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.