Welcome to our class blog! This blog is designed to help link our study of sociology with everyday experiences. Thoughtful comments are always welcomed and appreciated.
Raising children in the society we live in is difficult at best. We try to teach our children to be kind and caring their fellow man. We punish and reward them to teach them that every action has consequences and repercussions. We teach them about social norms like covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze, excusing them selves when they pass gas. Then after all that we turn around and give them video games that teach them violent acts.
We as parents spend so much time trying to teach our children to do the right thing and be productive members of society. They are given examples of positive things they should be doing, then we turn around and give them a game that teaches them to rob and steal.
Yes these games are for entertainment and designated for a mature audience but who knows the age range of who plays the games, they are only monitored when purchased. Do these games teach that there are consequences? Sometimes they do show that there are consequences, but there not realistic how could they be it's a video game! Video games of the past like Super Mario Brothers, Dig Dug, and Donkey Kong were about entertainment and strategies. Video games of today like Grand Theft Auto, Call Of Duty, and Saints Row teach our children violent acts. So often we want our children to mimic the lessons they've learned, so why aren't we more concerned with the negative images they see?
First of all, No one will probably argue with me when I speak of the
Sixties as a revolutionary period in popular music, the Beatles, Elvis,
remember guys?The decade brought
in a virtually new type of music, and with it, a new type of mentality.Today’s music contents are either about
sex, drugs, or violences.Modern
music have harmful effecst on young children and teens. One of the harmful
effects is causing young people to absorb and act out the lyrics. These lyrics
can be about violence, sex, drug and alcohol addiction. Plus modern music can
persuade young adults to commit violent crimes, through lyrics for
example.It can also alter their
perspective on the world.
While popular music, from rap to country, is full of sexual content,
that depiction of sex varies widely. And in the new study, researchers found
that the distinction between degrading and non-degrading sexual lyrics may make a difference in teenagers'
behavior. Of the 1,461 adolescents
aged 12 to 17 they followed, those who regularly listened to music with
degrading lyrics at the start of the study were more likely to start having sex
over the next two years.
This song is a example of the music with full sexual content. My favorite part was from 0:18 to 0:21. Are you serious? This song encourage teenagers and adolescent girls to have wild sex. This is really sicken me!
Harmful music can also inspire young people to commit
crimes and acts of extreme violence. Some popular music, especially heavy metal
and rap music glorify violence. Through reoccurrence this harmful music can
drive their messages home by repeating the same themes of murder, guns, cruelty
and savagery.
And this music video is one example of music that encourage violent and gangs. It is difficult to deny that music has become more
aggressive and edgy over the decades.
And the last but not least, Music that are just plainly crap. Watch the viral video bellow and we'll see.
This song's lyric is just plainly bad, and this is pretty much one of the best example of today Pop music, repeating lyrics, and crappy content.
And finally, I fully agree that mainstream radio and mass-media are to
be blamed heavily for the
current situation.They do nothing
to improve it, only worsen it by convincing poor people that the crap they send
on the radio is real art. What artist today
writes good music not just ass shaking music, Very few The Beatles had 20
number ones's and at the time they where competing with literally legendary
bands. Music today is mostly soulless ass shaking....sad. I don't mind fun
bubble gum music occasionally. I just wish it wasn't the only thing I was being
fed currently.
What the hell is that? I said as I was taking a shower one evening not to long ago. It sounded like a war zone on my block and I was helpless in my bathroom. I quickly gathered myself together to go outside and see what the commotion was about. Can anyone guess what I saw stampeding down the middle of the street? How about 100 to about 150 screaming kids causing terror to anything that was in their path. This ladies and gentleman was a flash mob in the middle of the city in the middle of the night. They were climbing on poles, dancing on top of cars, kicking peoples cars and fighting each other. Now my question in all of this was where are their parents? Its one in the morning and last time I checked curfew for people under the age of 18 was about 10:00.
I wanted to know just what go's through the minds of kids across the area when they participate in these kinds of activities. I've seen people get beaten with night sticks by cops, arrested and jumped all in the midst of these things. Coming into these kinds of things one has to in some way know the consequences of it all. This to me though is just another sign of the times that we live and grew up in. I and a few friends were once caught in a flash mob. We weren't doing anything but everyone around it is usually guilty by association. All flash mobs aren't bad but the particular ones that I'm targeting are. We already have enough violence in the world so why do people band together to influence it even more? It's not right and we need to teach younger and older generations that it's not right. I also think that flash mobs are a great example of group think.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Teen violence in Philadelphia public school
By: Jameelah White
The violence in pubic school is ridiculous. Thomas Edison high school had a report of 117 violent incidents, including 80 assaults 26 weapon possessions, in the 2009-2010 school year. Edison stands out as one of the district’s 19 “persistently dangerous” schools in Philadelphia on the list. Schools that are in poor and high crime neighborhoods are mainly on the list, they can not break free because the size of enrollment increases the probability that 20 students will be arrested a year for violent acts.
