Chapter 9 Class and Global Inequality. (Cause of Death: Inequality) People Like Us.

                                                                                                               



       People Like Us addresses the many underlying factors of social class here in America. At start of this video there are pictures being shown of different individuals inwhich people try to indentify and speculate what social status they belong to based on their looks, their surroundings and their body language. A very strong case of stereotyping was very prevalent within this scenerio. However I feel its fair to say as a collective society this is a norm. Stated in the video placing people into certain classes is an "American Principal". Where one works, popularity, money, big home, small home, the list goes on. There are many measures of class in America; based on which class you fall into is what determines your lifestyle ( food you eat, hair, where you live, how you spend your time, sports, leisure) are some of the many factors in determining ones social class accoring to the video "People Like Us". I will further elaborate.

       "Certainly I would'nt drive a Ford, its problably stolen". I found that to be hilarious, I actually laughed in a computer lab full of people. Was it really funny? Well yes, funny because the woman that made the statement was upper class "high sidity", what actually tickled me more;This is really her preception, to think as such is really a norm, belief, a part of her values. In all trueness is that true.... Absolutely not, many hard working individuals drive a Ford. I acutally know a person that has the means to purchase a more elite car, however he drives around in a Ford Taurus. One may say that is absurd, let him tell it, and he will say, he perfers it to be that way, he is more detailed oriented to have his buisness expand; accumilating more assets more bank. Though she is not necessarliy wrong because Americans are very diverse and divide themselves by sticking to their norms, shying away from others that don't fit into their social status.

       Jenny Sales married a millionaire, uping her rank within social status, she teaches those who wish to upgrade their social class lessons on how to decode the rich.  How to walk, talk, flaunt it, bejeweled, how far a part ones feet must be while standing, so one can appeal, fit, and play the part to be socially accepted; further upgrading their status (class). A good example of this notion, "The Joneses"a movie that perpetuates in order to be accepted of a high class society you must follow the rules; The do's and do nots ; should one not follow, one will be an outcast, furthering more having consequences of not being socially accepted with their fellow peer group. I thought peer pressure ended in grade school. Appearantly not. As stated in the video we are living in a society where as its "Permanent High School". Always upgrading ourselves to socially fit in one way or another, even if by means of deviat acts (in some instances of social class).
Choice reveals your class?? according to "People Like Us" even advertisiment is a major theme identifying ones social class. Where we shop, name brands one chooses, language that one may not understand, but because it sounds Snazzy.. evoking a concept that speaks class.

       Dive bars are preceived as down to earth, some surburban white kids perfer to go to these kinds of bars, saying the people are far more genuine then that of trendier bar settings. Men in their golden years still boozing it up, having a good time. One patron speaks out and says, these Yuppies like to attend their bars because they can't get away with it within their own social class, (I suppose it would be consisdered a deviant act)  so they go slumming to find a place where they feel accepted.
Salt if the Earth, also known as the Blue Collar Life in a White Collar World, (class) are hard working individuals, some are home owers that choose to dress their yards with ornaments that one of another "social class"will see as tack, hideoous, or subpar.

       The Great Gatsby- New money states its claim. Hamptons New York. Addressed the wealth effect on Wall Street. Their motto (Rich Rule) and their "Rude" about it too. Thier social class consist of money gets you accepted to a certain degree). New money making its way, having more flair, more artsy than traditional (old money concept). Understanding the Rules of The Game is a major theme within this social class, though you may have the means, you still may not be accepted for one reason or another, it "doesn't necessarily mean you are ready to swim with the big fish", "Money gets it, class sustains it", as said in the video.  Wealth is very dominiant within this social class, their means, assests, way of living are all on a very high class basis.

