Crash

1. An example of racism shown by the cop(Matt Dillon) was when he pulled over the tv producer and his wife. He didn't treat them right, didn't supply reasoning for pulling them out of the car, and he mistreated the wife. He probably felt power over them for two reasons. That being, he is a cop and it considered "authority" and because he is white while they are black. However, in the end of the movie when she needs his help, he changed himself very much. I think the idea of him being a police officer kicked in and race didn't apply. This woman had been in an accident and needed help. So without a question he had to calm her down, make peace, and save her. So depending on the situation he was in, portrayed how he acted. I'm glad he didn't let race step into this situation, however ideally, no matter what the situation the race of the person shouldn't matter.

2. In the opening scene of the movie where there was a car accident, things were said like, "call immigration" and "you can't even see over the wheel." These were negative stereotypes grouped with hispanics and asians. Another example was when the white woman associated "gangbanger" and "prison" with the hispanic handyman. She didn't trust him and just assumed he has tattoos and he would give a copy of keys to his "homies." When he heard this he seemed very upset, but not shocked. So many people are used to negative stereoptypes being associated with them and they don't even seem surprised. This upsets me very much.

3. When the tv producer said to the young man, "You embarrass me; you embarrass yourself," I think he means that you are automatically grouped with other people of the same race. If the young man, who is black, commits a crime or is involved in a gang, then other black people would be thought of in a similar way. This happens so much in the U.S. For me personally, i've been attacked for being white and the neighborhood I live in and the one I get attacked on the most is the fact I am Jewish. After the tv producer said this I think the young man really took it in, because later in the movie he did something good for the people in the back of the truck and it seemed like he felt good after doing it.

4. I think certain people see their whole race instead of the specific individuals, because many people judge on first physical appearance. If someone was wearing a suit, holding a briefcase, and was clean cut compared to someone who was wearing baggy pants, had tattoos, and not as clean cut looking, then they are at most times automatically put in a category. How exactly race always fits in actually confuses me. Because I have seen people of different race have the same job and the same position of power. And, I have seen people of different race be at the bottom of the food chain. I think media and stereotypes really contribute to people's automatic placement of entire race. When you look at someone you might think back to something you heard on the news. An example from the movie was that asians can't drive. So, if you hear that enough times, then in your brain you might see an asian driving and just put that stereotype along with them. I think every race has negative stereotypes in some matter and knowing them for your own self, could personally really hurt or bother you. Society in itself could be destructive without really realizing it.

5. I don't believe its natural to be racist in our genes. However, like I said in question #4, media has greatly impacted our society with ideas that aren't always true. The brain has natural instincts and can physically depict differences within skin color, but the negative stereotypes that fall with them, aren't natural. Either kids are taught by their parents or friends, the media, or just generalizations you make about certain kinds of people.

6. I think the two main reasons that race is learned are through media and family/friends. I know one that I always heard on the news when I was younger was bad crimes happening in Chicago. So, I automatically placed "bad" with the city of Chicago and many people living their. Especially, because many parents I know say be very careful while downtown. So, that was something I heard from many people and that I just made a generalization based on the news. Also, whenever I heard about gangs, it seemed that people always made it clear that it was blacks and hispanics. So, if people hear about a gang they will probably make an assumption on the kind of people involved.

7. It's possible to make racism less serious and discussed. But, I don't really see it ending completely. So many people already have their ideas whether strong or not in their minds. However, many people don't show their judgements. But, their are those people who speak freely and make it obvious. I think the more serious cases of racism can end. Maybe if media didn't send out certain messages things could change. But, you still have the impact from family and friends. I think the issue of racism has existed for so long, it is hard to suddenly just change it.

Wealthy Privileges

The 3 penny game didn't have much of an effect on me. However, monopoly REAL American style and the people like us video did make me realize a very significant difference between not just each class, but, more specifically the differences between the wealthy and everyone else including the middle class and lower class. In the monopoly game I represented the lower middle class. I started off with a decent amount of money, but ended with a very small amount. The wealthy started with a good amount of money, didn't have to worry about things that got in the way such as divorce or credit card debts, and they seemed much less worried about where their money is going. So, they had it much easier and were less stressed than the rest of the players in the game. In the U.S.A., being wealthy gives many privileges. The wealthy can attend their private country club or parties and not have to worry about "different" kinds of people being present. They stay in their comfort zone and can relate to other wealthy people, such as themselves. Also, the wealthy have a social networking power. The video taught the lesson of it being all about, "who you know" and what kind of people they are. And, the wealthy who inherit a great portion of their profits get the privilege of lazyness. They don't have to work as hard as other people, such as the middle class. Those type of people are just placed in a high class and they don't have to wory about not having enough money or becoming stressed out. I would like for the societal "rules" be changed for more fairness. But, the idea of fairness has ceased for a while now. Social class is more than just the money. It is the friends, the house, the clothes, and all luxurious that are included. Sometimes these privileges comfort people or many are just so used to them, change would be too risky. The idea of change instills fear in many and just keeping the rules which is taking the easy way out, may seem like the right thing.

