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Concept Reflection 8

Drawing from Modern Romance and your notes on Marriage and Family, how are the ideas in these 2 articles related to patterns we see in marriage and family? What is the impact of technology and social media?

Based on my notes and the 2 articles, there are clear cultural aspects of Marriage and Family. Specifically women, but also men, face great pressures to get married. It is assumed that you will meet a partner who is of the opposite sex and you will not end up single. Weddings are also a big event culturally, as families will spend thousands and possibly millions of dollars on having extravagant weddings. Weddings have become so big that they comprise many industries such as jewelry, dress-making, photography, catering, floral, and more. Because so many industries and people benefit from these weddings, there is even more pressure to get married. These ideas have been amplified by social media as average people are seeing celebrities and their high-class weddings, and are striving to achieve such an image. Celebrities and the rich have showcased magnificent weddings and unrealistic expectations for the few-hour ceremony. Simply put, weddings have become bigger and better, and the impacts of technology have only furthered the notion that having a wedding is a big event you must aspire to in order to find love and a happy life. 

Based on what you have learned in class this semester, how might the experience of marriage, “amatonormativity,” or the wedding industrial complex differ for people of various race, class, gender or sexualities?

Based on what we have learned in class this semester and with what was displayed in the shows I watched, the experience of marriage, “amatonormativity”, along with the wedding industrial complex, differs greatly among different races, classes, gender, or sexualities. One example is how marriage is often portrayed to be between one man and one woman. This is an idea that is not shared by everybody and does not apply to everyone. Differing genders and sexualities are not included in this standard image. Another point is that the idea of amatonormativity and its ideas of marriage looking a certain way is that it places all are others who don’t share the same goal as deviants in society. Some groups of people, such as displayed in “My big fat gypsy wedding”, have an atypical view of marriage in which the women can meet many men and quickly make a decision on her husband. This is shown in 90 day fiance where other cultures make it possible and share the idea that less time is needed to get to know somebody. In Say Yes to The Dress, there is an egyptian bride who brings upwards of 10 guests to help her find the right dress. In her culture, the dress and wedding ceremony is extremely important, even requiring familial approval, yet this is not the case for everyone. Different cultures and groups of people view marriage differently and have different expectations for the process itself and finding love.  

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Concept Reflection #7

What was the main idea/s behind it?

The main ideas behind “Miss representation”, are that women are consistently sexualized from a young age, and the media and men contribute to the vision that a woman's worth is defined by their body and looks, and provide nothing else of value such as intellect. The movie also talks about how women face great physical pressures, and lack ambition to achieve roles of leadership, due to the skewed society we live in and the unfair culture that is present and echoed using the media. 

What were some of the relevant concepts from class that you saw depicted in the movie?

Some of the relevant concepts from class that I saw depicted in the movie are sexism, gender roles, patriarchy, gender bias, discrimination, intersectionality, and gender inequality and gaps in pay. These concepts are displayed throughout the movie, such as with the under representation of women in politics, the eating disorders that women face at high rates, and the ways in which women are objectified and assigned roles to be subordinate. The movie also showcases these concepts with descriptions of the gaps in society between men and women, like with average annual income, and the skewed demographics and physical pressures that face women in Hollywood. 

What were some points that stood out for you or surprised you in the movie?

One of the points that stood out to me in the movie was how the main narrator who produced the movie, was scared for her child to grow up in this world. I was surprised to see her fearful as we are in what I believe to be our most accepting generation and time in society. This coincides with the other point that surprised me which is that things are actually not getting better. While I thought that society is more diverse and accepting than ever, the movie displays this not to be the case using numerous statistics. 

Did you agree with the perspective of society and gender/sexuality in the movie? Why or why not?

I do agree with the perspective of society and gender/sexuality in the movie. The movie showcases the immense pressures and objectification of women, and also the aspects of society that continue to push them away from leadership roles and misrepresent them. The display of media bias and its negative and sexual attitudes towards women are something that I have witnessed greatly in my life. 

**You must include some sort of photo or meme that pertains to one of the ideas discussed in this film. **

This image showcases the very women that are currently in congress, an idea discussed in the movie. Furthermore, this is to show that women are not fairly represented in congress and make up much less than 51%, which is what they represent in the national population 

I would like to add that my partner did not respond to my canvas message on the discussion board, so I was unable to do the final question with them. They also had no email listed in their profile that I could use. I believe this to be a problem other students in class are facing as well. 

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Concept Reflection #6 - 4/19

What do you feel is the most problematic aspect of race relations, today? 

I feel the most problematic aspect of race relations is that many people are ignorant and uneducated about racial issues. The racial issues that persist in this country are admittedly complex to analyze, but many people fail to recognize them due to a lack of knowledge and the hardships they face in their own lives. The stereotypes and cultural beliefs that many hold have existed for centuries and it is hard to shake these ideas without lots of work and evidence. People also may be ignorant in that they would rather not give up their seat of power in society, even if they are in that position because of race. 

In you own words, please define race-based critical theory.

Race-based critical theory writes that race is arguably the most important factor in our lives that defines the structure of society including resource distribution, where power is held, the relationships people have, the inequalities that exist, and overall social arrangement. 

Review Table 8.1—which of the 4 key contributors to race based critical theory resonates with you the most and why?

