The video, Shift Happens, was quite mind-boggling. After watching it, I wondered if our society is in trouble, education wise. I realize that China and India have a much larger population than ours, but I did not realize there was such a vast difference. I think the thing that scared me most about our future was the fact that every other country puts more into their education system than we do. I think its great we have the technology we have, but not at the cost of education for our people.
We lived in Japan for 3 years, and my younger sister was in Elementary school, while I was in high school. We both wanted to go to the local Japanese schools, but they said I was too old to start. However, they accepted my little sister, who was in 2nd grade at the time. She moved so far ahead in education, especially Math, that when we came back to the United States, she had to be skipped a year ahead, and 2 years ahead for Math. They poured a lot of money into the schools, and not so much in conveniences at home. They even hired someone to come in and teach my sister to read, write, and speak Japanese fluently. She was the only American in the school, and they wanted to show us how much they care about the education of everyone. It was not like that here, so my Mom took over homeschooling her, so she could continue to advance. I think the education system needs to have a major overhaul, and for us as a society to care more about that, than material things. If we don’t find a way to educate everyone better, even the poor, that is what will scare me most about our future.
In addition, the statistic that what a college student learns their first year of college, is obsolete by their third year of college, really disturbed me. I think our education system needs to really look at what they are teaching, and if it barely applies now, then don’t waste the student’s time, because it is not going to apply 3 years from now. I also think that if a student pays thousands of dollars to get an education, and some of the information they received for their major is obsolete, they should be given free classes that will give them updated information before they graduate.
I think information and technology is great. They have opened up the world to us in ways my parents did not know. For example, if I need to see photos of Germany for a school paper, I can go on the internet, and not only see pictures of Germany, but I have actually found sites with live web cams in various parts of Europe. It’s amazing. While going there is much better, at least we get to see it. We have loads of information at our fingertips, and that is an advantage for this generation. However, I think our society can be too technical, and it has damaged us as a society to a degree. We are not as in touch as we were before all this. While it opens up worlds, I think it is not the same to meet someone online and marry them, as meeting them in person, and getting to know them the old fashioned way.
I think this video did a great job of making things more clear in some of the topics we studied in this class, such a globalization, class and inequality, work and the economy. Seeing the facts and figures as to the number of people in China and India, the education facts, how many times we switch jobs in the United States, and the fact that we are actually behind many other countries in Internet development and usage, really shows how we have been affected by globalization, and how it has affected our class and levels of inequality. We are supposed to be a powerful country, but we have a large amount of homeless people, a low education system, unemployment that is high, and neighborhoods where we still force the “undesirables” in, and let those neighborhoods be taken over by people who have no hope, and commit crimes, and push drugs, affecting even more of our people.
Finally, I think its funny that we used to calculate time by B.C. and A.C., but now we have B.G. (Before Google). I think in order to pull this country out of the hole we are falling in; we have to go back to the basics, or at the very least find a better balance between technology and human beings.
September 19, 2010
September 18, 2010
Urbanization
I am the daughter of a Marine, and so we have moved 11 times in my life, and lived in many U.S. states, and overseas. I have never lived in a rural area, but have lived in urban and suburban areas all my life.
I was born in Belgium, and lived in a suburban area. It was much different than the United States, in the way that there were many businesses in the neighborhood, and people lived above their shops. We could go next door and buy bread that was just baked, and I remember there was a clock shop on the other side of us, where you could hear clocks chiming all hours of the day or night. I have not been back, so I don’t know how different it is, but many military we know that have been there since, say it is still the same, with maybe a few more businesses.
I grew up in many places after that, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Hawaii, Japan, Washington, and now Virginia. In all of these areas, with the exception of Oklahoma, and Japan, I would say they would be classified as an urban area. They were major cities, and were highly populated. Every modern convenience was available, but they were not as big as a metropolitan area. Marine bases never seem to be in a major metropolitan area, which I would love to experience just once. All of those areas I have just recently visited while we were moving to Virginia. They are all basically the same, with San Antonio being quite a bit bigger, and maybe heading to be the size of a major metropolitan area. However, when I looked it up, only Dallas and Houston were listed as a major metropolitan area for Texas.
Oklahoma was defiantly a suburban area, although areas are rural. However, I only lived in Stillwater, where Oklahoma State University is, and it is a suburban area. It was a lot smaller when I lived there, and recently when we went back to visit family, it had grown a lot. There are two Wal-Mart’s now, and one is a Super Center. ☺
Japan was an interesting mix of suburban and rural. However, it was mainly suburban with some rural areas on the outside of town. We lived off base, and in a regular neighborhood with new housing that had been built for the international community who were working at the base. There were stores within walking distance, but mainly there were neighborhoods they were attempting to make look like the cookie-cutter neighborhoods we have in America. It was a great experience though. Of course now I live in Quantico, VA now, and it is kind of remote, but I would say it is a suburban area. We live in a neighborhood that is nicely manicured, and houses, one after the other, that basically look the same. It is really pretty though. ☺ I am not sure I would ever want to live in a rural area, I might like the quiet, but I would miss easy shopping.
I think the text is pretty accurate as the definitions of these types of areas, and urbanization. On our recent drive from Washington State to Virginia I feel that a majority of the United States are urban areas.
I was born in Belgium, and lived in a suburban area. It was much different than the United States, in the way that there were many businesses in the neighborhood, and people lived above their shops. We could go next door and buy bread that was just baked, and I remember there was a clock shop on the other side of us, where you could hear clocks chiming all hours of the day or night. I have not been back, so I don’t know how different it is, but many military we know that have been there since, say it is still the same, with maybe a few more businesses.
I grew up in many places after that, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Hawaii, Japan, Washington, and now Virginia. In all of these areas, with the exception of Oklahoma, and Japan, I would say they would be classified as an urban area. They were major cities, and were highly populated. Every modern convenience was available, but they were not as big as a metropolitan area. Marine bases never seem to be in a major metropolitan area, which I would love to experience just once. All of those areas I have just recently visited while we were moving to Virginia. They are all basically the same, with San Antonio being quite a bit bigger, and maybe heading to be the size of a major metropolitan area. However, when I looked it up, only Dallas and Houston were listed as a major metropolitan area for Texas.
Oklahoma was defiantly a suburban area, although areas are rural. However, I only lived in Stillwater, where Oklahoma State University is, and it is a suburban area. It was a lot smaller when I lived there, and recently when we went back to visit family, it had grown a lot. There are two Wal-Mart’s now, and one is a Super Center. ☺
Japan was an interesting mix of suburban and rural. However, it was mainly suburban with some rural areas on the outside of town. We lived off base, and in a regular neighborhood with new housing that had been built for the international community who were working at the base. There were stores within walking distance, but mainly there were neighborhoods they were attempting to make look like the cookie-cutter neighborhoods we have in America. It was a great experience though. Of course now I live in Quantico, VA now, and it is kind of remote, but I would say it is a suburban area. We live in a neighborhood that is nicely manicured, and houses, one after the other, that basically look the same. It is really pretty though. ☺ I am not sure I would ever want to live in a rural area, I might like the quiet, but I would miss easy shopping.
I think the text is pretty accurate as the definitions of these types of areas, and urbanization. On our recent drive from Washington State to Virginia I feel that a majority of the United States are urban areas.
