11. August 2010 by student.

People everyday get up and follow the same pattern that they have done there whole life society has taught people to standerdize thir lives and make the people work for society. People don’t think what is acctually best for themselves anymore but people think “what is the best for myself?” which pretty much translates to whats going to make me rich and better off in life. People don’t realize that society is like a pimp and we are societies bitches!!!!! We go to school and work hard to make the grade like society wants we go get that high class job, just like society wants and WE NEVER QUESTION IT, just like society wants. People never stop and think and actually analyze what is happeing and what is going on. According to Plato in his work ‘Allegory of the cave’ we believe what we are told and never question who what and most importantly why? We are the bitches of society, so what you gonna do about it?

Posted in Introduction to Sociology, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

11. August 2010 by student.

Society in a nutshell is like the ocean, its mood is ever changing and always has a different look. Its just in society’s nature to change its mind on different topics. One day society will like something and the next its against it. Policies, institutions, organizations and groups all fall victim to the rage of society, if your not up to date with the current norms, values and experiences then GET OUT!!!!!! Societies views are ever changing in all aspects and in all types of topics, from civil rights to gay marriage and from incest to education. In the late 1800’s the court trial of Plessey v. Furguson it was established that people could be segregated by appearance as long as the facilities were separate but equal, in 1954 society changed its views on that with the court case of brown vs. the board of education. Another prime example is with incest, F.D.R considered by many to be one of the greatest presidents married his cousin and in his time it was not uncommon or looked down upon, but in today’s society it is seen as a disgrace and looked down upon by society. Another very recent issue seems to be gay marriage, before many did not even bother but very slowly more and more states are starting to recognize marriage of same sex couples. So will society ever make up its mind of what it likes and dislikes or is it the goal of society to keep us guessing what will be excepted next?

Posted in Introduction to Sociology, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

11. August 2010 by student.

The birth of a new form of “reality” born from the psychology of Sigmund Freud and Dadaism spawning the manifestoes on surrealism by Andre Breton and has influenced the way artists have created art. Andre Breton was the father of Surrealism and his principal aim was ‘to resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality into an absolute reality, a super-reality’. Surrealism’s impact on the world does not stick to a certain type of art but to countless other fields and tries to liberate the imagination. The Style of Surrealism uses visual imagery from the subconscious mind to create art without the intention of logical comprehensibility.  Surrealism impacted all of the arts including: films, paintings, cartoons, and music. An enormous contribution to art from Surrealism was the poetic object- not a sculpture as it has traditionally been understood but a thing.  Surrealism has given the art world objects that can be the main focal point. The art used during the twenties used elements like common objects in order to provoke a shudder of strangeness and bafflement that has influenced cartoons in the forties. These cartoons include Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes gang. Even the animator for these cartoons, Robert Clampett, was known for using his style of surrealism in both story and visuals. The cartoons played in the forties were replayed in the seventies and expose more children to Surrealism. These cartoons influenced other cartoons to show programs that are out of the ordinary like pokemon with crazy animals, teenage mutant ninja turtles who are turtles who live in sewers, and even batman, a billionaire playboy who fights evil doers in a bleak looking New York City. Surrealism’s influence over art is evident in everyday life.  Music blends together with different types of instruments because people have tried to mix sounds together to make them out of the ordinary. Children see some sort of surrealism everyday when they watch cartoons or when they eat cereals with the different types of anthropomorphic animals. Movies with diverse and odd visuals capture the viewer’s attention and impacts the way they see normal objects in real life. There are countless different cultures around the world, but surrealism in art brings all of them together even though they have different explanations for it.

Posted in Introduction to Sociology | 1 Comment »

11. August 2010 by student.

It’s baby boomin’ time once again but this time it is not married couples, it’s young teens. Society today makes having babies seem like a good thing. In the past, having a child was a big responsibility but now really it is taken for a play thing. People use to be punished for having babies at an early age but now there are tv shows being made based on teens having babies. Usually, many people worry about the risk of having a baby but never really worried about catching a STD. It is sad because even though there are many ways to protect yourself from being pregnant or receiving a STD people overlook that and say “Oh it’ll never happen to me” but in all actuality it does. There are many factors that can even cause people to get pregnant. Some people think that having babies is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Some may be caused by the surroundings and what they are being exposed to. Watching shows like 16 and Pregnant and also Teen Moms lets people think that babies are okay. Although they are sweet and a blessing, there are many responsibilities that come with a baby. Even though parents teach their children not to have sex because they can get pregnant, society will tell them other wise. It can also be peer pressure that causes people to have sex, in result they get pregnant. Pregnancy is something that was meant to be for married people but its turning into a fashion statement. People now are having babies like it’s an accessory.

Posted in Mr. Andoscia, Introduction to Sociology | 3 Comments »

11. August 2010 by student.

What if gas price was still high, how this crisis would have affected the society? Imagine you have to drive to school, work, doctor, the grocery store and so on each the time requires gas in your vehicle. Imagine if you have a big vehicle and not a good job, even if you have good job that would still affect the society in lots of way. People will spend less time out such as going to the mall and recreation park. However, family will spend more times together I think family will ride together to places and that would make a big different the way families spend their time. Young kids will spend less timeout. As a result of high gas prices, I think fewer kids will get themselves in less  trouble by spending less times with their friends.                   