       Wasp, The wasp are very traditional yet very prudent with their means, culture snobs in my opinion. They have means but not on a Grand scale, they can afford a pair of Gucci sneakers, but as noted in the video... They'd better wear them to Death. In this social class they make use of their wealth, yet they have no food within their homes... Oxy moron to me, but I guess that is just the way it runs within their social class.  & the Bells, who could forget the Darling Bells. These young woman were raised/conditioned to want to be a "bell" they inspire to be a "bell", where as the more "elite" (well off) are planning their childrens education from the time of birth (strategically), Pre-school, grammar school, high school, as well College ( so that they can continue the legacy of the family and it can trickle generation to generation) where as a " the bells" their social class consist of prestige/popularity.

       In conclusion I have addressed the many different types of social class depicted in :People Like Us" the stigma's and how social class varies from "culture to culture" its major theme within our society. People of many different social classes maintain what is their norms, values and beliefs, though some do stray and enter a different social just as the couple from Staten Island, Laura coming from wealth and her beau of a lower social class, though they are in love to be married you can still see the disparity that lurks within their relationship dynamic. It is said in this video "according to the American Dream everyone has a shot of moving up. I do agree with that statement, however for some it will be harder than others and almost unattainable for others due to the lack of resources and the depending on the social class one belongs (was born into) can influence ones outcome a great deal. Not to say one cannot, will not, we live in a world of who is to say especially with the norns, values, and beliefes changing.


       Cause of Death: Inequality by, Alejandro Reuss a article that addresses inequality within health related issues and its many factors as to why over all health inequality exsist within our social structure and once again racial inequality being the culprit to many deaths also known as "equal opportunity killers" targeting the poor people. Poor people (minorities) are striken and more likely than that of white people to have poor heath. Statistics for life expactancy for African American males and woman are shorter due to illness one is assumed to have during their life course; because they are poor,and  uneducated than that of white men/woman. Men  with 12 years of education are more than twice likely to die of chronic disease,  more than three times likely to die as a result of injury, and twice likely to die from communicable diseases. Woman with family incomes below $10,000 are more than three times likely to die of heart disease as well, three times likely to die from diabetes compared to those with incomes above $25,000. African Americans are more likely than whites to die of heart disease; stroke; lung cancer; prostate cancer; breast cancer; liver disease, and AIDS; homicide.  Ridiculous, If these are the statistics as stated, why are poor people (minorities) targeted in every area, especially Afro Americans? It is said that Americans are rich compared the poverty that lingers within other countires, and yes;" if we are talking in terms of material items" Americans are. I feel reson being, in other (some, locations vary from culture to culture)poor countires they are not exposed to the air pollution, junk foods, and means of unhealthyness as a whole that American poor people are exposed to. Many poor countires eat off the land, They eat produce such as nuts and berries, coconuts which is very healthy. I feel being they have little of these resources fasting is a very big part of their diet as well. (Of course I'm not referring to countries where sadly starvation and disease is on the rise) I see the dynamic in that. However I will like to know why in one of the richest countires in the world, there is such a lack of health care administered to all on a equal basis;  however in these same communities unhealthy foods/food chains is easily affordable and accessible, yet there is little to no healthcare and good healthcare at that. Once again its determined by social class, the haves and have nots, its actually an unjust to our country,it should be a breech of our consitituion rights.

       In conclusion I'm not denying these are prominent factors within society, I feel that maybe the blood pressure is higher for African Americans (minorities), not far fetched at all. African Americans are still being treated unfairly/unjust. Black men, and woman/minorities as a whole problaby have these illness due to the high levels of stressed placed upon them (by our government and society is structured) its a form of Opression at its finest. Of course individuals within poorer communities are going to experiance alcoholsim, smoking ciggeretts and maybe even commiting deviat acts, not saying that I agree, however I was always told that your Health comes 1st. How can we have a structured society with working indiviuals healthy and productive when the main tools they need in order to survive are scarce? The righer get richer and the poor get poorer. Modern day imperialism is winning and has been winning within America. I agree Inequality kills and starts at the bottom, and White American wants to keep it there. President Obama (Obama Care) is definately a start, providing people with equal healthcare provided regardless of social class.

