Journal Entry 7 - RIP Tim

Watching The Wave was honestly really interesting to me because it showed how quickly a dictatorship and a strong group mentality can develop, even when something starts off as something pretty lighthearted. At the beginning, the experiment did not seem like it was going to become anything serious, but it was crazy to see how quickly everyone became invested in The Wave and started following the rules and ideas without really questioning them. I think that was one of the most interesting parts of the movie because it shows how easily people can be influenced when they feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.

It also reminded me a lot of the Waco siege and how people can become so influenced by a leader or group that they start accepting things they probably would not have accepted on their own. There is also a lot of manipulation and what I would describe as gaslighting, where people are convinced that what they are doing is normal or justified because everyone around them is doing the same thing. I think this can especially affect people who are more vulnerable or are looking for somewhere to belong.

Tim was probably the character that stood out to me the most for this reason. At the beginning, he is an outcast and does not really seem to have a strong sense of belonging or confidence. Once he becomes part of The Wave, we see his self-esteem and confidence grow because he finally feels accepted and important. The problem is that his identity becomes so connected to the group that he struggles to separate himself from it. I think this shows how powerful social influence can be, especially when someone is searching for acceptance, purpose, or a sense of belonging.

Comments

  1. williams.dan76September 29, 2026 at 6:11 AM

    Thanks for this reflection on The Wave. Your responses are valid and perceptive. It is disturbing in the film that the mass movement takes place so quickly, in a matter of days in fact. It seems almost a relief to surrender individuality and join the group-think. It's equally scary how authoritarianism develops to the point where 98% of class become obedient to Wenger. And Tim is a great example about how a social movement can help but also destroy a person. Indeed, a thought-provoking film.

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