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11. August 2010 by student.

Right now, if a student fights in public school or causes any class disruption in class or around the school campus, that student will get arrested. The school authorities believe the best way to discipline students or to reduce school violence is for those students to get arrested. More and more students have had experimented going to jail for short time due to the misconduct. Schools are no longer suspending or giving suspension for misconduct or fighting in class. Some say the school is going too far by getting students arrested for misconduct. Getting students arrested cause more harm to students than good. As a result from students being jailed, more and more students are leaving emotionally starved and with records. Today we face a problem with students dropping out school at an earlier stage in life. Instead of adding to the numbers of students who are already dropout, I believe the school should focus on other ways to discipline students and encourage them to attend anger management class. I also believe sending students to jail for disturbing behavior will make them even more aggressive than behave.

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11. August 2010 by student.

A U.N. report stated that “In 1960 the 20 percent of the world’s people in the richest countries had 30 times the income of the poorest 20 percent — in 1997, 74 times as much.” It added that “gaps are widening both between and within countries.”

It is no secret to the public, or to anyone for that matter. Just look at the state of affairs in the US. Most negative statistics come from generalized data regarding middle (or the lack thereof), working, lower, and poor classes. Sadly it is often things that are out of ones’ control. Such as the job market, sky high interest rates on a line of credit, or even somebody getting replaced by a robot in the workplace. Now that we know a few reasons why the poor get poorer, why do the rich get richer?

The rich tend to get richer because their little green dead presidents tend to do most of the work. They can invest in whatever their heart desires and their investments will provide them with capital gains or passive income. Rather than going to work everyday, punching the clock to make earned income. No that goes without saying that some investments can be..well, a bad choice. And they will actually lose quite a bit of money from them. Another reason the rich tend to get richer is because the top strata of society dominates. It is simple Conflict Theory. The rich have all sorts of “connections” and enough wealth to “influence” people to get results that will help them (the rich) amass more wealth. It also helps that the lawmakers, and even the president, and in that forever desired top strata. They all work together and help each other out. Because what helps one [of them], usually helps others.

“Relations between men in charge of the administrative branches of government and men who run the expanded corporations and unions are often close. Their collaboration may occur while each is an official in his respective hierarchy, or by means of personal shifting of positions; the labor leader accepts a government job or becomes the personnel man of a corporation; the big-business official becomes a dollar-a-year man; the government expert accepts a position with the corporation his agency is attempting to regulate. Just how close the resemblance between governmental and business officials may be is shown by the ease and frequency with which men pass form one hierarchy to another. While such changes may seem mere incidents in an individual career, the meaning of such interpenetration of managerial elite goes beyond this, modifying the meaning of the upper brackets and the objective functions of the several big organizations”
-C. Wright Mills

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11. August 2010 by student.

There was a controversial debate going on amongst a group of friends and the topic was about superiority. One asked “Why does White Americans still think that they are more superior than black people?” and another person asked “Why can’t Haitians accept their culture? Why do they have to blend in with the black society?” These questions triggered me. It is sad to say but still today many White Americans believe that they are more superior than African Americans. It is hard to understand the reason why. However, I believe that many whites believe they are more superior because ever since back then they were more superior than us. They had more privileges, rights, and more access to resources. They were in control of blacks. So, even though there is no more segregation or slavery, being that that is how they were raised that concept is still embedded in their heads. It may not be an intentional thing but that is probably one thing that their ancestors taught them. But maybe I am wrong? If I am what is the reason many white people today believe that still have superiority over others? Is it because they make more money? Or what? Also, for the other question, it is hard to really understand why some Haitians do not accept themselves for who they are. Because, growing up Haitians learn to take pride and joy for their country. However, when Haitians first came to America, just like the Whites did not accept the Blacks, the Blacks did not accept Haitians. So from then on many Haitians started disclaiming their own culture and started calling themselves black just so they can fit in. Not until these past few years have Haitians started being proud of who they are. My question is, is it because of society we still have separation amongst different groups? Is it because society we cannot accept ourselves for who we are? Is it because of our financial situations? In school, don’t we all come for one thing, and that is to learn? So why is there still separation? Shouldn’t we come together and help one another out? Or will their forever be a division amongst one another? If Haitians, Blacks, or any other culture stop selling themselves short, then we wouldn’t have to have exceptions when it comes to things. For example, “To enter into this school a white person needs a 4.5 but a black person only needs a 3.8”. If colored people stepped up more respect would be given and maybe, just maybe White Americans or any other race wouldn’t have to look down at them.

Posted in Mr. Andoscia, Introduction to Sociology | 2 Comments »

11. August 2010 by student.

Immigration is an ethical issue that goes back to the prehistoric time. It always helped building great countries and even empires in the world. When we consider, for example, the ancient Egypt, Babylonia, Persia and Rome with their great civilizations, it was never only the works of the ancestors and the natives of such countries. Actually, the United States of America has become the greatest and the strongest of the nations in the whole world. Certainly, people from different backgrounds, different cultures and different languages have had contributed to this achievement. Yet, some people still believe that immigration can weaken this country. I strongly believe that immigration can and will strengthen a country.

