Monopobility

During the previous week in sociology, we have been discussing social class, and the ability/lack of ability, to move up or down. I think the activity where w played Monopoly and each person represented a different social class, was a great idea. I thought it really help me understand how difficult it is to move up in a class, yet how easy it is to go down, because it is easy to spend money and not realize the long-term effects.
As for the questions brought forward on Sal's blog, my family's mobility has been gradual since my father became a professional in his field. Although my mother doesn't currently hold a job, she did attend U of I and did work for a business firm, prior to the birth of my older sister. I am growing up in a higher social class than my parents did when they were my age, due to the fact tat my father works his tail off for everything I have, and went to college, unlike his parents. On the other hand, my grandparents on my mom's side did attend college. My mother's parents both attended college and received respectable jobs. Her mother went to National College of Education, while her father attended Roosevelt University. As for me, due to the lifestyle I have grown up in, and the goals I have set toward striving toward, I feel I will live in the same social class that I do now, which is of my parents.

Tammy and the Family

During the last week in Sociology, we watched a film called People Like Us. This film showed a lot of ways people are stereotyped and given us an inside look at many family's economic situation. One specific family that caught my attention and made we want to act in a helping manner, was a family in Waverly, Ohio. Tammy, the mother, and her two sons live in poverty. Growing up, Tammy was one of 22 kids and lived in the same such environment as she does now. As Tammy starts explaining her boys, she tells us that one of them tries extremely hard, receives awards, yet thinks he is too good for their family, because he strives to become an architect or lawyer.
My opinion on this boys goals, are that he should keep trying. I would extremely encourage him to try his hardest and continue to push toward his goals. Although some people may say that, due to his financial state and role models, he doesn't have a chance at success, especially at the level he is striving for. The quote that I think sums up all the feelings and emotions that I felt when I heard this kids goals is, "Success is when preparation meets opportunity." To me, this quote says, that is you prepare and wait for your opportunity or are given a chance, you will find success.
One of the major goals for most people as they grow older and strove for what they want, is that of the American Dream. The American Dream is a very broad, yet great achievement for someone. I feel that Tammy's son's chances at succeed are at about 65-70 percent. I feel this way because he has the determination and it seems as though he is preparing himself. Although that can be said, I think that his chances are lowered due to the fact that he comes from a poverty-stricken family and really doesn't have anyone to help him get to where he wants to be. His mother is not a good role model and also, discourages him from everything he wants.

Rules in American Society

Throughout the previous week, wee have talked extensively regarding how certain events effect your future, whether trough income or profession. We discussed a topic regarding the fact that over the past 20 years, that based on the ACT you got, the higher your income was. Sal had statistic to back of his claim and ideas. Although there was all this evidence that it may be true, I still disagree with this idea. I feel that no matter what you ACT is, whether perfect or average, it doesn't necessarily have a direct effect on your future. Obviously there are those cases of terrible scores, but in this case., I feel if you get a reasonable score, it is what you do with the education you may receive, not so much, your future and professional income guidelines. Most people may argue that if one student goes to Harvard and another goes to Illinois, the student that went to Harvard has a better chance at success, due to their education received and the school they attended. I would disagree but in this case, where both institutions are respected and highly-praised, if the student at Illinois works his/her tail off and put forth 150 % effort, he/she has just a good chance at success and that ultimate goal, as the other student.
Also in class, we talked about the way that most people don't know some basic rules to American society and just say, "Anything can happen in America." I feel most people take this approach/belief, because they want to feel in such a way that they can achieve anything and crazy "stuff" happens all the time. Although there are those stories of a poor man getting a job and becoming a wealthy businessman, for the most part, the way you were influenced and effected as you grew to your adult age, leads you toward the correct path and future.

jUStice

Most humans in the world, are good people, mind their own business and go about their day as innocent citizens. But, as we look closer at the United States, as a whole, one percent of our adult population is locked up behind bars. This statistic, which we discussed in class, is not very astonishing to me. If you deconstruct our society, we are a very violent and thrill-seeking place. Consumption and purchase of drugs and weapons are at their highest. Bad people want to be noticed and put on TV. Everything wants to be heard and seen, just as much as everyone else.
Another statistics that most people don't now is that 1/4 of every prisoner IN THE WORLD is behind bars in the United States. I think this is true for the fact that all other countries are so calm and have different values. In the United States, it is all about fame and success, which leads to people striving to meet their needs through violence and drugs. In those other places, the families focus on values and have much respect for health and others. They don't need to resort to drugs and crime for fame, they just care about being great citizens and respectful to others.