        Chapter 9 addreses Class and Inequality, I feel I addressed the many forms of Classes and Global Inequality due to relative poverty as well as structual mobilty changes within our society. Further addressing classim and its life chances within these social classes.


                                                                                                     Merida Angelina~

Chapter 8 Deviance/Social Control. Race/Class in the American Criminal Justice System.

                                                                                                                                 




         The Pledge of Allegiance we recite to show honor and patriotism towards our country. It is a very powerful theme/anthem within our country. "With Liberty and Justice for All" duly noted, it means with freedom and fairness. On the contrary American's justice system as a whole is unbalanced. Dispairty is the foundation inwhich the legal justice system functions; which lack liberty and justice.


         Race and Class in the American Justice System by, David Cole addresses issues and valid concerns about how our legal system functions. For instance O.J. Simpson's (The Juice) was on trial for a double murder of his ex-wife Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman inwhich O.J. Simpson was acquitted in 1995; which caused and uproar with whites and a sense of victory for blacks. Afro-Americans actually felt a sense of justice, even though evidence collected led a trail right back to him, Afro-Americans/ Minorities still celebrated and cheered. I must say that I myself remember the trail and watched it nearly everyday, I also found myself in favor of O.J. Simpson and actually wanted him to be acquitted as well, even though I felt in my heart of hearts he was guilty.After watching testimonies by countless witnessess testify to his previous violent acts of deviance and his overall charater as a footbal player, friend, husband, and family man; it was clear to see O.J. was definately a well respected man amoungst his fellow peers, he was a likable guy; he was charming. Howver I had to rationalize within myself, the staggering amount of evidence incriminating him on his part. How was he acquitted?  Money! by having financial gain to purchase the best legal team, one that only money can buy. Which sends a clear message to our society that money talks and one can basically rid themselves of anything if they have the means, high social class, and if your are white, even better. I would like to add that though we live in a racially charged society/country, Power really dosen't see color as a factor if you have the means/dividends to do so. Although the jury consisted of a perdominately black jury, along with O.J.'s  fame and social status, I personally feel that it was designed to be that way by the criminal justice system, Inequlaity also is major against woman, Nicole Simpson in my opinion was victimized by our own justice system. My point is, I feel there is another aspect of  ineqiality within his, that is unspoken. Yes, O.J. Simpson had the means to buy justice. However the "universal justice" took care of him, he is now rotting in prosion. Moving along, in a unbalanced justic system that is designed to cater to the haves (those who have the monies, and those tied to power) sending a message that one can be acqitted just by association and those who are financially suited get the green light to continue to live no matter how deviant the acts are, and every once in a while acqutting the lower class to create the balance. The have nots (those who do don't have the means, connections) are basically doomed within the crimnal justice system and moreover doomed by their social class.


        I feel that the higher ups have it dowm to a science to surpress the lower class, and Oppression will always exsist within a corupt society which is driven by captialism. Chapter 6 (Deviance and Social Control) explains what I mean by addressing. Strain theory is very prevalent within poverty stricken enviorments, which creates rebellion, Ritualism and innovation, which is rampant in poverty stricken communities. With so much social control implemented within society, People of a lower socioeconmic class are usually (not all the time) left behind. I feel that the divide and conquer technique is a driven force of power that keeps the rich ricer and the poor pooer. Putting everybody in categories such by race and class seperates us, as long as our norms, and laws are set to segregate human beinr,negative acts of deviance will continue. It's unbalanced and they feel by throwing the dog a bone (the poor) they can go by any means of deviance because the system is set up so that they can be winners and the less fortunate are the losers.


       There are acts of deviance that can actually serve a cause for the better, The Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks taking a stand, as I said before, there are really no more Malcom X's, Martin Luther Kings etc.. to fight for the driven cause. Slavery was another act of deviance that was ended. Howver I feel society still practies these modern day slavery, by having most Americans as economic slavery. We are all slaves to our government one way or the other. I guess Liberty and Justice for all doesn't stand upright. Innocent until proven guilty? No.. Guilty to proven innocent (If you have the means to buy your innocence that is). Unbalanced, Inequality on the Rise.

