Deviance, it makes the world go 'round

Created by: Nicole VanDerzee

        

Deviance, though frowned upon, is an influential part of society. Without it, we would not be able to determine which aspects of life we deem right or wrong. Deviance stirs the pot and creates excitement in society and shakes the ideas of authority and order. A world where everyone follows every rule would be an incredibly boring place to live, people would not attempt to be different or cause a commotion. Everyday people push social norms and though it may be considered “deviant”, it’s exciting to watch. Without deviance there would not be police, court systems, and several other professions concerning law enforcement. If we really observe closely, we are all deviants. We have all ran red lights, jay walked, disturbed the peace, and many countless other deviant acts. Deviance has become part of our lifestyle; we see how far we can bend social rules before get the repercussions. Haven’t we all beat a stop sign just because there were no cops around, littered because no one was watching, or snuck into a place that was off limits to us? We are so obsessed with being able to get away with wrongful actions that we become deviant for the rush. 

 

People pay more attention to the deviant acts rather than the acts accepted by social norms. Living outside of the circle is a lot more exciting than living by the book. Deviance is what builds our perception of right and wrong, good and bad. I would not enjoy society much without deviance, social norms are boring.

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.

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. 

youth culture (scene kids)

submitted by: michele graham
Scene kids has skyboard in the western culture. Also scene kids are from all social  economcial backgrounds which most of them are causcasian, but there are some scene kids that are african american, asian.   www.youtube.com/watch this is relate to our covered topics that we talk about in class which we talk about basis and these means that some of these scene kids might dont believe in what other believe in and they all prombly dont do what others do. Also it relates because we talk about culture and that music and fashion plays a part in the scene kids cultuer cause they like to listent to alot of music and they dress totally different from other people. And Scene kids may have collected styles from a variety of subculutres which make there own subculture unique, but scene kids are not who want to cry or hurt themselves instead they have a bubbly attitude towards loving life

  

Struggle within America's Poverty

Submitted by A.Marshall

8/21/11

Over the years, America has experienced several increases and set backs as far as financial support in regards to the economy itself and its citizens. We have faced budget cuts within our school systems, many have battled with taxes, the BP spill had a huge effect and going green seems to the ultimate goal right now in society. People are contributing what they can while others hope our world and government stays in one piece, as they attend to their everyday busy schedule. What some people may be unaware of is that millions are struggling with diseases that come from poverty, being homeless, bad hygiene, etc.  

Surprisingly, women are more at risk due to the higher population and are more likely to see treatment than men. While, some women are diabetic, some men suffer from parasite diseases and the elderly experience Alzheimers. It affects 5.1 million people-stated in Sociology Matters by Richard Schaffer.  It has also been revealed that obesity, smoking, etc. associates with chronic disease. ( You can visit http://www..soundvision.com/info/poor/statistics.asap

As far as poverty in America, about 36 million are on the poverty level.  There isn’t enough food for everyone; crazy thing is we waste food-about 100 billion Ibs. a year. As far as minimum wage, American workers age 16 and over were paid $7.25 per hour, it increased a little yet 3 million were still under the wage.  With income, some people face problems while others kind of have it easier. The upper class owned at least thirty six percent of all privately held wealth and as far as the other nineteen percent has about half- fifty to fifty five percent. This group consists of professionals: lawyers, doctors, psychologists, government people, etc. The lower class owns fifteen percent for a major group of 80%.-also known as the minimum wage workers, etc. (You can visit

http://www.massappealnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/End-Poverty-in-America.jpg for picture-check out poster, says: "End Poverty Now.")