I was thinking sociologically when I was up at Lake Geneva with my husband, my dogs and his family over Labor Day weekend. My in laws rent a house on the lake every Labor Day weekend, and my hubs and I bring up our two labradors to go swimming in the lake. In preparation for this big outing, my husband, my father in law and I built a ramp the weekend before for the dogs to use to climb out of the lake as the pier is too tall for them to jump directly onto. As I watched my dogs go flying off the pier (and climbing up onto the ramp for another toss of the tennis ball), I was thinking about functionalism. No, really, I thought of functionalism! Not the functionality of the ramp, but of the function of dogs in society. People used to have dogs to help in the hunt, 4 legged garbage compactors cleaning up humanity's junk, provide warmth at night through snuggling....but it was not until the post WWII era when dogs-as-pets became a big deal (c'mon...you can't have a suburban 2 story, 2.2 child, white picket fence house without a dog!). And now, dogs-as-children/family members is the norm, not the exception. Today, 63% of American households have a pet, and we spend $45 billion annually on our pets (more than people spend on baby food!). An unscientific poll of my freshman Geography classes shows that a majority of them feel that their dog is a part of the family, just as much as the people are. Which brings me to my two dogs, Sadie and Stella, and their custom made dog ramp. They are definately examples of how the function of dogs in society has shifted since the Stone Age. I am one of those people who dresses them up at Halloween (yes, I will post pictures), and makes sure to have baby asprin cut into a dose just enough for Sadie, who is almost 9 and sounded like Rice Krispies when she got up this morning (snap, crackle and pop went her joints). And I'm OK with that.
Edited to Add: I actually am re-posting this from first semester as an example of how your "All of a Sudden" blog posts should work. This post makes me nostalgic as a week after we shot this video, my older dog (the one who jumps in first) got diagnosed with bone cancer, and had an amputation a week after that. Talk about treating dogs as humans--Sadie got chemo for 4 months. Geesh! I wonder if she will swim in circles next year with only one front leg to steer....... :)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
What Makes Haas Tick.....
Since I'm asking you all to create a blog post to fill us all in on who you are and how you fit into the society that we will spend the semester studying, I figure I'd better share about myself too. You can use this post as a guide on how to set your first posts up as well.
I am a: teacher, wife, dog-mommy, devoted auntie, daughter, friend, theater-lover, craft-maker, book-reader, and a map-nerd (and there is a sociological term that goes along with this that we'll cover 2nd quarter!). I honestly think that if you took one of those things away from my personality, I wouldn't be the same person. If you're going to be a part of this society, I approach it as go in or go home, so I try to live life to the fullest and do as much as I can.
I've been influenced by many things. My parents (obviously) played a big role in my socialization process, and did a lot to guide me in the rights and wrongs of society. You'll actually see shades of my dad in class on a daily basis--I have his sense of humor. My 87 year old grandma that I will be talking about a lot in class? She's the cat's pajamas and I want to be just like her when I grow up :) She has been through a lot in life, and can still put a big ole' smile on her face. This sounds really dumb, but I'm also influenced by one of my dogs, Sadie. See, we found out in September that she has bone cancer, and she had a leg amputated shortly thereafter. She's crazy active, and we were worried that would slow her down. 4 months later, she's cancer-free (so far as we can tell) and she has not slowed down in the least. I think that's really cool that she can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. And I also find it a reflection on society today that you can treat a dog for bone cancer, surgery, meds, chemotherapy and all, yet there are millions of Americans who, due to economic circumstances or otherwise, can't afford health care. Stratification at its worst.
My goals are different from yours as I am about twice your age :) I've done the education thing...and then some (go Illini!). I wanted to get a teaching job....and here I am. Homeownership? Check! Get married? Done! Kids? Well.....I spend about 12 hours a day with you and your peers here at school. A quiet house when I get home is a good thing :) Be a published card maker? Actually have that taken care of (check out a PaperCrafts magazine soon!). This doesn't mean that I have no goals or purpose in life. I figure I can always get better at everything that I do, and it's OK to try new things (like this whole blog thing....). Who knows? Maybe I'll be teacher of the year! :)
So that's me in a nutshell. I think I'm in the process of leaving my mark on society, and I'm looking forward to seeing the paths that you will take to blaze a trail on the world. Peace out (for now) peeps!
