Homeschooling, Good or Bad?

By: Youn Hee Lee


According to NCES, there are 1.5 million homeschooled students in 2007 in the United States. In 1999, there were precisely 1,096,000 home schooled students nationally. Statistics proves that eighty four percent of home schooled students are taught at home. The increase of numbers from homeschooled students between 1999 and 2007 has gone up by seventy four percent. More parents are choosing homeschooling because to offer religion, morals and avoiding negative effects by the school's environment such as pressure on drugs and safety. 

This video shows different views of government school and home school parents. The video relates to socialization because how children grow up in different schooling systems and how different they can be from each other. It relates to one of the agents of socialization which is family and how parents can raise their child and show them morals and their culture. It is the parent's primary role to raise their child appropriately in society. Although, home school and school systems may have some differences, children are still learning some things in these institutions.

My thoughts of homeschooling is great how children can avoid the pressure or influence of drugs and alcohol and how flexible their schedule can be in learning. I personally think there is no difference between public schools and homeschooling because children are developing the same social and learning skills. As long as a child is receiving good education, I do not think it matters at all. Homeschooling biggest disadvantage is the family loss of income, at least one parent must teach their child full time or part time which can make income difficult to get through one parent. Depending on who and how the child is raised from, any schooling all depends on their parent's views of education. 

Fitting Into the Cookie Mold

submitted by Maria Figueras


You've just baked a batch of cookies and you're taking them out of the oven to cool. As your eyes wander over the perfectly cut shapes, you notice one or two cookies which didn't quite come out right. Instead of a perfect cutout, you're stuck with an odd-shaped lump of pastry. You quickly stick these cookies at the bottom of the plate, hiding them under all the other cookies that came out like they were supposed to.

Society is not that much different. There are thousands of different molds out there, each one different depending on your circumstances (class, race, gender, etc). We are born and start off as just a blob of cookie dough, waiting to be cut into our perfect shapes by the demands of society. This is what is called socialization. Socialization is the process in which we learn what values we are to have, what social norms we are to follow, and how to behave depending on our position in society. We are socialized through school, media, our peers, family, and religion.

Let's look at education for example. We are told from a young age to excel in school and that some day we will graduate from a good college with a degree that will enable us to have a living. They don't mention things like trade school to an elementary student. We are socialized by our teachers and schools to believe that college is the way to go. Take a year off, or decide to work at McDonald's and society will write you off as a bum.

The same applies for your friends, your family, your religious group, and the media that surrounds us every day. We learn that we can act a certain way with our friends that we simply cannot with our families. We learn to comply with the rules of our faith and to be living representations of our religion's values. We are learn we have to be skinny, to be clear-skinned, to be fashionable, to roll out of bed looking like we're going to a photo shoot. We are socialized by all of these agents until we fit society's perfect cookie mold. Through socialization, we are taught the only way to be a respectable member of society is to follow its norms and values. We come to see those who differ from these values as outcasts. We may often distance ourselves from them, shun them, or smack them with a label --"a problem to society". And in this way, we are hiding these misshaped cookies at the bottom, keeping them out of view.

In conclusion, socialization is something we all face and deal with uniquely. It touches us all in some way- whether it be through our education or through the friends we hang out with. To be part of a society, we learn to fit the cookie mold that has been laid out for us, and hope for the best.

The Power of Free Speech in Social Networking

By: Christina Tun

The Power of Free Speech in Social Networking

The most amazing thing that separates America from the world is it's Free Speech. Many places in the world have various restrictions on it's citizens. Unlike many countries, America has something that makes them unique; the ability to have Free Speech.

Only in America can a homeless man or women worship their own god in peace, obtain a job and create their own career, marry anyone he or she desires without any conflict, and write a blog about their government. Many countries could easily judge their citizens from what an average American could do. For example, in January of 2011, Egypt cut off the Internet of it's citizens because Egyptians voiced their opinions of their president on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. They used the power of the Internet to gain awareness from the world, resulting in many violent riots. In America, Americans have the freedom to have their voices be heard which is what makes America so unique. Socialization in America has spread all around the world. The phase of social networking has not only become so popular in America but in other countries like Egypt where they utilized it and created change in the government showing the power of Free Speech.

In reality the power of Free Speech in social networking is turning out to be an ultimate weapon for ideas not just in America but the world. Americans use it in their everyday lives to tell their friends how they feel or what's going on, this ultimately helped Egypt with their revolution and eventually caused it's government to change thus proving the power of Free Speech in social networking.