The superintendent has vowed to get Philadelphia off the list within two years. He declared the situation as an emergency. He wants to install more cameras, improve schools climate and student monitoring programs. They want to improve the safety of the student. The state Department of Education, which is supposed to monitor the plans, has traditionally had "a hands-off policy toward the Philadelphia School District”.
They treat these kids as criminals because of where they come. Just because they come from poor communities that doesn’t mean they don’t want better. If they treat the kids like they are worth something then the kids would maybe start to act like it. There are some bad seeds but it cant be that many in my opinion. Some kids do come to school and are ready to learn. If they would take the energy from treating them like criminals and put it towards encouraging them, they could become better students.
The media sometimes encourages these girl fights. Television shows sometimes display girls fighting over stupid things like a boy. They show these girls fighting as entertainment but it may really affect these young girls life. Some of them will think it is okay to go around yelling, fighting and acting all crazy. The bad girls club shows so many fights that’s it’s ridiculous. These girls jus be yelling, fighting and partying all day long. instead of showing young women act like this they should be showing the how to act like ladies. It is un-lady-like to be acting all wild, always cussing and wanting to fight.
The recent controversy surrounding Rihanna's new music video, "Man Down" has Rihanna facing criticism for the gun violence depicted in the video. But is she only being attacked because she is female? There are many videos and movies that depict or even promote violence among males (particularly gun violence, which is the kind happening in "Man Down"). However, those male artists/movie stars are not faced with the same scrutiny as Rihanna is currently battling. In the case of male artists, violence is presented as something that is almost second nature and goes unquestioned. But when Rihanna takes the law into her own hands in the same vein as her male counterparts, violence is suddenly something to be stopped.
Interestingly, few people are talking about the violence that was committed against Rihanna in the video. Why are we ignoring the violence that was committed against Rihanna? Our own gender expectations are depicted through the reaction to the video. It was only natural that he should commit a violent act but she is punished for doing so. Rihanna is expected to have taken a more passive role in what happened to her. She is punished for being a woman who fought violence with violence. None of this is to say that any kind of violence is good. But what we are seeing here is Rihanna being punished for using the same aggression that males are almost expected to convey in their own dealings with somone who has wronged them.
For those of you who havent seen the video, the link is posted below:
As I stated above, Rihanna has been faced with a lot of attention from the media about the way she handled being raped. Here is another link to the reaction CNN had to her video:
In conclusion, I feel as though the media is treating her unfairly. I do not believe she should have killed him. However, I also believe he had no right to put his hands on her when she clearly said "no". The media should pay eqaul attention to both crimes: the rape and the shooting.
What is crime exactly?
Crime is the breach of rules or laws for which some governing authority can ultimately prescribe a conviction. There are two different categories of crimes that include minor and major crimes. Minor crimes include some of the following:
speeding
prostitution
being drunk in public
simple assault
fighting in public
This video shows two men fighting in a welfare office
On the other hand major crimes include horrific acts that include
Rape
Murder
Assault with a deadly weapon
Shooting with intent to kill
Trafficking illegal narcotics
Child abuse
Although crimes can be separated by category, they are exactly the way that they sound. I think that maybe a minor crime could possibly be justified but overall they are wrong and immoral. I've never been a victim of a crime but I find it hard to watch others suffer knowing all the while that I can't do anything about it. It's a shame that we live in the world that we live in today in which disaster can strike at any given moment. I'm not talking about natures occasional tornado's or tragic hurricanes either. I'm speaking on how we as people do their jobs for them.Why do people hunger and thirst for the suffering of others? Why do we tear each other down when we should be trying to build each other up? Every night I come home and turn on the news and see the same sad story. All the while I sit and think to myself is this really what we've been reduced too? It makes life seem non-existent and very depressing in my eyes. Although I know in my heart that this will continue to be an ongoing process like a dog chasing it's tail, could we at least make an attempt to try and see what life would be like if we did. I'm also aware that I'm only one man but everyone's opinion counts and my voice will be heard!
No matter what time of day one decides to tune into a news broadcast, the vast majority of the segment will result in crime and violence. The reality of it all, is a widespread of lack of self-control and dignity. Where isthe love? Crime has no level of decency. In other words, a crime is a crime whether it be murder, assault or stealing. The reason why crime has become an usual, or familiar action in even our very own neighborhoods, is a result of the greed and hostility many people are facing. Yes, we are living in trouble times, but people should not allow their actions to become apart of society's problem. Killing people, hurting people, and taking things are not the way to go about solving any problem we may face.
Below is an link to an article with a video attached, explaining crime in it's physical abnormalities, psychological disorders, and social and economic factors.
Here is a Video in where an artist is expressing how he feels about the society he lives in, and what he feels as though would better it.
As a final point, many inocent people are victims as a result of the violent crimes committed everyday. Innocent children, broken hearted family members, and a torn community are being overlooked not only by the media, but by the individuals who are committing these crimes. My point is, there is no reason for crime. Love avails much. Society would comence to be a much better place if people seen the actual reality of this necessity.
