CRASH

This week in class we saw a movie called Crash. It covered the topic of racism. Racism causes hatred, sadness, anger, and violence. For example, when the African American men in the movie went to a restaurant and came out, one was mad that he didn't well because of his race.  Another example, was when the white woman wanted to change the locks on the door after a Hispanic man installed them. She thought that he was going to rob her house, but really he is a kind man with a daughter and wife. The Hispanic man overheard the white woman and gave the extra keys to her, but he felt sad. This movie also gives out a lot of stereotypes, like in the beginning of the movie when there was a car accident between an Asian woman and a Hispanic woman.  The Asian woman was accused of bad driving because of her race.  There are a lot of racist stereotypes today that can hurt people, so we should decrease it.

Race

This week in class we talked about race and how it affects peoples descisions. At least everybody were asked what race they were. And at least everybody were shocked to hear that the race the person that they were wasn't really their race. For example some people say that I look mexican, I don't know why they say that, but they do. And then I say that I'm white. And the people were shocked to hear that. I also there are a lot of stereotypes, for what race you are. For example I saw in the airport that a white person went through the metal ditectors and wanst checked. But then I colored person went through the metal detectors and was checked. This shows that they believe that white people are harmless, and colored people are a more threat.

Jail

Last week in class, we watched a movie about a man who went to jail for 30 days by choice.  He wanted to learn how people act in jail towards each other and the guards.  He saw that the people acted nice to each other and were like each others families.  They didn't really care about the guards or react to them.  He did not feel comfortable on the first day because he was scared.  After the first day, he felt a little scared but more comfortable because he learned that the prisoners treated him like everyone else, like a family member.  He tried to help a prisoner by talking to him and telling him to not go back to jail after he gets out.  He learned that eventually the prisoner did get sent back to jail.  I think prisoners go back to jail because they like it there, they like the people, and were basically raised there.  They're not happy or sad about it, but it's like they're back home.  I think the prisoners are nice to each other because no one else is since they're scared of them.

Social Class

This week in class we talked about social class and how we judge others based on the way we live and our appearances. For example, if I were a cut off shirt, old pants and dirty shoes, then people would think that I am poor because they think you cannot afford good clothes. Another example is if you live in a very old moldy run down house then people would think that you are also poor. Or if I live in a big mansion, then people would think that you are very rich. People might take these judgments and choose who they want to hang out with. This could prevent you from meeting new people, hiring the right people for a job, or making friends.

Pennies

In class we played a game with pennies where you start with 3 pennies and you bet how many pennies you want out of the 3. Whoever won goes to the next person who also won. Whoever lost, lost their pennies. The more successful people were the ones who had more pennies. The game was easier for the people who had more pennies. In real life people who have more money have more stuff and more opportunities, than people with less money. People with more money have options for college which leads to better jobs. Not everyone in our society has equal opportunities.

Volunteer 3

On Saturday I volunteered at Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg. It takes me about an hour to get there. But once I get there we have to put on hair nets, and go to the warehouse. We all choose different jobs. I for example Labeled bags. Theres like six different jobs. You get a bag, put rice, chicken and soy in it. Then you seal it. Then you put it in a bag. There can fit around 36 bags in a box. Once you get all 36 you do this shout, where people can here you and they can take your box away. Before everything we watched a movie about it that a lot of kids die from starvation each day. Before I came in I felt nervous of what my job will be. There were all sorts of people. There were young kids with their parents, grown-ups, I even saw a baby in their with their parents. The person who was incharge of the whole thing was Alan Loeb. And after everything was done I felt very good inside, like I made a difference to kids in the world who need food. Anyone over the age of 5 can volunteer. I left my house around 11 A.M. and came back around 2 P.M.

Deviance

This week in class we have been talking about deviance. An example in class was when we watched Seinfeld. When Jerry was scratching his nose, it looked to the model like he was picking it. This was socially wrong because it's gross and bad hygiene. Another example from class, could be a man wearing a dress. People would look at it like it was weird and not normal to the society because it goes again a "manly" stereotype. Those people are bullied because of them acting like a girl. The people who are bullied sometimes cause school shootings. They are getting revenge for those people who made fun of them and bullied them. People don't realize that a lot of things they say can affect people. People need to be more aware of what they say and make people feel more socially accepted. Even the smallest positive thing you can think of, could really make a difference in someone's day.