Socializational Societal Stage

Submitted By : Ashley Sanders

As we all know socialization are the cultural affects followed by attitudes, values and emotional behaviors that we're taught since birth. We use socialization on a daily basis with family, friends, peers, and especially on the job. Society plays an important part in socialization because that's the stage we play all of our roles on for the world to see. Whether or not you're a celebrity or an average joe, society is the Broadway stage which doesn't end; constantly moving forward and looking for the next act to be performed. Celebrities are always using the socializational societal stage to express what new and sometimes embarrassing moments of their lives. For instance, Brittany Spears, talk about a woman whose life played out in front of her fans from the tender age of 10. She with many other stars received their start on the Mikey Mouse Club and became very successful. She also was very successful, but at some point she lost it. She kissed Madonna on national television, had two beautiful sons by a unemployed man, she shaved her head, and showed her lady parts while getting out of a car. Wow. This is just a few things about her, but the point I'm trying to get across is that this socializational societal stage is for everyone and sometimes this stage can get you to superstartum. Another socializational societal stage outlet is the Internet and YouTube; if you have an idea about something and you put it on YouTube startum comes to you: example Justin Bieber. Like many Americans he just posts himself playing instruments and singing on YouTube, who would have thought he would have received his big break.  This stage helps us stay connected in this fast paste world. Outlets are constantly being used to stay connected like, Facebook, Tweeter, and Skype while keeping the face-to-face communication alive.

Technology Running Circle around us

Submitted by Fred Dukes Technology has put a major impact on the way people live life. Technology has become such a apart of our life its like we cant live with out it. For example when walking down the street 9 out of every 10 people you see are either on there cell phones texting or with headphones in there listening to somebody tell them whats wrong with the world. And at home with the social networking and new ways to communicate its almost like the only way people can interact with one another a lot of people suffer with not being able to hold face to face conversations with people because there not use to expressing there feelings through verbal communication. Peolpe have lost site on how to live life because for as long as you take to look at your phone or listen to your music you miss out on hearing the beautiful sound of nature or the communication and dialouge that is going on around to

Foreigners Between Love and Hate

By Ivonne Mosquera.

From the country I come from we have some kind of fascination with  foreigners. It is very common to open our houses' doors to host them, to invite them to our table, and to please them in anything they need. We enjoy looking at their clothes, corporal expressions, and accents.  Even having a foreigner hosted in our home is a matter of pride and an object of envy in the neighborhood. There is a story about a foreign man who came to a small town in the north coast of my country. He identified himself as an "Indian ambassador". The people there believed he was what he said and every family wanted to honor the "ambassador" at their homes. So, everyday he enjoyed of the most succulent banquets, music and dance performances, and everything he pleased.   This expressive love to foreigners in my country, or the cordial and affective embrace to them is known as Xenophilia.  But what if instead of this warm embracement happens the opposite? Sadly there are subcultures in the world and in the USA that express their hate for the presence of others groups that no share their origin, race, religion, and other cultural aspects. We call this: Xenophobia.

Xenophobia can be seen as a cultural and social phenomena. In Our society, the USA, is very common to see how some reactions of social groups to foreign presence is reflected, for example in the laws of some states as the controversial Arizona SB 1070. This bill was criticized hardly because encourages racial profiling. Even it faced strong opposition by President Barack Obama who said that "it would undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and our communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe". Other example of xenophobia are paramilitary groups of "civil police" in the border with Mexico that enjoy playing target shooting, instead of giving human assistance to people who are starving and thirsty. Also in our beloved Philadelphia we were witnesses of a controversial sign posted on a Geno's Steaks' window that said: "This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING please 'SPEAK ENGLISH'". The  Philadelphia  Commission on  Human  Relations filed 

a complaint because they considered it a violation of the city's Fair Practices Ordinance. Arguing that the sign promoted discrimination in public accommodation. Even the same owner himself admitted that the sign were directed at the Mexican immigrants of the neighborhood.  If we continue analyzing the USA reality,  we can also  find numerous cases of xenophobia, among them, the hate to the muslim population, as is showing in the next video:

Xenophobia  phenomena is not new, in fact it is very primitive. N.Meza from monografias.com said that "is very common in ancient cultures, even the Greek, where the city of  Sparta, for example, avoid the entrance of foreigners to its territory.  He explains that prejudices, convictions without foundation, against anything that is foreign triggers or led easily to discrimination. It is materialized by discriminatory actions or omissions in detriment to them.  Also, he explains that xenophobia comes from the generalized ignorance of the population over the Human Rights that difficults a favorable environment of coexistence with foreigners. He notes that one of the characteristics of the Human Rights is the “Universalism", and it means that all human beings in the world have the privilege of enjoy of the same human rights, without discriminatory differences because of their social origin, nationality, age, sex, sexual preferences, religion and so on.  He pointed that this is an idealistic or utopic principle if analyzing the global reality, but I think if every of us change our attitude against others who look different to us, and if we overcome the fear to the unknown and embrace the innumerables benefits that offer the richness of cultural diversity, our community or even our world could  be a nicer place to live. 

The Egyptian revolution
Submitted by: Amira Eldisoky,

            People wonder why the egyptians revolted the revolution which sparked by youth in January 25,2011. The peaceful revolution was a consequence of the injustice dictatorship of the government. The system of the government had many errors which accumulated over three decades. President Mubarak dismantled the joints of Egyptian society such as the unions of labor and trade. Also, he created in Egypt, the land of Nile which is the longest river in the world for the first time in history ( the problem of thirst). Moreover, 40% of Egyptians became below the poverty line. That system was the one who joined the wealth and power together which appeared with trading advantages between business men and politicals. During Mubarak administration, the society divides into tow layers, the very upper class and the very lower class. Finally as a result of all these social and economic problems that the Egypian society faced for over 30 years the revolution erupted by those young people who were able to change the Egyptian history.

