Rites of Passage
Rites of Passage are a motif common to many cultures, yet we Americans have precious few of them. A rite of passage includes three elements: 1) the individual separates from the societal group, usually as part of a peer group; 2) the peer group undergoes a trial by fire, the form of which varies; 3) the peer group returns to the societal group and is accepted back with a new, more elevated status and usually bearing observable evidence such as a tattoo, medal, etc. Boot camp is a good example, as is securing one’s driver’s license ~ or consider the actors playing the Fellowship of the Ring, all of whom got the same tattoo in remembrance (that example actually fits!) Rites of passage mark the progression into and through adulthood, confer rights and responsibilities; without them, adolescents tend to muddle along in a gray area of childlike maturity, and we would do well to provide our youth with a better forms than the ones they fashion for themselves. Following are excellent illustrations of individuals undergoing tests of mettle and maturity that bringing new standing.
Examples of Rites of Passage in Film
- An Officer and a Gentleman
- Biloxi Blues
- Captains Courageous
- Forrest Gump
- G.I. Jane
- Kung Fu Panda
- Private Benjamin
- Shall We Dance? (1996)
- Stand By Me
- Star Trek: First Contact
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- The Cider House Rules
- The Lord of the Rings
- The Silence of the Lambs
Libra, INTP, English Major, 
Back from a seriously scary health relapse in mid-October and returning to action. Kudos to my patient friends and colleagues, you're the best. New programs and more unrolling this year, here's to 2012!
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