Have you ever watched ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’?
It’s a brilliant film starring Jack Nicholson, based on the novel by Ken Kesey, published in 1962. The film is set in a psychiatric hospital and explores the dehumanising effects of institutionalisation. Power dynamics within society are examined and the institution is a representation of society in general, with different characters representing various aspects of power and autonomy.
The film tells the story of Randle McMurphy, a rebellious patient who arrives at a psychiatric hospital where the strict Nurse Ratched controls the male patients. Themes of individuality, power dynamics, and the effects of institutionalisation are explored.
How can this film be likened to the modern day workplace? One could relate this representation of power dynamics to the workforce of today in several ways:
The patients are stripped of their individuality and are forced to conform to the rules and regulations of the hospital, just as individuals in many workplaces are forced to conform to societal norms.
‘Control and Conformity’: Just as Nurse Ratched exerts control over the patients in the psychiatric hospital, modern workplaces can sometimes impose strict rules and expectations that could arguably stifle individuality and creativity. Some employees may feel pressured to conform to corporate culture and norms, much like the patients in the novel.(1)
‘Power Dynamics’: The power struggle between Randle McMurphy and Nurse Ratched reflects the disagreements that can occur between employees and management. In both settings, those in authority may use their power to maintain order and quell conflict. (2)
‘Mental Health’: The film highlights the impact that institutional environments can have on mental health. Similarly, modern workplaces can affect employees’ mental well-being, especially in high-stress and/or toxic environments. (3)
These themes from the novel resonate with a large quantity of people’s experiences in the workplace, making it a powerful and enduring metaphor.
Many bosses take advantage of, or don’t treat staff respectfully. Now don’t get me wrong there are good managers and bosses who do treat their workforce in the right way but there are many that unfortunately do not. Whilst people are reliant on their job for their salary they will unfortunately put up with some negative treatment as they feel they are stuck and have little power over the situation. Bad treatment of people in the workforce unfortunately goes on every day in society.
Thinking about this gave me an idea! How many of us would love to be free from the constraints of a job with a boss or a manager that we have to answer to and possibly face bad treatment from? I know that this is something that I aspire to do – to be my own boss and that is why I have invested in and began ‘Partnership To Success’. I know that this is how I will achieve my dream.
Now, as I myself have experienced when making the step towards this and going against what others expect of you, you may find that most people around you will say ‘Do this’, or ‘Don’t do that.’ Often this will be because people care about you and don’t want you to make mistakes or lose money, however, some people just don’t like to see others succeed in life.
My Mentor John Thornhill, is an online marketing expert who has been awarded a number of awards from ‘ClickBank,’ one of the World’s biggest digital marketplaces. Now John actually ‘walks the walk as well along with talking the talk’; not only is he successful in what he does, but he teaches others to become as successful as he is.
Have you noticed parallels between the film and your own work environment? Do you dream of a different future, one in which you aren’t beholden to others? Would you like a ‘Bird’s Eye View’ of how making money really works by John, a top vendor and affiliate marketer? Are you going to take that first step into your new future? Well now is your chance. To take that step and attend a FREE training session please CLICK HERE.’
Bibliography:
(1) Ken Kesey and the Rush to Deinstitutionalization – Quillette. https://quillette.com/2022/11/14/ken-kesey-and-the-rush-to-deinstitutionalization/.
(2) Ken Kesey and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Background – SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/cuckoo/context/.
(3) One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: Themes | SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/cuckoo/themes/.
This is a guest-written blog post by Mike Daley, If you wish to be considered for a guest post then please get in touch with me.
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