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Biography of Chocolate Bar

Equal Exchange Chocolates: Organic Panama Extra Dark Chocolate

Used to make this bar include: organic chocolate liquor from Panama, organic cocoa butter from Dominican Republic, organic raw cane sugar from Paraguay, and organic ground vanilla beans from Madagascar. Farmers in all four of these places are involved in worker cooperatives. This entails a democratic structure of a for-profit company which focuses on things such as the equitable distribution of resources. The co-op is owned by all the employees in equal portions.

The ingredients are farmed and shipped to one the countries where the bars are made. The bars themselves are sold, shipped, and packaged the continental U.S, and Alaska, and Hawaii. There you can find it in stores such as Target - where I bought my bar.

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Fair Trade Company ✅

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In this article by Robert Atkinson, the question at to why bid businesses have gone from American symbols of pride to that of “universal scorn”. Meanwhile, small business remain pure in view. Since being center stage, big businesses had committed “corporate scandals” such as manipulating derivative markets.

The article itself illustrates with its scandal example that big businesses hold a certain power not simply because it owns means of production. There are other factors which small business do not benefit from that cause these large corporations to have a large amount of control and power which connect to Max Weber’s social theory.

Not only are these large corporations wealthier, but that itself gives them more power. Controlling the market, creating a demand that never before existed, buying out smaller companies thus creating less competition and building up to monopolies. An example from the article that further illustrates the theory is that about the 1952 president of General Motors, Charles Wilson. Wilson was nominated by Dwight Eisenhower for secretary of defense. A nomination itself is only possible because of Wilson’s then status. On top of that, him being Secretary can and will absolutely intertwine with him being president of his company. Making debating policies and deciding on regulation in connection to his company to boost himself even further. His position as Secretary provides him with even more influence.

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Intersections of Race and Sexuality for Black Gay Women

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https://montrealgazette.com/sports/tennis/serena-williams-skin-tight-australian-open-outfit-prompts-mixed-reviews/wcm/e6376fa4-5c0b-4f2f-b74a-e24ec05bf49d

https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/3/27/18284220/cardi-b-drug-rob-controversy-scandal

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2014/11/03/that-time-cnn-asked-a-bad-boy-expert-to-give-his-thoughts-on-catcalling/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.2e7aab158246

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/khloe-kardashian-says-tristan-thompson-is-to-blame-for-breaking-up-family-not-jordyn-woods

https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/12/us/orlando-nightclub-shooting/index.html

https://qz.com/103453/i-understood-gender-discrimination-after-i-added-mr-to-my-resume-and-landed-a-job/

w/ Sydnee Whittington

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Mobilizing Ethnic Differences In Rwanda

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Remaking Identity: Hutu Refugees in Tanzania

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Mapping Race in Brazil

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If humans define situations as real, they are real in their consequences

Thomas Theorem

Two examples of the theorem involving the social construct, race:

The National Women’s Law Center states that “black women are three to four times more likely than white women to die from complications during pregnancy or childbirth.” This is nothing new and the number of deaths is only rising. Affecting black people’s health care, doctors’ “implicit racial bias” – like the notion that black women are loud and complain – result in less time spent on black patients as well as underestimating said patients pain. An example that came to light would be the experience of Serena Williams. Her providers ignored her breathing/lung concerns by excusing it as the medication. She had to constantly insist to receive proper care which ultimately saved her life. Her experience is similar to that of many black women today. Biases are interwoven in everyday life, affecting all aspects of people’s lives.

While attempting to break stereotypes, people will sometimes become them, or conform to them rather. Black people, or other demographic groups, may be themselves; however, stereotypes are held over their heads. Making an effort to battle those stereotypes, they can, in the process, begin to embody them. For example, there is a notion the black people, especially poor or those in urban settings, are not intelligent and are simply bad. Many cases involve, young black students trying their hardest to study and work hard while still just being kids. A small research study showed that  "Black students experience more suspensions, expulsions, and disciplinary actions than white students, even for exactly the same behavior," This can then begin to be interpreted by not only onlookers, but also the students themselves as being intolerable, and “bad”.