September 7, 2010
Power
I used to think that the people had control, then as I grew up, I thought the U.S. government had control, now after reading our assignment, I realize that many people have control. It just depends on what situation is trying to be controlled.
The people say they do or do not want something, and the government may or may not listen. If the government wants to do something, and it only affects the United States, then they do it. If it affects the world, then you have the leaders of other countries, and the U.N. to deal with. We can’t even go to war without other countries supporting us.
Among all the countries, and organizations at power, I do think the United States has a majority of the power though. Look at what the text says on page 382 about the Iraq war. The majority of the people didn’t want it, but the United States did, so they took wrong information about WMD’s, and got the U.N. to back us in finding the WMD’s, and so we went off to war saying that Iraq was not complying with the rules the U.N. set up, and were hiding things. You have the U.S. with a majority of the power, but they would not have been able to do it all without the approval of the United Nations. The power just seems to flow from one governmental agency, or country, to another.
The people seem to have more power during an election year, but then again, most of what we are demanding is promised, but rarely followed through on, so we just keep letting ourselves be duped it seems. The people want something a certain way, the government says okay; they get elected, and then make excuses as to why it can’t be done.
I do think that in our country, the people have much more of a say/power, than other countries. We don’t have the type of censorship the book talks about on page 389, such as in China. I think it is interesting when the text is talking about interest groups on page 396. If someone in power has an interest in something, that thing gains more power, such as when Vice President Cheney was interested in hunting and guns, and supported the National Rifle Association. They gained more power.
Finally, I really learned a lot about the power the military gives a country. As explained in the text on page 402, the United States has a much larger military budget than any other country. This gives us fighting power, and therefore gives us world power. I never associated the two before.
Overall, I am very happy to be a U.S. citizen, and glad we have the freedom we have, I just wish the government listened to the people a lot more.
The people say they do or do not want something, and the government may or may not listen. If the government wants to do something, and it only affects the United States, then they do it. If it affects the world, then you have the leaders of other countries, and the U.N. to deal with. We can’t even go to war without other countries supporting us.
Among all the countries, and organizations at power, I do think the United States has a majority of the power though. Look at what the text says on page 382 about the Iraq war. The majority of the people didn’t want it, but the United States did, so they took wrong information about WMD’s, and got the U.N. to back us in finding the WMD’s, and so we went off to war saying that Iraq was not complying with the rules the U.N. set up, and were hiding things. You have the U.S. with a majority of the power, but they would not have been able to do it all without the approval of the United Nations. The power just seems to flow from one governmental agency, or country, to another.
The people seem to have more power during an election year, but then again, most of what we are demanding is promised, but rarely followed through on, so we just keep letting ourselves be duped it seems. The people want something a certain way, the government says okay; they get elected, and then make excuses as to why it can’t be done.
I do think that in our country, the people have much more of a say/power, than other countries. We don’t have the type of censorship the book talks about on page 389, such as in China. I think it is interesting when the text is talking about interest groups on page 396. If someone in power has an interest in something, that thing gains more power, such as when Vice President Cheney was interested in hunting and guns, and supported the National Rifle Association. They gained more power.
Finally, I really learned a lot about the power the military gives a country. As explained in the text on page 402, the United States has a much larger military budget than any other country. This gives us fighting power, and therefore gives us world power. I never associated the two before.
Overall, I am very happy to be a U.S. citizen, and glad we have the freedom we have, I just wish the government listened to the people a lot more.
September 6, 2010
Wal-Mart...The New Mafia
Watching the video on Wal-Mart was very eye opening. My emotions fluctuate between boycotting Wal-Mart and not boycotting it. The question is, “Is Wal-Mart good for America?” I’d say the bottom line answer is, No!
I can appreciate that Wal-Mart give the consumer rock bottom prices so that they can have more money in their pockets, and that Wal-Mart gives jobs to many people in various town throughout America, but I think the price is way to high.
Wal-Mart greatly contributes to the very materialistic society we have become. We want more and more, and even the recession has not taught us to stop spending all our money on junk. The jobs that Wal-Mart provides are minimum wage, and often replace jobs in towns where industry paid them two or three times more. Now, they are struggling paycheck to paycheck, because Wal-Mart sent their jobs to China, and they are left with minimum wage jobs at the local Wal-Mart.
Clinton signed a free trade agreement, and it appears the American people thought that agreement was to benefit China, and America. It clearly benefits China much more. If we are sending China 3 billion in raw materials, and they are sending us 36 billion in goods, there is a great imbalance.
I had to laugh at the Wal-Mart chanting going on during morning store meetings, and conferences. It’s obvious they are using these chants as motivational tools to get the workers pumped up to continue thinking Wal-Mart is the greatest thing ever. It’s almost cult like.
While they are smart with their bar code encyclopedia, and getting products at rock bottom prices, they are very much a mafia in the world of commerce. They clearly bully the little guy, trying to make him give in to their demands or be put out of business. Do they not think about the hundreds of people, and their families, that they are affecting when they put a company out of business? It seems that Wal-Mart is building up China, and tearing down America. Do they not stop to think what this will do to America in the long run? Look what they did to Rubbermaid? If I were Rubbermaid, who had built a good product line with a durable product, I would take it to other stores, and let the consumer get mad at Wal-Mart that they don’t care the product anymore.
Now that I know the “Opening Price Item” trick, I will make sure to look elsewhere before thinking they automatically have the lowest price. Is anyone concerned that the lowest price most likely brings the lowest quality?
If any of the other factors did not matter, what about supporting a company that gets their products from companies in China, who pay their workers 25 to 50 cents an hour? That is ridiculous, and seems cruel. I wonder what they would do if they knew that the item they were building was being sold for several times their hourly or monthly salary.
Looking at China in the video I could see the skyline was polluted from all the industry there. That is very sad for the health of the people living there.
It was very interesting that the CEO of Wal-Mart wouldn’t answer any questions. He would either say it was before his time, or he couldn’t comment. Why are we letting them get away with this? I want to say I will boycott Wal-Mart, but then I think about the ease of one stop shopping, and how I can get so many things there. I think what I am going to try, is getting the items I want at other places, and really seeing if that price at Wal-Mart is the cheapest.
I’m only one person, but at least I will feel better if I am doing less to help Wal-Mart take away the job of the hard working American, paying a Chinese worker so little, and filling our world with more crap.
I can appreciate that Wal-Mart give the consumer rock bottom prices so that they can have more money in their pockets, and that Wal-Mart gives jobs to many people in various town throughout America, but I think the price is way to high.
Wal-Mart greatly contributes to the very materialistic society we have become. We want more and more, and even the recession has not taught us to stop spending all our money on junk. The jobs that Wal-Mart provides are minimum wage, and often replace jobs in towns where industry paid them two or three times more. Now, they are struggling paycheck to paycheck, because Wal-Mart sent their jobs to China, and they are left with minimum wage jobs at the local Wal-Mart.
Clinton signed a free trade agreement, and it appears the American people thought that agreement was to benefit China, and America. It clearly benefits China much more. If we are sending China 3 billion in raw materials, and they are sending us 36 billion in goods, there is a great imbalance.
I had to laugh at the Wal-Mart chanting going on during morning store meetings, and conferences. It’s obvious they are using these chants as motivational tools to get the workers pumped up to continue thinking Wal-Mart is the greatest thing ever. It’s almost cult like.
