12. April 2009 by student.

Schizophrenia

Narrator: Tyler, what the f*** is going on here?
Tyler Durden: I ask you for one thing, one simple thing.
Narrator: Why do people think that I’m you? Answer me!
Tyler Durden: Sit.
Narrator: Now answer me, why do people think that I’m you.
Tyler Durden: I think you know.
Narrator: No, I don’t.
Tyler Durden: Yes, you do. Why would anyone possibly confuse you with me?
Narrator: Uh… I… I don’t know.
[Random flashbacks]
Tyler Durden: You got it.
Narrator: No.
Tyler Durden: Say it.
Narrator: Because…
Tyler Durden: Say it.
Narrator: Because we’re the same person.
Tyler Durden: That’s right

This scene is from Fight Club. The main characters are two different actors that become “acquaintances” and start a Fight Club and get into other trouble. Although the story line is way more descriptive, at one point in the movie, a big turn of events proceeds. The narrator and other main actor, Tyler, are the same person. The narrator is a schizophrenic man who created an image of someone else he dreamed of being. Although kind of crazy, there are many people who suffer from this serious mental disorder. Their thought processes and social skills are different than the norm.

Schizophrenia can be defined as a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disease. Only one percent of the population develops schizophrenia during their lifetime and more than 2 million Americans suffer from the illness each year.

Tyler Durden: All the ways you wish you could be, that’s me. I look like you wanna look, I f*** like you wanna f***, I am smart, capable, and most importantly, I am free in all the ways that you are not.

People with schizophrenia have different perceptions of reality then the people around them. A schizophrenic’s world is distorted by hallucinations and delusions who may feel frightened, anxious, and confused.

Narrator: Look, nobody takes this more seriously than me. That condo was my life, okay? I loved every stick of furniture in that place. That was not just a bunch of stuff that got destroyed, it was ME!
[voice-over]
Narrator: I’d like to thank the Academy…

Because a person with this disorder can have different perceptions of reality, they may behave differently at various times. At this scene in the movie, the narrator’s apartment caught fire and everything was ruined. At this time, viewers don’t know it, but the narrator blew up his own things when he was in a schizophrenic state as Tyler.

Narrator: [on phone with Marla] Marla, did we ever have sex?
Marla Singer: What? Do you mean did I think we were just having sex or making love?
Narrator: Marla, just answer the question. Did we ever have sex?
Marla Singer: Ok. You f*** me, then snub me. You love me, you hate me. You show me a sensitive side, then you turn into a total asshole. Is this a pretty accurate description of our relationship, Tyler?
Narrator: Wait. What did you just call me?
Marla Singer: Tyler. Tyler Durden. Tyler Durden, you crazy f***!

Psychosis, a phase in this disorder of mental impairment marked by hallucinations that are clearly false, but strong personal beliefs make it difficult for the individual to separate real from unreal experiences. The narrator didn’t recall having sex with this woman and at the same time he becomes aware that his name is Tyler Durden.

Narrator: I wasn’t really dying. I wasn’t host to cancer or parasites. I was the warm little center that the life of this world crowded around

Less obvious symptoms, such as social isolation or withdrawal, or unusual speech, thinking, or behavior, may precede, be seen along with, or follow the psychotic symptoms. Instead of normal interaction with other human beings, the narrator engages in support groups for various diseases (cancer, sickle cell, etc.) to cope with his emotions and chronic insomnia.

Even though, “Fight Club” is a movie and movies are usually over exaggerated, it provides substantial information about Schizophrenia and the problems people with the disorder face.  Although Schizophrenia only affects a small percentage of the population, the severity of the disease and symptoms has a direct role in social inequality. Having a mental disability lowers your social status. Since this disease is not normal and can affect the social interaction and communication between others, it may be difficult to “fit in” with society normally.

Posted in Introduction to Sociology | 2 Comments »

12. April 2009 by student.

Piercings are a way of expressing one’s individuality to the world. Coming from someone who has had quite a few piercings, I think I am an expert on this fashion statement. I never really questioned why I liked getting pierced. I came across a study that explores the reasons why people become body modifiers. It states: “Personality type correlates with one’s ability to be able to tolerate and control pain… those who have low anxiety have the highest tolerance…. ‘Body Modifiers,’-those who place themselves in pain-…not only do this for commercial value, but to translate an inner emotional turmoil into a physical representation, as well as define their individuality.”  

I have a high tolerance for pain and mild anxiety because of every day stressful situations. If I needed to take my mind off things, I would get something pierced. It was like killing two birds with one stone; my emotional state brightened and I had a new accessory to show off.  Even though, most of the time, I would have to deal with my problems after getting a piercing, I felt revived and stable; the irrationality of each situation disappeared and I could tackle everything on my plate in a sane matter. Without realizing it, getting pierced became a ritual for me; it was also something I increasingly enjoyed as I modified my body more and more. It sounds peculiar, but I actually liked the pain; I was in control of the situation and excited about the outcome.

