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A Reflection of Myself

This fall I started my first quarter in college. At first, I didn’t know whether to be scared or excited but after my first week, I was completely overwhelmed. Being overwhelmed wasn’t anything new to me as I felt that way every first week of each school year. The difference was that know I was in college and had to start picking up more reasonabilities. I had two jobs working 25 hours a week while going to school full time and going to cheer practice twice a week so initially I was overwhelmed but as I got used to the rhythm it became easy.

At the beginning of the course, I was overwhelmed by the number of essays we had to write in a shorter period of time then what I was used to. In high school, English was never my strong suit and I was constantly struggling as I would procrastinate and get behind. Though this class was different. I remember discussing how to prepare for an essay in class one day, and someone mentioned that he treats it like a timed essay. He would first create an outline of the essay and set a time for two hours or so and then just write. This way he could get all of his ideas out on paper and then revise it later and I figured this could probably work for me as it could help with my procrastination. So I tried this with my subculture essay. I created an outline including my thesis, a main topic for each paragraph and quotes. I then sat in the library on my computer and wrote until I finished my last body paragraph and I had just completed majority fo my essay in two hours. I wasn’t a great essay as I ended changing most of my analysis but I didn't have to worry about not having enough time which lifted a huge weight of my shoulders. That process should hopefully help me to not procrastinate.

When I signed up for this English class I didn’t know that it would have a focus on sociology though I m glad it did. I have been really indecisive about my major or what I want to do in life in general but sociology has always piqued my interest. In high school, I took both regular and ap psychology as I was always interested the way people thought and why they did the things they did. When I applied to colleges I choose psychology as my major but as I did more research I found that I was required to take multiple biology classes in order to obtain a psychology degree. I am not a fan of science or anything STEM related for that matter so I quickly deterred from psychology and started to research other majors. I then came across sociology and found it interesting that it went in depth to social interaction between people around the world. Now that we’ve done extensive research on sociology and its different theories, I'm looking to pursue a degree in sociology after I transfer to a four-year college.

Throughout the last few months of my first year in college, I have learned and grown a lot. There have been some moments when I lost focus but I was able to get right back to it with determination and perseverance. This class has been very enjoyable for me the last few months. I received my first A on a paper in this class! That’s probably one of my biggest accomplishments this quarter.

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How Greed Made Some Rich and Killed Others

In 2016 more than 40% of opioid overdose deaths involved a prescription opioid. In Beth Macy’s book, Dopesick, she describes how pharmaceutical companies and doctors around the world created an epidemic by administering highly addictive pain medication. Macy goes on to recall multiple accounts from loved ones of those that have died due to overdosing on pain meds. Most opioid addicts started out needing it for severe pain, but that need quickly turned into an essential to even get out of bed. The drug became so addicting for some that it has lead to homelessness, broken relationships, and more importantly instability. Now, conflict theory assumes there are “those who ‘have’ perpetually tried to increase their wealth at the expense and suffering of those who ‘have-not’” (Introduction to Sociology: chapter 5). This theory could explain why the pharmaceutical companies allowed their products to be sold even after thousands of people had suffered either indirectly or directly from the drug. They saw the effects unravel, but the thought of increasing their wealth overpowered the care for the well being of others, connecting to the main concept of greed.

In 1996, the drug Oxycontin was first released. Oxycontin is made from oxycodone mixed with other pain-relieving agents which makes it very strong and able to last for hours. When Purdue Pharma first launched the product it was heavily marketed as a strong and long-lasting pain reliever, but failed to mention it’s addictive properties. While advertising their drug to different hospitals and physicians, they used a bonus system that “encouraged sales representatives to increase sales of OxyContin in their territories, resulting in a spiked number of visits to physicians with high rates of opioid prescriptions” (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). This system gave representatives an incentive to sell the product even if it meant they had to leave out important side effects such as addiction. Since the drug was widely known, there were many instances of abusing the drug, leading to widespread addiction.

   Looking at the opioid crisis through the lens of a conflict theorist we can see that there are two main groups: the haves, and have-nots. In the opioid crisis, the haves are the doctors, pharmaceutical companies and the government, while the patients and drug users are the have-nots. Many doctors are recorded to have received money every time they prescribe a certain drug to patients which encourages them to prescribe it even if a patient may not necessarily need it. When someone takes a drug they may not really need, it increases the chances of becoming addicted.  In result, they’ll keep going back to the same doctor to be prescribed the same drug and the doctor will continue to make money. The patients then become dependent on the drug and seek out any way to get high which can include stealing, prostitution, betraying family members, or other illegal activity. Many drug users even become homeless due to spending the bulk of their money on drugs instead of rent, food, and other necessities which makes it even harder for them to get back on their feet.