Many reasons may occur for people to leave either willingly or unwillingly their native countries. For example, political trouble, economic crisis, poverty, anarchy and any uncomfortable situation that disturb people precious life. When those crisis prevail against them either they stay to suffer (even to die) or they head by any means to the United Stated of America for a better life. When these needy people land to this country, they are seeking a legal status to work because they are responsible. If they are among the luckiest people, their petition for a green card or authorization to work may be granted. They accept lower jobs with unfair wages and pay taxes to the U.S. government. They buy houses, cars which are profitable to the builders and the banks. They build strong families and educate their children in order to serve better this country. They have become great personalities in different areas such as in education, technology, military, arts, U.S. government, etc… to bring United Stated of America on high.

Some citizens have now different conceptions about immigration problem because of the attacks on United Stated of America . Therefore, we need to be able to identify and locate the America’s enemies who come to destroy our nation. I think it is a mistake to chase a larger group which has good intention for another little tiny group with bad intention. In this concept, should we stop immigration because of the anti-immigration activists? No, United States of America has become prosperous by receiving immigrants and documenting them to work legally. The undocumented workers paid taxes which they cannot claim in return. Those who have only a work permit cannot claim tax-exemption on their houses. They pay some hundreds of dollars to renew their work permits every year. The price becomes much more increased when they are qualified for a green-card. Finally, the right to citizenship costs much more. I call all of these a booster to the United States of America’s economy.

Do the anti-immigration activists understand how immigration is profitable to our country? I am sure they know. However, conservativeness has played a role. Different cultures, colors and languages all together increase the strength of our nation. For example, in the military those differences stand as one to defend and secure the nation when we are in terror. We learn to work together in the time of crisis and sorrow. “Most of the arguments made by anti-immigration activists are based in racism,” said Tim Wise.

I strongly disagree when they attribute most of the social crimes to the immigrants who are seeking asylum. They have risked their life and become defenseless hard workers in this land. However, a study at the University of North Carolina found it is only after immigrant families become more “Americanized” that they experience dramatic increases in drug use, weapons use, violence and sexual promiscuity. Other studies have found that immigrants nearly always exhibit lower crime rates than native-born person.

Last year, there was a campaign conducted by U.S. Immigration against illegal immigrants. That was the worst I have ever seen before. I was very disappointed about our great nation by the way they chased and treated illegal human beings. The U.S. Immigration Officers arrested them tactically at any time and anywhere without respect of human right. They went to their work places, knocked at the doors of their houses at night and before sunrise, arrested and kept them in detention until they sent them back to their belonging countries. Most of them have no resources to survive in their countries after leaving many years ago. As a result, their poverty increases considerably. Husbands have been deprived of their wives and children of their parents reciprocally.

Should we proclaim strong families by acting in this manner? I think not. There was absolutely no consideration for the immigrant small kids and babies who were born in the United Stated of America. Those small native-born kids and babies lost brutally parental cares and affections. Some families with their native-born children escaped to Canada to continue their lives. Who knows if they are welcome or not? Surely, that will make history. History spares nobody. However, I pray that these native-born kids forgive their debtors who render them miserable. I pray that these fatherless and motherless children do not turn into drugs and alcohol to compensate.

One of the resources of America is immigrants. A lot of them forcefully left the country regardless of their possessions and debts. As a result, thousands of houses, rental properties and cars remained vacant. Banks, apartment owners and car dealerships are in great deficit because thousands of monthly payments are no longer made. As evidence, President Barak Obama came to bring hope to Lee County which is leading in foreclosure in the nation. Now, we are facing the reality. There is , in fact, a judgment or a reward for every human action. After the exodus of children of Jacob, the LORD brought judgment upon Ancient Egypt (book of Exodus). He taught them , “When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19 :33, 34). So, we are a great nation under God. He is the source of our many blessings and prosperities.

Immigration is a very complex issue. Different people have different opinions. Although the Bible has been ignored, it still remains the greatest source of our moral inspiration. If we are to be one nation under God , then we need to obey God command “ love one another”. I can understand why some people oppose immigration. However, whatever their reason may be, they need to understand that these immigrants are seeking hope, and America needs them to continue to grow as a strong nation.

Posted in Mr. Andoscia, Introduction to Sociology | 4 Comments »

11. August 2010 by student.

THIS IS NOT A GENERALIZATION! There are still some cops who actually respect their badges but let’s face it, we have corrupt ones too. There are one too many incidents where innocent people are being killed or physically harrassed by police officers. These are the same people we rely on to protect and serve us. It’s just horrible to think that some of these people are the same ones murdering our brothers, fathers, ucles, friends, etc. What we need to do is build more awareness for these types of cases. They are all being pushed under the rug,. therefore it is assumed that they are no big deal. We can stop this insanity and save lives. Steps can be taken by us to end this epidemice.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

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