An institution is a large organisation which serves a purpose to the

community. An institution can affect the individuals’ experience either

positive or negative outlook depending on how the institution is run,
but more importantly […….]. All institutions offer support to the
individual but overall it is the individual to change and make the right
decision.

We can clearly see the individual’s experience in the novel ‘Raw’ by

Scott Monk, the film ‘Battle Royale’ by director Kinji Fukasaku and
feature article ‘Convict Cowboys’ written by Frank Walker ‘The Sun-
Herald’ August 3 2008. Through these texts explores the idea of
institutions from various representations that reveals protest,
compliance and enforcement in institutions.

Protest can be defined as a formal or solemn declaration of objection.

In ‘Raw’ we see the unlikely protagonist Brett Dalton who is caught
stealing and is sent to a ‘Half-way house’. Scott Monk is able to show
the representation of protest through the use of language techniques.
In Brett’s case, initially his nature is to rebel and protest being sent to
the farm against Sam the warden,
“He was the enemy, and you never get friendly with the enemy”
From this statement shows that Brett is unwilling to change and
cooperate where it shows his negative attitude.

Tyson, a minor character in ‘Raw’ represent that not all institutions

benefit an individual. Tyson’s individual choice shows the reader that
he would rather protest the farm than comply, thus juxtaposes Brett
through his individual’s choice he is willing to comply and not run away
to deal with problems.

Compliance is the act of agreeing or fulfilling to the rules and polices.

This is clear in the Japanese film ‘Battle Royale’ by Kinji Fukasaku
shows the protagonist Shuya Narahara initially complying with the
rules and regulations. This is shown where he stays away the danger
zone and willing to kill other students as part of the rules. Instead,
other characters would rather protest the institution in order to win the
game and be free. A montage shot of all the equipment such as
explosives, detonators and rifles show their willingness to rebel against
the institution, the Government. The effect on the individual within the
institution shows the individual are to blame to the downfall of the
Government. This is evident in the opening scene where a close up
shot on the legislation of the proposed ‘game’ accepted without any
disruptions, showing the Government is trying to get a hold of the
community.

Shuya Narahara is somewhat opposite to Brett as Narahara would

comply with the regulations then protests the institution. This is
evident when he kills the warden at the end of the film whereas Brett
respects Sam.

Compliance also is explored in ‘Raw’ where the characters are willing

to comply and make their own decisions. Brett learns to accept rules in
order to be successful both in and out of the farm. This is clear where
Brett gives in and backs down when confronted by Sam.
One of the major catalysts for Brett’s change is the people who he
meets while in the institution. Through the friendship of Josh and Sam’s
influence by handing over the cigarettes and willing to work such as
woodwork.

‘Convict Cowboys’ is very similar to ‘Raw’ in representing enforcement

as Sam focuses on rehabilitation and earn respect. The prisoners would
play in Rodeos with real Bulls and audience as their rehabilitation. The
Rodeos provide the inmates a sense or releasing their anger,
frustration and also “breaks the monotony of prison life”. Both ‘Raw’
and ‘Convict Cowboys’ seek punishment and reform; however
rehabilitation can only occur when the individual makes the choice to
change. This is evident of Brett’s change of understanding to take
responsibility and also Sam’s focus on rehabilitation.

Through these texts ‘Raw’, ‘Battle Royale’ and ‘Convict Cowboys’

demonstrates the effects of individuals within institutions can leave
either positive or negative outlook but more importantly [……].