So very much like our service learning, I had some assumptions coming into this class and they have drastically changed. I have a ton of new knowledge that I hope I can use to benefit and inform others. I had imagined a class full of busy note-taking, and focused writing assignments (you know, the boring stuff). Instead this class offered informative essays of different perspectives, (sometimes heated) debates and discussions, and room to be creative. This class has made me more aware of my surrounding environment, and it has gave me the tools to assess situations on my own.
The final project/paper was a very challenging assignment. Gillian had left it pretty open-ended so that as a group, we could be creative. I felt confident with our groups work, everyone adjusted their schedules so that we could all chip in. I think our newspaper turned out great and our candy presentation was filling.
Overall, my first blogging experience was entertaining and sociology as a subject expanded my thinking. My service learning has truly inspired me to continue serving the local community. I have already signed up to volunteer on Tuesday...Trinity Lutheran Church is doing all it can and I enjoyed being apart of that. Thank you to all the students and to Gillian for making my experience fulfilling and enthralling.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
It wasn't till I read "Working-Class Students Speak Out" that I truly realized how a lot of these personal stories within our book emulate the struggles my father encountered growing up. He uses this story time and time again to keep me motivated and to help me realize how good most of us have it.
Growing up, my father was the third oldest of nine siblings. His family's deep Hispanic roots and low income made the small villa he lived in more bearable and apart of their custom. He shared a room with his 3 other brothers for most of his childhood but more importantly his parents made sure that they lived in a safe neighborhood.
By the time he was in high school his father, my grandfather, was completely blind. His oldest sister played the role of mom while my grandmother (his mom) worked to put food on the table. Like many of the stories told in our book, the family was able to eat because everyone pitched in financially. He never was pushed to go to college like most of us were by our parents, he didn't have that luxury. If he were to follow the path of many other Hispanics in the area he would be working in some agricultural field for low wages the rest of his life.
His senior year, the football/wrestling coach made him promise that he would seek higher education. That he wouldn't just finish high school and head for the fields. As the first in his family, he enrolled in Yakima Valley Community College the year after he graduated. He received his AA degree while supporting himself, working for his soon to be father-in law in the potato fields. After graduating YVCC, he then enrolled at Central Washington University. There he got his degree in Education, so that he could teach Spanish. He taught Spanish classes for Wapato High School for 37 years, and as of the Summer of 2008, he is now retired.
The most impressive obstacle that my father overcame was when he met my mother. As I had mentioned before, he had worked for her father during the summers to help pay for school. He was a decently wealthy farmer, and in the eyes of my grandpa my father was a "field working Mexican". Eventually they were married and my grandpa didn't speak to my mom for 6 years because she had married a Mexican Protestant (my Mom's family was Catholic). He did not acknowledge their marriage and, most of all, did not think my father was worthy enough to marry his daughter. The day after my sister was born (6 years into marriage) my grandpa finally picked up the phone and ask, "when can I see my grandchild?" My father never once held a grudge, never once ask about the previous 6 years...he just accepted the current situation and never looked back.
I was in complete udder shock when I was finally told this story. For a man to forgive someone for ignoring him for 6 years (because of his race and religious affiliation) was unreal to me. I would have snapped. I would have said, "I am waiting for an apology..." But I'm very proud of my father. It takes a very dedicated man to come out of the fields, put himself through college, ignore discrimination, and to provide an amazing life for his two kids.
Many of these stories have hit home for me. To know someone personally that has gone through these struggles and has come out ahead is an uplifting feeling. It also brings into perspective the reality of these discriminations and how prevelant they are, even in today's society.
Growing up, my father was the third oldest of nine siblings. His family's deep Hispanic roots and low income made the small villa he lived in more bearable and apart of their custom. He shared a room with his 3 other brothers for most of his childhood but more importantly his parents made sure that they lived in a safe neighborhood.
By the time he was in high school his father, my grandfather, was completely blind. His oldest sister played the role of mom while my grandmother (his mom) worked to put food on the table. Like many of the stories told in our book, the family was able to eat because everyone pitched in financially. He never was pushed to go to college like most of us were by our parents, he didn't have that luxury. If he were to follow the path of many other Hispanics in the area he would be working in some agricultural field for low wages the rest of his life.
His senior year, the football/wrestling coach made him promise that he would seek higher education. That he wouldn't just finish high school and head for the fields. As the first in his family, he enrolled in Yakima Valley Community College the year after he graduated. He received his AA degree while supporting himself, working for his soon to be father-in law in the potato fields. After graduating YVCC, he then enrolled at Central Washington University. There he got his degree in Education, so that he could teach Spanish. He taught Spanish classes for Wapato High School for 37 years, and as of the Summer of 2008, he is now retired.