While they are smart with their bar code encyclopedia, and getting products at rock bottom prices, they are very much a mafia in the world of commerce. They clearly bully the little guy, trying to make him give in to their demands or be put out of business. Do they not think about the hundreds of people, and their families, that they are affecting when they put a company out of business? It seems that Wal-Mart is building up China, and tearing down America. Do they not stop to think what this will do to America in the long run? Look what they did to Rubbermaid? If I were Rubbermaid, who had built a good product line with a durable product, I would take it to other stores, and let the consumer get mad at Wal-Mart that they don’t care the product anymore.
Now that I know the “Opening Price Item” trick, I will make sure to look elsewhere before thinking they automatically have the lowest price. Is anyone concerned that the lowest price most likely brings the lowest quality?
If any of the other factors did not matter, what about supporting a company that gets their products from companies in China, who pay their workers 25 to 50 cents an hour? That is ridiculous, and seems cruel. I wonder what they would do if they knew that the item they were building was being sold for several times their hourly or monthly salary.
Looking at China in the video I could see the skyline was polluted from all the industry there. That is very sad for the health of the people living there.
It was very interesting that the CEO of Wal-Mart wouldn’t answer any questions. He would either say it was before his time, or he couldn’t comment. Why are we letting them get away with this? I want to say I will boycott Wal-Mart, but then I think about the ease of one stop shopping, and how I can get so many things there. I think what I am going to try, is getting the items I want at other places, and really seeing if that price at Wal-Mart is the cheapest.
I’m only one person, but at least I will feel better if I am doing less to help Wal-Mart take away the job of the hard working American, paying a Chinese worker so little, and filling our world with more crap.
August 22, 2010
Family
Families are a lot different than they used to be. At least the image of them is. It used to be the stay at home Mom who smiled while cleaning and cooking for her family, the father who smiled going to work, and the kids who went to school, and were happy to help Mom, and play outside. Now we are have so much stress on our families. Mom is stressed, and not smiling as she slaves over a hot stove. Dad spends too much time at work, and the kids have way too much school piled on them. Times have changed.
The exercise we did for class was not a shock to me. I realized that my Mom does a majority of the inside work, my father does a majority of the outside work, and us kids are the supporting role. As we get older (I am 20, my sister is 14, and my other sister is 8), we help our Mom more, and she does not have to give us baths, or get us dressed anymore. She still has to help my 8-year-old sister some, but we help with her too. We also help her cook, and clean up the kitchen. When we were younger there was more for her to do, but now we are older, so it is easier to share the work. Even though a majority of the work still falls on my Mom.
The book was interesting. I had heard of polygamy, but I had never heard of polygyny. It must not be common at all. Reading about Primary socialization and personality stabilization really shed a lot of light on how much influence a family really does have on an individual. I think knowing that, a person really should consider if they can be a good parent before they go having children.
I think the hardest job, mentioned in the readings, is the balancing of family and work. I am really glad my Mom got to stay home with me, and her full attention was on my sisters and me. I feel sorry for the kids, that their mothers don’t have that option. It must be really hard for those mothers, wanting to be with their kids, but having to work. I know some women want to work, but still that must be hard to try and balance the two. I have a lot of respect for them.
I do not think, as the reading states, that families used to be more harmonious. I think we just have more access to knowing what is going on in other’s lives, and so we know more than we would have when people kept their business behind closed doors. Now if something happens, such as child abuse, or a parent doing something illegal, it’s in the news, and everyone knows about it.
Overall, I think that families are pretty good in our society; at least that is what my experience is. I think we have more tools to teach us what family members should or should not be doing. Good old Dr. Phil is on daytime TV everyday. I think that even with the added stress, families really do try to be good overall.
I really liked this section of the book, and really learned a lot!
The exercise we did for class was not a shock to me. I realized that my Mom does a majority of the inside work, my father does a majority of the outside work, and us kids are the supporting role. As we get older (I am 20, my sister is 14, and my other sister is 8), we help our Mom more, and she does not have to give us baths, or get us dressed anymore. She still has to help my 8-year-old sister some, but we help with her too. We also help her cook, and clean up the kitchen. When we were younger there was more for her to do, but now we are older, so it is easier to share the work. Even though a majority of the work still falls on my Mom.
The book was interesting. I had heard of polygamy, but I had never heard of polygyny. It must not be common at all. Reading about Primary socialization and personality stabilization really shed a lot of light on how much influence a family really does have on an individual. I think knowing that, a person really should consider if they can be a good parent before they go having children.
I think the hardest job, mentioned in the readings, is the balancing of family and work. I am really glad my Mom got to stay home with me, and her full attention was on my sisters and me. I feel sorry for the kids, that their mothers don’t have that option. It must be really hard for those mothers, wanting to be with their kids, but having to work. I know some women want to work, but still that must be hard to try and balance the two. I have a lot of respect for them.
I do not think, as the reading states, that families used to be more harmonious. I think we just have more access to knowing what is going on in other’s lives, and so we know more than we would have when people kept their business behind closed doors. Now if something happens, such as child abuse, or a parent doing something illegal, it’s in the news, and everyone knows about it.
Overall, I think that families are pretty good in our society; at least that is what my experience is. I think we have more tools to teach us what family members should or should not be doing. Good old Dr. Phil is on daytime TV everyday. I think that even with the added stress, families really do try to be good overall.
I really liked this section of the book, and really learned a lot!
August 15, 2010
Do you think that society, and/or the world, is secularizing or not?
I think in some aspects that a majority of our world is secular, but I also believe that religion still plays a large role in other areas. If you define religion as the worship of a higher being, and/or a sense of spirituality, living a life or morality, I would say the world has fallen far away from that.
On one hand, you have the world of entertainment, where television and movies say and do things that would have never been allowed years ago. They show things that never should be shown, use cuss words like they are everyday words, and show violence so extreme, that you cannot eat while watching it. I call that secular. Nobody wants to support a religious movie as a box office hit anymore. Kids can’t pray in secular schools anymore, and most places consider “Merry Christmas” to be a “religious” term, and are required to say Happy Holidays. Last Christmas, I even heard an employee at Wal-Mart complain that they were not allowed to say “Merry Christmas”. That was shocking, considering Wal-Mart wants you to believe they are a family friendly store.
With that being said, I would also say that I see religion as a part of society as well. It is not often that you find people running around cursing the name of God, and most people will express some sort of belief in a higher being. Even they don’t go to church on a regular basis, they recognize that a majority of their blessing come from the God they worship. We have God’s name on our money, it’s the principals that our country is founded on, and is included in such documents as our Declaration of Independence. When tragedy strikes our communities, you find people praying together in public, and people finding God again, even if for a short time. When people get sent to prison, they will often claim to have “found God” while inside. So I don’t think we are totally secular, but I think the scales lean toward a secular world.
The text says that the disagreement between non-secular supports, and secular supports, is that for those support secularization; see religion as not so important anymore. Those who support secularization, say that religion is a major part of society. I think that religion is an important part of society; I just think human nature has required more sexual, and violent films because we have become used to minor action, and want more to get our emotions going. Because of that, I think that we are becoming more and more into the world, and less and less into God.