Technology, the Mother of Our E-Society

Submitted by Marc Davis

"Where would we be without technology?" "What would I do without my cellphone?" "O-M-G!!!!! What will I do without Facebook?

Technology is continuing to be a great tool to all those who use it. Technology has created comfortable living, longer life spans, and unlimited access to all things around us. It is safe to say that most people view technology as an electionic blessing. I am sure most people who are reading this blog would not disagree with me since they are using electronice devices to view my thoughts and opinions, but we can become completely consumed by the very things we create. Consumed to the point where we alienate ourselves from the world around us, as long as we have technology we all figure things will be okay.

We become consumed by the technology we see and use everyday. Technology has given us the alley to isolate ourselves from the world around us while enabling us to view it from a distance. For example, we are able to see the news through our portable devices and televisions without leaving the comforts of our own homes. By alienating ourselves we take away our ability to interact with those within society. What would society be without the interactions that hold it together?

Technology has also made it convenient to reach out to people in a variety of ways. We have all reconnected with friends we knew in middle school or high school via social websites like Facebook.com or Myspace.com, but they take away from personal connection. Do not get me wrong, we can all be easly reached through texting, poking, and even calling, but it never satisfies the intimacy of a good conversation, or the a great smile after an average joke. We are interacting with others through the tools technology grants us to have, but we will soon find ourselves living electionically.

Technology will continue to grow and we will continue to be consumed by it. We can shop online, send mail, and even give our last respects at a funeral. With the sudden boom of recieving an online education, we will not have the opportunity to forge relationships or gain experience through our interactions because I fear meeting someone for the first time, Personally, will soon be categorized as "Old Fashion." Our lives will soon be lived through the devices and tools technology give us, and then we will welcome the new phase of an electronic society.

Technology Is A WMD

   Submitted by Phialy Noun

     Our world is full of technological advances and media. As we grow older, we slowly adapt to the changes around us. We always have to get the latest thing out, but the question is why do we need to? Does it make us better than the person next to us who doesn’t have it? Are we really willing to pay that much money for a small difference in a product that was out just six months ago? The social medias are constantly trying to get us to buy their new technology. The media advertises in the streets, on TV and even your friend might try to persuade you to buy a new gadget.  With all these to deal with, it adds social pressure to ourselves.  Does technology cause us to be even more socially isolated?  How far down the line are we letting our privacy get violated? What we didn’t realize is that technology is our deadliest weapon. There is a term called cyber bullying, which means harassment by any form of an electronic material used on  another person.  A person can be bullied by what they don’t have, text messages, phone calls, wall posts on websites, videos, and the list goes on. Gossip is formed in a mass social network. People get labeled with by what someone else said or did.
   
    For example, A freshmen college student named Tyler attended Rutgers University Committed suicide. His roommate secretly recorded Tyler being intimate with another male in his dorm. He was exposed  through a webcam and the video was uploaded it online. Tyler was confronted about it and later posted on his face book wall that he was jumping off the G.W. Bridge. This was all because of conflict of self identity and a tiny camera. 

    Another example is in Missouri a Woman had made a fake account on a social media website called Myspace. She used the site to pretend to be a boy who had started to have a relationship with a thirteen year old girl named Megan. The hoax was created because the woman’s daughter wasn’t getting along with Megan.  The fake user started to bash on the girl and ended the relationship. Megan then hung herself. This video gives you  more detail of the impact of cyber bullying on society.







    To sum it up, we speak through  an electronic system which we can’t live a day without. Technology is making it too easy for us to become someone we don’t want to be. We limit ourselves face time conversations to deal with conflicts. We mouth off online but not say a word to that person directly in person.  People are becoming bullies or stalkers and not even realizing it.  We just post it up on line and hope that others will like it and join our hate club. The level of isolation is going to keep increasing because the more we interact with technology the more we avoid people. Why continue to only have a relationship with a lit up screen and a keypad?

Warning! you can be punished!

Submitted by JungBum Hur

As much as the IT industry develops, IP hacking problem also have been increasing as well. I have thought that probably in future, we will use 18 letters of IP address instead of using of 12. Because 12 letters is too former to us to remember and it has to be more complicated.

Actually IP address is sort of same case of home address if you use a laptop of desktop in your home with Internet because IP, itself is your personal computer’s(PC) direct address. A lot of computer users are trying to reduce or protect their information and documents located in their computer by terrible hackers. In other words, using illegal websites or others will welcome hackers to your PC to erase your valuable files or documents.

Therefore, what the good method to protect our information is? I think that another problem is illegal download of music, movie, video or other many kinds of files from hidden or illegal downloading websites. If we download some files by using illegal websites, our IP address can be exposed to other internet users or hackers who are interested in anybody’s information.

                In United States, if a person is caught by cyber cops by illegal downloads; the user’s internet speed of home will be slowed in few percentages of original speeds; it will be a warning. This system called as “Copyright Alert System” and the AT&T, Cable Vision, Comcast, Verizon and some enterprises of Hollywood agreed with this agreement. Plus, this system is base on six levels that first time, if illegal behavior will be searched, e-mailing or a bit of warning will announced to users, but if the user does not stop to use, whole web sites will be restricted to use or the internet speeds tardy.