The most impressive obstacle that my father overcame was when he met my mother. As I had mentioned before, he had worked for her father during the summers to help pay for school. He was a decently wealthy farmer, and in the eyes of my grandpa my father was a "field working Mexican". Eventually they were married and my grandpa didn't speak to my mom for 6 years because she had married a Mexican Protestant (my Mom's family was Catholic). He did not acknowledge their marriage and, most of all, did not think my father was worthy enough to marry his daughter. The day after my sister was born (6 years into marriage) my grandpa finally picked up the phone and ask, "when can I see my grandchild?" My father never once held a grudge, never once ask about the previous 6 years...he just accepted the current situation and never looked back.
I was in complete udder shock when I was finally told this story. For a man to forgive someone for ignoring him for 6 years (because of his race and religious affiliation) was unreal to me. I would have snapped. I would have said, "I am waiting for an apology..." But I'm very proud of my father. It takes a very dedicated man to come out of the fields, put himself through college, ignore discrimination, and to provide an amazing life for his two kids.
Many of these stories have hit home for me. To know someone personally that has gone through these struggles and has come out ahead is an uplifting feeling. It also brings into perspective the reality of these discriminations and how prevelant they are, even in today's society.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Final Day at TCL
So with the final day of our service learning provided me with a good insight as to what TLC does for our community. Not only does the Pantry run on Tuesdays and Fridays and the free monthly Community Meal, but every day seniors have the option of coming to the church for some activities and lunch. This allows the local seniors to come to a gathering where they can play bingo, exercise, and for $2.50 they can get a freshly cooked lunch. I thought this was a great opportunity for the seniors to interact, get out of their houses, and for a cheap price, get a good meal.
By sitting in the Pantry for the month of January, I saw a variety of people with diverse backgrounds come in and seek help. No matter their story, size of family or even if they had a house to live in, Trinity Lutheran Church offered them a bag (or two) of cereal, tuna fish, canned vegetables, canned fruit, macaroni, Top Romen, bread, and other produce. Nothing special, but anything helps. I also met a handful of women who ran the Pantry. Most were retired, giving time out of their day, but others had jobs in which they scheduled around running the Pantry.
Overall, I'm glad that our class required us to partake in Service Learning. I learned of organizations within the Parkland Community that offered a helping hand to those in need. It felt good to be apart of the helping process but it also informed me of the amount of people in this area that month to month, struggle to get enough food to feed their family. As we have learned throughout this term, the fact that these people cannot make enough money to buy groceries is most likely not because they don't work hard...society has caused an insurmountable barrier that has hindered their finances (in most cases).
By sitting in the Pantry for the month of January, I saw a variety of people with diverse backgrounds come in and seek help. No matter their story, size of family or even if they had a house to live in, Trinity Lutheran Church offered them a bag (or two) of cereal, tuna fish, canned vegetables, canned fruit, macaroni, Top Romen, bread, and other produce. Nothing special, but anything helps. I also met a handful of women who ran the Pantry. Most were retired, giving time out of their day, but others had jobs in which they scheduled around running the Pantry.
Overall, I'm glad that our class required us to partake in Service Learning. I learned of organizations within the Parkland Community that offered a helping hand to those in need. It felt good to be apart of the helping process but it also informed me of the amount of people in this area that month to month, struggle to get enough food to feed their family. As we have learned throughout this term, the fact that these people cannot make enough money to buy groceries is most likely not because they don't work hard...society has caused an insurmountable barrier that has hindered their finances (in most cases).
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Small Group, Discussion, and Movie
Today was very interesting and stimulating. I feel like we had a great discussion on the election of President Barrack Obama. The discussion caused me to think about the pressure and weight that the President must feel going into his first term. Society has often been quick-triggered or it will cause a jump to conclusion reaction when dealing with minorities. Many classmates brought up great points about how entire populations or races are labeled with certain aspects because of the actions of one person. This relates to this new issue of the effect President Obama will have on other minorities running for president in the future. If he does "fail" (and I use quotation marks because only society will reveal him as a failure, not individuals) what does that mean for other minorities in the future? Are there chances hurt or increased with the successfulnes of Obama's term(s)? It was quite clear that yes, if he fails, minorities will experience more set backs again. If he succeeds, will minorities be seen as "equals" (I feel that they should already equals, but unfortunately society, education, employment, ect. does not)?
I also had a revealing experience when we broke down into small groups and discussed our oppression worksheet. It was at first hard to think of specific instances where I oppressed another...but once i did, it was actually quite depressing to think that I did some of these unspeakable acts UNCONSIOUSLY! But I also beleive that the first step to changing yourself is becoming aware of the types of oppression and the effects that they can have. It really shocked me to realize what society has caused. It has made me unaware of situations where I have oppressed someone, and has caused me to have the feeling that I was actually acting normal. My powerlessness oppression was when I was training someone to do my old job. I made him powerless and ordered him around without even realizing what I had done or that I was doing anything wrong. This activity has made me more aware and concious so that I can do my part in reducing oppression...