Socio Status

"What a man is depends on his character; but what he does, and what we think of what he does, depends on his circumstances. The characterstics that ruin a man in one class made him eminent in another." When I first read this, I didn't know if I completely agreed with it. However, I do see the point Shaw is trying to display. An individual himself/herself takes certain actions and says certain things based on who he or she is. This goes back to nature vs. nurture. The enviornment, family, friends, school, ect. create the character and behavior of the man. But, I don't really understand the second part with what he does and what we think of what he does depends on his circumstances. I believe thats depended on our circumstances and we relate him/her to them. And, I completely agree with the last part of the quote. In some areas what is forseen as successful can be seen differently in another area. This can be seen in the work area and with schools. There can be two similar kids in high school. However, one family can be more strict than the other. The students can both get a B on their report cards. While one family sends their praise and is very proud; the other may have wanted an A and could be a bit dissapointed. I also have seen that happen with the ACT test. Another example is in the work force. While many people in the neighborhood may work, lawyers and doctors are looked at much differently than the computer salesman and the resturant manager. Both may work hard and have busy hours. Yet, the qualities of a lawyer and the person himself is seen in a different and a higher way than the salesman. They both can be similar people with similar backgrounds, but their occupation can make others easily judge them. So many factors are put into placing people in a "status." However, these judgements may not always be the most fair.

Deviance

I do believe punishable deviance is a societal construct. If a person is willing to use deviance in a negative way, then a different form of it can be used against them. I think jails and similar structures regulate punishable deviance nicely. However, it is not always effective. This was shown in the movie 30 days when George and Travis wanted to change their ways. Especially, Travis went through jail and the special program. So even though punishable deviance was applied, George ended up right back in jail 2 weeks later. And, Travis was back in jail less than 2 months later. Some people may change their ways, but with others, patterns are formed. During class when we looked at the chart of how many people are in prison compared to people in the U.S.A. overall, the number of people from ages 18 to 44 were higher in jails than overall. Also, the number of blacks, latinos, males, and high school or less than an high school education had higher numbers in jails than in the U.S.A. So once these people are in jail, the punishment can vary. The movie demonstrated a very different idea of jail than from what I have thought. The 72 hours alone in the room seemed very draining and difficult, but just being in that wide open room with others didn't display my idea of jail. I always thought that your punishment should be based on the crime you committed. In 30 days, most of these men didn't seem too intimidating. Both Travis and George seemed like fairly smart guys and they really wanted to take control of their lifes and change. So, it all depends on the type of jail and the enviornment surrounding you.

Socialization/Adolescence

1. The clothes I am wearing, my future goals in life, and the sports I enjoy I believe are mostly affected by nurture. My family, mostly my mother, has influenced and taught me good ways to present yourself. A large factor of this being the clothing and jewelry I wear. However, by nature, I have certain styles or looks that interest me. That's just the taste I have and a good part of that wasn't by influence. It was mainly by choice. With my future profession, that is a mix of both nature and nurture. I want to be a lawyer in the future and I have learned the positive traits of having this profession. However, I have always enjoyed politics and law very much. So, I think nature and nurture both contribute to my wanting to be a lawyer. The nature of it first got myself hooked onto the idea of becoming a lawyer. Yet, the nurture of it keeps me going. Finally, the sports I partake in is a mix, but I believe more of nurture. My dad, brother, and mom were all active or are still active in many sports and activities. And, growing up around that everyday grabbed my attention and made me become interested. But, when I was little I had an interest in playing catch with a football and I would always want to watch a sporting event even if I didn't understand what was going on. So, an interest was instilled in me awhile back. But, still I am taught to be active and it still follows me now.

2. Adolescent social status power has increasingly become more important each generation. It defines so many people and has become so important that if you don't fit in with the "norm" than that defines you directly. Whether it being your intelligence, the clothes you wear, the friends you have, or the sports your in, that displays where you belong in society. And, teenagers want that power. Having this power is so important, because teens don't have power on a political or economical stage. So, the power that is given to us must be taken advantage of and is basically foreseen as everything.

