Title: And Justice For All?
Source: Experiences from the everyday observer
Relation: Discusses differences in treatment of different races, religion, or gender.
Commentary:
I wrote about something similar during this weeks discussion. I personally do not believe that the world will ever see a day when all people are treated equally by everyone. This is because there is so much discrimination already. Even friends may treat each other differently if they are of diverse backgrounds. It is the way people are. Instinctually, we think of our ways of life as "correct" and anything that is outside this scope, is simply abnormal to us. It is important for people to be aware of this, even subconsciously, to avoid becoming ignorant. I'm not only talking about stereotypes, but simple differences in lifestyle and background as well. Two people may be friends for years, but if one person is of one religion, and the other is of another, there is going to be natural feelings of separation from one another. This is many times subconscious. But when it comes down to it, if either person is religious even a little bit, they will feel different. Of course, this can be overcome by being aware of this, and understanding that differences do not necessarily mean extreme differentiation. But I think this has to be done individually. Something you do yourself, or you are raised to see things in that light. It can't be forced upon. I don't see, and certainly do not expect, to see a world where the majority of people will treat one another equally. As far as I'm concerned, disappointments are directly related to your expectations...and there is really only so much you can expect from humanity.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Rituals and Identity
Title: Sunday Breakfast
Source: Personal Experience
Relation: Comparing personal family rituals to how they shape my identity as the person I am today.
Commentary: Every Sunday my family would get together and have our breakfast. My sister would sometimes join us if she could get off from work. This breakfast was special, and it was different than the other days. It became a ritual for my family. It usually started off as casual conversation, then arguing, then resolution and casual conversation once again.
We did this every week, or tried to at least. I grew up loving Sunday morning, even when we didn't get together, because in my head i associated Sunday morning as a "happy" time in my head. Things are different here in school, away from home, but I still kept that idea of closure and stability that my family taught me to hold on to wherever I go.
Source: Personal Experience
Relation: Comparing personal family rituals to how they shape my identity as the person I am today.
Commentary: Every Sunday my family would get together and have our breakfast. My sister would sometimes join us if she could get off from work. This breakfast was special, and it was different than the other days. It became a ritual for my family. It usually started off as casual conversation, then arguing, then resolution and casual conversation once again.
We did this every week, or tried to at least. I grew up loving Sunday morning, even when we didn't get together, because in my head i associated Sunday morning as a "happy" time in my head. Things are different here in school, away from home, but I still kept that idea of closure and stability that my family taught me to hold on to wherever I go.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Family Relations
Title: Stress on a family...for the better or worse?
Source: Personal example of my family's household.
Relation: Describes family relations and their connection to deterioration or strength on the family unit.
Commentary: No family is perfect, and every family has arguments. It wouldn't be normal if a family was always "happy go lucky". Therefore, we are left with either the family that argues occasionally, or the family that argues constantly. Then we are left with the outcome of those arguments. Not short term, but long term. Let's take the family that argues all the time as an example. This family disagrees on a lot of things. The mom is working in the house, the dad is doing business outside the house, the daughter recently discovered boys, and the teenage boy goes through his rebellious stage of wanting to destroy everything. This was my family a few years ago. And although my parents are together, and we are a close family, based on the image I just sketched out, you may see where this family would run into some bumps.
So this somewhat hypothetical family argues. Ok...now what? Most likely the short term outcome is where everyone is pissed off at each other and they go their own ways temporarily to cool their tempers after a heated argument. Technically speaking, their are two ways this could go down next. Either the family works things out, and becomes a stronger family unit, OR the family simply cannot understand each other and they slowly begin to deteriorate. To say there is an "in between" would be saying that the actual argument was never addressed, therefore shrugged off. This would also make the family weaker by disregarding issues and important matters that need to be worked out.
I have been a guest in the household of both these types of families when the argument went down, and it was very interesting seeing how they both unfolded in very different ways, and how their results differ from my own.
Source: Personal example of my family's household.
Relation: Describes family relations and their connection to deterioration or strength on the family unit.
Commentary: No family is perfect, and every family has arguments. It wouldn't be normal if a family was always "happy go lucky". Therefore, we are left with either the family that argues occasionally, or the family that argues constantly. Then we are left with the outcome of those arguments. Not short term, but long term. Let's take the family that argues all the time as an example. This family disagrees on a lot of things. The mom is working in the house, the dad is doing business outside the house, the daughter recently discovered boys, and the teenage boy goes through his rebellious stage of wanting to destroy everything. This was my family a few years ago. And although my parents are together, and we are a close family, based on the image I just sketched out, you may see where this family would run into some bumps.
So this somewhat hypothetical family argues. Ok...now what? Most likely the short term outcome is where everyone is pissed off at each other and they go their own ways temporarily to cool their tempers after a heated argument. Technically speaking, their are two ways this could go down next. Either the family works things out, and becomes a stronger family unit, OR the family simply cannot understand each other and they slowly begin to deteriorate. To say there is an "in between" would be saying that the actual argument was never addressed, therefore shrugged off. This would also make the family weaker by disregarding issues and important matters that need to be worked out.
