The Dominant Effect

Today in sociology we continued discussing the norms of masculinity in our society and how it effects young boys maturing and feeling superior to peers and elders surrounding them.  Manhood has been teased and tested to its extreme in our institutions where peers expose each other to confirm their controlled selves and their barbaric tones.  Men must build up through their lives to become these fictional people that do more damage to themselves physically and emotionally through stress and power.  Society sees bigger and stronger as better in order to prove ones manhood but in essence this creates a standard for status quo.  Men are idiotically thought of as lossers and queers who can't protect themselves and sustain life if they don't prove themselves as true men.  An irksome obligation constantly hangs on one's shoulders to be faster and stronger which appears to give one peace of mind.  In reality, nothing is more dangerous for a yearning individual who establishes a secured future that pars up with the rest of society.  Alterations are needed to define masculinity in our culture.  Also women must be seen not as objects or sex partners, rather beautiful human beings who help sustain life on earth and nourish our children and care for ones being.

What the **** has happened to society?

Today was quite an eye opener as Salituro exposed the true perceptions and images society tries to portray through social norms.  This creates a negative view for the citizens of the republic because they form this narrow minded idea of what is considered acceptable for society's standards.  The youth are catching on quickly from a young age which scares me the most.  They are absorbing this "sick" perception on life as a sort of means to gain popularity and to aggressively persuade other peers.  Luckily I have recognized this behavior in societies role and I create my own perception through education and learning both sides in order to form an educated opinion through hard work and good character.  I am eager to view other perceptions on social norms and how it effects the rest of society.

Community Service Experience

This week was very unique and quite rewarding for me since I traveled with people from sociology to the St. Thomas church in Chicago.  We were greeted with homeless individuals waiting for a meal outside the church when we arrived.  It was quite a wake up call to see the poverty and lack of resources for these individuals living in one of the largest cities in the country.  Of course poverty and gangs usually come with a large urban setting where people barely get by each day.  The most rewarding part of this journey for me was serving the open hearted people their meals and really getting to know them.  They were eager and more than willing to share their life stories and experiences which shape their lives and characters.  Also we had the privilege to help clean the place and physically contribute to our good deeds as citizens of the republic.  As many jewish people would say, we were acting as a "mench" or a good person through good deeds and services.  This was a life changing experience and I look forward to returning to the church to complete my service hours and my duty as a contributor to society.

Money Doesn't buy one Happiness and Love

The story that was posted about the man who lived without money and materialistic possessions really got me thinking about all of the things in our lives that are simply objects.  We have it brainwashed in our minds that the more things one owns, the more happy and successful they are in life.  Main stream society creates an image in our heads about what it means to live a fulfilled american dream and to many people a more simple life is the answer for true happiness in life.  Through the lens that I view our society, it is unfortunate to see traditional values and morals disappear from many families because of the constant drive for more things and a constant pressure filled lifestyle that brings temporary happiness.  People need to recognize the true values and important things that we value.  Similarly to what we read, play with your children, explore the flora and fauna, work can wait until the true answers to our existence are answered.  People just need to keep searching for meanings in life and take the initiative for radical thinking.