The 2020s have seen a proliferation of strange memes reflecting the often-bleak tone of the decade. In the eyes of the internet, it was a perfect time to revisit the dark satire of American Psycho, using the film's protagonist, Patrick Bateman, as the face of biting memes boasting about one's social status. But with all the memes featuring Bateman's face as a man with "Sigma" status, does the businessman qualify as a Sigma male, or is he just another scary character played by Christian Bale?
Sigma is a term applied to one who inadvertently goes against societal norms without flinching, rising above every conflict faced. However, because humans are too complicated to be grouped into a single terminology, the term was met with little fanfare. Users on the internet started to describe obscene acts like asking for a kid's meal as an adult "Sigma behaviors." Comically, given the definition, this technically is Sigma behavior because the individual is confidently defying societal expectations (in this case, an adult ordering an adult meal). Taking these acts and pairing them with a successful business person who never bats an eye, like Bateman, became a perfect combination for the internet. Bale's role is now synonymous online with Sigma behavior.
Is American Psycho's Patrick Bateman a True Sigma?
But is Patrick Bateman truly a Sigma, as the memes boast? While he never purposefully sits alone at lunch to make himself seem like a Sigma, other instances in American Psycho can help to determine where he sits on the Sigma hierarchy.
Because many behaviors can define a Sigma, the following table can help to determine where Bateman stands. He will receive 20 percent in the most-aligned column for each row. And when added, a full makeup of Patrick Bateman can be compiled.
|
ALPHA |
SIGMA |
|
|
DOMINANCE |
Dominant over others |
Dominant above Dominants |
|
SOCIAL |
Outgoing and social |
Introverts and loners by choice |
|
LEADER |
Lead by violence |
Lead without exerting authority |
|
HIERARCHY |
At the "top" |
Stays outside the hierarchy |
|
CONFORMING |
Conforms to society |
Does not conform to the expectations and rises above others |
Bateman's dominance in the 2000 horror film is above others in society. However, he never rises above any of his peers, much like The Joker. Despite his temper, there is little to indicate Bateman stands above his peers. But, as he can make himself appear deadlier than others, he would align as an Alpha.
Regarding socialization, Bateman is almost instantly introverted by choice at the beginning of American Pyscho. There is even the added aspect of Bale's insecurity added to the role. Looking to distance himself from his fiancée, the serial killer escapes into his albums to hide from others. This behavior would be, as the memes have implied, Sigma behavior.
Leadership isn't something at which Bateman excels, much like dominance. Instead, Bateman and his peers make equally important decisions in their lives. In his inner circle, Bateman is on equal ground. However, as the vice president of a large company, he displays the leadership of an Alpha.
Patrick Batemen Is Equal Parts Sigma and Alpha
As hierarchies are situational, changing depending on where a person finds themselves in life or in work, Bateman is slightly a mystery. While he is not the company's president, he still aims to do more and focus on his work. It's made clear there is no "top" to Bateman. There is only becoming more successful than the previous day. Therefore, Bateman would be a Sigma in that regard.
In American Psycho's first act, Bateman makes it known to his fiancée that he wishes to conform to society as best he can, unlike his other roles. However, as he struggles to fit in, he doesn't align with either Alpha or Sigma categories. Assuming this would bring him one down from Alpha, this behavior would be classified as Beta.
Bateman would reach a total of 40 percent Sigma, 40 percent Alpha and 20 percent Beta. However, with his acting career, Bale would seem purely Sigma. The internet is partially true to their memes, as Bateman is still seen as the top of his pack. Regardless, Bale can flawlessly pull off intimidating characters no matter what "status" the internet deems they have.