However, if a person is very skillful about computer system, they can change the IP address to avoid some restriction and the popular way to change IP address is Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN is a network that uses primarily public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or traveling users’ access to a central organizational network. Therefore, if the user change its original IP address by VPN, the illegal website will be fine to use again with small prices.

These are some ways that I think to solve the illegal problems to protect hackers. First, the copyright examination should be installed in portal web sites automatically whether the file is good or bad, secondly not only up loader but also down loaders have to be punished, so I do consider that the punishment should be stronger than before with extreme dreadful law convention and all people in the world have to keep to use legal download with money.

FUTURE, FASTER, AND FACETIME

Submitted By Shanea Hannibal

Let’s admit it people, no matter how young or old, we are addicted to the mass production of new cellular devices thrown in our face every day! This is the future and beyond for media and technology of the world. We just love the feel of a touch screen, the rapidly fast progress of connects with via Internet, messaging, downloading, and who doesn’t love Wi-Fi. Just looking at those advertisements like the commercials, billboards, and the biggest yet- seeing other people carry their high-tech phones just gives you the urge to go out and buy one for yourself, whether it’s an IPhone, Blackberry, Samsung, HTC, or Motorola Droid. 

 

These phones supply us with everything we need in one little package. How much better could life get. The fact of the matter is, do we really give this any thought? I mean do we really need this much information at our every touch with just a tap of the finger. What good is it to pick up a book Books when we can buy them on our phones, who needs to actual sit and watch a movie with friends I can buy it on my phone and multi-task, who needs to go all the way to Home Depot for flash lights, I get it on my phone! They supply use with so much today we don’t need to utilize other resources.

This creates social isolation as well. We as people get so lost in all with what technology offers and what it allows us to do that we overlook everything else around us. I mean seriously, text message and picture mail use to be the huge diversion to our lifestyles but now it’s more than that. You have people flying you e-mails, IMs, notifications from your social networks (Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter), video-chatting and do we ignore them- I think not. Why is it so important for us to be socially involved (but really nonsocial) over something so materialistic. If you drop your cell phone and it breaks- which happens often, you have no choice to wait for a new phone to ship out about a week later- unless you have insurance. The fact of the matter is what will you do? Go days without talking to anyone or physically go out your way to pick up a house phone or even better take a walk or ride to see the person and actually hold a human-like conversation with them. 

 

The fact of the matter is that we can’t lose ourselves within the social skills we obtained from the young age of infants. Do we really want our next generation to grow up only learning the language of computer-cell phone dialogue; LOL, OMG, TTYL, WTF, and etc. Technology is making headway everyday (oh yes, there are scientists discussing about 8G speed at this very moment) do we really want to become the victims of new advancements, when the only added feature is a slight more storage space and a unusual color and shape to look fresh.

Koyannisqatsi-Life Out of Balance

Submitted by Kevin McTague

History shows us that advances in technology has greatly influenced social life today in vastly different ways.  Some advances helped our way of life improve yet some have destroyed what we know.  This film shows just that how technology has influenced society. Koyannisqatsi, from the Hopi language meaning Life Out of Balance, is a film like no other. It was made in 1978 by Godfrey Reggio.  It has no story, no dialogue, and no characters.  It is a film of just images with music. The images show very different landscapes and how technology has destroyed it or not.

The short trailer is linked below
Do watch it it may change you perspective on the world

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PirH8PADDgQ

In the film we see cities and rural landscapes and each for different reasons.  Shot in most tine lapse the viewer can see just how out of balance life is.  From the dizzying views of NYC and LA to the hauntingly barren deserts landscapes..These image juxtapositions show how technology has not seeped everywhere just yet and those non urban areas there is no ounce of it.  This can be a huge difference in how the social life in each area is greatly varying.

This film truly changed my persecptive on life and how we live it. I hope it does the same for you. 

Media Brain Washing Strategy with Technology

Submitted by: James Bang

                In today’s society media and technology are succeeding further and further with non-social interactions to gain a huge amount of attention all over the world.  For an example most people don’t often go to the mall anymore because they are able to shop online for what they need and also most of the companies today have advertisements on the internet which brings people to buy their products. In addition, Computer companies such as Dell has made their own Facebook/Twitter just to bring in more customers which makes us more nonsocial to the people around us when we do go buy the computer at a store. As the media makes the gain by doing such plans, but what do we gain from the product?

                Furthermore, as the media makes these advertisements and we fall into their trap, we have to use the products or it will be just a waste. Some of the gain from these products like technology is computers. We are able to gain social interactions from all over the world.  Some examples are Facebook/Myspace/Google+, they are all related to meeting new people and also some of these social network sites have the “like” status, which brings us to being in common. These social networks also have an option where a person can create an event and invite everybody to the event, which will lead to meeting new people at different events. As people think media and technology are the gain of this society, but the truth is it is harming us in a little part of the community.