Greed is defined as an “intense and selfish desire for something” (merriam-webster.com). Also meaning that some will do anything to get what they want, even if it means harming themselves or the ones they care about in the long run. The one thing both pharmaceutical company owners and opioid addicts have in common is greed. The owners desire money whereas the addicts desire their next fix. However, the drawback is that the owners gain wealth while the addicts may gain a short period of bliss that could end up killing them.

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My Nana and I on Christmas Eve of 2004

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Identity Through Generations

Identity falls into a million and one different categories. You’re identified by your name, race, gender, where you’re from, your accent and many other factors. I like to think that my identity and where I come from as a big part of who I am. My maternal grandmother, or my nana as she prefers to be called, is an immigrant from Bavaria, Germany. In the mid-1970’s she met my grandfather at a bar in Munich while he was stationed at the U.S. Military Base. About a year after she applied for her green card, she moved to California to be with my grandfather where they had my mom and her sister.  As I interviewed my nana about this time in her life, she seemed to wonder what her life might have been like if she had stayed in Germany and how moving to America affected how she viewed life and how her own identity has changed. Symbolic interactionism, functionalist and conflict theory all come into play when discussing the change of identity and how it can affect generations after.

Symbolic interactionism, created by Max Weber, claims society uses interaction and communication to share symbols and meanings that everyone can understand and that not everyone goes through the same thing and each person has a different story, though my nana experienced the opposite once she came to America. When she first came here, there was a great deal of culture shock while also going to school and learning English it was definitely a challenge. Going to community college her English got better and she was able to get a job as a dental assistant while also working at southwest airlines to support her two daughters as she was a single mom. While intervening my nana, she told me that a lot of coworkers assumed that she was lazy and illiterate because she was an immigrant and had an accent, though she is one of the most hardworking women I know. People made a preconceived notion based on her background and where she came from. They used stereotypes about immigrants against her and it forced her to work harder just to prove herself worthy. I can relate to this being a black female in America as I am stereotyped constantly; I have been followed in department stores before; I often have been called “too emotional” or “intense” when expressing my emotions; At work, I’m often deemed weaker than my male counterparts; When out with my fair skinned significant other, we receive dirty looks from older people to say as if they disapprove. As I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to not pay any attention to it though sometimes I do wish that I lived in a world where others were more accepting of people or ideas just like the symbolic interactionism theory. Using this theory to look at my nana’s situation, she would’ve had a completely different experience as people would’ve been more understanding and willing to help her.

Karl Marx is considered the creator of the social conflict theory. The conflict theory views society as “a state of perpetual conflict and competition for limited resources.” Meaning that instead of working together, people are working against each other to get ahead. Within the conflict theory, there is an idea of the “haves and have-nots,” meaning either you have the means and abilities to get ahead or you don’t. We often see this in rural communities where they very close to affluent communities but there is a big disconnect between the two. While my nana was an immigrant and a single mom, she didn’t have a lot of money while raising my mother and her sister. She had to work two jobs just to make ends meet and she worked very hard to make sure my mom and her sister never wanted for anything. This also applies to my life as my parents separated when I was young my mom also had to work two jobs to make ends meet so I understand the life of a “have not” Though I don’t feel like a “have not” I definitely have witnessed and understand the struggle. I believe the conflict theory is how societies fall apart because instead of working together they are working against each other.

Throughout my life, I have tried to figure out my identity and how I fit into the world. As I’m still figuring it out I now have a more concrete idea of who I am and who I want to be. Social conflict theory and symbolic interactionism both come into play when referring to identity and how it bonds every society together. Although everyone is their every individual person we each must work together to create a functioning environment where everyone feels included.

