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"Paid in Full" takes place in Harlem, New York, during the 1980s. This coming-to-age film captures the atmosphere of the neighborhood during this time, highlighting the rise of the drug trade and its impact on the Black community.

In the film, the major characters are Ace, Mitch, and Rico. Their actions and decisions drive the plot of the movie, leading them all to a not-so-joyful ending after all. Ace is a young man trying to make a better life for himself by working at a local laundry mat. Mitch is a charismatic and influential figure in their circle, who is considered a "big deal" in the streets of Harlem. While Rico is more ruthless and willing to take risks, he brings charisma to this trio. Amid Mitch expanding clientele to different hoods, Ace is fed up with his job at the laundry mat and slowly gets tied in with Mitch and Rico's lifestyle. At first, he starts working under Mitch as he is a mentor for this game. During all this, Rico is still some sort of an underdog, or like a guy they can call to do their "dirty work". Eventually, Ace surpasses Mitch in dealing, Mitch isn't envious but instead is proud and warns Ace of the dangers of this continuous lifestyle. As time goes on and his pockets get richer, it almost seems as if Rico has yet to catch up. He is still deeply involved in the streets but has little to no remorse for structure or codes. Meaning he reacts off of emotion and recklessness. Each character brings a different dynamic to the story, showcasing the complexities of their relationships and the challenges they face in their environment.

Literary themes:

Loyalty and Betrayal: This film delves into the bonds of friendship and how they are tested by the pressures of the drug trade. The characters' loyalty to each other is a central theme, but so is the betrayal that ultimately leads to their downfall.

Power and Greed: The pursuit of money and power drives the characters' actions. The film examines how greed can corrupt and lead to destructive choices.

Consequences of Choices: Each character's decisions have significant consequences. The film highlights how the choices made in the pursuit of a better life can lead to unforeseen and often tragic outcomes.

In the end, as they rise in the drug world, their differing motivations and ambitions create tension and lead to betrayal. Rico ends up killing Mitch for the life he once had. He wanted his spot all while working under Ace. When Ace finds out he decides to leave the drug trade after surviving an attempted murder and the loss of close friends. He cooperates with the authorities to take down the remaining threats, aiming to start a new life away from the chaos and violence that consumed them. The different stages of Ace's life made him realize the worth of life itself. From a young boy working at a laundry mat to the fast and wicked life of selling drugs shaped him into a man of a new mindset.

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Background:

Urie Bronfenbrenner was born on April 29, 1917, in Moscow, Russia, and moved to the United States at a young age. He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and later earned a doctorate from the University of Michigan. Bronfenbrenner became a prominent psychologist and co-founder of the Head Start program, which aims to enhance the early childhood education of low-income children. He passed away on September 25, 2005.

Major Components of the Theory: Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory outlines five environmental systems that influence human development:

1. Microsystem: The immediate environment in which a person directly interacts, such as family, school, and peers.

2. Mesosystem: The interconnections between different microsystems, like the relationship between family experiences and school experiences.

3. Exosystem: The broader social system that affects a person indirectly, such as parents' workplaces or community services.

4. Macrosystem: The larger cultural context, including societal norms, values, and laws.

5. Chronosystem: The dimension of time, which includes life transitions and historical events that impact development.

Fundamental Beliefs and Assumptions: - Development is influenced by the different types of environmental systems. - These systems interact with each other and with the individual to shape development. - The individual is an active participant in their development, influencing and being influenced by their environment.

Critiques of the Theory: - Some critics argue that the theory is too broad and lacks specificity in explaining developmental processes. - It can be challenging to test the interactions between the different systems. - The theory may not fully account for biological factors that also play a significant role in development. Overall, Bronfenbrenner's theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interactions between individuals and their environments throughout their development.

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Bronfenbrenner's Theory in 'Paid in Full'

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Stage 1 (Mesosystem):

The interconnections between different microsystems significantly impact Ace's development. Ace's involvement in the drug trade exposes him to a complex web of relationships within his microsystem, including his friends, family, and the street culture. His interactions with Mitch and Rico, who are deeply embedded in the drug world, influence his decisions and ultimately lead to both opportunities and challenges in his life. The dynamics within his microsystem shape his choices, values, and ultimately, his fate in the dangerous world he navigates.

Stage 4: Macrosystem

The larger cultural context, societal norms, values, and laws play a crucial role in shaping Ace's development. The societal norms glorifying material wealth and success through illegal means, the values emphasizing loyalty and respect within the street culture, and the laws that govern the drug trade all contribute to Ace's trajectory. These factors create a challenging environment where Ace must navigate between personal morals and external pressures, ultimately influencing his decisions and outcomes in the story.

Based on Brenner's Ecological Systems Theory, if he were to assess Ace, he would likely focus on understanding the various environmental systems that influence Ace's development. He would analyze how Ace's interactions within his microsystem, including his friends, family, and the street culture, impact his choices and behaviors. Additionally, he would consider the broader social contexts, such as the societal norms, values, and laws prevalent in Ace's environment, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the factors shaping Ace's development throughout the film.

When assessing Ace's development in "Paid in Full," we can see how major life events, circumstances, inclinations, and predation play a significant role in shaping his journey. Ace's involvement in the drug trade, influenced by his circumstances and inclinations, exposes him to a world filled with risks, rewards, and consequences. The negative nature of the street culture, combined with his personal choices and experiences, creates a complex interplay of factors that impact Ace's development throughout the movie.

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Brenner's Ecological Systems Theory explains how major life events, circumstances, inclinations, and predation influence Ace's development. The theory helps understand the complex interplay of factors that shape Ace's journey and decisions within his environment. It provides a valuable framework for understanding his development, but it may not capture all the nuances of his experiences. The theory helps analyze the influence of various environmental factors on his choices and behaviors, but individual complexities and unique circumstances may not be fully captured by a single theoretical perspective.

A psycho-developmental assessment of Ace examines the influence of different environmental systems on his development. This theory can provide valuable insights into his journey and the factors shaping his decisions and behaviors throughout the movie.

Considering Ace's identity, including his cultural, gender, and socio-economic background, Therefore this theory can still be valid. This theory takes into account various environmental influences, which can be particularly useful in understanding how these factors intersect and impact his development. However, it is important to recognize that no single theory can capture every aspect of an individual's experience, especially when it comes to the complexities of identity. In which this theory provides a useful framework, it should be complemented with other perspectives to achieve a more comprehensive understanding.

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In conclusion, while this theory offers a valuable framework for understanding the various environmental influences on Ace's development, it may not capture every nuance of his identity. Given the complexities of cultural, gender, and socio-economic factors, it's essential to complement this theory with other perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of his character and experiences.