Deviance

In class we did an activity in our groups/as a class and it was based off "unknown" drugs and based off their descriptions/severity we had to rate the drugs as either "legal" or "illegal". After every group wrote and discussed why they rated a certain drug as either "legal" or "illegal" we saw that many drugs that were described as being very severe most groups ranked as "illegal-felony" and then we'd find out that the drug was something like Advil; however, there were some groups who ranked differently and we got to see how everyone has their own perception even toward drug descriptions. Imagine how people are in the real world, similar to when someone hears a description/gossip about a person. Similar to the different perceptions on drugs, people have different perceptions toward people- whether they are "bad" or "good" and to one person, the rudest kid can be the sweetest kid. it's all based on perception, and deviance. This can be related to me whenever I'm meeting new people, especially when it's your first day in high school. Sometime, because our school is so large you have those people that you know exist and you've seen them around but never actually talked to them nor had a class with them; but, your friends have and based off what they tell you, whether it's good or bad you make your own assumption based off the description (or information) given to you. Similar to the drug activity, after getting to know the person yourself you have your own understanding of the person, sometimes even having a closer connection. Whenever this occurs you realize that not everyone has the same perceptions as yours may be. Everyone has their own opinions for a reason, it allows for the complexity of our society and a better understanding of individuals.

When Are We Considered An Adult???

This week we have been discussed when are you actually considered a teenager and what draws the line to be considered an “adult”. We’ve realized that there’s more to it than just the transition of seventeen years old, to eighteen years old. The actual definition of an adult is: “having attained full size and strength; grown up; mature” but what actually determines that? Let’s not forget you can be six-foot, muscular or in-shape but how can that determine that you are now magically an adult? We discussed that every human is different and we all have our own opinions about when we can actually be considered an adult and ironically when we went around the room and asked “what age would you consider to be an adult?” most classmates answered with at least twenty-one, or perhaps older. I don’t even consider myself to be an adult yet, regardless of age. I believe an adult is someone who has fully matured, and who can be independent where as I still depend on many adults in my life, and still have a lot to learn about life before I can go ahead and call myself an adult. Also, I kind of like enjoying my childhood:). In addition, we read an article that tried to explain why teens and parents tend to bump heads often times on many circumstances- curfew, independence, marriage/dating age, and so on. It taught us that today teens are unfortunately very restricted than our parents were. Yes, we have the freedom to drive, get a job, but compared to parents, at the least my parents, we’re fairly restricted. My parents share stories about how they used to go all around town as kids, and today my parents hate the idea of me going to certain areas and places, regardless what they did as teens. I’ve learned that it’s not just a me thing, any teen can relate that the transition from teenager to adulthood is often times a stressful one. Teens get the feeling that parents “don’t understand” and adults have a tough time letting go of their kids especially in tougher, and sometimes more scarier, times in the world.

The Truth About Men

In class we discussed how males and females are portrayed very differently with the use of good ol' media- how men are far more "tough" "affirmative" and "independent" and how girls are "timid" "weak" and "dependent" when the truth they are trying to say is "girls can be taken advantage of due to the toughness and masculinity men behold." I find it ironic that everything we wanted beforehand was equality but men seem to take pleasure that they "stand higher" in rank, compared to women. I always see it around school, at the malls, anywhere really- boys always drool over sexual images, of girls trying to sell you perfume or something, and assume every girl looks like the airbrushed and photo-shopped Victoria's Secret models, and I'm not even too sure why places like that advertise to boys? I mean...girls are the ones who where them after all, and we know what a chest and bust look like. Of course media must find a way to advertise to both sexes while giving boys some fantasy. Even a movie is based on this who idea of females having to be "perfect" and men just acting pig like but still getting their ways, it's called The Truth About Men. It's a hilarious romantic comedy  and I must admit I loved watching it but the message it sets out to girls is every girl must have the perfect body, hair, chest, arms, etc and that's all men care about. This message shouldn't be the message any girl gets considering it makes any girl feel a little down if that isn't true. This can kind of be connected to the fish bowl metaphor we've used before. For example, anyone looking at us can only see what's on the outside and they automatically judge, judging on what they see; however, the girl or boy can really see the person they are looking at what's on the inside and loving themselves by that moral. I've always learned and been told by my mommy and especially my close friends and family to always be grateful and love myself. It's the best advice yet! =)