In our society today, I feel that people think, due to the fact that drugs are used so often by everyone, they are acceptable. This is so wrong. Drugs such as alcohol, caffeine, marijuana, and weed, are all bad for you, in any dose. Everything you put in your body is harmful and should be thought of as serious and negative. Not only do people not understand the effect on their bodies, but they don't understand the effect on everyone else. Drugs led to stupid decisions, such as crime. Since the United States is tolerant of drug use, they look past what the effect are.
Bottom Line: Drugs can only be bad, and should be taken seriously.

This Historical Election

This week, as every watched, the United States of America elected a new President, Barack Obama. The historic impact of Tuesday's election of Barack Obama as the first African-American president was clearly reflected on front pages of popular magazines worldwide. Most newspapers, read the words, "Historic," "Change," and simply, "Obama" to magnify the important of this selection. The New York Times, one of the most bought/viewed papers worldwide, used 96-point font to proclaim this event and surprisingly, only three times in its history has this size font been used before. Previously, only the resignation of Richard Nixon, the first man on the moon, and the Sept. 11 attacks sparked such a large front-page font for the paper.
As you look at the impact closely, there is one thing that most people can say: They never expected a black man to be elected to the highest position in the United States. One reporter put the election result into her own word by saying, "Perhaps History itself demanded that we pass through the pain and humiliation of the Bush era in order to merit the relief granted by this election." I think this sums it up great. Most people saw the economy struggling and need "change we can believe in." Right when people were on the brink of breaking, the election hit, change came, and it brought belief to people's minds.

Another way that this win was historic was for the events leading up to it. As we saw, a woman and a black man were competing over who has more influence. We've got supporters, of an African-American man and a woman arguing over which is more qualified to be leader of the free world, and everyone, no matter what you previously thought, took it seriously. Finally, I think Obama's selection is historic because of the American voters. We could have followed what had happened in previous years or just sat home, but we didn't. We chose to hope and vote for who we thought was best for us, the people. While our country has fallen, while we have less confidence than ever, we still took a risk.

Men and How They Are Defined

A stay-at-home dad is so funny to the generations of people that live around the world today for a few reasons. The way men are perceived these days is as a tough and hard-working man, that can carry a family, and provide the financial necessities. Most people feel that the man in the household is suppose to work and be out making money, while the women spends her time helping the children and caring for the family medically and emotionally. As much as I sometimes use these notions as my base for understanding, I do feel that a role-reversal (like your situation) is very acceptable and should be perceived as okay. I feel that a husband and wife should work together equally to best suit their family needs and put themselves in the best position to succeed.
I would define a real men that is well-rounded, accepts himself for who he is, and can recognize when he is at fault and admit it. I don't think we should taboo men that don't fit into all of these categories, but pressure them to strive toward these parameters, in order to best place themselves in the correct situation for their families. When we really break it down, a men is one of two important people in a child's life, and is the "other" leader in his partners life.

Mask You (Linity)

The mask of masculinity you talk about is very true in our society today. I have experienced this type of mask that men are forced toward, in order to be accepted. In our school environment, male students are portrayed as the mentally and physically strong students.
An experience that I would like to share, that shows this exact masculinity is about two kids that were in the cafeteria. Last year, there was a table of students, mostly male, but some female students. One of the males got mad at the other, I have no clue what happened, and he took the other kids lunch and threw it away in the trash. Instead of the way women may have approached it, talking with the person or confronting an authority figure, the victim took it upon himself to attack the other individual. The two students ended up settling their differences, but not until both were escorted for fighting. I fell this situation brought to my attention that the boys felt the need to act tough and "cool" around the other gender.
I have thought about the way that men are placed with this mask of masculinity that reads, " To validate your self, you must be strong, and tough." But, I feel there is another way that a male can validate himself. How about the fact that when he gets married, being able to raise a family: providing income, being a good husband and father, and most of all, maturing into a well-respected, recognized for his achievements, not violence.
In the clip that I watched, it was the exact way men are portrayed in our society. The little kid wants to be like the superhero, but is told that he is not strong enough and not old enough. I feel we need to change, and men should be portrayed as successful, calm individuals, instead of rough and tough, violent citizens.

