Identity

In class we spent a lot of time talking about identity.  There are so many ways that describes identity. People are seen by their gender, race, class and the list goes on and on.  People often see themselves through the looking glass self. A looking glass self is explained how people see themselves through someone else’s eyes. For example I see myself as a daughter, sister, students and hard worker. But through other people’s eyes they only see me as a college student or something completely different.

Identity can also be described as something that is ascribed to them such as being a mother or daughter. Those things happen automatically. While on the other hand, you can be known by things you achieve like becoming a doctor. You have to work for that status and earn that title. I feel that there are ways that someone could be confused about this. For example if someone becomes a mother they do not automatically become a mom. In my opinion a mother is just someone who gave birth to a child. I feel that a mother needs to earn the status of a mom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HbieNlwRrU

I have posted a video of a girl going through changes throughout her high school years. It shows how she is constantly judging herself and thinking that her friends were judging her constantly. When in reality they were saying anything about her at all. While watching this it reminded me of how my high school went and how my friends were constantly asking me how they looked and if they looked alright. And I would always respond I don’t care what you look like and usually either did the rest on the world. I can’t lie I sometimes do the same thing and I then I remember that if they don’t like the way I look or act they don’t need to talk to me.

Sumblog 2 Globalization

I am now in two different classes that are about the environment and the way this world works. One thing that has a lot of effect is globalization. During class one topic caught my attention was the fact that this world is becoming almost the same.  Every place is different in its own way but it seems that the same things are being made. Not only are products being made the same but schools are treating the same things. They are going through the same experiences and same processes.

I have noticed when I go on vacations that everything is becoming the same. Last summer I went to Aruba and when we got there it was very different due to the climate and by the views of oceans. When we went to explore there seemed to be the same type of clothing and food. Then it made me realize that different countries are all in the same trading system. And everyone seems to have the same products because it’s coming from the same places. Yes, every place is different but it seems that all the products are the same.

So many products are made in China and they disturb all these products worldwide. By having this happening all the different countries are going to eventually have all the same products which will be taking away from all the originality.

Sorry about the long video, but I have found a video about how in china is in need of more dairy. This is showing how they want to become similar to America in a way. They have been trying to find new and improved ways to product milk. By them doing this they are producing it in the wrong way. Milk should be produced by fresh farmed cows. Not from cows that are in factory looking places. They are going to take away the freshness of milk all around the world. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mbyANkYZAw

SumBlog 1 Language being a Problem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-MMUXOY3mc

While reading the article by Michael Burawoy, I found myself realizing that language really is a factor in society. I have to agree with him when he says, that language is a problematic and promising field. We see it every day in society. It causes problems but it also is a great thing.  While reading this article I found myself having opinions of my own. I was able to realize that English really is the dominate language. From going on passed vacations I look back at the effort that the locals have given to people who speak English. They try very hard to make us feel comfortable in their culture. As in America we look at it as being a bad thing if they don’t know English. We think that if everyone spoke English the world would be a better place and we would solve all the problems. But in reality it would take away from people’s individuality and culture. As Americans who speak English we almost believe that we have the ethnocentrism over other countries. I believe Americans can be a little close minded when it come to being bilingual and we just want everything to be our way.

I posted a video explaining how it is difficult for children to learn when they do not speak the correct language as the school. This high school would teach the children in English and in their home language until grade six. After that they would be taught in English. By having them learn in both languages the children are able to come home with to their parents and get help because they will be able to understand it because it is not only in English. In South Africa it seems that the children are growing up in a diverse and multicultural world. Like Burawoy says this can be a problem but it also can be a wonderful thing!