                                                                                           Merida Angelina~
                              

Socialization Chapter 6 (Killing Us Softly, A Call To Men).

                                                                                                             Merida Angelina~


Socialization- is the process through which people learn their culture's basic norms, values, beliefs, and appropriate behaviors.



       I have giving much thought after watching "Killing Us Softly" By, Jean Kilbourne & "A Call To Men" By, Tony Porter; I must say I was rather impressed by both for their informative unbiased lecture addressing inequality within our culture. Let me further explain....

       Killing Us Softly addresses; Woman are being exploited as objects through media such as commercials, modeling, movies, etc, advertising digitally enhanced woman "artificial constructed images" all to send a message that woman are to be perfect, in body, weight, facial features, etc...  This has gone too far in my opinion. We are living in a culture that promotes complete fraudulence; sending a message to young woman and full grown woman that in order to be accepted we have to be perfect, thus creating some woman to feel subpar and unworthy, stressed, ultimately effecting women's self esteem; it just doesn't stop there, woman are starving themselves, malnourished, dealing with sickness such as bulimia, anorexia.  Advertising has gone as far as creating clothing sizes double zero! Inequality in racism, Dark woman have no role whatsoever, Black woman are often portrayed in the "jungle" as exotic animals and or to excel in the entertainment one has to have carcausin features? A culture that promotes sexuality at all cost, dehumanizing woman, I agree with Jean Kilbourne when she states "turning a human being into a thing is almost always the 1st step toward justifying violence against that person" hence she is referring to woman; Sending a clear message to men that woman are objects, we are to be seen not heard. Your worth depends on how you look, Our girls as Jean stated " are taught to inspire to become nothing.

       A Call To Men By, Tony Porter addresses inequality as well; Woman are of less value, property of men. He further adds by finally identifying why his perception growing up as a young man was tainted by one of the many agents of socialization he was exposed to, family.. Chapter 6 states "Families are the primary agent of socialization". Porter learned earlier on in his social structure that men were not to cry, they were to be on the prowl, woman are objects. However he sums his lecture up by saying "My liberation as a man is tied to your liberation as a woman. Could have not said it better in my opinion. That is where equality between men and woman can begin. The norms, values and beliefs as we know it have to change; thus leading to a more conducive/ healthy environment.

       Chapter 6 (Socialization) identifies the many roles "socialization functions within our society, however socialization varies from culture to culture depending what the norms are within that particular society.  Family, schools, media, peer groups, religion, are all agents of socialization. Each setting has its own set of norms, rules, values and beliefs.  Socialization evolves throughout time because we are ever adapting and changing throughout our life course.

      What Does It Mean to Be Human? Human Nature, Society and Culture By, Joel M. Charon illustrates as humans we are social beings, and that our culture shapes by the society in which we live, we become  conditioned by the rules and norms, Socialization does not have say all in whom we become but it is an intricate aspect of life because we live what we learn, Our language, behaviors attitudes are aspects of socialization. Within my home I have set rules, values and norms by which my home is set on these principals. As simple as we wash our hands before we eat dinner, It is so embedded in my three year old son, when we go out to eat, He knows to go to the public restroom to wash his hands. He already is developing a sense of Selfhood.