                Moreover, it is harming us little by little is because we are able to do everything at home. The media is making the technology useful in their “use”, but is that really a good option. Since people are able to get their needs off the internet, where is the face-to-face talk? Also some of the bigger corporations are overpowering the local stores making us not knowing who is who. For an example Wal-Mart/Target, they are all over the world, but when we go buy our stuff, we go in and get out. We do the simple task and not socializing with the people in the store, this tie into “Consumerism Isolation” by Stanley Eitzen.

                Additionally, the good and bad of media and technology will always be a positive for us because we are able to do everything electronically. Also people can gain the confidents to talking to people in person since there are a lot of advices on the internet.  Furthermore, the society will change in the future with more advanced technology and the media marketing will be growing. New ideas will be heard and people will come together for the final thoughts. Everything brings us together from all around the world to learn about each other culture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypmfs3z8esI&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL1BB45B4585A683D9

Sometimes we can be Mean.........

   Submitted by Allen Bradford        

       Video games are at the forefront of technology and media.  The ever growing industry attracts people of all ages all around the world.  Companies like Microsoft and Sony have integrated the internet more and more through their online services of Xbox Live and the Playstation Network respectively.  The highest concentration of gamers online is concentrated in the Northeast of North America. Me being an avid gamer I am a member of both services so I connect to people of all ages from different backgrounds. Being from a major metropolis on the east coast, there has been a disturbing trend that has becoming more problematic.  A letter I read in a magazine has pointed this trend out and the writer was correct.  We can not help ourselves when it comes to teasing our competition that is not like us.

            A perfect game to use as an example is Call of Duty: Black Ops.  This is a hardcore shooting game which allows you to go online and take the fight to other people.  Microsoft and Sony allow you to use microphone headsets to take the experience further and talk to everyone you are playing with.  In the letter I read the guy was from the south and talks about how his southern accent is constantly made fun of, but at least Americans understand him.  Reading this had me thinking about all the small kids I have made fun of for playing this mature rated game with their high pitched cries and squeals.  Also, foreigners from all of Europe and Asia are constantly being harassed about their accent, they way they talk, even their slow internet connection.

            I can’t help to think, “Damn, I’m guilty”, because I even have my moments, especially when I lose.  The fact that the letter I read was published in a major gaming magazine means that this has really become a problem.  In all honesty, it is wrong because I hear it every time I start to play and no one can like that.  It takes away from the fun experience of the game.  There is a difference between clean trash talk and harassment of others because of their culture. We as gamers here on the east coast need to learn to be more respectful toward others around the world so we can increase our player base and invite more friendly competition.

The Downfall of the Book, and How It Affects Our Society

Submitted by Marjorie Bartell

    It's official, every Border's bookstore in the US closed this month for good.  After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February of this year, and then not being able to make up the money by a July deadline, the company made the decision to close all 399 US stores.

    It's not just Border's, although they are the most extreme case.  More than 1,000 bookstores in US have closed from 2000 to 2007 (source).  So what could be a possible reason for the slow decline in business to bookstores and bookstores themselves?  The biggest suspect we could look at it is the rise of the Ebook reader.

    The Ebook reader is made by many different companies.  The one you may hear about the most, through the heavy marketing they have done, is the Amazon Kindle (pictured on the right).  Sales for the standard black and white displays for Ebook readers are expected to reach 25-30 millions units this year (source).

    Libraries in several places in the US are now starting to make their books available through Ebook readers, making their library selections ready to browse and download online.  Some schools are starting to make the switch from standard textbooks to Ebook textbooks.

    So what kind of effects can this new technology have on our society and our every day life?  Bookstores have always been a great place to find a good book, listen to book readings from your favorite author, or meet other people that may be interested in the same books as you are.  With this establishment slowly fading away, it creates another wall of isolation in our society.  Most of us do our shopping online, and there are many other factors that keep us from the every day chances we have make face to face social connections.  We will no longer even have to say hello to the mail man who may have delivered us the book, or the librarian when we need to find a book in the library.

   However, reading books in general is quite an isolating habit in the first place.  Ebook readers just makes the delivery and where we buy/rent them, much more isolating.  There really isn't much we as a society can do to change this, making books electronic really does just make sense.  My parents are a perfect example of this, the amount of money, time, and space they could save by using Ebook Readers could be astronomical.  My father in particular goes through library books like they're candy!  

    The only worry is the library, the book stores, what will happen to them?  Will every one be able to even afford ebook readers?  Maybe our libraries will be replaced with ebook rental places!  Only time will tell.  Until that time, enjoy not having piles of books lying around anymore if you can afford it, but don't forget to find ways to involve others!  At least talk to people about the lovely books you're reading.  Bring your ebook readers outside!

