CRASH!!!

1. The cop (Matt Dillon) showed racism because at first he sides with the whites and always thinks that they are right. When he pulls over the two African Americans and goes right to assume the worst and checks the woman for any weapons and etc he goes and feels her up before he lets them go. Another example of when he uses racism is his thought process. Another person that is somewhat racist is the owner of the store. When his store got destroyed he protects himself by buying a gun. When purchasing it he experiences racism. When he hires someone to fix the lock and the person says that he needs to fix the door and then the man gets mad and assumes the worst. Then the next day he wakes up and he stores is all destroyed he assumes it was the man that was supposed to fix the lock. While being racist he was assuming that the guy did it just because he was Latino. Comparing the two the cop was always racist non stop practically no matter what. The store owner only seemed to be racist when the situation got bad like when the situation gets bad. For example he went ahead and hired an Latino to fix the lock but once things weren't going so great he started to be more racist.

2. One stereotype was that black people don't tip (in restaurants). When the two African Americans were at the restaurant and the waiters knew/assumed this. It made them feel bad because just based on the color of their skin they aren't going to tip. There could be people of any skin color that would tip and exact opposite. Another stereotype is (being a) cheater. When the Latino fixed the lock and then tells the owner that he fixed the lock but he needs a new door, the owner assumes that the Latino can fix it when he can't bc its not his occupation. This makes the Latino feel horrible and he, the store owner, gets really angry for getting called a cheater just for trying to help.

3. "You embarrass me; you embarrass yourself". By saying this quote the man got embarrassed the other man should of felt bad for him and himself, being African American, should of been embarrassed as well. When he was sitting in the car and Terrence go out and went to talk to the police, Ludacris was embarrassing himself bc he (Terrence) was getting all the blame when it should have been split between them or given to him.

4. Stereotypes are all over. The most likely come from people assuming that a group of people all with a similar trait all do/have the same/similar features. For example the stereotype from the movie is that white people cling on to something when scared. This probably started when a couple of African Americans saw ONE American grasp onto their partner when scared.

5. Personally I believe that racism is NOT natural. I think it is a personal decision and you can control it. If people can get along with different backgrounds then people wouldn't have to worry bout what others think/say. If you control yourself/bite your tongue/lip then you wouldn't have a problem/wouldn't be racist.

6. Race is learned through the people and interactions you grow up/know. When people ask the question bout skin color and they have to explain. People get messages from the people who they are most comfortable around....like family and friends. You also get different racial messages from the media based on what you watch.

7. I think its possible to control/limit the use of racism but I don't think it is possible to end it. If people are stubborn and stuck in their ways then it won't get better/change.

Class vs. Classy

There are MANY (different) factors/elements that add up to what economic class you're in. A MAJOR factor is the class you grew up in. The wealth today in America is so unevenly spread out that people remain in the same class their whole life. Life is a struggle and never is easy, but changing classes isn't (easy) like taking a walk in the park. For some, money, jobs, and luxury comes easy. But for others its something they only dream of. When being wealthy, you have many privileges. For example, where they live, goes along with is this a good community where there is a great education for my children, the amount of stress/more opportunities in their lives goes with not really having to worry about the money being there for bills, day to day necessities, and their hobbies and being able to buy their way to the top when others have to work and earn their spot etc., "who you know"/"who your involved with"/their social network, is like the country clubs, and other rich/wealthy people who only know you because of your wealth. Personally, I don't think anything should be done to it. I feel that if someone needs money to be happy with themselves and their lives, then that's a bit upsetting. If your happy with yourself and surround yourself with people who love you and care for you for you, then money and success should NOT be on your mind and should NOT even be thinking about it.

Class

"What a man is depends on his character; but what he does, and what we think of what he does, depends on his circumstances. The characteristics that ruin a man in one class made him eminent in another."

I agree with this quote. I feel that people's character's depend on the situation and their upbringing. Our actions are viewed and defined by the people we surround ourself with even if its good or bad. God conscience (character) will allow the person to choose/determine correct from incorrect. But on the other hand, society may not agree witht he person's intentitions. Depending on class, certain actions are either looked greatly upon or looked down on. I think Shaw is trying to explain the fact that good and bad have different meanings amongst the different classes. For example, some in working class are ones who can and are able to be hands on and fix things by themselves and earn respect for having talent. However, someone in a rich/higher class may be looked down upon and say that they can pay to have someone fix their problems so they dont have to do it themselves. This distinction between what is accepted and respected changes as you take a look through the range of social classes. Shaw was right in saying that it all depends on circumstances.

I believe punishable deviance is a societal construct. If a person is willing to use deviance in a negative way, then it can be used against them. I feel that jails (and similar structures) regulate punishment nicely. But, its NOT always effective. In the movie "30 Days" we saw George and Travis wanting to change their lives in a positive way. Epically Travis when he choose to go into the special program. Once they, Travis and George, got out they ended right back into jail within two weeks(George)/months (Travis). Some people change their ways, but others they make patterns. During class one day we looked at a chart that compared people in the USA overall in prison from ages 18 to 44 were higher in jails than overall. Also, the number of blacks, Latinos, males, and high school or less than an high school education had higher numbers in jails than in the U.S.A. So once these people are in jail, the punishment can vary. The movie demonstrated a very different idea of jail than from what the usual "perspective" is. The 72 hours alone he sat in the room seemed very draining and difficult, but just being in that wide open room with others didn't display my idea of jail. I think that your punishment should be based on the crime you committed. In 30 days, most of these men did not seem intimidating. Both Travis and George seemed like fairly smart guys and they really wanted to take control of their lives and change. So I feel that it all depends on who and where you are staying and who is surrounding you.