I do think the text brings up a valid point. That in the old days religion had a huge influence over our society and government, but as we have separated church and state, religion has had a lesser influence over government, and because of that, government has become more and more powerful. I think this is because government has not had to answer to a higher power in a long time. Seeing what society has become, I think that we should rethink how much of God we have taken out of our society, schools, government, and world in general.
In looking at the web explorations on world religions, I was really shocked to see so many religions, many I had not heard of. There were millions of followers for many of the religions, which also tells me that people must be more religious than we realize. Maybe they are afraid to bring it into their every day lives, and wear their religion on their sleeve.
I had suspected that Christianity would be the largest part; I just did not realize that so many religions fell under Christianity. I was sad to see that there were so many who don’t believe in anything. Besides religious beliefs, I guess it is sad for me, because I think believing in something makes life better. (At least for me.) I thought there would have been more people following the Chinese traditional religion. It was interesting learning about some the religions I had never heard of, such as Rastafarianism, Zoroastrianism, and Cao Dai.
Overall I thought this weeks readings were very interesting. It has motivated me to learn more about other religions, so I at least will know what someone is talking about when they say they practice a certain religion.
On one hand, you have the world of entertainment, where television and movies say and do things that would have never been allowed years ago. They show things that never should be shown, use cuss words like they are everyday words, and show violence so extreme, that you cannot eat while watching it. I call that secular. Nobody wants to support a religious movie as a box office hit anymore. Kids can’t pray in secular schools anymore, and most places consider “Merry Christmas” to be a “religious” term, and are required to say Happy Holidays. Last Christmas, I even heard an employee at Wal-Mart complain that they were not allowed to say “Merry Christmas”. That was shocking, considering Wal-Mart wants you to believe they are a family friendly store.
With that being said, I would also say that I see religion as a part of society as well. It is not often that you find people running around cursing the name of God, and most people will express some sort of belief in a higher being. Even they don’t go to church on a regular basis, they recognize that a majority of their blessing come from the God they worship. We have God’s name on our money, it’s the principals that our country is founded on, and is included in such documents as our Declaration of Independence. When tragedy strikes our communities, you find people praying together in public, and people finding God again, even if for a short time. When people get sent to prison, they will often claim to have “found God” while inside. So I don’t think we are totally secular, but I think the scales lean toward a secular world.
The text says that the disagreement between non-secular supports, and secular supports, is that for those support secularization; see religion as not so important anymore. Those who support secularization, say that religion is a major part of society. I think that religion is an important part of society; I just think human nature has required more sexual, and violent films because we have become used to minor action, and want more to get our emotions going. Because of that, I think that we are becoming more and more into the world, and less and less into God.
I do think the text brings up a valid point. That in the old days religion had a huge influence over our society and government, but as we have separated church and state, religion has had a lesser influence over government, and because of that, government has become more and more powerful. I think this is because government has not had to answer to a higher power in a long time. Seeing what society has become, I think that we should rethink how much of God we have taken out of our society, schools, government, and world in general.
In looking at the web explorations on world religions, I was really shocked to see so many religions, many I had not heard of. There were millions of followers for many of the religions, which also tells me that people must be more religious than we realize. Maybe they are afraid to bring it into their every day lives, and wear their religion on their sleeve.
I had suspected that Christianity would be the largest part; I just did not realize that so many religions fell under Christianity. I was sad to see that there were so many who don’t believe in anything. Besides religious beliefs, I guess it is sad for me, because I think believing in something makes life better. (At least for me.) I thought there would have been more people following the Chinese traditional religion. It was interesting learning about some the religions I had never heard of, such as Rastafarianism, Zoroastrianism, and Cao Dai.
Overall I thought this weeks readings were very interesting. It has motivated me to learn more about other religions, so I at least will know what someone is talking about when they say they practice a certain religion.
August 8, 2010
A Tale of Two Families
This week was full of eye opening assignments. I was uncomfortable doing the Implicit Bias Test, but learned a lot about myself. I was horrified when watching the film about Rwanda. I could not believe how bad the situation was, how little we did to help. That left me angry for most of the week. Then I look at the Migration website, and the Racial inequality website, and just could not figure out where to put all the feelings I had at this point. I really wanted to believe that in this day and time there was not so many issues with bias or prejudice, but I see that I might be a bit naïve.
The website Where Race Lives: A Tale of Two Families, really brought home how far we have come, yet how far we have to go. Starting with the difference in where the Green’s and Holland’s were allowed to live, and what type of financing they were allowed to get, was sad. From the start Byron and Max have a different head start, and I knew from the start that their futures would be very different.
Job opportunities were so different for Mr. Green’s family, compared to Mr. Holland’s family, that the opportunities they could afford for Max and Byron would be very different. Just education alone, was largely different. It seems very unfair that the “poor” jobs were so affected, and were the cause of neighborhoods becoming more segregated, and poor. I would assume that crime rates in those neighborhoods rose, and it was the start of a discouraging life for Byron. Max on the other hand gets to live in a good neighborhood, and while Byron’s family life is going down, Max’s lifestyle is improving. He gets to go to good school, play in nice parks, and study at well stocked libraries. Max gets to go to a private college, along with his siblings.
Even with all the struggles, it is good that Byron earns a scholarship to an Ivy League school. While, Max had plenty of money to travel, and go to college, Byron had to worry about money.
I could not believe the difference in what the two families sold their houses for. The sale of house seems to be determined by the majority of the race that lives in that neighborhood. What surprised me even more was that these sales were in the 90’s, and the year 2000, within my lifetime. Byron now owns a condo, and makes monthly payments, Max gets to buy a house with the help of his parents. Now begins the cycle for the next generation.
My father is Hispanic, and my mother is White. I have noticed the same type of differences as Byron and Max, with my parents. My father grew up poor, and has many family members that still live in bad neighborhoods, that we are not allowed to visit because they are very unsafe areas. My father is the first college graduate from his family, and left home at 18 because he wanted a better life.
My mother on the other hand, came from an upper middle class family. She lived in a nice house; her father and mother both had doctorates. Her brother and her both have graduate degrees. They traveled to many countries, and the family she has left, live in upper class neighborhoods, where we can visit without worry of safety. My father says when he met my mother that he thought his life was good enough, because it was better than his parents. He was in the military, moving up in rank, and was a decent guy who never got in trouble. However, my mother knew that everyone should have a college degree; they had to save for the future, and provide a good start in life for their children. So he tells us he would not be where he is without my mother. He has a college degree, is almost at the top rank in the Marine Corps, and has saved for the future, affording all of his children a college degree, and they have done things for their children, that were never done for my dad. They are happy because they know their future grandchildren will have a better life than they did.
I feel really bad for people who have to live life struggling for each success. I wish our society were very different. I think those that work past the problems in society are our hero’s, and should be very proud of themselves.
The website Where Race Lives: A Tale of Two Families, really brought home how far we have come, yet how far we have to go. Starting with the difference in where the Green’s and Holland’s were allowed to live, and what type of financing they were allowed to get, was sad. From the start Byron and Max have a different head start, and I knew from the start that their futures would be very different.