I have been a guest in the household of both these types of families when the argument went down, and it was very interesting seeing how they both unfolded in very different ways, and how their results differ from my own.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Speech Acts
Title: Sarcastic apologies
Source: This happens all the time, specifically between two people who are not on good circumstances.
Relation: Shows the speech act of apologizing, but how it can be skewed to mean something extremely different, simply by utterance and tone.
Commentary: Typically, apologies are meant to be sincere. It is a way for someone to recognize that they have done something wrong, and looking for either some kind of forgiveness or understanding. If I spilled soda on someone's shirt, I would say "Oh, I'm so sorry." And hopefully they would be understanding.
But for this blog, I wanted to focus on a different aspect of the apology. The sarcastic apology. Sometimes, we actually intend to do something wrong, and we apologize almost as a way to spite that person. To show them, "Yea, I'm aware I just spilled something on you. Oops..." Its displayed by the tone. Without the right tone of voice, the apology could perhaps be mistaken for a sincere apology. Usually, the intentions are very clear, for the tone of voice almost comes naturally when somebody means to be sarcastic. For this reason, sarcasm via TEXT doesn't always work out as planned! You could say something sarcastically, and the person reads it in their head a completely different way. We have ALL done this, and sometimes its funny, sometimes its just awful.
Source: This happens all the time, specifically between two people who are not on good circumstances.
Relation: Shows the speech act of apologizing, but how it can be skewed to mean something extremely different, simply by utterance and tone.
Commentary: Typically, apologies are meant to be sincere. It is a way for someone to recognize that they have done something wrong, and looking for either some kind of forgiveness or understanding. If I spilled soda on someone's shirt, I would say "Oh, I'm so sorry." And hopefully they would be understanding.
But for this blog, I wanted to focus on a different aspect of the apology. The sarcastic apology. Sometimes, we actually intend to do something wrong, and we apologize almost as a way to spite that person. To show them, "Yea, I'm aware I just spilled something on you. Oops..." Its displayed by the tone. Without the right tone of voice, the apology could perhaps be mistaken for a sincere apology. Usually, the intentions are very clear, for the tone of voice almost comes naturally when somebody means to be sarcastic. For this reason, sarcasm via TEXT doesn't always work out as planned! You could say something sarcastically, and the person reads it in their head a completely different way. We have ALL done this, and sometimes its funny, sometimes its just awful.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Frame
Title: Frame of mind and brainwashing
Source: text from RR (98-99)
Relation: Description of "frame" and analysis on the development and outcomes. Connection to the idea of brainwashing.
Commentary: By definition, frames are the mental structures that shape the way we see the world. So therefore, as far as I see it, "brainwashing" would be considered the development of some frames. I'm definitely not saying that all frames are a form of brainwash. But I do believe that some would be considered as such. This is especially true when one is young, or at a vulnerable age where the mind is just starting to form basic ideas of the word on it's own. That's where parents come into the picture.
Parents who raise their kids, do so in a certain way that THEY see fit. So it could be something like teaching your kid that germs are bad and if you don't protect yourself you will get a virus. Or it could be something along the lines of having a racist parent, and being brought up in that household. Either way, both examples would definitely shape a young child's mind into something that it was exposed to.
Of course the person can grow to change the pattern, or their frame of mind. Radical changes in the way a person thinks was discussed in the text. For example, I was the kid who always thought I was going to get sick. It wasn't until I really thought about why, when I discovered it was because it was the way I was raised. I am a living product of my upbringing. Everybody is. And like it or not, it's a form of brainwash, because we are too young and naive and a certain age to understand whether or not we should argue or believe our own mental development.
Source: text from RR (98-99)
Relation: Description of "frame" and analysis on the development and outcomes. Connection to the idea of brainwashing.
Commentary: By definition, frames are the mental structures that shape the way we see the world. So therefore, as far as I see it, "brainwashing" would be considered the development of some frames. I'm definitely not saying that all frames are a form of brainwash. But I do believe that some would be considered as such. This is especially true when one is young, or at a vulnerable age where the mind is just starting to form basic ideas of the word on it's own. That's where parents come into the picture.
Parents who raise their kids, do so in a certain way that THEY see fit. So it could be something like teaching your kid that germs are bad and if you don't protect yourself you will get a virus. Or it could be something along the lines of having a racist parent, and being brought up in that household. Either way, both examples would definitely shape a young child's mind into something that it was exposed to.
Of course the person can grow to change the pattern, or their frame of mind. Radical changes in the way a person thinks was discussed in the text. For example, I was the kid who always thought I was going to get sick. It wasn't until I really thought about why, when I discovered it was because it was the way I was raised. I am a living product of my upbringing. Everybody is. And like it or not, it's a form of brainwash, because we are too young and naive and a certain age to understand whether or not we should argue or believe our own mental development.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Culturally Specific Illness and Cure
Title: Susto
Source: http://www.rice.edu/projects/HispanicHealth/Courses/mod7/susto.html
Relation: Displays diversity among cultures and the psychology of "medicine" within a specific example.