Over the years video games have become more and more violent. As a result there have been many discussions concerning what playing these games is doing to the minds of our youth. Certainly many of these violent games are not to be sold to children under a certain age. Consequently a wide range of young children still find it easy to access these games. Indeed studies have shown that playing these games does alter the behavior of children not just in the U.S. but around the world.
Video games such as the Call of Duty and Grand Theft auto Series (both pictured below) are popular among children around the world.
(The games pictured above clearly state on the covers that they are for video gamers ages 17 and above however thousands of children under that age find it easy to access these games.)
A study involving three groups a children was conducted. The first group consisted of 181 Japanese students ranging from ages 12-15. The second group involved 1,050 Japanese students ranging from age 13-18 and the third group involved 364 U.S. children ranging from ages 9-12. Researches monitored what games the children played and how much time they spent playing them. After playing these games students monitored there own behavior in addition to being monitored by there peers and teachers. Indeed it was discovered that students with more exposure to violent video games had become more aggressive than those with less exposure. Children exposed to more violent video games tend to get into more fights and are more likely to react violently in certain situations. As a result many researchers see this as a predictor of future behavior problems.
Dr. Huesmann, director of the Research Center of Group Dynamics at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research in Ann Arbor has been studying violence in the media and behavior for over 30 years. He came to the conclusion that the most obvious result of exposure to violence is imitation. For example, children that are exposed to violence in the media may develop the mindset that the world around them is hostile and that violence is an acceptable way of dealing with it. Furthermore Huesmann states that children can become desensitized to violence. In other words too much exposure to violence can lead to a lower emotional impact on an individual. In addition Huesmann asserted "Once you're emotionally numb to violence, it's much easier to engage in violence." However, there are some who disagree with Huesmann's viewpoint, I am sure they all agree that video game violence and child aggression are closely related.
(The video below shows a guy explaining his point of view on the topic)
All in all children who played violent video games were found to be more aggressive. There are indeed many children who play these games without being effected by the violence. However, that does not take away from the children that are. Indeed overtime new information will develop involving this topic.
(For more detailed information on the study described in the paragraphs above click the link below)
In March of 2009, I lost the most important person in my life, my mother. She was murdered by her long time boyfriend of 15 years. A man I grew to love and look at like my father. But when I thought about it, I lost my mother to Domestic Violence. And that is not fair at all. I would never wish this pain on anybody. I often tell people I could have probably dealt better if my mother died from a health issue or natural causes. But someone taking her away from me hurts the most.
So when I was looking for something to do for my organic post, I jumped at the fact that I could do whatever I wanted to do, as long as it tied in with sociology. Well violence is a big issue and Domestic Violence is an even bigger issue. And its not really looked at but for a month and they have a walk in honor of victims. No one ever thinks about the people that have to deal with it every day of their lives. The families, the victims of domestic violence and the survivors. The children that lose a mother or father, a mother that loses a child, and brother that loses a sister.
Domestic violence could happen to anybody not just women. Some people get it twisted it. There are some Men that are victims to Domestic Violence its not just women. But there are more cases of women then men. When most people of Domestic Violence they automatically think a man beating on a women. That made me think of Gender roles in society( which we were just talking about in class today). Men have been giving that label because there stronger then women and it's more likely that a man is beating on a woman. Like I stated before there are a very few cases of men being abused.
The violence in todays society is so out of control. With men killing other men, men killing cops, gang shootings, and people killing little kids, fighting, bullying and I can go on and on. The point is violence is everywhere. But the thing I hate the most is Domestic Violence, what gives a man the right to beat on a women and do what he wants to her. There are so many cases of Domestic Violence and its men beating and/or killing women. It has to stop somewhere, some how, by somebody. R.I.P Domestic Violence.
Heres an article about domestic violence, it has facts and statistics about the issue:
In the early 2000 group of Liberians decided to use violence against a leader they choose to govern them, and their action brought setback, chaos and inhuman treatment to their fellow citizens.
Rebellion by definition is the refusal of obedience or order by a person or group of people. The act of being rebellious is undertaken in every part of the world by civilians and non-civilian populist to protest dissatisfaction against a rule, law and living condition. Often the term rebel is used to refer to individuals or groups who disobey or go against a ruler way of governing. Below is a list of the various forms of rebellion:
Mutiny, which is carried out by military or security forces against their commanders
Revolt, a term that is sometimes used for a more localized rebellions rather than a general uprising.
This video shows group of men, women and children rebelling against their leader in a West African state of Liberia.
In this video these rebels decided to use gun violence to express their dissatisfaction against their leader and the result of their action was horrible, terrifying and disheartening. The action these rebels used brought destruction to their communities, displacement of their fellow countrymen and as well as trauma to the younger children and the elderly people. On this note, it is worthy to digest that violence in any form is not a remedy for a positive change. At this juncture, In order to stage destructive rebellions always take into consideration the aftermath and the plight of the masses before such undertaken against a tyrant or a dictator.