3. The socialization process for children has changed over the past few generations. A major idea that has progressed and change is technology. Mainly relating to that is the way kids and teens communicate. Communication used to be much more of a direct process. Now with all the technology such as, texting, social networks like facebook, and email, the direct speaking is slowly disintegrating. So many important conversations or messages no longer need to be in person. Items such as computers, phones, and ipods are useful, but taking over people. Their is much more room for distraction and less room for being active or going outside. I think concerns for these changes within kids should be watched carefully, but at the same time I believe it will not completely consume children. Social interaction is still needed and is still very much wanted by teenagers.

4. Like we talked about in class, different traits and emotions are linked to females and males. When you hear emotional and sensitive you think of a woman. And, when you hear athletic or tough you link it to a man most likely. And, the characterization of genders is shown through toys and commercial ads. If their is an action figure, the ad may say "strong", "tough", "indestructible" and words that would appeal to men. They are reaching out to a certain age group as well as a certain gender. However, recently ads have been reaching out more to both males and females than just one. The impact that these characterizations have had on me have been particularly difficult. I used to be a "tomboy" and play sports, dress like a boy, and like playing with boy toys. I had a brother which probably influenced me, but I was looked at as "different" and my mom believed it to be very important to change me into a more girly person immediately. I now have changed, yet I still love playing, watching, and talking about sports. I don't think their is anything wrong with that, however others may have a problem with it. I am the only girl who is in Sports Talk Club here at Stevenson. And, I take advantage of it instead of being looked at differently. I impress others with my knowledge of sports and I most of the time can keep up with them when we participate in sports. So, instead of letting it impact me in a negative way, I just turn it into a positive while still maintaining feminine traits.

Welcome to Adolescence

Their are so many different definitions of what is a teenager. Most people look forward to becoming a teenager and getting much more freedom and rewards. That is a very wrong idea. It's such a difficult stage, because you are beginning to be thought of more and more as an adult, but at the same time you aren't given the same opportunities as adults. So in a way its unfair to get all that pressure put on us when we can't fully take care of it. We are given more responsibilities and more work, but we can sometimes be seen as kids still or sometimes as young adults. Which one is it? Their is no clear line between them and this is where it can get difficult. One thing that seems to be able to be defined is status power. This is all teens have because of their lack of power when it comes to Political status and/or Economic status. So we are given more power, but only within a certain range. This status power is so important to teenagers, because it is elevated to something that is VERY important. It doesn't have to mean so much, but its gotten that way. Put in different classes usually by our friends or peer groups. And, if you are a "freak" or "geek" your teenage life could come crashing down. It shouldn't affect teenager so much, but its the power that we are given and we will take it to our every advantage.

Nature AND Nurture

I don't think I am that similar to my family. My brother and I get similar grades in school and both are very into sports. My dad and I are probably the most alike. We both like the same sports, we think in similar ways, and we both like math a lot. My mom and I also think very similarly and both took or take dance classes. I am very much alike with my two longest friends. When I was younger, many people thought my best guy friend and I were twins. And, today some people still do. We think very alike, struggle and accelerate in the same areas, like the same sports, and do the same activities. My other best friend and I have a similar personality in the sense that we have a crazy side and a serious side. Also, we get similar grades in school. The first time my parents probably saw my "unique" personality was at about 6 months when I broke out of my crib and ran. Yes, I ran before I walked. That may be why I love to run now. Also, I would get more excited to see something sports related on the television than to see a kids/learning show. My parents like to talk a lot and be social. I am that way with my friends, but I am pretty shy around people I don't know. And, I am glad of that. I don't want to talk as much as they do. I like having a limit. Also, my dad isn't the most organized. I try to be, but I wish I was more. I don't want to have similar jobs as them. Working at a restaurant and interviewing medical workers. I would like to take myself in a different direction, hopefully law. I think most of these differences are nurture related and can be changed. My interests are different and the things I excel in are different than when they were in school. I find it easier to work against nurture, but it still has difficulty. Nature is something instilled in you and is hard to change. But, nurture can be altered with the right time and influences. Besides family, school and sports have most effected me. School has taught me lessons besides just working hard. Taught me to be organized, do my work, study, help others, and work with others. Also, I've learned how to respect others, especially teachers. And, sports have taught me leadership, how to follow rules/plays, working with others as a team, and having fun. Also, the commitment factor has affected me a lot and the idea of "never give up" has been instilled in me at a young age and continues to stay with me. Another one that has affected my beliefs greatly is religion. Attending temple, becoming a bat mitzvah, learning Hebrew, and being surrounded my Jewish values has molded me into who I am today. It has made me want to become closer with g-d and dig deeper to find out who I am. I've never realized how many different aspects affect my life in so many different ways.