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Sociological Theories and the Opioid Crisis

 There are three main abstract theories that can be used as lenses to view different social issues, social theories, conflict theory, structural functionalist and symbolic interactionist. Conflict theory, founded by Karl Marx, is a macro level theory which means it is used to look at issues at a larger or national scale. It claims that “society is in a state of perpetual conflict and competition for limited resources.” Basically, society fights against each other rather than working together.  The structural-functionalist theory, created by Émile Durkheim, is more positive and optimistic then conflict theory as it claims that, “society is in a state of balance and kept that way through the function of society’s competent parts.” This theory refers to working together to find balance, creating an equilibrium. Symbolic interactionism, created by Max Weber, claims society use interaction to share symbols and meaning that everyone has a good understanding that not everyone goes through the same thing and they are more open-minded. Unlike conflict theory, structural functionalism and symbolic interactionism would address the opioid crisis by looking for ways to help the issue instead of throwing the offenders in jail.

   Looking at the opioid crisis through the lens of the conflict theory we can see that there are two main groups, the haves, and have-nots. The theory “assumes that those who ‘have’ perpetually try to increase their wealth at the expense and suffering of those who ‘have-not’.” In the opioid crisis, the doctors, pharmaceutical companies and the government are those who have while as the patients and drug users are those who have not. The doctors receive money every time they prescribe the drugs to patients which gives them an incentive to prescribe even though a patient may not necessarily need it. When someone takes a drug they may not really need it increases the chances that they’ll get addicted so they’ll keep going back to the same doctor to be prescribed the drug and the doctor will continue to make money. The patients now become dependent on the drug and seek out any way to get high which can include stealing, selling their bodies or other illegal activity. Most drug users become homeless due to spending their money on drugs and it makes it even harder for them to get back on their feet.

   The structural functionalist theory would attempt to find a solution to the problem rather than ignoring it. They view society as a body that can get “sick” but over time will heal itself and their foe will find an equilibrium where everything is balanced. A functionalist would look to create rehab centers for drug users to help them through the recovery process. Symbolic interactionism would look into the communications between the doctors and pharmaceutical companies and find out which role they played. There could also be a community based around drugs which could increase the use of opioids. Both symbolic interactionism and structural functionalism could be used to better understand the opioid crisis and would be more likely to help and find a solution, unlike the conflict theory.

All three of the theorist have unique points of view on the “base” of a society and they each would look at the opioid crisis differently. Durkheim, doctors and pharmaceutical companies prescribe drugs that aren’t necessary. The patients then get addicted therefore causing the crisis. Marx would refer to the way society reacted to the opioid crisis. It would be out of concern and they would attempt to fix the problem. Weber would look into the communications between the doctors and pharmaceutical companies and find out which role they played. They all have an interesting view as they have created different social theories that can be used as a lens to look at social issues.

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My team and I won second place at The American Championships competition in January earlier this year.

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Cheer IS a Sport!

I have been cheering for the last five years and have cheered competitively for the last two and it has helped to shape me into who I am today. I now work better with others and continue to have a strong determination for things I want to pursue. There is a strong community that comes with being a cheerleader and it makes you feel part of a family. As you all work towards a common goal you create a strong and special bond and become closer as a team and as a family. The idea of teamwork really embodies the essence of this sport as every member of the team has to come together for them to all be successful.  

The subculture and essence of cheer can be described as one that has changed dramatically throughout time. It started after the revolutionary war in the 18th century when a group of male students from Princeton started cheering on the sidelines for the Princeton’s sports teams. The teams consisted of male students from ivy league schools and they would yell chants to the crowd to build the school spirit.  After World War 2, women took over as many men were drafted into the army. Then starting in the 1970's it became a dominant female activity where it started becoming more advanced bringing in difficult stunting sequences more gymnastic elements. Nearly 10 years later, the Q94 Rockers from Virginia, was the first team to label themselves as an all-star team and at first, these teams continued to compete with other high school or pop warner teams. It wasn’t until 1986 when the National Cheerleaders Association decided that there was a need for separate rules and regulations for all-star cheer.

When you’re awarded first place at USASF Cheer Worlds, you’re filled with excitement and at that moment you know all your hard work has paid off. The hundreds of hours, blood sweat and tears you put into the routine has all been made worth it in that very moment. To be invited to Worlds you must compete in multiple other competitions around the country, therefore competing against over a hundred teams before you get the opportunity to even be invited. Once you’re invited you now compete against the best teams from around the world making it very difficult to win. You must work together with your teammates to be able to perform and perform a routine well. Since they all have the same goal it creates a very strong bond for the team and can help them work together better. Teams that are awarded first place receive a plaque, trophy and a Worlds ring.