       In conclusion Socialization is a driven force within our culture, with that being said, We as humans are in fact interdependent on one another, We thrive on one another and are very influential to one another. Good or Bad, However I'm always for the Good :)



                                                                                                Merida Angelina~

Five Faces Of Oppression/Milgram Experiment/Power (Chapter5)

                                                                                                                            Merida Angelina~


       After watching the Milgram experiment I have to say I was disgusted by what I heard/seen.
In 1961 social psychologist Stanley Milgram did an experiment to determine how law abiding people will give a stranger lethal electric shock in the name of science. A total of twelve individuals of different age groups, gender, ascribed status/achieved statuses participated in what they were told was a memory test, when really the test was to determine how they display obedience to authority.
In this test the participants took on the role as teacher, conducting a memory test to the student (which actually is an actor) when the student is wrong, specific orders are given from the professor ( another actor) to carry out negative punishment using voltage shocks that range from 15-250 volts.

       After reading the article "The Five Faces Of Oppression" I was able to identify the social perspective/dynamic within this controversial experiment. During this study, the individuals were actually brought back to see/visualize this setting and how he was being strapped into a chair, they were also exposed to the shock generator. Upon getting their instructions from the professor they are told that once he gets the answer wrong they are to administer negative punishment in which all participants did. Milgram wanted to see in this procedure wether or not the teacher would stop doing electrical shocks knowing they are inflicting pain or continue to carry out orders and listen to the professor. Surprisingly nine out of twelve participants continued to shock regardless of hearing the man in pain, in distress and unwilling to further comply. Though there was actually no harm being done, its prerecorded the participants have no knowledge of this.

     What was the most interesting/quite chilling dynamic within this entire experiment process was the willingness, loyalty, for participants to comply; even more scarier at some point they know, have a sense it is wrong, however remaining obedient to the professor thus enforcing negative excruciating/painful punishment (coercive power) on the individual that partakes in the study also.  As stated in "Five Faces Of Oppression" one type of oppression the students demonstrate  through their actions is powerlessness, they all at one point felt a sense of powerlessness because of their lowered status, not wanting to be insubordinate to the professor (legitimate power); they carried out this unethical act of violence which is also another form of oppression, even when they doubted themselves they went into a state of "Culture of Silence. Participant Philip, Forty one year old pianist was the only one that after shocking a couple of times, when he heard the chilling sound of the man in pure agony, used his better judgement and ejected himself from the experiment even though he know it meant breaking the norms and codes of respect that was a given to be implemented, though it was never verbalized. However Emma a nineteen year old Bio student seemed heartless, or maybe she chuckles as form of nervousness, further making a statement "I may have killed him"in which she still complies with the rules; cranking the voltage to a whooping 250vlt. Stanley Milgram was traumatized, he said " if normal people inflict torture on others, we  convince ourselves that violence is justified.

       In conclusion chapter 4 further analyzes Power (the ability to bring about an intended outcome even when opposed by others. (It is fair to say that was also the case in the Milgram experiment.)
We understand that power has many tactics that are implemented within societies on various levels.  I myself have to use power tactics with my kids, When they do good they are rewarded(power) when they do not following the norms I reienforce with punishment. (Power).
Power is used in so many different forms on all levels, Micro, meso and macro level. Here are some power tactics to influence others in everyday situations.  Page 116.


Table 5.1 (Power Tactics) 
Appeal
Bully
Collaborate
Complain
Criticize
Demand
DIscuss
Disengage
Evade
Inform
Ingratiate
Inspire
Join forces
Joke
Manipulate
Negotiate
Persist
Persuade
Promise
Punish
Put down
Request
Reward
Socialize
Threaten

                                                                                            Merida Angelina~

Chapter 4 Social Sturcture/ The Meaning of Social Control.

                                                                                                                             Merida Angelina~



       Everyday before dinner my kids and myself wash our hands before proceeding to eat, once sitting at the table we enjoy our dinner & talk a little, when dinner is done each of us proceed to scrap any left over food on out plates then put the dish in the sink. This is a daily occuacnce in my home. From a sociological perspective this is known as one of the many social structure settings within a society; within a societies social structure lies social institutions such as schools, government, prisons, and schools to name a few, each of these (socail institutions) model routines and patterns of behavior that take place in (social structure).