I am a: teacher, wife, dog-mommy, devoted auntie, daughter, friend, theater-lover, craft-maker, book-reader, and a map-nerd (and there is a sociological term that goes along with this that we'll cover 2nd quarter!). I honestly think that if you took one of those things away from my personality, I wouldn't be the same person. If you're going to be a part of this society, I approach it as go in or go home, so I try to live life to the fullest and do as much as I can.
I've been influenced by many things. My parents (obviously) played a big role in my socialization process, and did a lot to guide me in the rights and wrongs of society. You'll actually see shades of my dad in class on a daily basis--I have his sense of humor. My 87 year old grandma that I will be talking about a lot in class? She's the cat's pajamas and I want to be just like her when I grow up :) She has been through a lot in life, and can still put a big ole' smile on her face. This sounds really dumb, but I'm also influenced by one of my dogs, Sadie. See, we found out in September that she has bone cancer, and she had a leg amputated shortly thereafter. She's crazy active, and we were worried that would slow her down. 4 months later, she's cancer-free (so far as we can tell) and she has not slowed down in the least. I think that's really cool that she can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. And I also find it a reflection on society today that you can treat a dog for bone cancer, surgery, meds, chemotherapy and all, yet there are millions of Americans who, due to economic circumstances or otherwise, can't afford health care. Stratification at its worst.
My goals are different from yours as I am about twice your age :) I've done the education thing...and then some (go Illini!). I wanted to get a teaching job....and here I am. Homeownership? Check! Get married? Done! Kids? Well.....I spend about 12 hours a day with you and your peers here at school. A quiet house when I get home is a good thing :) Be a published card maker? Actually have that taken care of (check out a PaperCrafts magazine soon!). This doesn't mean that I have no goals or purpose in life. I figure I can always get better at everything that I do, and it's OK to try new things (like this whole blog thing....). Who knows? Maybe I'll be teacher of the year! :)
So that's me in a nutshell. I think I'm in the process of leaving my mark on society, and I'm looking forward to seeing the paths that you will take to blaze a trail on the world. Peace out (for now) peeps!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Welcome Back to Shcool!
Just wanted the opportunity to start off the semester with a chuckle on this, the first of many posts for our semester together in Sociology. Perhaps the next time this North Carolina company needs to be painting words on the street, they will hire a spellchecker......Welcome! Looking forward to a fun semester!
***Mrs. Haas
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Volunteer Alert!
Stolen directly from Wednesday's Chicago Tribune.......
What: Bridge Communities will host an outdoor rally for "Sleep Out Saturday" in Glen Ellyn
What It's About: The free rally features live performances fromlocal band Flipside, DJ "Koz" and the crew from The Mix 101.9, an interactive game show, and testimonials from formerly homeless families who are graduates of and/or participants in the Bridge Communities program. After the rally, groups of teens, individuals and families will sleep outdoors in tents, boxes or cars to raise funds for Bridge Communities. The all-night sleepover to raise awareness about homelessness will be held in backyards, parking lots and parks across DuPage County. Last year's event raised more than $100,000.
When and Where: 6:30-8pm, November 6, outside at Bridge Communities, 505 Crescent Blvd, Glen Ellyn
The Charity: Bridge Communities is a non profit agency that serves more than 100 needy families annually in programs that include a two-year transitional housing program for families, life-skills mentoring, an auto program, financial counseling and employment training.