Job opportunities were so different for Mr. Green’s family, compared to Mr. Holland’s family, that the opportunities they could afford for Max and Byron would be very different. Just education alone, was largely different. It seems very unfair that the “poor” jobs were so affected, and were the cause of neighborhoods becoming more segregated, and poor. I would assume that crime rates in those neighborhoods rose, and it was the start of a discouraging life for Byron. Max on the other hand gets to live in a good neighborhood, and while Byron’s family life is going down, Max’s lifestyle is improving. He gets to go to good school, play in nice parks, and study at well stocked libraries. Max gets to go to a private college, along with his siblings.
Even with all the struggles, it is good that Byron earns a scholarship to an Ivy League school. While, Max had plenty of money to travel, and go to college, Byron had to worry about money.
I could not believe the difference in what the two families sold their houses for. The sale of house seems to be determined by the majority of the race that lives in that neighborhood. What surprised me even more was that these sales were in the 90’s, and the year 2000, within my lifetime. Byron now owns a condo, and makes monthly payments, Max gets to buy a house with the help of his parents. Now begins the cycle for the next generation.
My father is Hispanic, and my mother is White. I have noticed the same type of differences as Byron and Max, with my parents. My father grew up poor, and has many family members that still live in bad neighborhoods, that we are not allowed to visit because they are very unsafe areas. My father is the first college graduate from his family, and left home at 18 because he wanted a better life.
My mother on the other hand, came from an upper middle class family. She lived in a nice house; her father and mother both had doctorates. Her brother and her both have graduate degrees. They traveled to many countries, and the family she has left, live in upper class neighborhoods, where we can visit without worry of safety. My father says when he met my mother that he thought his life was good enough, because it was better than his parents. He was in the military, moving up in rank, and was a decent guy who never got in trouble. However, my mother knew that everyone should have a college degree; they had to save for the future, and provide a good start in life for their children. So he tells us he would not be where he is without my mother. He has a college degree, is almost at the top rank in the Marine Corps, and has saved for the future, affording all of his children a college degree, and they have done things for their children, that were never done for my dad. They are happy because they know their future grandchildren will have a better life than they did.
I feel really bad for people who have to live life struggling for each success. I wish our society were very different. I think those that work past the problems in society are our hero’s, and should be very proud of themselves.
August 1, 2010
Social Construction of Gender
This weeks reading about the social construction of gender, was both enlightening and frustrating. The chapter begins with a sad story about Andrea Ellington, and her stressful life, raising 3 kids on $20,000 a year. I wondered how naive I am thinking that we are in American, and life should be better for people.
For the most part I agree with what the chapter says about the role biology plays in our gender roles. I think some of what a person does according to gender is due to sociological influence, but I also think biology plays a large role. I have known girls who are “girly girls”, and girls who are “tomboys”. The one’s I know who are girly, were mostly raised by their mom, and did all the beauty regiments, and shopping with their mom. The one’s that I know that are tomboys, either had a lot of brothers, which would probably be explained under gender socialization, or played sports with their Dad, who didn’t have any son’s, and so made his daughter the closest thing he could to a “son”. My Dad did this with one of my younger sisters, who is the only tomboy. The rest of us like girl things.
However, there are certain things she will not do, and I believe this is due to her being, genetically, a girl. She does not run around loud and rambunctious. She does not want to hunt and fish. Although, I know there are girls who do. I think there are just certain things that she doesn’t do because she is not a muscular. She does not want to be smelly, and get really dirty outside. While she dresses more like a tomboy, she still will maintain some sort of clean, girl, look.
One of the things that was hard to fully understand was the section where there are gender identity issues. When talking about George Jorgensen becoming Christine Jorgensen. I guess its hard to understand if someone if born a female or male, how they identify with the opposite sex, unless there is some sort of confusion in the brain, or in the hormone levels. I think its just one of those things that is hard to understand, unless you have been through it, or know someone who has. I wonder if something happen in their childhood that bring the confusion? It must be a hard life to have to go through something like that.
I really liked the section that talked about gender roles in advertisements. It’s funny how far we have come. Now we have women showing strong body poses, and being in the military. I think we still have advertisements that show women in weak roles, such as when they advertise a woman in provocative ways. I wish women would not do those sorts of ads. I think it brings women down, and continues to make people think we are just sex objects.
Overall, this chapter, and the assignment were very enlightening. I really learned a lot, and loved getting to know how women in other countries view their inequality. I think we have come a long way, but I think we still have a ways to go.
For the most part I agree with what the chapter says about the role biology plays in our gender roles. I think some of what a person does according to gender is due to sociological influence, but I also think biology plays a large role. I have known girls who are “girly girls”, and girls who are “tomboys”. The one’s I know who are girly, were mostly raised by their mom, and did all the beauty regiments, and shopping with their mom. The one’s that I know that are tomboys, either had a lot of brothers, which would probably be explained under gender socialization, or played sports with their Dad, who didn’t have any son’s, and so made his daughter the closest thing he could to a “son”. My Dad did this with one of my younger sisters, who is the only tomboy. The rest of us like girl things.
However, there are certain things she will not do, and I believe this is due to her being, genetically, a girl. She does not run around loud and rambunctious. She does not want to hunt and fish. Although, I know there are girls who do. I think there are just certain things that she doesn’t do because she is not a muscular. She does not want to be smelly, and get really dirty outside. While she dresses more like a tomboy, she still will maintain some sort of clean, girl, look.
One of the things that was hard to fully understand was the section where there are gender identity issues. When talking about George Jorgensen becoming Christine Jorgensen. I guess its hard to understand if someone if born a female or male, how they identify with the opposite sex, unless there is some sort of confusion in the brain, or in the hormone levels. I think its just one of those things that is hard to understand, unless you have been through it, or know someone who has. I wonder if something happen in their childhood that bring the confusion? It must be a hard life to have to go through something like that.
I really liked the section that talked about gender roles in advertisements. It’s funny how far we have come. Now we have women showing strong body poses, and being in the military. I think we still have advertisements that show women in weak roles, such as when they advertise a woman in provocative ways. I wish women would not do those sorts of ads. I think it brings women down, and continues to make people think we are just sex objects.
Overall, this chapter, and the assignment were very enlightening. I really learned a lot, and loved getting to know how women in other countries view their inequality. I think we have come a long way, but I think we still have a ways to go.
July 25, 2010
Global Inequality
We should care about global inequality because it affects everyone. It affects the rich, the poor, and the middle class. It affects every country, and every citizen. To not care would mean to take away our humanity. The text and podcasts talk about what global inequality does to us, and they stress important factors, but we also have to remember that what makes us human, is our ability to care for others, and to help others when they are down.
When we have global inequality the rich just seem to get richer, and the poor just seem to get poorer. The rich exploit the poor, and use them for their own gain. Treating them as if they are not human, paying them bare minimum, and becoming greedier in the process.
Global inequality is unjust for the poor. They fight daily just to eat, and provide shelter for their families. They do not have enough money for food, clothing, and health care. This often leads to involvement in criminal activities, just so they can afford food. They might become involved in extremes, such as, drug trafficking, human trafficking, or unfair child labor.
The inequality can lead to uprisings, and violence, as those who are struggling are angry. It has also been known for those that are rich, to use their power to take over governments, and ruin a country in the process. Adolf Hitler comes to mind.