       Chapter 4 address' the elemnts of social structure. In life we all have roles such as ascribed /achieved stautuses, within these roles there are a set of norms that occur, for instance going back to my family and I having dinner; we do this everyday however it would be out of the norm if everytime we had dinner we'd throw the dishes out of the window as oppose to the garbage. Within my home apart from our ascribed status we each have a part that we model within our homes structure, however it is not written in stone, these roles and statuses alter from culture to culture. Sociologist use the Ethnomethodology approcah and breaching experiments on a micro, meso and macro level to study the dynamic of socail intergration within social structures.

      In Peter Berger's article The Meaning of Social Control, Berger addressed how social stucture has an underlying factor called social control. Berger states the oldest means of social control is physical violence, and how many social instituions use this form of reneforcement to create a balance of keeping social structure in an oderly form or there are consequences for adhereing to the desired behavior that is expected within these societies, for example if a criminal resorts to trying to resist arrest even in the slighest form, they will be delt with in a physical manner to maintain and uphold their power and authority within a situation as such. Berger further explains that a part from physical means of social other means do exsist on other levels according to their roles, and statues social control is prevelant within many other social institutions. For examle Berger identifies ridicule and gossip as a form of social control in primary groups, within these groups one is supposed to display a certain kind of behavior following the norns within particular social settings/groups. If one is not to obide by the rules or norms within this society disciplinary actions are taken which can range from opprobrium, ostracsim, and shunning.

       In conclusion I can identify with Berger's article "The Meaning of Social Control" because I see social control on a daily basis; Because I myself follow norms by avoiding  social control by not violating the principles that have been set within the socierty we live in today.

                                                                                            Merida Angelina~
    
 
  

Culture/ Body Ritual Among the Nacirema

                                                                                                                               Merida Angelina~

                         

       Growing up in Astoria, Queens was always an adventure for many reasons, but the most interesting dynamic of growing up in Astoria was/is how culturally diverse it actually is, New York City is a melting pot in general; a dominant culture with many many subcultures and that is what it was like growing up. Greeks, Italians, Germans, Asians from all over Asia, Hispanics, Afro-Americans, Irish to name the least it is no wonder a few years ago on PBS it has been stated that Astoria, Queens is the most culturally place in the entire world. I can actually vouge  for that being I'm a native Astorian. I can say that Chapter 3 "Culture" has been my favorite chapter; because culture is essentially defines who we are on many levels.

       We live in a world with many different nationalities, races, however we are all human beings; the only thing that separates us is our way of living, Our culture. Chapter 3 talks about culture and all it's different variations of culture, and the eight-elements of defining culture which are values, beliefs, knowledge, norms, behaviors, objects and artifacts, symbols, and language. All are intricate details in defining cultures for many different cultures consist of all these key elements but they also vary from culture to culture, though some cultures many have many similarities, some are just unimaginable to to others including myself.

       In the article "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema by Horace Miner" is a prime example of culture and their practices as a culture which consist of shrines within their households and upholding rituals and superstitions. One of their beliefs is that the mouth has a "supernatural influence on all the social relationships"the ritual the private mouth rite, which consist of cultual objects that are used to perform exorcisms on the mouth that extract the client's teeth and this practice though evasive and of torture is to arrest decay and draw friends. It is such a ritual and a part of their norms, that Narcirema men return year after the year to has these rituals performed, it is a part of their tradition, values and their beliefs despite the fact that their teeth continue to rot/decay. The body rituals performed on and by the people of Nacierema are very brutal and torturous acts in this subculture yet its still performed along with their symbols (shrines) and artifacts.

      In conclusion after reading chapter three and Body Ritual Among the Nacirema I feel the study of culture can be very interesting but I can only imagine the ones doing the research the extreme culture shock they must have experienced and also how dangerous it can be also researching to get a Subjective aspect, having to have gone to the source itself and obtain facts. I must say that a lot of people can talk bad about America, Americans themselves can down their own country for we do fall short on many aspects however, I appreciate America's culture, we have a lot of rights and freedoms a lot of many other cultures do not, I'm sure other cultures look at the Americans way of culture as taboo, and vice versa, totally vice versa because I feel the people of Nacirema's rituals are absolutely barbarack and cruel though very informative.