Sources:

Black Women and Childbirth - https://nwlc.org/blog/racism-in-health-care-for-black-women-who-become-pregnant-its-a-matter-of-life-and-death/

Black Students - https://psmag.com/education/for-black-students-stereotyping-starts-early

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Bypassing Natural Selection

The hearing aid - a perfect example of how humans’ cultural adaptions have trumped natural selection.

As far back as the 13th century, those who needed help hearing used hollowed out animal horns. By 18th century, the aids, otherwise known as “ear trumpets”, were developed. They did not amplify sound, but did collect sound and funnel it through a tube to the ear. They did not work that well, but by 19th century, the telephone was created. For hearing aids, this meant new steps. In 1870, Thomas Edison invented a carbon transmitter which amplifies sound on the telephone. This later inspire carbon hearing aids. Eventually leading to vacuum tube aids, and then transistors in the 20th century, hearing aids have evolved to their current state as a life changing technological advancement.

Hearing is one of the five senses and is essential to everyday life. As someone without hearing or with a tremendous amount of loss, a typical daily routine can be filled with agony. Humans generally, seamlessly ease in and out of communication, enjoy their favorite music artists, and absorb the environments many sounds each time they step into the world. With hearing loss, one may miss telephone calls or find it difficult to follow a conversation which can cause feelings of isolation or worry. In addition, without sufficient hearing, life threatening or harmful situations are more likely to occur. For example, not hearing something or someone approach you like a car speeding or an attacker. Also, not being able to hear warnings like someone yelling “watch out!” or a fire alarm. Hearing allows one to be more cautious. With fight or flight someone first needs a signal that there is danger, and hearing can often signify that. Without this cultural adaption, a human with hearing loss would be increasingly more likely to face death. The hearing aid has bypassed the process of natural selection through improving the hearing of those who struggled to, in turn prolonging their lives which allows them more of a chance to procreate and pass down their genes.

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A Classroom Case

Gender and Language

1, Who speaks more often?

I evaluated a Spanish 101 class that contained 11 women and 5 men. In comparison, the women spoke more than the men. The women spoke 36 times and the men spoke 7 times.

2. How long do they speak on average?

Male students said an average of 12 words and spoke for about 8 secs. Female students said an average of 20 words and spoke for about 15 secs.

3. What tendencies do you notice in the way women and men present themselves when speaking?

In a language class, it depends a lot on interacting, going back and forth, as well as making mistakes. The women were more likely to raise their hands and volunteer to read or answer questions in Spanish. Although all student are beginners, the women were more comfortable with being wrong which lead to more attempts made. The men were more laid back, quiet, and less participatory. On occasion they would have confident moments. All the students answered with a similar timidness and hesitation, often prefacing their answers with “I don’t know if this is right but...”. This has a lot to do with the fact that they are being taught a subject that is foreign to everyone.

4. What is the instructor’s role in encouraging or discouraging communication, either through words or through body language?

The instructor provides a very energetic environment and encourages all the students to participate. The instructor often uses the volunteer system. After that, he will call on those who make eye contact with him or on students who tend to participate or have participated earlier. On occasion he will try to choose those who have not participated at all.

5. How often does the instructor call on women? Men?

The instructor calls on women more. This is  mostly because, women are the won who voluntarily raise their hands or the ones who try to participate.

6. Does the instructor’s own gender seem to influence the way he or she interacts with members of the class?

The instructor’s gender does not seem to have an impact on his interaction with the class. He is mindful that in Spanish (like in many romance languages), there is “gender bias”. For example, a group of all women and one man can be addressed with the word chicos (male pupils) as opposed to chicas (female pupils). Therefore, he acknowledges that and tries to say chicos y (and) chicas.

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Music & Language

Gender: “I spilled all my emotions tonight I’m sorry.”

Associates emotional behavior with the male gender which is not usually accepted or normal is patriarchal societies, hence the apology.

Power: “Me nuh cyar if him hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting.”