Bowling for Columbine

Violence and guns are two connected topics that negatively affect our society today. The violence and gun influenced is multiplied by the media. I feel that the media uses its power to give views a sense of fear and knowledge. Although the television news programs are trying to tell us how bad guns are, they give the gunmen publicity and put the idea in people's minds that if they are violent, they will get recognized. Almost all of the news these days, is about bad things and the violence that occurs throughout the day. I think the news programs should not show the violence, which gives the aggressor mention, and rather put important government news and positive contributions to our world on their programs.
I feel violence is so high because people want to be recognized in our very diverse society. These days, weapons are so available and hard to control, that the "bad" people out there, take advantage of this and use the weapons to hurt others.
Then there is the government. The government does do a great job, with all its regulations and laws, prohibiting guns and the purchasing of them, but there has to be something stronger they can do, in order to make the world, a safer and crime-free land. I think the government, due to its size and important, should be able to stop something positive, when it gets out of hand.

Tuesdays with Morrie

Are Americans afraid of death? Is death a taboo topic? Why do you think this is the case? How might our feelings about death be related to our materialism?

Death... not only is this our ultimate fate, but it is a sensitive topic in our society today. Most people shy away from a conversation regarding death due to the fact of being afraid or scared. Americans process the word, death, as a very negatively, emotional thought. I would agree that I hate talking about it. To me, death is bad, but I do realize that it has to come sometime. Our feelings regarding death may be related to materialism because we are so focused on money, and what we have, and don't really think about or stop to discuss our health or well-being.
Death to most people is so negative because as much as they don't think specifically about it, they love living and interacting with everyone around them. About a month ago, I was just sitting around, watching some TV, and I thought about what would happen when I died. As I thought more about it, I wondering how I would die, when I would die, what would go on after I died. I would admit, I got goose-bumps thinking of all those things and the overall idea of death. But, the ultimate reason I think death is so tabooed in our society, is the uncertainty that comes with this destiny of ours. (Not knowing when it will come, how it will happen, or what will happen after)

Amercian Culture Metaphors

American Culture has been said to contain many different origins and heritages, which make up their varied culture. Many people see America as a melting pot, due to the fact that is contains a wide variety of people that live in the United States. However, there is also a belief that American culture is actually a "salad bowl," rather than a melting pot. These people claim that cultures should not be blended into a "pot" but rather be combined into one group, in which each individual "ingredient" or "ethnicity" can be distinguished.
Although there are melting pot or salad metaphors, some can picture our society as a culture, much like a salsa, where there is a little blend, but you can still distinguish the specific ingredients.
Therefore, no matter how people relate American culture to other things, everyone is trying to get a grip on how our culture is special and different from the others. And the common idea that people point out, is that there are many cultures that make up the "American Culture."
My personal opinion is that our culture is comprised of many different cultures, yet special in its own way. I would agree with the salad metaphor because when I think of American, I think of a place where many different ethnicities are accepted and live, but also remember that when you look at our culture from up close, you are able to find a group of people from almost anywhere in the world. . (Diversity)

Intersection

After watching the video on Sal's page and talking about norms in class, I feel I have found an answer to many of the questions posed. In the video, in which people are crossing the street in India, the cars do have the right away. They are entitled to drive at the allowed speed, without being punished. The pedestrian that want to walk have to maneuver their way in order to get to the other side. I do agree that the driver know what they are doing, but it comes down to weather the walker knows the correct way to approach the situation. Although this is true, I feel American would do exactly what they are used to, and try to just run across the street, weaving in between cars. As the driver try to find your pace and time their speed, the usual American would find it very hard to cross.
One norm that I have experienced while traveling around the world, is that Americans think that when they are talking to individuals of another rave, they feel compelled to speak very slow and loud. Even though this would make sense, most of the people understand what you are saying and don't need the "special" treatment. I have also experience while in Europe that when the people that you "disrespect" by treating different, can turn on you and not respond, even if they do understand. I had went through all of my vacation, in Europe, with people understand mostly everything I said, but then the people started ignoring what I was saying at other places because they were sick of hearing from the "snobby" Americans.

