Affluenza

In some ways, the direction in which America is going is not the best. We spend a large amount of our time working so that we can be successful. We don't spend as much time together as families, and our lives are consumed with technology. America is commonly known as being "materialistic, greedy, and self-absorbed" as stated in the Affluenza article we read for homework. Also stated in the article, these days there are "two times the amount of shopping centers as there are high schools", in America. We spend the majority of our time using technology and not involved in actual interaction. We now not only have malls, we have mega malls, online shopping, and the TV and computer ads as well. Affluenza is a growing "sickness" in America and I agree, I have definitely noticed how many kids are not outside on beautiful days, they're inside watching TV or playing video games or computer games instead. I have noticed the increasing desire for economic expansion and for the new latest items that one "must have". We need to go back to how things used to be, where family was an essential part of every day life and where we valued more substantial things.

Stereotypical

"The Cookie Thief" by Valerie Cox was a humorous poem because there have probably been times in everyone's lives where we've thought we were 100% right when in reality we were wrong. She thought the guy was taking her cookies so she jumped to all of these conclusions about him as a person, when really she was the one taking his cookies. Judging or categorizing people is a natural habit and an easy thing to do but we need to be more aware and conscious of it. I've been judged and/or stereotyped many times, all varying in different categories. The piece about Joshua Bell was very interesting, but I wasn't too surprised that people didn't stop and watch him because people are ignorant and don't like interruptions when they're focusing on getting somewhere. In contrast, a different video about a street performer who has a disability draws a large crowd. I think people stopped to watch him because he was outgoing, unique, and different. People think he is interesting because he has a disability but has a great talent along with it. Because people are interested in him, they're probably less likely to stereotype. Personally, while roaming the streets downtown while shopping, there are plenty of people with different talents trying to get noticed. I've seen some people perform with disabilities and I know that they'd probably draw my attention more than a classical musician. Although both are interesting, the person who's most unique draws more of a crowd because you're not sure when you'll get the same opportunity.

Complexity

During the activity in class, deciding which groups I'm associated with was kind of challenging. Some groups came quickly to mind whereas others involved more thinking. Family, friends, and christian all came to mind first. Then I thought a little more general and the group American came up. Being an American is very different and distinct when compared to other cultures. For me, being American is a group I'm apart of involuntarily. I didn't choose to live here but I do so therefore I'm an American. Within my family I am a daughter, a sister, and a grandchild. My friends group makes up who I am because a lot of my friends know a lot about me so they're involved in my life in one way or another. I love hanging out with my friends, who doesn't? If I'm with them a lot then they're more than likely bound to have an affect on me therefore affecting who I am. Another group I have is being a christian. I love my church and I'm a friend as well as a mentor/leader. There definitely has been role conflict and role strain at times. If I'm slacking on being a good friend or mentor then that shows through my actions. Also making plans between my friends from different places can sometimes conflict with each other causing role conflict.

Assimiliation

There is no literal difference between spit and saliva but sociologically there is a huge difference. If one were to spit while playing football, baseball, or soccer it would probably be 100% fine. If one were to spit while playing golf or tennis it would be totally unacceptable. Society has morphed our views of normal and abnormal, tremendously. Whether it be where we grew up, who we hang out with, what we get involved in, etc. society does affect us subconsciously and consciously. When Sal asked Chad to spit in the spoon I got so grossed out, even more when he asked him if he would eat it. That's just repulsive. I do think spitting is normal and I don't get too grossed out when people do it, but I realized that the setting and the surroundings do matter. It's funny and also lame how society has enforced upon us a way of thinking of what is normal and what isn't normal. People conform and are afraid to be considered an outlier.