How You Can Help: To participate, sponsor a sleeper or donate funds, call 630-545-0610 or visit sleepoutsaturday.org
What: Bridge Communities will host an outdoor rally for "Sleep Out Saturday" in Glen Ellyn
What It's About: The free rally features live performances fromlocal band Flipside, DJ "Koz" and the crew from The Mix 101.9, an interactive game show, and testimonials from formerly homeless families who are graduates of and/or participants in the Bridge Communities program. After the rally, groups of teens, individuals and families will sleep outdoors in tents, boxes or cars to raise funds for Bridge Communities. The all-night sleepover to raise awareness about homelessness will be held in backyards, parking lots and parks across DuPage County. Last year's event raised more than $100,000.
When and Where: 6:30-8pm, November 6, outside at Bridge Communities, 505 Crescent Blvd, Glen Ellyn
The Charity: Bridge Communities is a non profit agency that serves more than 100 needy families annually in programs that include a two-year transitional housing program for families, life-skills mentoring, an auto program, financial counseling and employment training.
How You Can Help: To participate, sponsor a sleeper or donate funds, call 630-545-0610 or visit sleepoutsaturday.org
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Everybody Needs Somebody....
We're watching Secrets of the Wild Child in class right now. The story of Genie (as well as those of Anna and Isabelle) are all heartbreaking examples of what happens when socialization goes wrong....or doesn't go at all. Taking a look at the video below of footage of Genie, stop back and think of the uphill struggle Genie has had in her life to try and fit into mainstream society (as far as I know, she's living in a nursing home-type facility in California and is in her 50s....she has never been able to catch up to her peers in terms of speech, behaviors and motor skills).
What was the main difference between all 3 of these girls? Isabelle had her mom. Even though she was not able to communicate with her daughter, the non-verbals of nurturing motherly behavior did a lot to point Isabelle in the right direction and she was able to "make it" in society, whereas those without that contact never made it, and in Anna's case, she died. If you're thinking that these 3 girls are isolated cases, think again. If you go to the website www.feralchildren.com you'll see many other examples of children who have found themselves in Genie, Anna, or Isabelle's shoes.
What was the main difference between all 3 of these girls? Isabelle had her mom. Even though she was not able to communicate with her daughter, the non-verbals of nurturing motherly behavior did a lot to point Isabelle in the right direction and she was able to "make it" in society, whereas those without that contact never made it, and in Anna's case, she died. If you're thinking that these 3 girls are isolated cases, think again. If you go to the website www.feralchildren.com you'll see many other examples of children who have found themselves in Genie, Anna, or Isabelle's shoes.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Who Helps You Become YOU?
Your agents of socialization, that's who! We've spent the first few days of our socialization unit examining how we learn about the norms of society and who teaches us those things so that we can be well mannered, positive, functioning members of society, and your agents of socialization (see the comprehensive list below) help you to reach this lofty goal at all points of your life. Remember, as pointed out in class, you never stop being socialized.....you all socialize me every day, which is why I can use words like "beast" in a sentence.....such as "Patrick Sharp is a beast on the ice this season!" Did I do that right? :) Anyway, here is a list of those who socialize you....feel free to comment if I forgot anybody!
*Family--Mom & Dad have first crack at teaching you how to be a good member of society. They not only teach you language and help you with motor skills, they teach you useful things like how to tie your shoes, when to say please and thank you, and give you a sense of right and wrong that you can use to interpret the world around you. To take a page out of Cooley's socialization textbook, you may see yourself as your parents see you......hopefully your parents have been your biggest fans and you see yourself positively as well.
*Friends/Peers--You enter school and all of a sudden the good manners and values your parents instilled in you may be erased by some of your peers who have no problems teaching you swear words, or that sharing may not indeed be caring :) You join clubs and sports and hang out with people that are just like you. Speaking of sports....
*Sports--Just as with Candyland, sports teaches you cooperation and teamwork, the value of hard work, and give you a competitive drive.
*Religion--Regardless of your religious affiliation, this is a major highway for values and morals to enter your brain. Golden Rule, anyone?
*Daycare--If your parents had to work, you might have been dropped off at KinderCare, or other places to keep your 3 year old self occupied and out of trouble. As I've seen in my family, this is a mixed bag. Daycare teaches you language skills and independence that you might not receive at home if you're with Mom 24/7, but you're not as connected to your parents.