Fish In Water

The whole concept of "water" was confusing at first, but I can see the different aspects of it. An example personally with my family and friends relates to sports. It has been known in my family to play a sport and do well in it. My grandpa played football, basketball, and baseball. My dad played baseball and basketball. My mom was a cheerleader and did volleyball. My brother played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track. And, I learned at a young age that I had to not only be involved in many activities, but persevere in them. I was the captain of my basketball team, I ran track, played softball, played volleyball, and took dance classes. My friends and family expect me to be athletic and be able to play all these sports. When my friends and I play for fun, I get competitive, because I was taught that at a young age. Usually it's pretty natural to adjust to the water around me. At school, especially Stevenson, people are competitive with their grades. So, I study harder, more often, and go to the teacher for more help. I never asked for help before Stevenson. It became necessary for me to take more initiative when it came to grades. With religion, naturally I act a certain way in a temple than at other places. I was usually just taught how to change my behavior in different environments. The two American values that apply to me a lot are probably education and democracy. I intend on trying hard through high school, attending college, and getting more years of education to become what I want to be. The occupation I am working towards is becoming a lawyer. That relates to democracy which I do follow closely. It relates to the law and I follow directions and rules. I fit in with the American Values by obeying people of higher power. Following these values make me happy and make me feel comfortable. I like the water I am in right now and a change may just complicate things or give me a new sense for different and interesting environments.

Different Meaning Towards Values

In class we talked about certain values that are the "right thing" or supposedly respected at Stevenson. A few were education, freedom, and bullying/violence. Just for the record, when I saw that the front of the assignment books says, "Success for every student" I sort of laughed. Of course schools want to encourage that idea that everyone does amazing in school and go on to bigger and better things. But, the fact is, even with a great school like Stevenson, not everyone will succeed. Not everyone attends college also. I have seen many kids who don't try, ditch class, and just don't care. However, others take advantage of the numerous opportunities at school and do well. Just because you attend a great school with great opportunities, does not mean that you will 100 percent succeed. Freedom is also another thing that isn't what it seems. You gain more freedom as you get older it seems. But, I have witnessed and experienced many lack of freedoms and meetings with deans. Once I was punished for freedom of speech. I thought I am allowed to say what is on my mind to a friend. But, I guess that isn't the case. They are trying to protect students, but not to a point where we seemed trapped and afraid when in or near the school campus. Lastly, the idea that no bullying or violence happens and that their will be consequences. Stevenson is such a large school with many more students than deans and faculty. Of course threats happen whether they are in a joking matter or serious. And, not all kids are caught and that can instill fear and students. Certain values are perceived in one way, but actually seen or experienced in others. And, changes in society will not be able to change that really.

The Comeback Culture

For me, I was always can describe the American Culture as very sarcastic. Half the time, people don't mean what they say or say what they mean. A lot of the times I can't even imagine how I would describe sarcasm or "comebacks/ jokes" to another culture. Especially the all time favorite your mama jokes. Besides the jokes we make, their are also some gestures that could probably be seen as different in somebody's culture. The head nod is used often. Usually to demonstrate understanding of something or just to say hey to someone. Someone else could maybe think you are trying to start a fight or your dissing them. A majority of people use their hands when they talk. Usually their is no meaning behind it, but it just helps the person explain what they are trying to say. Someone from a different area or culture could think you are saying something disrespectful. Once I was asked why I use my hands when I talk and first of all I didn't even notice I was. Also, I couldn't give a straight answer, because truly no meaning goes behind it.

It's better to be feared.... A Bronx Tale

Within the movie, Collogero transferred through different kind of groups. And, each of these groups had different impacts on him. As a child, he saw his father and Sonny as role models. His father, because he took care of him and worked hard. And, Sonny because he had power and everyone knew about him and what he was capable of. As he got older he had the group of his friends and he had Sonny's group. At first I thought Sonny and his crew were a bad influence on C and his friends. His friends would always try to act tough and gang up on others, because the say Sonny do it. But, with Sonny their seemed to be reason. He protected the neighborhood and if he had a reason, he would bring out that tough side. I later saw that Sonny did care about certain people, including C. However, I wouldn't categorize C with either of these groups. I think C always had something else on his mind. He never felt comfortable with his friends and he stated to question Sonny and his crew. C sort of made up his own group, but spent time with others and learned different kinds of lessons from them. I think C's status was determined on the fact that he hung with Sonny's crew. They have power, which gave C power. Without them, he would have been some kid who lived on the neighborhood or the bus driver's kid. But, this power helped C out a lot.
On a more large scale, their were various groups within the city and area. Collogero's neighborhood was full of italian's like himself and everyone knew the rules. You followed them and didn't mess with anyone like Sonny. But, if you moved to different areas there were different set of rules. Not the kind of rules that is inforced by the government, but the kind that is just set for your area. Another area shown in the movie is the african american part of the city. They have rules about "outsiders" such as C and his friends coming into town and the same for the african americans coming into C's area. These unwritten rules had to be established awhile back. But, certain "gangs" or "crews" like Sonny's embellished these rules. Having such high power like Sonny, he can say almost anything and it will be followed. And, if someone with great power says, "no african americans in this area" or "no one like this is allowed in the bar" then that fear will enstill in them to stay away. I feel the movie correctly displayed how many crews or gangs are like. And, the different impacts that different people can have on someone like C is true in the real world. It changes with time period and area, but still is very true.