She holds the power and control as she claims to not care for what he feels in that moment. She also owns her sexuality (which is often taken away from females.) as she expresses her sexual desires and abilities by her own terms.

Dialect: “He seh mi haffi work, work, work, work, work, work.”

Jamaican Patois to SAE translation: “He said I have to work, work, work, work, work, work.”

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Fieldwork Mapping

I chose a small shopping plaza near off of Watkins Park Dr. in Upper Marlboro. I always past this place and occasional grab something there so I though it was a decent location to actually sit and take the time to observe. There I found multiple eating spots as well as shops that carry things for convenience. The plaza contains a decent variety of stores from CVS to an electronic and light bulb store. It also includes a gym, post office and ATM.

I never realized the  variety simply between the food spots as well as the stores in general. The three main spot are Chipotle (Mexican), Wendy’s (Standard American Fast Food), and KFC (All things Chicken). In addition to that, there is also a 7-eleven that specializes in drinks and provides other convenient snacks alongside CVS. When considering all the places in the plaza, it enables a person to complete many activities in one small area. You can drop off mail, pick up some things on your shopping list, workout and grab a bite to eat. There is also an ATM for if you forgot any money or need quick cash. The ATM definitely aids in encouraging customers to spend money. The overall convenience of being able to complete so many errands is what is most attractive about this plaza.

I would have expected to find a Starbucks. I find Starbucks almost everywhere. I even see multiple ones in close proximity with one another. Especially because of the size of the stores, a Starbucks would perfectly fit within the small space. In addition, the location of the shopping plaza is at a  busy intersection, close to a park, a mega church, gas station, and neighborhoods. Therefore, a Starbucks would also serve great in such a busy location with people constantly going in and out, and on the go.

Visiting on a Friday night versus a Sunday afternoon had some difference. On Friday night it was busy but definitely slowed down to a steady pace of people coming out for late appointments after work a quick bite. Sunday afternoon actually appeared to be busier, It is considered a rest day and a lot of people like to eat after going to church. Also most people don’t have work or will prepare for it later that evening/night. There was a lot more people who were lingering. In my case three men were standing outside a car talking when I pulled up. They were still there when I pulled off.

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Sorry it’s blurry, it sent weird.

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If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, value is in the mind of the consumer.

Michele Jennae

Culture of Consumerism: Item - Need/Want - Cost - Desire/Function

Electronics - $700

1. Phone (N/W) - $100, communication and keeping up with todayy’s society

2. 3 Chargers (N) - $20, keep electronics functioning

3. Laptop (N) - $400, for school work, and day to day task

4. Headphones (W) - $175, enjoy entertainment personally

5. Earbuds (W) - $ 5, same purpose as headphones for on the go/convenience

School Supplies/Materials - $646

1. Book bag (N) - $25, carry all my supplies/materials for learning

2. 2 Textbooks (N) - $140, necessary in order to learn and pass classes

3. Spanish Code (N) - $85, fulfill required assignments using online code

4. Rosetta Stone (W) - $250. I love languages so although this enhances learning, it is still a want

5. AP Human Geography & Comparative Politics Study Books (N) - $ 30, replaces the need to buy a textbook for my intro to politics class

6. 5-Subject Notebook (N) - $ 9, use for note taking for this semester’s classes

7. Planner (N) - $11, the best way for me to keep track of all my assignments and life events

8. 4 Books (W) - $75, for enjoyment and more learning, I love reading

9. Pens, Pencils, Scissors (N) - $15, I own a lot of colorful pens in order to color code my notes, this is the best way for me to comprehend material

10. Lamp (N) - $6, for seeing at night when that’s the only time i can study

Clothing & Accessories - $1067

1. 30 Tops (N/W) - $212, definitely do not need this many tops but it allows me to change my style and I do need clothes

2. 9 Bottoms - (N/W) - $108, all rotated and worn plus I have business versus casual

3. 7 Jackets/Coats (N/W) - $90, for variant weather especially since where I live has spontaneous weather

