Friday, January 8, 2010

Final Blog

At the beginning of the year we were asked to explain what we think makes up who we are. After learning about sociology this year, I can answer that question in a whole new way because I have learned that there are many different aspects that make up an individual. I have also learned not to judge a person based on their race, sex, or social class. At the beginning of the year we classified ourselves into identity molecules and this made me realize that there are so many different people and groups that shape an individual. Also, the way a person is raised by their parents will influence how they act as an adult. For example, in my first blog I explained that my dad has influenced me to have an interest in aviation and dirtbiking. There are also aspects that shape a person that are uncontrollable. For example, the media has a huge influence on the way girls feel about themselves, and the way boys are expected to be concerning their masculinity. Learning about sociology has also made me look at my peers in a different way. After I read The Saints and the Roughnecks story, I understand that not everyone is actually how they appear to be. This applies to me at school, even though I am not on either end of the spectrum, I have a little bit of "saint" in me, as well as traits of a "roughneck". After playing the monopoly game based on social class and doing community service hours, I have realized that not everyone is as fortunate to have the opportunities and luxuries that I do. Sociology has made me appreciate the things I have in life more, and also to interact with people different from me.