The Graduate "One Word: Plastics"

I think you guys are just over-interpretating.The point is that back in 60's plastic was quite a new thing and the guy meant that in the future it might be a good industry,so he wanted Ben to invent in plastic.

Interesting that it means nothing to an 18 year old. It took me a minute to understand that and it makes sense. Saying "Plastics" to a guy just graduating college in 1967 was like saying "Disco" in 1977 and "Microsoft" in 1987 and "Internet" in 1997.

...i'd heard the same as crosswire; plastics represented the phony conformist world of the establishment...just my .02...

Plastic is refer to naplam bombs which was used during the Vietnam War Era. It was just a way to refer to the War without actually mentioning the war itself. Making bombs equals making a lot of money.

No it was really PLASTICS. Seriously if anyone had invested in the Plastics industry in the 60's they'd be very wealthy today.

I think he's just unsure of what to do with his future and everything just seems... lame. I'm not sure it has anything to do with suburbia.

idk if i'm stupid but ive watched this movie idk how many times becuz its one of my favs, but anyway can som1 tell me what he means by "plastic,' i just dont understand and i'm 18

Perhaps not stupid but growing up in a different age... though I can't say much as I'm just 19. The older man is telling Benjamin that there is a great future in the plastics industry. It's funny as the man is taking himself far too seriously and as Benjamin's reaction shows, being rather ridiculous.

Plastics represents everything that's fake in the world, everything the main character hates and wants to get away from.

plastic is plastic! just fucking ordinary plastic!!!!!!!!!!!