4. Underclothes/Socks (N/W) - $177, need a good amount of these even simply for health reasons, however a good portion of these were expensive and had decent counterparts that were cheaper

5. 2 Belts (N) - $14, a lot of companies don’t know how to make jeans for variant body types (curvy) so even if I find my size the waist is going to be too big

6. 4 Scarves (W) - $30, just for style and one or two for warmth

7. 2 Watches (W) - $7, mostly style since I can use my phone to tell time although these come in handy too

8. Jewelry (W) - $85, accessorizing is nice, I actually have very few pieces of jewelry but it’s just such an expensive item

9. 7 Shoes (N/W) - $285, I’m proud of myself for the amount of shoes and price because these can run high, but I can function without 7 different pairs

10. 5 Bags/Wallets (N/W) - $59, different sizes and styles for different occasions and functions

Self-Care Products - $403

1. Eye Products (N) - $163, well I don’t have 20/20 vision so I need to see in order to do things like drive, learn in class, or cross a street safely

2. Hair Products (N/W) - $66, my curls deserve full moisture and nourishment especially from natural products sans damaging ingredients

3. Face Products (N) - $32, my skin care routing is straight forward and works, I have to get certain products because I have combination skin and it also changes during the seasons

4. Hygiene Products (N) - $107, important to keep every part of me healthy and clean

5. Shower Cap (W) - $3, can live without especially because I don’t really straighten my hair but it’s a small added luxury

6. Shower Shoes (N) - $5, definitely need because I use a communal bathroom and I don’t want athlete’s foot or any other health issues

7. Loofah (W) - $5, I could use my hands but this exfoliates

8. Towels (N/W) - $22, I need to be dry but I could just own 1

Extra - $171

1. Snacks (N/W) - $19, replaces a meal since I only eat 2 a day

2. 2 Cups/Bottles (N/W) - $12, to drink water from... or tea

3. Bedding (N/W) - $45, could just sleep on the mattress or have one blanket, but I like decorating and adding my style in everything

4. Luggage (N) - $60, this is absolutely necessary to carry my belonging to and form home and school

5. Storage (W) - $35, makes things easier to find as they are organized and put away nicely

                                        Self-Reflection

Total - $2987

Overall the wants outweighed the needs as far as what I owned. I found that many of belongings were a question of needing it to function with a certain level of efficiency and flexibility as opposed to needing it based of basic human needs. Because of today’s modern society and how it is increasingly evolving technologically, many of my items were a response to such evolution. Other items were more a concern of the amount I own, For example, I need clothes, but I do not necessarily need 30 tops. This assignment has allowed me to take a hard look at everything I choose to buy and why. It illustrates the power of consumerism and its effect on anyone no matter who you are.

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Concept Mapping - White American Culture

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Senegalese Culture

Beliefs: Superstitions

1. a pregnant belly should not be revealed (naked or formfitting clothes) for fear it would allow evil spirits to the baby.

2. don’t sweep or clean the house at night or you bring in bad luck.

3. when someone travels, put cold water behind them to calm the spirit as they leave.

Attitudes:

1. Those who live outside Senegal’s borders are called mdiac; they consider them to not necessarily be less intelligent, but they to be more unaware and understand less. Despite that, politeness and welcoming is important.

2. Senegalese see African-Americans as people taken away from them. When it comes to Americans they usually give African-Americans the benefit of the doubt.

3. Loud speakers - Considered to have low class. Derives from when the king and queen would make a request and the gewel (griot) would yell out the demand.

Values: faith, teranga ("If there's a set of values in Senegal, teranga would be the most important one, It’s the way you treat the guest" - Pierre Thiam), and liberty.

Norms: Bargaining in markets, lengthy greetings (inquiring about the well being of the other person and their family before holding conversation).

Knowledge: African-American pop culture.

Institutions: Mosques (muslim majority country), old capitals/headquarters of kingdoms before colonization.

Material Culture: Traditional clothing, chep-bu-jen (national dish consisting of fish and vegetables cooked in a tomato sauce).