Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Chapt. 9 Global Stratification
Comments on "Bottom of the Barrel", a Newsweek article on pp.260-261.
Human labor trafficking not only exist in 2nd and 3rd world countries, it also happens here. Another story based in Kansas City, Mo. In 2008 it was found that a local Ice Cream Truck Vending company was importing young workers from the former Soviet Union with a promise of high wages and educational opportunities. When the arrived their passports were confiscated, and they were put to work driving Ice Cream Trucks that circle neighborhoods to sell Ice Cream bars. They were forced to live in the warehouse and sleep on cots. They were lock in every evening and their pay was withheld for "room and board". Their employers were from other former Soviet countries. one of those "..stans". Finally the ring was broken up. Some of the employers escaped, other arrested. I don't know what happened to the "students". Yes, even in the heartland of America it happens.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Chapt.8 Social Stratification. Seeing Sociology in Everyday Life
Answers to the questions at the end of the article "When Class Gets Personal: Picking (with) Your Friends.
1. Why do you think Max felt that two college teachers would not enjoy spending time with him?
Most people in our society base their friendship around the level of education they've received. We tend to associate with those who have a similar range of vocabulary.
2. How does his reaction suggest that people take social position personally?
We tend to think that people with a higher education, especially those people whose professions exhibit such disparity, are better than we are. That we would have nothing in common. Not only in our incomes but our interest.
3. Can you think of a similar experience you have had with someone of a different social position?
No. Actually I can't.
1. Why do you think Max felt that two college teachers would not enjoy spending time with him?
Most people in our society base their friendship around the level of education they've received. We tend to associate with those who have a similar range of vocabulary.
2. How does his reaction suggest that people take social position personally?
We tend to think that people with a higher education, especially those people whose professions exhibit such disparity, are better than we are. That we would have nothing in common. Not only in our incomes but our interest.
3. Can you think of a similar experience you have had with someone of a different social position?
No. Actually I can't.
Chapt. 7 Deviance. Hate Crime Laws: Do They Punish Actions or Atitudes?
In 2006 I moved back to the continental United States (Kansas City) from 20 years of living in the Caribbean. In 2007 a trio of young white men were drinking at a bar in a Northeast section of the city. After a while they got into their car circled the neighborhood until they found a early 30's year old Black man coming home from work, lunch pail in his hand. They jump out of their car pushed him into an ally and beat him to death. When asked why they did it they said they just wanted to kill a black man.
In Chapt. 7 on pg 189 in the THINKING ABOUT DIVERSITY article, the subject is Hate Crime Laws. Here are my answers to the questions at the bottom of the article.
1. Do you think crimes motivated by hate are more harmful than those by, say, greed?
Yes I do. Hate crimes are more brutal. The dragging of a man tied with a chain behind a pick up truck. Tying a person to a tree and beating them to death. A beating by someone for robbery is quick and usually doesn't result in death or crippling. The opposite is usually true with hate crimes. Why? It is perpetrated to have an impact on the community that is the intended receiver of the message. "Stay in your place!" "Leave!"
2. Do you think minorities such as African Americans should be subject to the same hate crime laws as white people?
Yes. However it is very rare for such occurrence. Crimes of Black people beating/killing whites almost always fall into 4 categories: greed (robbery), drugs, perceived disrespect, and rape.
3. On balance, do you favor or oppose hate crime laws?
I favor them. Why? While hate crime laws will not change attitudes (only time will change that) it will make those who contemplate doing them (since that are always premeditated over a period of time) think of the consequences if they know that they (the laws) are rigorously enforced.
In Chapt. 7 on pg 189 in the THINKING ABOUT DIVERSITY article, the subject is Hate Crime Laws. Here are my answers to the questions at the bottom of the article.
1. Do you think crimes motivated by hate are more harmful than those by, say, greed?
Yes I do. Hate crimes are more brutal. The dragging of a man tied with a chain behind a pick up truck. Tying a person to a tree and beating them to death. A beating by someone for robbery is quick and usually doesn't result in death or crippling. The opposite is usually true with hate crimes. Why? It is perpetrated to have an impact on the community that is the intended receiver of the message. "Stay in your place!" "Leave!"
