West Memphis Three Case Study

The theory that can be applied to the West Memphis Three case is the Symbolic Interaction theory because this based entirely on the signs of how the Memphis Three were portrayed. “The symbolic-interaction theory holds that people communicate via symbols-gestures, signs, words, or images- that stand for or represent something else” (Siegel, Ch. 7-4). According to the video, Damien Echols was seen as Satanist because of his gothic style, looks and attitude. “He had all of the accoutrements of someone that was involved in Satanism: the black clothes, the stringy hair and the long, very sharp fingernails” (Memphis 3). Damien Echols was different from what society expected but embracing a gothic life style is not illegal, however, the town did