                                                                                      Merida Angelina~

Understanding the Research Process/Sense and Nonsense About Surveys.

                                                                                                                          Merida Angelina~



      Social Science is very prevalent within our society today, globally as a whole as well. Sociologist study demographics; gathering throughly researched through empirical evidence (evidence that can be observed or documented using the human senses). In fact research is critical in upholding any facts or findings on the social matter/matters at large. The Sense and Nonsense about Surveys is a good example, exploring the various methods applied in research.

      Howard Schuman addresses in " Sense and Nonsense about Surveys" the levels of inconsistencies of sampling with a lack of accurate findings due to subpar language wether it be written or verbal. Thus leading to a weak based consensus in fact finding. Experiments have shown that even racial attitudes have a major effect on surveys, for instance White respondents are more supportive of inter-racial marriages when speaking to a black than a white interviewer (micro -level analysis). Contrary to that particular dynamic it is also stated this perspective has also changed within a twenty-four year time frame. However in situations as such I feel "Symbolic Interactionist Theories have and will always play a part in the sort,sorts.  Howard Schuman illustrates a clearer understanding how people gain a better perspective on reportage, etc; to be critical in their thinking, To think outside the box not demonstrate "Unquestioned trust in authorities (as stated in Chapter 2).

     In conclusion Social Science Researchers are scientist that identify patterns in humans thoughts and actions, and gathering empirical evidence (Quantitative data) to support their findings, also known as (Transparency Of Methods) presenting gathered data, to perform an assessment using social theory depending what type meso- level of analysis (very large or small) with a Objective reality or in some cases it may be a subjective reality of fact finding based on truth; should more evidence present itself, social science is open to what is factual ( The Roles of Theory)

Research process: Experience Sociology Pg. 47

1. Choose and explore a general topic
2. Identify a specific research question
3. Design the research study
4. Consider ethical dimensions of the research
5. Collect and analyze data
6. Report the results



                                 UNDERSTANDING THE RESEARCH PROCESS.


                                                                                                  Merida Angelina~

Quiet Rage " The Stanford PrisonStudy/ Experiment".

                                                                                                                                     


       A study was done in the summer of 1971 called "The Stanford Prison Study/Experiment which consisted of psychology  students, researchers, prison experts and other participants that came about from answering a newspaper ad in regard to the experiment. The overall goal of this study held by Professor Philip Zimbardo, was to see what behavioral and psychological consequences "effects" of becoming a prisoner or guards. The experiment was to last for two-weeks, however it lasted for six days.

      During the duration of this experiment, the Twenty-four students were in the basement at Stanford University which was converted as close a possible to mimic a actual prison setting where the prisoners adjusted to their roles and the guards theirs. Prisoners were dominating the guards for starters, however this mad the guards livid, the guards felt provoked and wanted to gain power, however it was stated earlier on "no physical force was to be used" The angered guards became emotionally abusive taking the prisoners rights away, prisoners were waken out of their sleep in volatile manner, guards took counts of all the prisoners calling them by their inmate numbers (not their name).

