Culture Shock!!

in the beginning of class we sat down and each table began playing a card game that we were given instructions to. As we began playing in silence everything at our own table was going smooth. When we switched groups and we were all mixed up confusion began. We all had our own set of rules and how to play. When others did not do it our way we began to judge or sit back in confusion. In this game I quickly became confused and tried to play my way. In class we talked about how culture's are all different. We discussed the toilets in Japan. I thought it was very interesting how they had their toilets. Two summers ago I had the opportunity to go to Germany and stay there for two months. One thing that I was shocked about was their meals. They have a bigger meal at lunch and a smaller meal such as a sandwich for dinner. The food they ate was also very different. I am a picky eater, but wanted to be polite so I tried everything. I had some sheep and some other food that was very different. It was weird for me even though some people eat that here in the U.S. it isn't the average meal.

A Bronx Tale

The movie A Bronx Tale is a story that gives us insight about how greatly our environment and surroundings can affect and influence us.  Living in this neighborhood Calogero was placed with many different groups that influenced him; whether or not he liked it. Calogero was able to be influenced by sonny without not following in their footsteps.  His father was very protective and didn't want C to to get involved with Sonny and his gang.  Calogero is involved in his group of friends, sonny, and sonny's gang, and his family. I put sonny's gang in a different group because I felt that him and Sonny had a whole different bond. In my own life I have many groups I am associated with. Even though I have a big group I am a part of their is a smaller part within this group. I am mainly influenced by my smaller group of friends than I am with the group as a whole. The neighborhood is socially constructed through those with similar backgrounds or interests. Now days I don't think a lot of neighborhoods are based like that. In some places it might still apply. In my neighborhood and those around me there are many cultures and elasticities.

What Shapes us?

This week in class we were asked to list groups that we believed influences us or any group that we are a part of. These groups that we belong to make up who we are. We disscused in class how sociologists can study an individual through these different groups. I found that for me church and family were most likely my top two groups that influence me the most. For example, being mormon and a part of christianity has shaped my beliefs and my standards. Without the church I would not be the person I am. Things would be a lt different, for example because of the church I do not swear and I have very high standards when it comes to my self worth. My family has helped me to become a responsible and hard working person. I think if I didn't grow up in the same financial situation or with hardworking parents that I would be more greedy or lazy. There are many groups we are a part of and some of them we may not like. Groups like my age and me being female are not groups are was given a choice with. Another group would be being a senior girl from Stevenson. These groups aren't ones i've personally choosen, but they still do shape who I am. We tend to judge from the book of a cover and never really get to know someone as an individual. We sometimes tend to focus more on the groups a person is a part of rather then how the group has shaped them as an individual.We also tend to judge based on stereotypes or rumors. As we go throughout our lives we need to be able to look at groups and not judge who is in it, but rather how that group affects the individuals.

Abandon Ship!!!

This past Friday during class we participated in an activity involving a real life situation. 16 people were placed on a life boat and only nine could remain in order to keep them all from sinking. These people had to choose who should stay and who should go. Many people many people go with what they think is best,but is that whats best for everyone or just them? I am  one of those people. I have often viewed others as being selfish- or somewhat self-centered, but I have realized many of my actions often revolve around what best suits me. The first thing that came to mind for me was survival of the fitest. I personally when was decideing who should go thought of keeping those in better health and getting rid of the weaker links. Others saw it as those who have the least to lose should be thrown off. Thinking more about it later on I thought about how everyone was so willing to let everyone else get thrown off, but not one person offered or went willingly. We often don't think about putting others especially strangers needs before our own. Right away when we were told people had to leave the boat people began judging. Who are we to say one person deserves to live more than another? Or to say someone has more to lose than another. We take the very little we know in Today's society and judge and compare others off of that little piece we know. I was a sailor during this exercise and was the first to get kicked off the boat because I was told I had no one to lose. Who is to say I didn't or couldn't have had a great life and family ahead of me and lived a long life. We are so quik to judge and accuse one another. I know that at times I often am thinking of myself when  I do certain things and that is okay. I feel though that we need to be more open to those around us and see how we affect them. I believe the way we act and if we put others before us we can make a difference.