9/11

People think of the United States of America as so united and so put-together. Security levels high and it seems like nothing could break us. But, its incredible that one incident can just alter the perspectives of so many different people. The horrible incident that occurred on September 11, 2001 is something that still can make most people so emotional. This includes myself very much. But, many people don't see that after this date, America became even more united. And, not just after that incident, but after any major crisis. People became more giving and helped each other out. It really did bring us closer, but on the other hand, it also made people look at places and others differently. Most instances, in a more judgemental way. When people step into an airport, they may look around or look at certain races, religions, or any placement in a different way. They may not want to be near them or feel uncomfortable. And, sometimes people can't control this. It's just something caused by their knowledge and instincts based on an event or situation. So, something such as 9/11 can really change people's perspectives on other people. Sometimes its a shame.

Freaks and Geeks

It was interesting to view the different groups at this high school. And, I feel like groups still do exist at Stevenson. However, not everyone is just involved in one group so power distribution is different. I can categorize myself as an athlete, average, and a geek. I love sports, but at the same time I always do my homework and care greatly about my grades. I think of myself as average, but I have friends who say otherwise. In the entire school, I don't think of myself highly, but in my close group of friends I do. And, that's always a good feeling of power. Today its hard to say how much power belongs to who, because the school is so big. Overall, the teachers and faculty have power.

Much needed silence

Silence is something I long for. It makes me feel comfortable in most situations. I don't find it awkward as long as I am in a comfortable environment and I feel safe with the people surrounding me. Silence relates to peace for me. Of course I enjoy sports and I am used to the noise and rowdiness. However, if I am studying or going for a walk, I very much enjoy the silence or the quiet noises. But, its different when I am studying in school. I may not truly know some classmates or the teacher, so then the silence could bother me. And, in those certain situations, hearing noise can be a huge relief for me. When I am at home alone, I tend to put on the t.v. or play music. When I am alone. I can stay in silence or be comforted by some noise. But, their is so much going on in my life that can be loud such as friends, family, sports, and school. And, sometimes getting away from all that babble can be a relaxing step away from everything. Awkward silences have occurred for me and usually they are with people I do not know that well. With friends, their usually is always noise or in that rare occasion that their is silence, its not awkward. I have a few friends who don't feel comfortable in complete silence and they tend to put noise into the scene somehow, but I try to help and not make them feel awkward in that situation. When those kinds of people fill the air with words and noise, it can help people to listen more. Especially, if everyone is uncomfortable with the silence. Because, you may be the person waiting and wishing for words to come out of someones mouth. So that would make you want to listen more and almost have to listen more in order to put yourself back into your comfortable state.

The First Day of Sociology

The first day of Sociology was an interesting experience for me. I felt confused or as if Mr. Smith was waiting for us to do or say something. When he said good afternoon class, I thought he wanted a complete answer like, "good afternoon Mr. Smith." I just sat there and felt a bit uncomfortable to look at him. I was just expecting a normal introduction to the class and himself. That was the experience I received from every other teacher. However, the different way of beginning the class threw me off. But, it just showed me that this class with be interesting and hopefully allow me to think and perceive things in a different way. Also, the idea of shaking each students hand was something I have only seen from one teacher before. It felt like Mr. Smith was trying to be more personal with each student which seems very important. Already on the first day, this class has taken a different approach which I believe is a great start. Another interesting first besides the impression of the teacher was the strange question of electrocuting strangers. My initial instinct is of course not and why would somebody want to. Yet, it surprised me to see that people were considering it and for the idea. Ideally, I would think you should not punish a complete stranger. You do not know if they are good and bad and whether they truly do deserve it, the choice should not be in your hands.