2. Do you think minorities such as African Americans should be subject to the same hate crime laws as white people?
Yes. However it is very rare for such occurrence. Crimes of Black people beating/killing whites almost always fall into 4 categories: greed (robbery), drugs, perceived disrespect, and rape.
3. On balance, do you favor or oppose hate crime laws?
I favor them. Why? While hate crime laws will not change attitudes (only time will change that) it will make those who contemplate doing them (since that are always premeditated over a period of time) think of the consequences if they know that they (the laws) are rigorously enforced.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Chapt. 6 Sexuality and Society: On Teen Pregancy
On Teen Pregnancy
I think the most important issue in this chapter was teen pregnancy. the text states that there are about 750.00 teen pregnancies per year in the U.S. As the book states most teens do not have the maturity to take care of themselves let alone raise a child (many adults either, but that is another issue). Most will not complete high school. Forget about college. They usually end up living in poverty. Or worse selling drugs or become strippers to raise their child which may lead to jail or prostitution.
Efforts could be made to reduce and stem the growth of teen pregnancy be providing birth control counseling at middle and birth control at high school. For those teen unfortunate to become pregnant during their high school years child care should be provided by the schools so that the teens (both mother and father) can continue their education.
I think the most important issue in this chapter was teen pregnancy. the text states that there are about 750.00 teen pregnancies per year in the U.S. As the book states most teens do not have the maturity to take care of themselves let alone raise a child (many adults either, but that is another issue). Most will not complete high school. Forget about college. They usually end up living in poverty. Or worse selling drugs or become strippers to raise their child which may lead to jail or prostitution.
Efforts could be made to reduce and stem the growth of teen pregnancy be providing birth control counseling at middle and birth control at high school. For those teen unfortunate to become pregnant during their high school years child care should be provided by the schools so that the teens (both mother and father) can continue their education.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Chapt. 5 Groups and Organiztions
In Chapt. 5, Groups and Organizations, the article in Controversy & Debate (Computer Technology, Large Organization and the Assault on Privacy) discusses many real problems on today world of the every increasing use of the microchip to advance wider communication and other technology. Anyone with just a little knowledge can steal someone Else's identity, tack a persons real time movements from afar via their cell phone are microchips in their car, or monitor what we watch on TV or check out from the public library. It is the price we pay for the new connivance of the new technologies. On my Facebook account I've found out that by being completely open on things that are already public and closely monitoring what is post I can proactively control that aspect of my life. On other things (cell phone, car tracking) I just accept it.
Chapt. 4, Seeing Sociology in the News - "Putting Your Best Cyberface Foward"
Chapter 4 - Social Interaction in Everyday Life - impression management. I am currently involved in using impression management through my Facebook Page Chef Clarence Shields. It is my way of networking with the culinary world to help me with my culinary education and hopefully new career. In it you will find contact of over 2000 culinary professionals from every segment of the profession. Students, Executive Chefs, Food Writers, Food Stylist, Sommeliars, Etc. There are also about 30 or so family and friend as contacts too. Am I engaged in "impression management". Definitely YES. I do not stray from the truth. I am a Chef having been a Pitmaster at a Famous BBQ restaurant in Kansas City, MO. and am graduate of a culinary school in Kansas, City also. I use real photos of my present self. My resume is post on there with my real address and phone number. To advance in today work world (especially when starting a new career at my age) one must use all the tools available. Cyberspace via Facebook, Linked In, YouTube (just ask Justin Beiber), etc. is a great asset that can be used to accomplish ones goals. Visit me at Chef Clarence Shields on Facebook.
Chapter 3 Controversy & Debate- Are We free Within Society?
In reading the article "Are We Free within Society?" on page 91 I tend to agree with Meads analysis that while we are greatly influenced as individuals be society, we also can rebel against the restraints society tries to put on us and chart our own course through the murky waters of life. Therefore I ascribe to the poem by William Earnest Henley that my parents made us learn when we were young. "Out of the night that covers me,Black as the pit from pole to pole,I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate:I am the captain of my soul."