I also think global inequality could contribute to substandard products being imported, and affecting our country. I remember the problems recently with many toys coming from China being found to contain lead. I know China is thought to be a powerhouse, and I understand we even have a debt to them, but on the map in the text it shows that they are a lower middle class country. I assume most of their citizen’s struggle, and only the powerful have wealth. This is why so many businesses outsource their work to China and India. They can get cheap labor, and cheap materials. So global inequality causes a person in China to work for a few dollars a day, but someone in American to make twice as much. In turn, we loose jobs in America, in favor of cheaper labor in another country, and that country is exploited, just for a few dollars to buy food.
There are many statistics that tell us why we should care about global inequality, but I think we also have to realize that to not care is to stop being human. We need to rescue the children in sweatshops in India, we need to stop the trafficking of women and young girls from Russia, and we need to make things more equal so we can all know our world is a better place.
Instead of dividing people into classes, (rich, poor, middle class) why not help each other out to make the world more peaceful. This might be one answer to end most wars.
When we have global inequality the rich just seem to get richer, and the poor just seem to get poorer. The rich exploit the poor, and use them for their own gain. Treating them as if they are not human, paying them bare minimum, and becoming greedier in the process.
Global inequality is unjust for the poor. They fight daily just to eat, and provide shelter for their families. They do not have enough money for food, clothing, and health care. This often leads to involvement in criminal activities, just so they can afford food. They might become involved in extremes, such as, drug trafficking, human trafficking, or unfair child labor.
The inequality can lead to uprisings, and violence, as those who are struggling are angry. It has also been known for those that are rich, to use their power to take over governments, and ruin a country in the process. Adolf Hitler comes to mind.
I also think global inequality could contribute to substandard products being imported, and affecting our country. I remember the problems recently with many toys coming from China being found to contain lead. I know China is thought to be a powerhouse, and I understand we even have a debt to them, but on the map in the text it shows that they are a lower middle class country. I assume most of their citizen’s struggle, and only the powerful have wealth. This is why so many businesses outsource their work to China and India. They can get cheap labor, and cheap materials. So global inequality causes a person in China to work for a few dollars a day, but someone in American to make twice as much. In turn, we loose jobs in America, in favor of cheaper labor in another country, and that country is exploited, just for a few dollars to buy food.
There are many statistics that tell us why we should care about global inequality, but I think we also have to realize that to not care is to stop being human. We need to rescue the children in sweatshops in India, we need to stop the trafficking of women and young girls from Russia, and we need to make things more equal so we can all know our world is a better place.
Instead of dividing people into classes, (rich, poor, middle class) why not help each other out to make the world more peaceful. This might be one answer to end most wars.
July 18, 2010
Social Class
After exploring the People Like Us website (http://www.pbs.org/peoplelikeus/), and reading my sociology book, I’ve become quite irritated. I always knew our society was materialistic, but not to the degree you see in the text, and on the website mentioned above. It’s no wonder there are so many issues in society today.
The reading and website tell us that social class matters more than it should in the United States. I can’t believe that people are the way they are in the videos, yet we say that people don’t like to admit that the class section exists. Do they not see how they come across? “Look at who my relatives are, I wouldn’t drive a Ford, middle class people have no taste, preppy, dorky, looser, ghetto”. Who are they kidding? They radiate being snot. Learning to be a butler? Making sure you talk to someone of class with proper words? Are they kidding? Aren’t we all humans? The people with new money crack me up. It seems they are more brass than those with old money. The statues are overkill. (I sure hope there is nobody rich reading this.) LOL! I can’t believe the lady being interviewed, Laura, says that she doesn’t consider Police Officers to be classy people. How in the world is that marriage going to work?
I was homeschooled from 4th grade until graduation. So I don’t get the Belles, shown in the video from the People Like Us website. The dancing seems provocative, and the costumes were bizarre, yet they think they are the upper class of high school. I am really glad I did not go to regular high school if they are all like that. They put on performances at half time of football games, and that make them better? What about the smart kids in school? The reading makes a good point about education being a way to have a better life, and that to me seems more important than having old money, social status, or if you know which fork to use.
I never realized until I read the text, that there is an “Upper Middle Class”. I thought there were just a low class, middle class, and upper class. Not only do we have upper middle class, but there is working class, and lower middle class as well. Way too many “classes”. It makes it almost seem ridiculous. On the PBS website I played the “Chintz or Shag” game, and scored middle class. Oh well. LOL! Overall it was an enlightening, and fun in a weird way to explore the site, and see how other people actually think. However, I really hope these snotty people are the minority, rather than the majority.
I think there are honestly people who want to get ahead, not just for material possession, but also to make better lives for themselves and for their families. Then there are people who just want to make money and move up on the social class scale because they want to be noticed, envied, and show off how rich they are. Social class matters way too much to the middle and upper class, in my opinion. Even if I won the lottery tomorrow, I would like to believe I would not change. Sure I might get some more clothes, and a new car, but I would hope that I would help others. I know for certain I would not buy any statues for my lawn.
It’s sad with all the struggles of the lower class, and how they just want to do better for themselves, yet there are people out there stressing over the proper word for curtains, and if there are extra sofa arm covers to hide the dirt. Where we go to school, where our dad works, what car we drive, and our shoe brand, should not matter more than what we do to contribute to society. We need to be concerned about how much we help others, and not just ourselves. I guess, according to where you grew up, the peer pressure to do well, and be materialistic, matters too much. I guess for Paris Hilton’s circle, it might be really embarrassing for her to be caught with a Roxy purse. Perhaps she would be shunned in her own circle.
I prefer to wear comfy jeans, a cozy shirt, and flip-flops or converse, and no matter where I go (a trip to Macy’s, a quick walk through in Neiman Marcus, or eating out at cheesecake factory) I feel good about who I am. I am lucky that my friends, and family, do not judge me, or others, for the brand of clothing we wear. Instead of judging a person by whether they walk close to a wall with their head down or walk down the middle of a hallway with their head held high, why not get to know their heart? Get to know where they come from and how they want to help make our world a little more comfortable to live in. I have misjudged a few people based on appearance, only to find out they were some of the most remarkable people I had the privilege to get to know.
The reading and website tell us that social class matters more than it should in the United States. I can’t believe that people are the way they are in the videos, yet we say that people don’t like to admit that the class section exists. Do they not see how they come across? “Look at who my relatives are, I wouldn’t drive a Ford, middle class people have no taste, preppy, dorky, looser, ghetto”. Who are they kidding? They radiate being snot. Learning to be a butler? Making sure you talk to someone of class with proper words? Are they kidding? Aren’t we all humans? The people with new money crack me up. It seems they are more brass than those with old money. The statues are overkill. (I sure hope there is nobody rich reading this.) LOL! I can’t believe the lady being interviewed, Laura, says that she doesn’t consider Police Officers to be classy people. How in the world is that marriage going to work?
I was homeschooled from 4th grade until graduation. So I don’t get the Belles, shown in the video from the People Like Us website. The dancing seems provocative, and the costumes were bizarre, yet they think they are the upper class of high school. I am really glad I did not go to regular high school if they are all like that. They put on performances at half time of football games, and that make them better? What about the smart kids in school? The reading makes a good point about education being a way to have a better life, and that to me seems more important than having old money, social status, or if you know which fork to use.
I never realized until I read the text, that there is an “Upper Middle Class”. I thought there were just a low class, middle class, and upper class. Not only do we have upper middle class, but there is working class, and lower middle class as well. Way too many “classes”. It makes it almost seem ridiculous. On the PBS website I played the “Chintz or Shag” game, and scored middle class. Oh well. LOL! Overall it was an enlightening, and fun in a weird way to explore the site, and see how other people actually think. However, I really hope these snotty people are the minority, rather than the majority.
