1. April 2010 by student.

Some view gossip as a means for implementing social norms and upholding group harmony. In contrast, others believe that gossip is one of the most aggressive tool that people utilize in order to advance their own wellbeing. Most studies have been conducted in an informal environment such a American middle school cafeteria. In these cases, the studies showed that once a negative comment was made about a individual, the negative comment continued to grow unless someone instantly defended the target, for this is partly due to the social pressure to be in agreement with others.

Similar, new studies have shown that gossip in the workplace are also tremendously negative, but the negative comments were more sly and the discussions less obvious, according to a sociologist at Indiana University, Tim Hallett. Dr. Hallett explains that office gossip can be a form of reputational conflict and is richer and more complex than informal gossip. Also, people are more cautious in office gossip because that know that they are not only putting a friendship in jeopardy but also their job.

When studying teachers at a elementary school, Dr. Hallett explains that the teacher’s gossip never got as obviously mean as some teenage girls, but in several ways the outcomes were more broadly sensed.

Also some bosses have tried to illuminate gossip by implementing “no gossip zones,” it is more reasonable to try managing it according to Dr. Hallett. But, if someone has enough courage to defend the subject, gossip could be controlled in bout the informal and formal environments.

Reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/science/03tier.html?_r=1

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1. April 2010 by student.

Some say that Costa Rica has some of the happiest people in its country, and it is one of the very few countries that have gotten rid of its army. Moreover, World Database of Happiness conducted a Gallup survey of 148 nations, and Costa Rica was in the number one spot for happiness. Also, there are many different types of ways to measure happiness, but Costa Rica has stood all of the tests that have been conducted over time. Costa Rican’s average happiness was 8.5 based on a 10- point scale, while U.S. averaged 7.4. Some suggest that its high happiness rate is due to the amazing beaches around the boarder of its country, the natural parks, or the sloths that are playing in the jungle.

Surprisingly, in 1949, Costa Rica removed its army and instead invested that money in its education system, which resulted in a more stable society. In addition, this decision improved the economy by creating the ability to allow them to become one of the largest exporters of computer chips. Furthermore, this increased the countries English speaking skills, which in turn attracted more Americans to their country because of this. Increased emphasis on education also raised the level of environmental awareness.  As a result, Costa Rica’s environment has strengthened. Remarkably, even some Americans have migrated to Costa Rica because of it low- cost retirement.

Most Latin countries rake high in happiness surveys. Some suggest that this is due to emphasis on family and fiends in their culture, for the U.S. has more of an emphasis on financial capital.

Personally, I do not believe that America could implement this idea of banning armed forces because we have more enemies than countries such as Costa Rica. But, Costa Rica has definitely benefited from is decision to invest in education rather than armed forces.

Reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/opinion/07kristof.html

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1. April 2010 by student.

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1. April 2010 by student.

Advertising is everywhere today. It not only can influence adults, but it has a huge impact on children and advertisers know it. Television can be a powerful instrument for entertainment and education for children given the right programming. It’s what is being shown during the programming that is really what can influence the children today.  

The average American child views as many as 40,000 television commercials every year. Studies have shown that children as young as the age of 3 recognize brand logos and brand loyalty starts at the age of 2. The fact that young kids can not distinguish between commercials and television shows and they actually don’t recognize that the commercials are trying to sell something which is extremely alarming. Children under the age of 12 directly and indirectly influence the household spending of over $600 billion.  

            I worked in advertising sales for Nickelodeon for 4 years, and I saw first hand the amount of money that is spent on advertising to children and teens. I remembered when I first started and realized how profitable that industry was. Nickelodeon is the revenue driver for MTV Networks, which I found pretty amazing. Advertisers came to us with millions and millions of dollars because they knew how they can influence the parents through their children. 

            Marketing firms and advertisers are increasingly targeting tweens. Researchers are showing that by the time a college student graduates they will have accumulated more than $3000 in credit card debt and have more than four credit cards. It’s insane to know that this research was done on how advertising can influence people.  

            The Sociological Imagination by C. Wright Mills shows how our personal lives are connected to the social world. He explains that our personal choices are shaped by larger social forces. In this case, the larger social forces are advertising. I don’t think we realize how much influence watching a commercial can really have on us, especially since we are older and have more life experiences. Can you imagine the influence it actually has on the children?? 

http://www.mediafamily.org/facts/facts_childadv.shtml

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