Boxing and The Latin Culture

Submitted by Jose Ortiz

How has boxing impacted the Latin culture? Out of the many popular sports in Latin America boxing happens to be one of the most influential, inspiring, and most popular professional sports there are. Many hispanic champions such as Miguel Cotto (shown to the left) who happens to be Puerto Rican are looked up to by many of today's youth and also are seen by many in today's Latin society as a modern day hero but before i continue I am going to first explain what a sub-culture is. Sub-culture is a group of individuals  with a culture which can differentiate them from the larger culture to which they belong to. So to put it in better words for example if you are a die hard football fan who dresses up and puts on makeup and so called "worships" your team so they can win every Sunday or whatever day they may play you are officially apart of an sub-culture. Now when a huge boxing event occurs such as the most recent one Floyd "Money" Mayweather vs Victor "Viscous" Ortiz thousands and maybe even millions of people, black,white,hispanic, or whatever your race happens to be people come together, place bets, surround the television screen if they aren't in attendance at the fight and root and scream at the top of their lungs encouraging for one fighter to beat the other. Some simple rules to the sport are to basically always protect yourself, no low blows, no head butts, definitely no hitting behind the head, and your not suppose to use your elbows when you throw punches. As far as terminology goes you may hear many boxing commentators say: Southpaw, orthodox fighter, jab, cross, left hook, right hook, left uppercut, right uppercut, dip, dodge, parry,fake,Philly shell,cross,boxer,brawler. Basically all the basic fundamental moves of boxing. The values of boxing are pretty simple and self explanatory. To get in that ring,especially coming from a Latin culture to do your absolute best and win or if not win at least gain honor and respect from your opposition at the end of the contest. Some things that aren't really looked for or that is unwanted by particular fans is a loud mouthed cocky fighter who doesn't show respect to other individuals. When it comes to the norms there are actually many people out there who enjoy a trash talking boxer therefore as a fan they root for them from sun up to sun down. But lets not forget there are many of those boxers who stay humble, who really does not do any talking, but instead he or she lets their actions speak in the ring and those are the ones in my opinion I truly respect and root for.

For example Floyd Mayweather is undefeated therefore not only does his confidence build up but also his trash talking and arrogance which in my case is no where near a surprise coming from a guy like him. One other professional boxer that does the same exact thing is Nicaragua's Ricardo Mayorga. Only difference is he talks more trash than Floyd but he is not undefeated and always continues to come up with a lame excuse for why he lost. So to sum it up many people in a boxing sub-culture society loves to hear trash talk. It hypes them up and it hypes up the fight so they feed off of the boxers overconfidence hoping that person would win. Next, when it comes to the Latin culture boxing has basically been ingrained in it. So far Mexico has produced about a little over 100 champions while Puerto Rico has produced about 60 plus. Being part of a Latin culture and a boxer I do truly understand what it takes to be a honorable champion and what the fans look for in a boxer. Tons of individuals in the Latin Culture look for a person who will leave any and everything they have in the ring in order to become great which earns the respect of many even if its a loss. Whenever a boxer steps in the ring no matter where he or she is from that person not only represents his or herself, but they represent where they came from, the struggles they went through just to make it this far, they represent not only their people but possibly a whole country. A great example is Manny "Pacman" Pacquaio even though he is not of Latin Culture, he is one of the best professional boxers in the world who is from the Philippines actually lowers the crime rate in his own country whenever he fights. This is because millions of people as you can see in his country look up to him, they support him, and he represents them any and every where he goes to fight therefore they are more than proud say he is one of ours. So as you can see boxing not only can affect a sub-culture but possibly a whole entire country in a positive way.

Determination

Hardwork

Heart
=Success!

Sometimes It Takes a Woman To Do a Man's Job

Submitted by: Sierra A. Capalongo
   Female roles have changed drastically in today's society from what was deemed socially normal in the past. A role that was usually accompanied by household chores, nurturing their children, and cooking for their families has come a long way. In past times, a woman was basically a man's shadow. She remained in the background while he provided for the family and fulfilled his patriarchal position on the social ladder. But now, women are capable of doing typically anything that a man is able to do. We see women doctors, lawyers, and even body builders everyday. They're able to achieve the same successes and powerful positions as men. But are they ever really viewed as equals?
   Last week, I watched a past episode of Sex in the City that related well to this topic. Cynthia Nixon's character, Miranda, decided it was time to do some speed dating in an attempt to find her a companion. Now Miranda is a very career-minded lawyer from the upper west side of New York but her abrasive, overpowering personality has always been intimidating to men. Her speed dating experiment consisted of eight men and seven minutes to get to know each one in a fine dining restaurant setting. Each date began with the standard introduction of names and quickly jumped into careers. By date number four, she quickly realized a pattern. Every time the word "lawyer" slid from her mouth, the men would instantly become uninterested and look away. One even switched his attention to the waitress who was serving their cocktails. When it came time for date five, Miranda asked the gentleman about his occupation to which he replied that he was a doctor. She, on the otherhand, decided to lie and quickly replied "stewardess," to which the man seemed immediately attracted to her. Thus realizing that her position of power was seen as intimitading and that men wanted to be the powerful ones in the relationship.
   This is something I see and am reminded of Monday through Friday. I have worked for a construction and industrial supply company for over three years now but recently relocated to the Bensalem area where I am not known. Starting in a new location felt about the same as it did when I started working for this company back in 2008. None of the customers know me, so they feel I do not know what I am doing. My position is inside sales so I work with pricing and selling. It's not that my job is hard in any manner, it just takes good memorization of small details.
   I am typically sitting at my desk doing paper work when my customers come in. They're stereotypical "manly men" covered in grease, dirt, and oil. They look like they haven't showered in weeks. I'm always in my royal blue polo and khakis, with my hair straightened and makeup done. Usually exposing some type of flashy manicure. One look at me and the most standard question I receive upon greeting is "Are there any men working today?" I oftentimes find myself saying subtly in my head "Yes, I am a female. Yes, I too have a brain and am capable of intelligence, Sir," while around these kinds of men. To their surprise, they quickly realize that I have extensive knowledge about hardware, electrical, and plumbing supplies.
   Overall, from personell experience, I haven't seen real eqaulity set in yet but day by day I am able to slowly change the males persepective on gender roles, which comes with a decent amount of satisfaction. There's a slight reward when it comes to changing peoples minds about you. This is why I've stayed with my company as opposed to doing some type of waitressing or retail clothing job. 