I think there are honestly people who want to get ahead, not just for material possession, but also to make better lives for themselves and for their families. Then there are people who just want to make money and move up on the social class scale because they want to be noticed, envied, and show off how rich they are. Social class matters way too much to the middle and upper class, in my opinion. Even if I won the lottery tomorrow, I would like to believe I would not change. Sure I might get some more clothes, and a new car, but I would hope that I would help others. I know for certain I would not buy any statues for my lawn.
It’s sad with all the struggles of the lower class, and how they just want to do better for themselves, yet there are people out there stressing over the proper word for curtains, and if there are extra sofa arm covers to hide the dirt. Where we go to school, where our dad works, what car we drive, and our shoe brand, should not matter more than what we do to contribute to society. We need to be concerned about how much we help others, and not just ourselves. I guess, according to where you grew up, the peer pressure to do well, and be materialistic, matters too much. I guess for Paris Hilton’s circle, it might be really embarrassing for her to be caught with a Roxy purse. Perhaps she would be shunned in her own circle.
I prefer to wear comfy jeans, a cozy shirt, and flip-flops or converse, and no matter where I go (a trip to Macy’s, a quick walk through in Neiman Marcus, or eating out at cheesecake factory) I feel good about who I am. I am lucky that my friends, and family, do not judge me, or others, for the brand of clothing we wear. Instead of judging a person by whether they walk close to a wall with their head down or walk down the middle of a hallway with their head held high, why not get to know their heart? Get to know where they come from and how they want to help make our world a little more comfortable to live in. I have misjudged a few people based on appearance, only to find out they were some of the most remarkable people I had the privilege to get to know.
July 11, 2010
Technology
I think technology is great! I think we are more advanced because of it, and I think we can see, hear, and learn things, we would never know without it. However, I do think there is a fine line that can be crossed. It is funny, because this is a current issue in our home. My sister has gotten so comfortable with technology, that she has lost some social skills, and actually prefers talking to friends online, or texting. My parents have been telling her that she needs to interact because someday she is going to have to go for a job interview, and if she can’t “talk” to people in person, she is going to have a hard time convincing a potential employer that she is the right person for the job.
I love technology because we are military, and we move a lot, and without it, I would not be able to keep up with many friends I have met in different places. I love my Petville game I play online with friends on Facebook. In person I like to talk to friends I know, but I am not really good at meeting new people. It is very uncomfortable for me. I would rather meet people, get to know them on facebook, or through texting, and then when I am comfortable, deal with them in person.
So in my experience, and with the experience I have seen among friends, I would say that we have become very dependent on technology. Therefore, we have isolated ourselves, by depending on technology to interact, and to relay information. As I type this, my Mom is laughing, because my Dad texted her to tell her to bring up his water when she comes upstairs. HA HA!
I have also seen a lot of TV shows where people have their technology taken away to see how it changes their lives. It’s interesting how people actually have withdrawals. They can get angry, try to sneak, etc. Eventually they learn they are too dependent, and try to change habits. Most of the time when there is a follow up, they find that the person has gone back to their old habits.
I think we should be concerned to a degree. We need technology in order to enjoy the success we enjoy in this country. However, I think we have to be careful to not let it over take our lives. Like the family I saw when we went to eat lunch after church, the Mom, Dad, and 3 kids, were all on cell phones, or game players. They did not talk the entire time. I think in those cases, we have to be concerned, and need to make sure people understand that too much of a good thing, is not good.
I love technology because we are military, and we move a lot, and without it, I would not be able to keep up with many friends I have met in different places. I love my Petville game I play online with friends on Facebook. In person I like to talk to friends I know, but I am not really good at meeting new people. It is very uncomfortable for me. I would rather meet people, get to know them on facebook, or through texting, and then when I am comfortable, deal with them in person.
So in my experience, and with the experience I have seen among friends, I would say that we have become very dependent on technology. Therefore, we have isolated ourselves, by depending on technology to interact, and to relay information. As I type this, my Mom is laughing, because my Dad texted her to tell her to bring up his water when she comes upstairs. HA HA!
I have also seen a lot of TV shows where people have their technology taken away to see how it changes their lives. It’s interesting how people actually have withdrawals. They can get angry, try to sneak, etc. Eventually they learn they are too dependent, and try to change habits. Most of the time when there is a follow up, they find that the person has gone back to their old habits.
I think we should be concerned to a degree. We need technology in order to enjoy the success we enjoy in this country. However, I think we have to be careful to not let it over take our lives. Like the family I saw when we went to eat lunch after church, the Mom, Dad, and 3 kids, were all on cell phones, or game players. They did not talk the entire time. I think in those cases, we have to be concerned, and need to make sure people understand that too much of a good thing, is not good.
July 3, 2010
The Criminal Justice System
In this weeks reading, the topic that really grabbed my attention, was the information about prisons. It was very shocking to learn the number of people we support in prison, and the cost is about $25,327 per year, per prisoner! That comes from our tax dollars. With the cost, the number of people who reoffend, and the large number of people we have there in the first place, I think its time we rethink how we run our society, and how we run our prisons.
If a primary reason that a person commits a crime is believed to be a result of economic status, then why don’t we take that $25,327 a year, and put it towards the families that suffer economically? Take that money, and fix our schools, our neighborhoods, and give the children we are raising, the feeling that somebody cares, and wants to give them a future. Provide a way to college, and a good education will give them other choices.
Another thought is to quit using our prisons to punish smaller crimes. Find a way for those who commit crimes, such a prostitution, to learn a better way of living life. Usually those crimes are committed because a person is desperate. So take that money, and make them less desperate. Give them education so they can learn a trade, and learn to contribute. If you give them a sense of self worth, then they will learn not to be so self-destructive.
Prisons seem to also be concerned with the “rights” of the prisoner. If a person is going to do a crime, then why should their time in prison be anything less than hard? I am sure there are things that can be cut in order to save the taxpayers. If prison is a nightmare experience, rather than a cell, TV, and free education, then maybe they will think twice.
If prisons turn out lifetime, hardened, criminals, then we have to look at what kind of programs can be implemented to change that. With all the “genius” people we have on this planet, somebody can’t come up with something better? Give them a skill in prison that is something they will love to do on the outside. If they don’t love what they do, they won’t stick with it. Figure out what they love, and what they are good at. Train them, and give them a chance when they get out. If they love cars, teach them mechanics, if they love cooking, make them a chef. Then when they get out, give them a real job that they can be proud of.
I realize this may not work for the criminally insane, but it might be a solution for the rest who are just criminals because of economic status. As for those that are insane, I say lock them up and throw away the key. I know that sounds hard, but if they are insane, how can they be rehabilitated enough to stop harming society?
If a primary reason that a person commits a crime is believed to be a result of economic status, then why don’t we take that $25,327 a year, and put it towards the families that suffer economically? Take that money, and fix our schools, our neighborhoods, and give the children we are raising, the feeling that somebody cares, and wants to give them a future. Provide a way to college, and a good education will give them other choices.