The contributor to race based critical theory that resonates with me the most is racial formation theory. Such theory writes that social, economic, and political forces are the controlling factors of racial categorization. This theory aligns with my beliefs that such factors define society and help push racial inequalities. Specifically, I believe that in America the control that whites have had over the government and economy have allowed racial inequalities to develop. Programs and policy are often shaped to be advantageous to certain groups which has pushed these ideas. Throughout generations, these ideas have continued to reproduce and keep certain groups of people down, while normalizing the idea that certain races will always be facing an uphill battle.   

Explain color blindness-how can it be problematic?

Color blindness is a theory that ignores race and treats people primarily as individual humans, regardless of their racial background. This theory is problematic because it does not take into account the outside factors such as race that can impact someone's life. Just like income can be a detrimental factor in life, race can be as well and ignoring this assumes that people who are not well-off have put themselves in that position. This also creates a society in which we assume certain groups of people do not face inequalities and that they do not need help to overcome any barriers such as skin color.  

Explain white normativity-how is this related to discussions of diversity (specifically the “host” analogy)?

White normativity is an idea to analyze culture and race from the perspective of the dominant group that is white people. Such studies explain that the behavior of whites is defined as normal, which perpetuates white dominance and its coinciding social structure and inequalities. 

How might these ideas play into the problematic aspect of race relations you mentioned at the beginning of your reflection?

These ideas play into the problematic aspect of race relations I mentioned earlier as they show how people can be ignorant and continue to play into and push the ideals of social structure where whites are the dominant group. They help explain the uneducated perspectives that many individuals hold, such as where race is not an important factor, and certain groups of people are worse-off because of their own decisions. 

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Concept Reflection #5 - 4/11

My model meritocracy:

In creating a model meritocracy, it is important to properly assign roles based on what abilities and credentials are most important, essential to society, and difficult to obtain. The highest class of people would be doctors, lawyers, teachers, military, farmers, engineers, and technological professionals. These are groups of people that are very important to society and require lots of skills and knowledge. Credentials that would be rated the highest are college degrees, specifically, masters and PHD programs. Also, those who sacrifice for society like the military and those who provide important services including ones that require higher thinking would be given a higher class. Abilities that require less skill, knowledge, and aren’t as essential to the success of society would be in the lower class. Examples of this include retail workers, manufacturers, restaurant employees, transportation workers, and others who provide basic services and don’t require such knowledge, skill, sacrifice, or training as the high class will be lower in the hierarchy. The credentials to do such positions are lacking and at most require a year or two of training. Skills that can be at least somewhat easily acquired and professions that don’t provide society with essential needs are such that would not be valued as highly.         

Why do you think people in the United States support a hierarchically arranged society?

I think people in the United States support a hierarchically arranged society because they understand how some jobs and people are more impactful and important. Most people would agree that a doctor is more important and valuable than a McDonald's worker. It is also because those who are considered high class like the fact they are considered to be at the top. Doctors, lawyers, political figures and CEO’s enjoy knowing they are the high class and are supportive that their professions and other similar ones deserve to be rated more highly.

Discuss the Davis–Moore theory of meritocracy and why it appeals to American values.

The Davis-Moore theory of meritocracy is a theory of how society should be structured. It states that the hierarchy should be based on people’s ability and their credentials. The theory also writes that some positions are more important than others and such positions that require the most skill and training should be better rewarded. This theory appeals to American values because our country generally does reward those who are more important and the skills that are most distinct and difficult. American society is also capitalist and allows people who work hard to develop skills and acquire credentials to become more successful. This “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality in America where the hardest workers and most successful succeed, is supported by the Davis-Moore meritocracy as these people will then be rewarded for their efforts.    

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Concept Reflection #4, 3/2

The norm violation that I exhibited was to “Yell when you talk”. I did this to 2 fellow hall mates who live next door to me. We were casually watching an NBA basketball game when I began the behavior. I would yell every time I had something to say, about anything I would think of, significant or not. As a result of this, one of my friends was not effected, but the other responded with just as loud of a voice as I had been using. He seemed to become angry, challenged by the way I was vocalizing, and confused on why I was acting in such a way. This showcased that true normal behavior does not involve yelling at one another, and doing so is considered disruptive and disrespectful. With close friends that are nearby, there is no need to use a loud or unnecessary tone, but rather speak in a soft and engaging way as they will greatly respect that and better comprehend the message you trying to give to them. 

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Concept Reflection #3

After watching Evil Lives Here with Robbie Hawkins, the problems seemed to originate from biological issues. The environment in which Robbie was raised was with 2 parents in a stable household. He had plenty of opportunity and was well taken care of. The main source of his discontent and anger was the absence of his biological mother and the stepmother he lived with but hated. I don’t think anything could have been done to lead to a different outcome. Robbie’s parents sent him to an institution, a move that should have helped me come to terms with his life and himself. But this move failed and Robbie seemed to only get worse. The only thing that may have alleviated his pains would be the removal of his stepmother and replacement with his biological mother, but this would be logistically impossible with the divorce of his biological parents. Overall, Robbie’s parents tried to get him help, but nothing could be done to prevent the horrifying events that transpired. 

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1/21 Concept Reflection

My name is Joshua Kasoff, although I prefer to just be called Josh. I was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, just a few miles outside DC. My major is currently Business - Undecided, however I am likely to choose finance or BIT-OSM. My main reason for taking this course is to fulfill the pathway in order to graduate, but that does not mean I lack interest. Sociology and more specifically, the behavior of others is something I am excited to learn about.    

I went to T.C. Williams High School, site of the famous football and disney movie.