I'm Going to Jump and Nothing will Stop Me!!!

     "Submitted by Jamiylah M."

I recently watched a film called Jumping the Broom. It is about two individuals getting married that come from two different backgrounds. The bride, played by Paula Patton, was raised in a more wealthy and suburban upbringing. The groom, played by Laz Alonso, was raised in a single parent home closer toward the city. Both individuals are African American as well as their parents, but when it came time for the two families to meet, there were a lot of clashing moments because of different viewpoints on certain wedding traditions. In the movie there is a disagreement between the bride’s mother and the groom’s mother about whether or not the couple should “jump the broom” after exchanging vows at the altar. The tradition of “jumping the broom” is a social norm among African American culture.  I could not understand why the bride’s mother would not want to include a tradition that age back to the days of slavery.  So, I decided to go into further research about what “jumping the broom” symbolizes and how and why it is an important tradition. 

Jumping the broom was a tradition that began back in the 1600s during slavery. Slaves were not allowed to legally marry and have lavishing weddings in a church. Most of their ceremonies took place within their living quarters on the plantation. A huge part of the ceremony was the tradition of “jumping the broom.” A broom would be placed on the floor and the couple would jump over the broom as a symbol of stepping into a new world as husband and wife. The broom was a household item that the couple would have for years to come. The hairs of the broom represented the members of the family. Where the handle was represented the family as a unit and the ribbon tied around the handle would signify the marriage that will bind the family of the groom and the bride as one.

   Culture is defined as the beliefs, values and norms that are passed on through generations. The broom in the tradition would be considered material culture because it is a physical object that passes on the heritage of the African culture. For the slaves to not be able to publicly express the union and love of two individuals was tragic but they were able to find an alternative way of expression. The nonmaterial culture within “jumping the broom” is the belief that once the couple steps over the broom they are unified and officially husband and wife. Nonmaterial culture is defined as a belief or value that is shared among everyone pertaining to the culture. Although union through jumping a broom is not through legal documents or anything it is accepted among the people because the belief is part of the culture.

In the world today, African Americans continue with the tradition of “jumping the broom” for many reasons. Some do so because it is tradition that they have seen their parents and grandparents do. Some exercise the custom as a norm which is something worldly accepted within the culture. And majority of African Americans do so to keep the beliefs and values of their ancestors, slaves who were not allowed to have wed, alive and continuous throughout generations to come.

All in all, I think that the bride's mother's refusal of letting the couple jump the broom is not a good idea. She felt as though it would be tacky and did not want to do something that would remind her of slavery. I think she is completely wrong and that having the couple jump the broom would be a positive contribution to the wedding. It would be a good tradition of the African culture for her to pass down to the newlyweds as well as pay homage to their ancestors by keeping the belief and values that "jumping the broom" brings to a marriage in their culture.

(click link to see the trailer) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D90GKozn-Xg

  

Media's Impact on Social Norms

Submitted by: Gregory Fowler

“It Gets Better” is an internet-based project founded by syndicated columnist Dan Savage and his husband Terry Miller.  The focus of the project is suicide prevention among gay teens who are bullied.  Originally intended as a Youtube channel in response to the suicide of Billy Lucas, the It Gets Better Project has grown to over 20,000 videos of adults from all sexual orientations encouraging youths that life does get better.  Its website features endorsements from numerous celebrities, nonprofit organizations, corporations, universities, and most recently, major league baseball teams.



The teams that have made videos for the project include the Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and the Philadelphia Phillies.

At first, I was surprised that not all of the teams in Major League Baseball had made videos for the project.  However, it seems that the individual teams are deciding to make these videos, not MLB as an organization.  Interestingly, different teams use different language in their PSA.  In addressing the issue, some teams use the acronym LGBT, whereas others use the words, “lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender“. Why this difference in language?   

I did some research into the home cities of the teams who made the PSAs.  It seemed to me that any correlation between teams that endorsed the video and those who didn’t could be solved by the looking at the social geography of their home cities.  This was not the case.  I couldn’t find any correlation between the teams that made the videos and the size of gay populations in those cities that might indicate new target markets.  Nor could I find a correlation with teams that have falling attendance rates, or any other economic strategies aimed at generating more income.  Also, it doesn’t seem that teams that have a smaller fan bases are attempting to look at new nationwide demographics either.