Another thought is to quit using our prisons to punish smaller crimes. Find a way for those who commit crimes, such a prostitution, to learn a better way of living life. Usually those crimes are committed because a person is desperate. So take that money, and make them less desperate. Give them education so they can learn a trade, and learn to contribute. If you give them a sense of self worth, then they will learn not to be so self-destructive.
Prisons seem to also be concerned with the “rights” of the prisoner. If a person is going to do a crime, then why should their time in prison be anything less than hard? I am sure there are things that can be cut in order to save the taxpayers. If prison is a nightmare experience, rather than a cell, TV, and free education, then maybe they will think twice.
If prisons turn out lifetime, hardened, criminals, then we have to look at what kind of programs can be implemented to change that. With all the “genius” people we have on this planet, somebody can’t come up with something better? Give them a skill in prison that is something they will love to do on the outside. If they don’t love what they do, they won’t stick with it. Figure out what they love, and what they are good at. Train them, and give them a chance when they get out. If they love cars, teach them mechanics, if they love cooking, make them a chef. Then when they get out, give them a real job that they can be proud of.
I realize this may not work for the criminally insane, but it might be a solution for the rest who are just criminals because of economic status. As for those that are insane, I say lock them up and throw away the key. I know that sounds hard, but if they are insane, how can they be rehabilitated enough to stop harming society?
June 24, 2010
Nature vs. Nurture
After reading about Nature vs. Nurture, and listening to the blog, I have to say that I am the odd person who believes in both. I see valid points for both. I think part of who we are is passed down in our DNA. I see, for the most part, girls have "girly" traits, and boys have "boyish" traits. Those lines can be crossed, but some things just are. On the other hand, how we are raised greatly affects what we do, and what we become. I guess I would say that Nurture probably plays a bigger part in how we socialize, and what we do in life, but I definitely believe that Nature plays a part as well.
If you look at studies with twins, there is proof that even when separated at birth, and raised apart, twins will still share certain personality traits, and many times are found to be living parallel life's. This website has a lot of information. http://web.pdx.edu/~megr/inquiry_naturevsnurture.htm
The book tells us that Nature vs Nurture interact. Sociobiology explains that biology plays a role in social activities of animals and humans (Giddens pg. 59). The instincts a baby has to root and nurse are also social interactions that come from biology (Giddens pg. 60). Society on the other hand influences many personality traits, like who we are attracted to. The media shows us what is supposed to be attractive, and we often times will look for that (Giddens pg. 61). So in my opinion, Nature (biology) will give us certain traits that make us who we are, and Nurture (society) will demonstrate the way we are supposed to be in society. When you mix the two you can come up with very unique human beings because of biology, and very similar people in society because of society.
If you look at studies with twins, there is proof that even when separated at birth, and raised apart, twins will still share certain personality traits, and many times are found to be living parallel life's. This website has a lot of information. http://web.pdx.edu/~megr/inquiry_naturevsnurture.htm
The book tells us that Nature vs Nurture interact. Sociobiology explains that biology plays a role in social activities of animals and humans (Giddens pg. 59). The instincts a baby has to root and nurse are also social interactions that come from biology (Giddens pg. 60). Society on the other hand influences many personality traits, like who we are attracted to. The media shows us what is supposed to be attractive, and we often times will look for that (Giddens pg. 61). So in my opinion, Nature (biology) will give us certain traits that make us who we are, and Nurture (society) will demonstrate the way we are supposed to be in society. When you mix the two you can come up with very unique human beings because of biology, and very similar people in society because of society.
June 15, 2010
BBC video
I thought the video of Hugh Laurie singing, and then Stephen Fry comes in at the end and punching him, was quite funny. Hugh Laurie is one of my favorite actors. I watch House religiously.
In relation to the reading this week in Chapter 3, I would say that BBC is trying to make fun of American’s to a point, but not to be terribly offensive. A lot of cultures mentioned in the reading state that they want to keep American influence out of their culture, but I don’t think the British are as extreme about it as most cultures.
Hugh Laurie comes across as a working American, with his headband, sweaty brow, and flannel shirt. He’s singing “America” and “The states”, over and over, maybe representing how prideful we are of our country, but they don’t think we have much substance behind what we say. Instead of singing “America is great because…..”, its just “America” over and over.
I know each country has great pride in their history, and the life provided to its citizens, and so England might feel their way of life is superior to ours, and of course we think there is no place like the land of opportunity.
In relation to the reading this week in Chapter 3, I would say that BBC is trying to make fun of American’s to a point, but not to be terribly offensive. A lot of cultures mentioned in the reading state that they want to keep American influence out of their culture, but I don’t think the British are as extreme about it as most cultures.
Hugh Laurie comes across as a working American, with his headband, sweaty brow, and flannel shirt. He’s singing “America” and “The states”, over and over, maybe representing how prideful we are of our country, but they don’t think we have much substance behind what we say. Instead of singing “America is great because…..”, its just “America” over and over.
I know each country has great pride in their history, and the life provided to its citizens, and so England might feel their way of life is superior to ours, and of course we think there is no place like the land of opportunity.
June 12, 2010
Stanford Prison Experiment
After watching the videos of this experiment I don't think you could call it unethical. Dr. Philip Zimbardo was up front with those participating, and in fact involved himself at a level consistent with what he expected of the other participants. This caused him to have similar reactions where the lines became blurry. The students participated for financial gain. Due to the fact that the environment was so realistic that caused them to begin to believe they were in a real situation. I think that was necessary in order for the participants to have as real a reaction as possible. If we don't make experiments as realistic as possible, then we can't trust the results.
It's interesting that the guards only were involved 8 hours a day, and then got to go back to reality, yet still blurred the lines between reality and the fact that they were participating in an experiment. It was also very interesting that they could have quit at any time, but did not. Was it because they became so involved, or because they wanted to be paid in the end? Some of those interviewed made a good point about the costumes really making it easy to fall into role playing. This was very interesting!
It's interesting that the guards only were involved 8 hours a day, and then got to go back to reality, yet still blurred the lines between reality and the fact that they were participating in an experiment. It was also very interesting that they could have quit at any time, but did not. Was it because they became so involved, or because they wanted to be paid in the end? Some of those interviewed made a good point about the costumes really making it easy to fall into role playing. This was very interesting!
June 6, 2010
Week One Entry
My name is Kylie, and I am 20 years old. My father is in the Marine Corps, and so I have been able to live and see many places. I love to travel! I love to read, write, and take lots of pictures. I like a lot of types of music, from country, to pop, to Christian. I am a big fan of Jane Austen, and my favorite actor is Johnny Depp. I love movies! Some of my favorite are anything with Johnny Depp, especially his Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. I also like Avatar, Titanic, and Star Wars (thanks to my Dad). I love thinking outside the box.
I am taking Soc 200 because I love Sociology and Psychology. I think watching people and learning why they do the things they do is very interesting. My favorite shows are Criminal Minds and The Mentalist. I love how they use Sociology and Psychology to figure out crimes. I think Forensic Psych would be very interesting.
I plan to take some classes at NOVA and then transfer either University of Massachusetts, or Georgetown, depending on which career path I decide to follow. I am very interested in doing something along the lines of creative writing and photography. I would love to be able to come up with something great that people would love to read. Something that would be inspiring, and meaningful to a lot of people. I want to be a spy, but my Mom's overprotective. HA HA!
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