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate:I am the captain of my soul."
Chapter 2 - Seeing Sociology In Everyday Life
In the article on page 45 of Chapter 2, New Symbols in the World of Instant Messaging is discussed. Here are my answers to the questions at the end of the article.
1. What does the fact the we create new symbols all the time suggest about culture?
The ever increasing amount of new symbols to represent ideas, believes and concepts in our lives come from the changes that occur as new technology, greater communication amungst people around the world and new ideals in politics, morality and spiritualality occur. The invention of the automobile lead to new symbols in the form of signs to communicate rules of the road which have in turn been adapted (the no crossing symbol of a red circle with a diaganal slash through it for example) to a variety of concepts both the communication of ideas in health (no smoking), politics (no to a legilative bill), and morality (no to abortion) for example. The simple creation of the "smiley face" for a radio station's promotion has benn blown up into a variety of symbols to express all sorts of emotions and concepts that are recognized around the world.
2. In terms of age, what catagory of people are most likely to use this type of communication? Why?
People born after the rise of personal computer, the cell phone, and the invention of email. It was during this time (actually some years before with the wider availablity of long distance telephone calling) that the art of personal letter writing began to diappear. The use of abbreviations came about because of the space restrictions of instant messaging.
3. What other kinds of synbols can you think of that are new to your generation?
I can't think of any at this time.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 17, 2011
In Tuesdays discussion of the general tenants of Sociology I found Sociological Theory and the three theoretical approaches - structural-functional, social-conflict and symbolic-interaction - the most interesting.
The Structural-Functional Approach seems to follow an authoritarian model. A form that from the onset seems to come from "the top down" in a way. Rigid. Standardized. With an assumed perfection that if anything doesn't conform to the norm (manifest functions) it is labeled as a social dysfunction. But because social dysfunctions exist another approach was discovered/created. That being the Social-Conflict Approach.
The Social-Conflict Approach seem to exist in opposition to the previous method but in reality is a way to explain socials dysfunctions by three sub categories of conflicts: class conflict, gender conflict and race/ethnic, and I would add to this subgroup cultural conflict. But even in these subgroups there are dysfunctions that need further examinations; so the Symbolic-Interaction Approach was formed.
In the Symbolic-Interaction Approach, the daily interplay between individuals are based on the interpretations of the manifest functions that are constantly coming into conflict (one or more of the three conflict sub categories) with each other. How they (each individual by themselves or as a collective) respond to the symbols associated with the manifest function either create new manifest (new norms) or new dysfunctions that either become part of an individuals value system or the groups (neighborhoods/city/town/state/nation/church/etc).
And the wheel starts turning again.
In Tuesdays discussion of the general tenants of Sociology I found Sociological Theory and the three theoretical approaches - structural-functional, social-conflict and symbolic-interaction - the most interesting.
The Structural-Functional Approach seems to follow an authoritarian model. A form that from the onset seems to come from "the top down" in a way. Rigid. Standardized. With an assumed perfection that if anything doesn't conform to the norm (manifest functions) it is labeled as a social dysfunction. But because social dysfunctions exist another approach was discovered/created. That being the Social-Conflict Approach.
The Social-Conflict Approach seem to exist in opposition to the previous method but in reality is a way to explain socials dysfunctions by three sub categories of conflicts: class conflict, gender conflict and race/ethnic, and I would add to this subgroup cultural conflict. But even in these subgroups there are dysfunctions that need further examinations; so the Symbolic-Interaction Approach was formed.
In the Symbolic-Interaction Approach, the daily interplay between individuals are based on the interpretations of the manifest functions that are constantly coming into conflict (one or more of the three conflict sub categories) with each other. How they (each individual by themselves or as a collective) respond to the symbols associated with the manifest function either create new manifest (new norms) or new dysfunctions that either become part of an individuals value system or the groups (neighborhoods/city/town/state/nation/church/etc).
And the wheel starts turning again.
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