Bronx Tale

In the movie, The Bronx Tale, the main character, Collogero, stretches his boundaries and becomes part of many groups that most children his age, would never dare to join/be a part of. I would place Collogero and Sonny in separate groups. I think Collogero belongs in a protege/fellow role, where Sonny deserves the identity of a role model. The groups that I feel Collogero belongs to are, son, friend, and protege. All of these groups help describe Collogero as a person and how his childhood is effected.
Collogero belongs to the group of son because he is the son of his father and mother.
Collogero belongs to the group of friend because he is a friend of all his "club" members.
But, the most important and influential group Collogero belongs to and I feel is his "master identity," is as a protege to Sonny. Collogero takes Sonny words and actions and imitates them. Sonny takes Collogero under his wings and teaches him right from wrong. Due to this relationship, and his advice, Sonny ends of saving the life of Collogero.
Although at the end of the movie, Collogero is definitely know as a protege, throughout the movie, his master status does change. In the beginning, when we are first getting to know Collogero, his master status is as a son. When ever there is something problematic, Robert De Niro, who plays Collogero's father, is always the one to reprimand his son and place a punishment on him. As the movie rolls along, Collogero become more of a friend. He becomes active with guys around his neighborhood and is friendly with a girl. Although these status occur throughout the movie, he eventually falls into the status of protege.
I really did enjoy the movie and I think I would enjoy the one-man play as well.

Selective Groups

In class, we did an activity that allows each individual to selective decide how they would label themselves based on their environment, community and family. Many students chose to label themselves with some kind of tie to family. I feel this has come to be the most important thing in today's society because family and moral support affects most people during their high school years. Most students feel proud and strong about their connections and relationships with other siblings or even parents. There were some students that chose to place the label of friends as their master label. These students seemed to be ones that spent most of their time hanging with friends and were somewhat distance from their families. I chose to place my master label as a brother. I feel good when I can say that my brother and my sister are my best friends and always there for me. Whenever I do something at home, I always decided to include my brother. This situation is present because we have created a strong bond between brothers and we both enjoy each others company. Also, when our family eats dinner, most of the time it is a sit-down dinner where everyone in he family is present and eating at one time.
I believe people in today's society need to take a step back and decide how they would label themselves and how people perceive them. This activity made me think of ways I connect with the outside world and where I stand within each group I represent.

F & G

After watching a few episodes of Freak and Greeks, I really saw how image and people's perception of people can be affected by many factors. In the show, the main character, a girl, wear a army jacket everywhere. This simple piece of clothing affects the way people treat her. People see this as a representation of strong willed and tough. This character also talks with a lot of emotion and purpose. During one of the episodes, a kid that is "special" is being made fun of for asking come girls, who are standing in the hall, to the homecoming dance. When the main character sees this, she quickly approaches the instigators and makes her statement with extreme force. I quote her saying, "Why is that so funny, huh." She then takes it upon herself her ask this boy to the dance, he accepts, and tell him to not talk to this people. Another way the writer uses image in his show is that one of the main kids, how is easily bullied, is very short and weak. He uses the height and weight aspects of this kid to show the stereotype that all short kids are bullied and disliked. On the other hand, the author uses the parent sin the show to portray another message to its watching audience. The parents are quoted saying, "School is not only for work, but a way to socialize." The parents are telling the listeners that school is a good resource to meet new people and to socially become active.

Would You Execute?

Before reading the Milgram article for homework, I would admit that I thought negatively toward Germans for what they did to the Jews during the Holocaust. After reading this article, it opened my eyes to the other side and gave me a different perspective on the situation. Milgram did a study that showed me that no matter what gender, ethnicity or age, if you are told to, or pressured by someone with authority, you might do anything, even if in your own mind, you knew it was wrong. IF you were asked right now, if you would execute a stranger, most people would take it very personally, and say with great emphasis, "Why would I do that" or "Absolutely not." But Milgram did his experiment, and showed all those people, that even if you think that way, given the circumstances that the Holocaust brought, most people did execute the stranger, while being pressured and pushed by a strong, authoritative dictator.

Who I Am

My name is Adam and I am a senior at a well-known high school in the north shore suburbs. I am one of three children in my family. I enjoy watching and playing sports during my free time. My biggest influences in my life are my parents. Both my parents have given me great opportunities to succeed in life and have given me a great set of values. Due to my parents ability to give my life structure, I have many goals for my future. A few immediately goals are to maintain my grades at the level they are at, and to get accepted into a university of my choice. One of my long-term goals is to earn a degree in some sort of business profession.