Freedom of expression started my love of piercings. I loved getting the radical response, “How many piercings do you have?!” A five minute conversation would occur: when, where, and why do you have so many? I guess I liked the fact that I had a reason to stand out, without being ashamed of my individuality. Although I didn’t get the best reactions, from a good amount of people, my parents included, I would never take them out for anyone, but myself. I believe if you are comfortable enough to express personality through a physical attribute, why not do it? What is the fun in being safe? What is the fun in being “normal?” How do you even define normal? The problem with our society is that we only focus on OUR society. It is hard to remember the cultures that express their eccentricity through different and unique ways. Some cultures demonstrate their beauty through how many rings can be placed around their necks or the size of a disk they can place in their lips.  Many African, South American and Amazonian tribes distinguish the size of lip plates based on status and beauty. The bigger the plate, the more “power” attained. These odd expressions are normal and accepted completely in those cultures.

Even though, I love the fact that body modification still hasn’t become the latest trend, why can’t piercings, tattoos, etc. be completely accepted here, too? Is it fair to this generation, and the ones hereafter, to be subdued to norms of the past? I think not! Next time someone is walking down the hall, has a blue Mohawk and a septum piercing, try not to look disgusted. Appreciate and embrace the poise they carry. Who knows, they could be your future best friend or soul mate going through a rebellious phase.

Posted in Introduction to Sociology | 1 Comment »

12. April 2009 by student.

Have you seen Marijuana Inc: Inside America’s Pot Industry? This show can be seen on MSNBC. It takes a look inside the marijuana-growing industry in California. Although Marijuana is illegal on a federal level everywhere (including California), marijuana can be grown and sold for medical use in California on a state level. I chose to write a blog on this topic because as stated in the show: if marijuana was not grown and sold in California, the economy in California would go haywire.

I found this interesting because Marijuana is still illegal, but is helping the economic situation in America. Since California state laws have passed, this illegal plant has created revenue and many jobs in California. Marijuana can account for two-thirds of the local economy in California! Well, might you ask why hasn’t it spread across state lines, especially if it is helping the economy? The answer: Marijuana is still not accepted in today’s society. Although 11 states have decreased penalties for possession of marijuana to minor fines and we can clearly see the positive side of the industry, it comes with downfalls. Growing and selling marijuana is dangerous. Due to social conflict in this area, one family in Mendocino County (the growing capital) decided to move out from their home because they wanted to protect their family’s health and safety. Mendocino County’s social power is torn between the pot agriculturalists and the community, but marijuana is definitely winning the battle here.  More and more people are navigating toward the Emerald Triangle, the only place, to typically, be safe (and safe is a hazy word) when growing marijuana.

Although, unfair to residents that came before these gardens, they must accept inequality and social change of the area. Illegal drugs and crime have always been related in society. Rise in crime in this area has also surged. Police say that thieves are targeting homes believed to be filled with marijuana plants. When you invite the Devil into your home, be ready for the repercussions! Keep in mind that these houses could be home to an average family. Marijuana is grown as a job to receive income. This also illustrates social instability in everyday culture and norms. The people less expected to grow cannabis are the ones who are profiting the most from this plant..

Think about it, before the war on drugs began ancient people from the past and some of the most intelligent people from the 20^th century used marijuana. Cannabis Sativa dates all the way back to 2300 B.C. This plant also can also provide Hemp, a fast-growing biomass. Hemp was included into the cultures of the Middle East and India for food, oil, fiber, medicinal and drug uses. Not only was hemp a staple of everyday life; hemp medicines and drugs were a ritual link to the gods.

Every year, thousands of people are arrested for marijuana offenses. Some are punished by fines, probation, and even jail depending on the offense. If the time and money were put towards other drugs that are affecting the social quality of our nation (such as heroin, cocaine or meth) rather than the cannabis plant, the problems with drugs would substantially decrease.  Ideally and economically, if marijuana growing industry were to spread and work effectively, marijuana would need to be seen differently. Not as a drug, but as a product yielding an exceptional amount of money. If not, a continuous struggle between powerful groups and this plant will continue to rein.

http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana/factsmyths/

http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/mj018.htm

http://www.cnbc.com/id/28281668/

Posted in Introduction to Sociology | 2 Comments »

12. April 2009 by student.

A couple of weeks ago, I walked into Hooters on Fort Myers Beach and immediately thought “where are these girls’ hooters?!” As stereotypical as this may sound, the majority of people would agree that when you think of Hooters, a big pair breasts is the first thing on your mind. My post isn’t about knocking down the girls on the beach, but the fact that society (including myself) has developed certain images for places like this.