     Prisoners took action against the guards by acting out, putting their beds against the door, calling out loud rants with profanity, it became total chaos. The prisoners were becoming unruly in their manner, this igniting the guards fury, feeling humiliated by the prisoners the guards raised  their bar in disciplinary actions. Implementing strip searches, push-ups, they had to have their urine and feces in their prison cells. Prisoners were being psychologically abused, mentally abused. The guards were using tactic such as Classical Conditioning, and extreme power to divide and conquer and dictate the prisoners, verbally abusing using obscenities. Prisoner 416 was put into a hole twice for not eating his sausages that were dirty and cold  further turning all others against him.  Prior to that their families were invited to visit, not at one time while their family was visting did they have to experience any of the sort that their loved ones were being exposed to, they were told by their loved ones (the prisoners) that is was the worse experience they ever had, and they still played their position within this study (for their loved)as well. The priest came on board of this experiment and offered legal advice instead of spiritual guidance. Had this gone to far? It was not a graduate student came on the scene to and was exposed to what was going on, and she seen it was way out of control, not only was the experiment, but the one conducting the it Philip Zimbardo had become a product of his environment, he was calloused to it all, with seeing his participants literally have breakdowns. At last the graduate student was able to add light to this dark experiment, and what was to last for two-weeks came end at six-weeks.

      In conclusion I do understand from a social perspective Philip Zimbardo wanting to host this experiment to get a "Subjective Reality" as oppose to an "Objective Reality" however, from a Structural Functionalist Theory, this experiment was dysfunctional , & I can clearly understand what Dr. Applewhite means when he stated power is closely tied to inequality.


                                                                                                   Merida Angelina~

Introduction to Sociology

                                                                                                                                       

      Greetings,
      Somewhere over the rainbow has always been one of my favorite sayings, not only because my      favorite singer "Barbra Streisand" sings it so well and eloquently with sheer intensity to move an entire crowd of fans; that is how I view my life with all its complexities, perplexities, adversities, yet still fulfilling at the same time.

      I'm the middle child aslo known as the wild child to my siblings. I wouldn't I say I was wild, let's just say I was more daring with more edge, with much zest for life itself. Growing up baseball, football, basketball, anything sports related never ceased to pique my intrest. I have always been an "adrenaline junkie", However my undying passion has always been dance. Life without dance for me a like a plug without a socket. In such an upbeat society especially growing up and living in the concrete jungle, there was/is always something going on. Being that I'm a very active, I love socializing, helping others, managing a home, work, family, maintaining friendships etc.. I had to maintain a balance for myself, and dance is what has and still to this day balances me. When it comes to dance, I'm completely soloist. Dance has been my way of escaping it all. Wether it be pain that I could not articulate verbally I expressed it with my body entirely/whole heartedly. Dance has played a major influential theme within my life.

     Ten years ago I was in a very bad car accident in which I was paralyzed for a few days, internal bleeding, numerous fractures, had an ACL surgery, back injuries, the list goes on. However I lost someone very dear in that accident; apart for all my injuries I had a broken heart, a broken spirit. I went into a brief depression knowing that my life as I knew it changed over night. Due to my injuries, especially my ACL surgery my life as a dancer was stunted. My aching heart was quivering with such grief. I decided to take control of my life the best way possible. I always had a strong belief in God, however I decided to build a relationship with my higher power. I've come to realize that no matter what I have been through, I made it through, not just by my own understanding but through the grace of God. Having realizing this invigorating super natural, I began to rise incorporating daily scripture within my life ;also talking to people of all sorts of religions and spiritual beliefs. These people have also been very influential within my life, their humbleness and meekness I appreciate, because I'm always striving to be a better person than I was yesterday, Not just for myself but for humanity. Having a rich heart and soul cannot go to waste, that has always been my mantra.
After experiencing such adversity and restoring myself to a level of contentment, I have decided to return to school to become a registered nurse with an aspiration to obtain my masters degree in CRNA
(certified registered nurse anesthesiologist) with hopes of opening my own dance studio for children in the near future.

       My life is a roller-coaster; all the intricate details, loss, suffering, even smiles and joys along the way make me who I'am today and who I'm to be in the future. All of my trails and tribulations has all added to my bank of fortitude ( Bruce Lee). In conclusion I know everything I have experienced and will experience is all but a stepping stone for me to be where I need to be. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" Hey I'm not there yet.. The pot of gold awaits over that rainbow; as the saying goes "There are no rainbows without the rain".

                                                                                                                Merida Angelina