Commentary: Susto is a cultural illness, specifically a fright sickness. People with Susto commonly have strong psychological effects. Common in Mexico, South America, and Central America, it is believed to be the actual loss of soul from the body, typically related to some type of traumatic experience or loss. "Espanto" is a more fatal case of this illness. This case shows a strong relation to psychology within this group. Psychologists as we know them would probably discard this theory, due to the actual physical loss of the soul from the traumatic experience. However, apparently it is not all too uncommon in certain parts of the world.
Some symptoms of Susto include anorexia, nervousness, diarrhea, and insomnia. There is a ceremony known as the limpieza, where the victim recalls the traumatic event, lays down on a crucifix, and allows the healer to pray and try to cleanse him. Other treatments of Susto include the consumption of orange blossom and marijuana tea. Figs boiled in vinegar is also supposed to work for treating Susto.
Source: http://www.rice.edu/projects/HispanicHealth/Courses/mod7/susto.html
Relation: Displays diversity among cultures and the psychology of "medicine" within a specific example.
Commentary: Susto is a cultural illness, specifically a fright sickness. People with Susto commonly have strong psychological effects. Common in Mexico, South America, and Central America, it is believed to be the actual loss of soul from the body, typically related to some type of traumatic experience or loss. "Espanto" is a more fatal case of this illness. This case shows a strong relation to psychology within this group. Psychologists as we know them would probably discard this theory, due to the actual physical loss of the soul from the traumatic experience. However, apparently it is not all too uncommon in certain parts of the world.
Some symptoms of Susto include anorexia, nervousness, diarrhea, and insomnia. There is a ceremony known as the limpieza, where the victim recalls the traumatic event, lays down on a crucifix, and allows the healer to pray and try to cleanse him. Other treatments of Susto include the consumption of orange blossom and marijuana tea. Figs boiled in vinegar is also supposed to work for treating Susto.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Political Anatomy
Title: Power of music on the mind. A form of brainwash?
Source: Personal experiences. Summer 2011
Relation: An example of how the music at parties are supposed to control the way you act.
Commentary: Summer of 2011 was full of fun parties, events, kickbacks, and other "get togethers." But something I could never help but notice was the music played at all these events. Whether a dj or ipod was playing the music, it all had a similar effect upon the party-goers.
Everyone knows about raves, and although an extreme example to my point, it serves well. The music is loud, upbeat, lots of bass, and usually has a rhythm that goes with the strobe lights. I think, why is this necessary. Well it definitely helps get people moving. Even the most shy people of the group will be dancing. It adds to the overall party experience. Then again, it also may be a road leading to other things.
Lyrics many times are suggestive of drinking, drugs, sex, etc... It can be easy to "get into" that mindset when listening to that music. It is almost subliminal messaging, since many times can be subconsciously effecting our choices. Check that again. I never said it is the reason, I only said it sometimes effects our choices.
Almost all parties attended that summer played music that either suggested sex, drugs, or drinking, or had fast, techno beats. Then I looked around and thought, "If Frank Sinatra was being played through the stereo right now, I don't think there would be as much "risky activity" going on. Then again, Frank Sinatra himself was a drinker and cigarette smoker, so the effects of his music upon listeners is only based on the actual music itself. Do I think that Frank Sinatra should be played at parties for teenagers? No. I'm just making a point. But it would be interesting to see that turnout...
Don't get me wrong, my guilty pleasure is listening to rap, and even some downright awful beats played through youtube. But sometimes it seems as if what we are hearing, consciously or subconsciously, can effect the way we act in certain environments.
Source: Personal experiences. Summer 2011
Relation: An example of how the music at parties are supposed to control the way you act.
Commentary: Summer of 2011 was full of fun parties, events, kickbacks, and other "get togethers." But something I could never help but notice was the music played at all these events. Whether a dj or ipod was playing the music, it all had a similar effect upon the party-goers.
Everyone knows about raves, and although an extreme example to my point, it serves well. The music is loud, upbeat, lots of bass, and usually has a rhythm that goes with the strobe lights. I think, why is this necessary. Well it definitely helps get people moving. Even the most shy people of the group will be dancing. It adds to the overall party experience. Then again, it also may be a road leading to other things.
Lyrics many times are suggestive of drinking, drugs, sex, etc... It can be easy to "get into" that mindset when listening to that music. It is almost subliminal messaging, since many times can be subconsciously effecting our choices. Check that again. I never said it is the reason, I only said it sometimes effects our choices.
Almost all parties attended that summer played music that either suggested sex, drugs, or drinking, or had fast, techno beats. Then I looked around and thought, "If Frank Sinatra was being played through the stereo right now, I don't think there would be as much "risky activity" going on. Then again, Frank Sinatra himself was a drinker and cigarette smoker, so the effects of his music upon listeners is only based on the actual music itself. Do I think that Frank Sinatra should be played at parties for teenagers? No. I'm just making a point. But it would be interesting to see that turnout...
Don't get me wrong, my guilty pleasure is listening to rap, and even some downright awful beats played through youtube. But sometimes it seems as if what we are hearing, consciously or subconsciously, can effect the way we act in certain environments.
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