper.
o Specifically when shared by Dean Tsau about the student had shared that they
had used the reading from Week 3 and Week 4 materials, GY shared it was
highly unlikely because some of the terms were used (ie: temporal incongruity).
o GY still had academic concern because the student could not give context to the
materials that was written.
Lei 1
Ximin Lei
Grey Yeritisan
Sociology 130
September 03, 2023
Analysis of Taxi Driver
The film Taxi Driver is a 1976 piece written by Paul Schrader and directed by Martin
Scorsese. It follows the life of Travis Bickle, a taxi driver in New York City, battling with
isolation and mental instability triggered by his previous life as a Vietnam War veteran. Travis
struggles with the realities he witnesses in the city, with the moral decay, violence, and
corruption normalized in the city worsening his sense of alienation, revealing the temporal
regularity and cognitive incongruity that existed at the time. These themes are evident based on
how Travis perceives the reality that is the world that triggers a desire for violence and a sense of
detachment as he continuously disconnects from his expectations, responding with a growing
desire to impose his idea of justice. By delving into these themes, this analysis will explore the
interplay between social systems, temporal expectations, and social environments, revealing
more about the chaotic urban landscape that shapes Bickle’s psychological journey and the
broader themes of societal alienation, disconnection, and isolation.
Travis’ role as a taxi driver means he consistently drives through the desolate streets of
New York City at night, connecting the urban landscape to his mental state. The city’s emptiness
emphasizes the feeling of isolation that pushes Travis to detach from society. The spatial expanse
reveals the gradual disintegration of one’s sanity, showing the connection between the external
world and the internal being. The film employs a non-linear narrative format that blends the past
and present, illusion from reality. His past and present experiences are intertwined to blur the
Lei 2
barriers between memory and imagination. The feeling of temporal dislocation contributes to the
audience’s empathy for Travis as he struggles to discern reality from his distorted memory
(Zerubavel 10).
Similarly, the rapid growth of industries because of capitalism aligns with Durkheim’s
school of thought on the transition to organic from mechanical solidarity because of the division
of labor evident in Travis’s society (Urry 4). The shifts in social interaction cause him to lose his
individuality as he navigates the complexities of the changing urban society as individual
connections become more superficial and, in some extremes, hostile. Durkheim’s lens reflects
the social pathology in the film, as Travis’ isolation, violent tendencies, and moral decay reflect
darker aspects of urban life.
Max Weber critiqued the concept of space, considering the emergence of existing
challenges to the social system rather than analyzing physical attributes. Through his lens, the
film depicts New York as a morally ambiguous and decaying environment responsible for
Bickle’s mental state and experiences (Urry 4). Simmel relates the empty space Travis drives
through as he canvases through the city. The city’s unique development and interactions depict
Simmel’s interpretation of the influence of spatial forms of social perceptions and interactions.
Simmel shared their observations about the urban personality being reserved, detached, and
aligned with Bickle’s demeanor in the film (Simmel 475). The population density and stimuli
response contribute to Travis’ emotional state and indifference to his surroundings. Simmel
explored the impact of the mobility patterns and the money economy, evident from their
interactions (Simmel 477). His encounters with different individuals shed light on the different
stimuli that shape his experiences
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The collective consumption and urban politics evident in the field reflect the concept of
collective consumption. Travis navigates through the city, capturing the politicization of urban
spaces, increasingly disillusioned with the city’s social issues, such as corruption. This portrayal
aligns with urban politics and Castells’ idea of the collective consumption that triggers political
tensions and challenges (Urry 7). His interactions reflect a sense of compression where the
intensity and diversity of urban life trigger a feeling of detachment and isolation. Harvey’s
concept of space and time compression shows how the rapid pace of urban life contributes to
Travis’ mental state (Zerubavel Urry 8). Similarly, Bachelard’s perspective on place and memory
resonates with his connection to his cab (Urry 11-12). The vehicle acts as a space for reflection
and memory as he focuses on his experiences and thoughts. From Bachelard’s perspective, this
memory embodiment is rooted in place materiality.
The film conveys time as cyclical because of Travis’ repeated routine as a driver. This
repetition depicts his existence’s stagnation, showing his inability to dissociate himself from his
psychological restrictions (Zerubavel 27). As he adjusts to the city’s moral decay, his routine’s
cyclic nature reinforces the notion that the urban environment reflects a cycle of despair and
degradation. The perception of space and time gels into Marx’s idea that “all that is solid melts
into air,” reflecting capitalism’s collapse of traditional structures and relationships (Urry 4). This
concept is evident from Travis’s state of mind in the film, with his sense of self and morality
disintegrating because of the chaotic urban environment, increasing his alienation.
The alienation then aligns with Lefebvre’s concept of spatial practices, connecting it with
Travis’ experiences as a taxi driver. Since his job involves transversing different parts of the city,
it highlights the spatial practices and social divisions contributing to his alienation and
disconnection (Urry 11). Giddens supports this concept by interpenetration of absence and
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presence to Travis’ interactions with others and his personal struggles (Urry 9). Crowded urban
spaces are contrasted with his internal loneliness, showing how his actions are triggered by
longing and absence, which are frequent in urban environments. Benjamin explains that this may
be a form of reading in which Travis relates memory to the city’s cultural symbols, triggering
memories and emotions.
The Taxi Driver effectively portrays the themes of temporal regularity and cognitive
incongruity, showing how the protagonist’s experiences and reactions align and impact
individual behavior and the overall narrative. Travis embodies a sense of detachment and
cognitive incongruity because of the societal norms around him, leaving him disconnected from
the main world. His inability to find a sense of belonging and detachment is central to the
narrative, exploring how his surroundings shape perceptions, creating an incongruity between his
expectations and reality. The interplay between individual psychology and the urban
environment finds resonance, enriching the understanding between Travis’ psychological journey
and his response to the discord between the urban environment and his internal world.
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Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
When individuals fall into deep thinking, it may provoke intrusive thoughts that make
them fear organizations that associate themselves with manipulation. The documentary Going
Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, introduces the audience to seeking meaning,
symbolism, and conceptualization. It creates ideas related to themes, such as values and religion,
while considering their implications for society. These views change focus and simply define it
to understand and navi