Gender stereotypes vary on four dimensions: traits, role behaviors, physical characteristics, and occupations. Men and women may be judged by how well they match to traditional stereotypes. A friend of mine works at Hooters, but she is incredibly intelligent and is attending college for Biology. She works at Hooters because it pays well; and she has to pay for school on her own. She told me working there gets exhausting because of the remarks she must hear constantly. For example, a male customer, presumably drunk, told her that he “never knew Hooters girls were smart,” after he asked what she did in her spare time. Her job in mind, my friend could only bear a grin, laugh a bit and let it go. “Behavior is strongly influenced by gender roles when cultures endorse gender stereotypes and form firm expectations based on those stereotypes.” Yes, these remarks are to be expected; and the customer, as shallow as he may have been, was following the norm, but does that give him or anyone else the right to make suggestive comments because it is so-called normal?  

Symbolic value can also be seen in this situation. Gender roles are closely linked with gender stereotypes. Stereotypes are “over generalized beliefs about people based on their membership in one of many social categories.” For example, you enter the Emergency Room; don’t you imagine an older, white male, in a white coat to come assist you? If you go to Hooters, a big breasted female in orange shorts is what you expect to see.

Maintaining a stable and respectable job is an accepted value, leading you on a path to a successful life, BUT having a temporary job, in the meantime, comes with a price. Whether it is being degraded, antagonized or misrepresented, social inequality sticks out like a sore thumb!

http://family.jrank.org/pages/686/Gender-Gender-Roles-Stereotypes.html

Posted in Introduction to Sociology | 1 Comment »

12. April 2009 by student.

I wake up every evening with a big smile on my face
And it never feels out of place
And you’re still probably working at a 9 to 5 pace
I wonder how bad that tastes

When you see my face
Hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell
When you walk my way
Hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell

Now where’s your picket fence, love?
And where’s that shiny car?
And did it ever get you far?
You never seemed so tense, love
I’ve never seen you fall so hard
Do you know where you are?

And truth be told I miss you
And truth be told I’m lying

When you see my face
Hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell
When you walk my way
Hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell

If you find a man that’s worth a damn and treats you well
Then he’s a fool, you’re just as well, hope it gives you hell
I hope it gives you hell

Tomorrow you’ll be thinking to yourself
Yeah, where did it all go wrong?
But the list goes on and on

(chorus)

Now you’ll never see what you’ve done to me
You can take back your memories, they’re no good to me
And here’s all your lies, you can look me in the eyes
With the sad, sad look that you wear so well

(chorus)

When you hear this song and you sing along, well you’ll never tell
And you’re the fool, I’m just as well, hope it gives you hell
When you hear this song I hope that it will give you hell
You can sing along, I hope that it puts you through hell

I don’t want to come off as bitter, but this song makes me smile every time I hear it. When I first heard the song, and the times thereafter, I would sing with enthusiasm because maybe, if I sung loud enough, the person I dedicated the song to would hear and realize what an idiot they were. If not, it made me feel better to think that way. This song holds personal, symbolic value. It was a coping mechanism I used to get over someone I had feelings for. I’m sure that if this song didn’t exist, I would have found another song to replace it or dealt with my feelings in another way. I didn’t realize, until I researched, but there are many different coping mechanisms. “Coping mechanisms can be described as the sum total of ways in which we deal with minor to major stress and trauma. Some of these processes are unconscious ones, others are learned behavior, and others are skills we consciously master in order to reduce stress, or other intense emotions like depression.”

The amount of adrenaline flowing through our bodies increases when we are stressed or experiencing other intense emotions. Coping mechanisms help control emotions that derive from these experiences. Some mechanisms are not helpful or beneficial to a person’s health; they can even intensify emotions. Some mechanisms that aren’t helpful are “Self-harm Mechanisms.” These involve an individual’s emotional problems developing into physical problems. For example, worrying too much about a stressful situation can cause someone to develop ulcers, rashes, or even paralysis for a short period of time because of the large amount of stress they put on their bodies. The effects depend on the problem the individual is faced with. Another category of coping mechanisms are called Avoidance Mechanisms. These types are when an individual rather avoid the issue at hand and create excuses to disregard problems they are going through. Even though they may not be observed or recognized, people use these types of mechanisms on a daily basis. One mechanism that I found interesting is called Passive-Aggression. A person who uses passive-aggressive method to cope with stresses on them does this by ‘attacking’ others through passive means. I have been on both ends of this mechanism: as the person attacking another and as the person being attacked. Upon think about this mechanism, I realized that I only engage in this mechanism with people I feel most comfortable with. It is easier to attack someone who won’t return any hurtful remarks because they care and know something isn’t right. From the story behind the song mentioned to discussing coping mechanisms, people deal with issues in different ways, but we all use the same sociological methods of coping.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-coping-mechanisms.htm

http://changingminds.org/explanations/behaviors/coping/coping.htm

Posted in Introduction to Sociology | 1 Comment »