Solcialization/Adolescence Reflection...2nd Six Week Blog :)

1. Nature vs Nurture: Think about what you have chosen to wear today, what your future professions or plans are, what type of sports/activities you enjoy; how much of this is determined by “Nature” and how much “Nurture”, and if/how do they balance each other?
- I feel that the clothes I wear, my future, activities/sports I enjoy and a mix of "Nature" and "Nurture". I feel that the clothes are determined more by "nurture". I feel this because if I see things that I like or think is cute, I would buy and wear. The trends and celebrities are always "in style" (for the most part) and being a teenager in high school you want to look "cool" and "trendy". My future and sports/activities on the other hand are more "nature". I feel that the joy of sports and being athletic comes from the gentleman in my family. I always know that they will have a passion for sports and I enjoy watching and going to games with them. He, and my mom, have taught me to play softball and just push myself to the limits. They taught me to never hold back and try my best. My future on the other hand is "nature" but also "nurture". I was born with the genetics/DNA to push myself to succeed and never give up no matter how hard life/the situation gets. My future is also "nurture" because I have been surrounded and grown up with challenges. Learning with ADD/ADHD and a Learning Disability, doesn't make me "different" but it taught me to try and made me realize that my true passion is to work with special needs kids.

2. Why is adolescent social status power so important and consuming to most adolescents?
-Status power is what adolescence spend a lot of their time worrying about. They worry about fitting in and doing the "cool" and what everyone else is doing. Like today teens want to go out and buy the top notch brands and the most up to date items that the big named brands sell. Another thing people do is actions that they think come off as being "normal". People try to be like everyone around them and sometimes act like someone their not. The impact this has on development is that people will go through all their life trying to fit in. If people were to go through life just worrying about themselves and focus on whats important to them then life might be able to avoid extra stress and worries in our lives.

3. How is the socialization process for children different today than in most previous generations? What concerns are raised by this change? How valid do you think these concerns are?
- The socialization process for children are different today than in most (previous) generations because there are more opportunities given and available. Some concerns that are raised, from a parents P.O.V., is "will my child survive?" "Will my child make it in the world on their own?" There is ALWAYS self-doubt and questioning. Life is full of UPS and DOWNS and unexpected turns but you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride, because before you know it the best times and memories (of your live) will be over. I am very lucky of where I live and who I know. Not only am I surrounded by little kids who look up to me, family members who adore me and would do anything for me in a heart beat. Also the kids make me ant to do better/my best in everything I do. Not only is my family members and neighbors a lot to me but the friendships I have with their parents. One in particular, she is the one I can go to other than my parents and friends and talk to about anything and EVERYTHING!!! She, and my family and friends, are always there for me and influence me in ways that encourage me to keep a positive attitude and outlook on life. Without their love and support I would NOT be the person I am today and it has truly moved me in ways that I would have never thought and will NEVER forget!!

4. Identify some examples of the gender differences in socialization. What impact do you think these have had in your life or in the lives of others you know?
- Some examples of gender differences in socialization is TOYS! For BOYS there are action figures, hot wheels, and skateboards. For girls there was Barbie, American Girls, dress up, "house", and "teacher". The list goes on and on. Its a bit upsetting that the society is so set on genderizing and splitting up girls from boys. Its conforming to America's "norms" and views on life/society/things. I think that when growing up we were so set on playing with our own gender toys that we didn't gain much of the interaction with the other sex as we could of if the society/American didn't stereotype/judge as much.

ADOLESCENCE

ADOLESCENCE: the transitional period between puberty and adulthood in human development, extending mainly over the teen years and terminating legally when the age of majority is reached; youth; Our society and the rest of the world treats people this age is by giving the adolescence slowly more and more responsibility like allowing them to drive, vote, and be able to get arrested and tried like an adult. Because of this, teenagers are doubtful of what they are suppose to be responsible for and what they aren't supposed to be responsible for. Because things slowly get harder as they get older it is a slow and hard transition. Status power is what adolescence spend a lot of their time worrying about. They worry about fitting in and doing the "cool" and what everyone else is doing. Like today teens want to go out and buy the top notch brands and the most up to date items that the big named brands sell. Another thing people do is actions that they think come off as being "normal". People try to be like everyone around them and sometimes act like someone their not. The impact this has on development is that people will go through all their life trying to fit in. If people were to go through life just worrying about themselves and focus on whats important to them then life might be able to avoid extra stress and worries in our lives.

Agents of Socialization

Sure my family helps me with my attitudes and my (family) values, but besides my family, my neighbor(s) and group of friends are two significant groups in my life. They affect MANY things in my life. My friends are either just like me (personality wise) or the opposite and not as bold. The great thing about my group of friends is that we all attend SHS and see each other every day. This makes it easier to make good choices regarding certain things and makes it easier to communicate between each other. But the down fall is that we know how each other is feeling and we can read each other easily. When they have a bad day or have drama with other friends (outside our group) I tend to step back and not get into the "drama". I like to make my own decisions and feel responsible for my own actions. I look at life as a "roller coaster" (yea its common but I love it). Life is full of UPS and DOWNS and unexpected turns but you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride, because before you know it the best times of your live will be over. Other than my friends, I have my neighbors. I am very lucky of where I live because not only am I surrounded by little kids who look up to me, and make me want to do better/my best in everything I do, but their parents: one in particular. She is the one I can go to other than my parents and friends and talk to about anything and EVERYTHING!!! She, and my family and friends, are always there for me and influence me in ways that encourage me to keep a positive attitude and outlook on life. Without their love and support I would NOT be the person I am today and it has truly moved me in ways that I would have never thought and will NEVER forget!!