After exhausting my ideas about why certain teams would endorse the It Gets Better Project, I was reminded of the discussion of social norms.  Social norms are the rules that a group uses to define appropriate and inappropriate values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors.  Specifically, in the case of these videos, the perception of social norms and how they are influenced through media is what I found interesting.  These athletes’ personal beliefs surrounding sexuality become, in a way, social issues by virtue of their prominent positions and status as role models, as well as speaking as a united team.  This is particularly true if we can rule out obvious economic interests in gaining new fans.

The It Gets Better Project is, by itself, an example of how technology takes personal issues of sexuality and presents them in a social context.  The rate at which the project is expanding shows how effectively media transforms these individuals’ stories from personal issues into public discussions, where broad social norms regarding sexuality have the potential to be greatly influenced.  This influence comes not only by the celebrities and organizations that have endorsed the project, but from the depersonalization of private issues from the people uploading their stories.


 

Accept or Reject

By: Kirstin Carlson



Assimilation is most often described as when immigrants from different cultural backgrounds, adapt to the dominant culture. They fall into a pattern of the behavior, attitudes and customs of the new surroundings. The idea of assimilation to us may seem easy, because we’ve grown up accustomed to our social norms. Where as, people coming from their own social norms are almost expected to adapt. Imagine traveling to a different country, where they way you talk seems rude to the natives, or the food you eat is considered unappetizing. Maybe even your religious beliefs are not accepted. Living on this new land, you have to assimilate to the new culture, without losing sight of your own background. Many people may find this is too hard a challenge and instead of assimilation, they choose the path of cultural pluralism.

Cultural pluralism is when a minority group, although participating in society, continues their cultural traditions and ways of doing things. It seems this would be the more comfortable path for people to take. For example, I’d picture myself in the streets of a foreign country. Before me is a restaurant with a name written in a language I don’t understand, and foods I’ve never tried. Next to this restaurant is a McDonalds. The obvious choice if I wanted to stick to the comfortable and familiarity of my home would be McDonalds. Performing and act that could be considered cultural pluralism. But what if I chose to adapt to new culture, such as new foods, and give the other options a try? That would be an example of assimilation. Whether its assimilation or cultural pluralism, everyone finds their own way to adapt to new surroundings. And I believe it is important to not only adapt to new culture, but not to forget your own; incorporating both in everyday life.

Sites: www.dictionary.com

I'd love you if you were green!

By: Shayna Butler 
       In April I will be marring the love of my life. At first my parents didn’t fully approve, because I am White and he is Korean. Growing up in a strict Adventist subculture my parents would always tell me, “Never marry outside your race or your religion.” They always told me that different races and religions wouldn’t work because relationships already has their struggles, why add different ideas into them? However, they grew up in a time where interracial and same sex marriages were frowned on.

America has always prided themselves on freedom. Yet, marrying different races, religions, and even having a same sex partner has slowly become a social norm. There are 6.8 million of people from different cultures that have embarked in an exogamy (marrying outside your social group) marriage and 150,000 people that have a same sex marriage. And still, same sex marriages aren't fully recognized in the some states. 

My fiancé and I have been together for five years, and granted to relationship is perfect, but having a different cultural background has never created a problem. It's been fun learning about the culture and what are the norms in Korea. And frankly, I cannot wait to raise my children in a Korean/American home. Yes, I will have to learn the language so my children can and I’m sure they’ll have kimchi and hamburgers for dinner. But most importantly, I hope they will never feel that race, religion, or sex should determine what they look for in a soulmate. 

 Reference: Wikipedia 

Albania Culture

Elona Perllaku 

"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future." A culture that I resemble and is a part of who I am is the Albanian culture. The term Albania and Albanian are based on the root *alb, which derives from the word Arberesh, which is used to describe the Italo- Albanians of southern Italy. Albanians can be divided into two cultural groups: the northern and the southern Albanians, also known as the ( Ghegs and the Tosks). Albanians live in large areas of the southwest part of the Balkan peninsula, primarily in the Republic of Albania with its centrally located capital city of Tirana. Albania has 36 beautiful cities all together. 

The national and ethnic symbol of the Albanians is the eagle. The eagle represents freedom and heroism. The basic foods that are used in Albania are bread, rice, yogurt, and beans. Albania cuisine is meat- oriented, and the traditional dishes are often reserved for guests and special occasions. Albanian wedding are impressive festivities. They usually take place during the full moon to ensure offspring. The celebrations can last several days. In the villages, hundreds of people are invited to take part in a wedding banquet. The religions that are practiced in Albania are: Roman Catholicism, Greek Orthodoxy, and Islam. These are only a few things to give you an idea of what Albania culture is about.

Albania is a country in southeastern Europe  with the surface area of 28.748 square kilometer. Borders Greece , Macedonia  and , Monte Negro and is 70 kilometer  by  sea. The republic of Albania is the central piece of a mosaic of 6 million living in the Balkan. These are only a few things to give you an idea of what Albania culture is about.