*Work--If you have a job right now, that is part of your identity, and shapes your behaviors accordingly. As you get older, you are defined by your job....it's less about who you ARE but what you DO. I've found with family and friends who have retired that they have a real terrible time adjusting to their life without work because they don't have that anchor to guide their days.
*Media--Miss Katy Perry proved the point here, as does my gal pal Miley Cyrus. Little kids are very impressionable.....and heck, you teenagers are as well. You see all sorts of images on TV, on the Internet, and in movies and print media that tell you that you need to wear your hair "just like this" or dress "just like that" and life will be perfect for you. If you eat this or that, you'll be strong and popular. Clothing labels like Forever 21, Abercrombie and Fitch and Aeropostale are creating a line of their clothing for kids as young as 6 to hook them in to their brands at a young age. I see it with my nieces. Clothes from Kohls or Target are fine, but if it says Old Navy it's even better and means you're "cool" and "popular."
What do you think? Did I leave anything out?
*Family--Mom & Dad have first crack at teaching you how to be a good member of society. They not only teach you language and help you with motor skills, they teach you useful things like how to tie your shoes, when to say please and thank you, and give you a sense of right and wrong that you can use to interpret the world around you. To take a page out of Cooley's socialization textbook, you may see yourself as your parents see you......hopefully your parents have been your biggest fans and you see yourself positively as well.
*Friends/Peers--You enter school and all of a sudden the good manners and values your parents instilled in you may be erased by some of your peers who have no problems teaching you swear words, or that sharing may not indeed be caring :) You join clubs and sports and hang out with people that are just like you. Speaking of sports....
*Sports--Just as with Candyland, sports teaches you cooperation and teamwork, the value of hard work, and give you a competitive drive.
*Religion--Regardless of your religious affiliation, this is a major highway for values and morals to enter your brain. Golden Rule, anyone?
*Daycare--If your parents had to work, you might have been dropped off at KinderCare, or other places to keep your 3 year old self occupied and out of trouble. As I've seen in my family, this is a mixed bag. Daycare teaches you language skills and independence that you might not receive at home if you're with Mom 24/7, but you're not as connected to your parents.
*Work--If you have a job right now, that is part of your identity, and shapes your behaviors accordingly. As you get older, you are defined by your job....it's less about who you ARE but what you DO. I've found with family and friends who have retired that they have a real terrible time adjusting to their life without work because they don't have that anchor to guide their days.
*Media--Miss Katy Perry proved the point here, as does my gal pal Miley Cyrus. Little kids are very impressionable.....and heck, you teenagers are as well. You see all sorts of images on TV, on the Internet, and in movies and print media that tell you that you need to wear your hair "just like this" or dress "just like that" and life will be perfect for you. If you eat this or that, you'll be strong and popular. Clothing labels like Forever 21, Abercrombie and Fitch and Aeropostale are creating a line of their clothing for kids as young as 6 to hook them in to their brands at a young age. I see it with my nieces. Clothes from Kohls or Target are fine, but if it says Old Navy it's even better and means you're "cool" and "popular."
What do you think? Did I leave anything out?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Socialization and Katy Perry
So we started talking about socialization in class today.....HOW you learn about your culture and how to do the right things (and avoid the wrong ones). Many different factors come into play with your socialization process: parents, friends, teachers, even the media play a part in shaping you into the person that you are. In discussing the media and children's programming, Sesame Street came up. I have to admit, I'm a child of the Street. LOVED the show when I was a kid, and if I ever have my own children, they will be Street kids as well (no purple dinosaur for them!). Well, in launching their 40th season on the air, they leaked a few segments that would be shown and my, the uproar about the Katy Perry appearance caused Sesame Street producers to yank the segment. Is Katy sending a wrong message to 3 year old Street lovers, especially the girls, or is she just teaching them about opposites? I'll let you decide, then you can chime in with your thoughts.....
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