A uniform is what all sports have in common. The purpose of a uniform is to have every member of the team look the same and this makes it an important artifact in the subculture of cheerleading. At a cheer competion, one of the most important aspects of a routine that a judge looks at is unity. Everything from the color of your socks to the shade of your eyeshadow should be remotely the same between yourself and the rest of your team. When you’re on the floor you’re being looked at as a team and not an individual so everything must look the same as it is also pleasing to the eye. That’s why cheer teams spend hours and month on one 2 and a half minute routine because they want everyone to be in sync and every transition to be on time and it makes working as a team that much more important.

Whether it is a pop warner, high school or all-star team, cheerleading emphasizes the importance of teamwork as stunting requires usually 4 people working together to have a stunt go up. It requires everyone showing up to practice so we that we're able to practice the routine. If even one person misses practice it makes it difficult to practice stunts because one person isn't there. Cheer also teaches determination because often time your stunt won't go up right away or you won't hit your tumbling pass perfectly, it's all about practicing which requires determination if you want to perform well. Most people have a common misconception about cheerleaders like they lack intelligence, they’re always upbeat, all male cheerleaders are gay, or something to the effect of those. Most people also believe high school and college cheer teams attend the football and basketball games solely yo cheer on their teams but for most cheer teams, that’s far from the truth. When I cheered on my varsity cheer team in high school, the football and basketball games were simply practiced for the regional and state competitions we would compete in. So many hours of hard work, sweat and tears go into perfecting the routine we perform in 2 minutes and 30 seconds or less and the greatest satisfaction above all is to be awarded and recognize for your hard work and I believe that a big part in why most people decide to play competitive sports.

Ethnocentrism refers to being judgemental towards a different culture and believing they are inferior towards your own. Being a cheerleader for the last five years I have this multiple times whether it comes from the football team or fans in the stands. Many times I hear that it cheer isn't a sport simply because they believe it requires little to none athletic abilities which simply isn't true. Many other sports teams at my high school would almost look down at my team and I because they believed we shouldn't get as much recognition as we did. I can't even imagine what it was like 20 years ago when it was still labeled as a club and not a sport but I think with time more people will begin to understand that cheer requires an immense amount of dedication and athleticism just like any sport.  

Working towards a common goal can naturally bring a group of people together. You all share the same struggles and you’re able to use that to work through the obstacles together and work as a team. The true essence of cheerleading (and most sports), is the idea that teamwork can aid in accomplishing a goal.

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Sociology: Seeing the Bigger Picture

 Sociology is the study of how different social groups interact. But why is it important? You may have no desire to become a sociologist but it can be very beneficial to use and can assist in how we operate in society. We can use it to have a better understanding of ideas that are maybe different or unfamiliar to us, therefore, being more open to other societies or cultures.

   A sociologist by the name of Peter Berger writes about the life of a sociologist. Particularly about how they think as they see the world differently than the average person. You see, they want to know everything about you, even the smallest detail. Berger goes so far as to call them “Professional Peeping Tom’s.” But they also have some helpful insights as to why we do the things we do and how we too can understand the world of sociology and see our own lives through a different perspective.

Berger explains sociologists view on the world as “...its perspective makes us see in a new light the very world in which we have lived all our lives.” Basically talking about why and how this way of thinking can benefit us and our lives, by simply becoming aware of our place in history, noticing how we interact with others and using that to understand more about ourselves and why we personally do the things we do.

Now another sociologist, C. Wright Mills, explains the theory of “sociological imagination.” He explains that our age, gender, race and socioeconomic status is apart of our identity and also helps to shape who we are, that along with what period in time we’re born in. Mills discusses how people often disregard the world around us and we choose to stay in our own bubble, but this is restricting us to our own thoughts and beliefs rather than exposing ourselves to new ideas.

In his book Mills explains the main idea of sociological imagination can assist in us seeing the bigger picture by “[enabling] its possessor to understand the larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and the external career of a variety of individuals.” By having a basic understanding of your place in history, you can become socially and culturally aware of others around you. It’s a  fascinating idea to be able to have a great understanding of the world around just by simply being aware.

Berger and Mills similarly talk about the importance of being aware and living outside your own thoughts and beliefs. This doesn’t mean you have to conform to these new ideas but by just learning and understanding new ideas it can help to bring awareness to us and those around us. We gain insight on our personal lives and how our society around us affects us; We learn to be more understanding towards ideas that are different; We become aware of our place in history and use our sociological imagination to not repeat history. It is important that we all bring awareness to our daily lives and think about the bigger picture.