And finally, the movie True Colors made me almost ashamed. To think that this was going on in 1990's and is still continuing (maybe even more so) in todays world. This movie was another example about how society has caused people to jump to conclusions and think stereotypically about people of different race. The youth of America is incharge of breaking those aweful habbits, give people the benefit of the doubt, and to treat people as they would like to be treated. I would personally like to change how I think about others, be more aware of the truth rather than stereotypes, and to try and look past any color or race and simple view them as human. A hefty goal in today's society.
I also had a revealing experience when we broke down into small groups and discussed our oppression worksheet. It was at first hard to think of specific instances where I oppressed another...but once i did, it was actually quite depressing to think that I did some of these unspeakable acts UNCONSIOUSLY! But I also beleive that the first step to changing yourself is becoming aware of the types of oppression and the effects that they can have. It really shocked me to realize what society has caused. It has made me unaware of situations where I have oppressed someone, and has caused me to have the feeling that I was actually acting normal. My powerlessness oppression was when I was training someone to do my old job. I made him powerless and ordered him around without even realizing what I had done or that I was doing anything wrong. This activity has made me more aware and concious so that I can do my part in reducing oppression...
And finally, the movie True Colors made me almost ashamed. To think that this was going on in 1990's and is still continuing (maybe even more so) in todays world. This movie was another example about how society has caused people to jump to conclusions and think stereotypically about people of different race. The youth of America is incharge of breaking those aweful habbits, give people the benefit of the doubt, and to treat people as they would like to be treated. I would personally like to change how I think about others, be more aware of the truth rather than stereotypes, and to try and look past any color or race and simple view them as human. A hefty goal in today's society.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Understanding Affirmative Action
From my understanding, affirmative action gives minorities (both racial and female minorities) more opportunities to jobs. Its hard for me, as a young adult to know how it feels to have an a job given to someone else for reason not related to being qualified. I find it hard for any young adult to have an experience like that.
Before reading the article "White Men and the Denial of Racism," I didn't truly understand the two sides to this issue. At first, affirmative action sounds as if it is hiring unqualified...but beneath that it really helps those (such as people of color and women) to get into the same pool and have the ability to compete with the "white men."
How would you feel if your job was taken from you and given to another for quota reasons? How would you feel if you were not given a job because of the color of your skin? How would you feel if you were more qualified than anyone applying for a job opening, yet you were bypassed by some else because a quota needed to be fulfilled? Its really hard to imagine these instances because I don't think I have really been in a situation were I am competing for a job. But I will say that I do agree with affirmative action. I think its something our country needs to do and that when it is all said-and-done, it will have hopefully help those who were once discriminated against, find successful opportunities to compete with those who have never been discriminated against.
Before reading the article "White Men and the Denial of Racism," I didn't truly understand the two sides to this issue. At first, affirmative action sounds as if it is hiring unqualified...but beneath that it really helps those (such as people of color and women) to get into the same pool and have the ability to compete with the "white men."
How would you feel if your job was taken from you and given to another for quota reasons? How would you feel if you were not given a job because of the color of your skin? How would you feel if you were more qualified than anyone applying for a job opening, yet you were bypassed by some else because a quota needed to be fulfilled? Its really hard to imagine these instances because I don't think I have really been in a situation were I am competing for a job. But I will say that I do agree with affirmative action. I think its something our country needs to do and that when it is all said-and-done, it will have hopefully help those who were once discriminated against, find successful opportunities to compete with those who have never been discriminated against.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Why Don't Gay People Just Keep Quiet?
I felt that this essay really touched on some of the misconceptions and myths people have about being homosexual. The author presented some great points about the pros and cons to coming out and other stresses put on homosexuals. The section about the letter of reference that included, "...would be proud to have this young man marry one of his daughters someday..." really hit home the reality of the inconvenience that even a homosexual student may have to go through in order to be seen as "normal".
I understand that this essay was explaining that more and more students have began speaking out and that they aren't staying silent, but it made me realize why homosexuals sometimes keep quiet. It seems natural to stay quiet just out of easiness. Society has put up so many barriers and loops that it is easier just being "normal" to everyone else. I also see how that can be a HUGE burden. Having to keep a secret like that, to have to act differently than what is natural, just so that you can keep a job or get accepted into graduate school.
If I take anything out of this class (I plan on taking many things with me but so far the most important has been...) it is that you can't imagine the stress, the barriers, the burden that homosexual people go through on a daily bases all because society labels them as abnormal. I have a new respect for those who are flat out trying to do what feels right to them...
I understand that this essay was explaining that more and more students have began speaking out and that they aren't staying silent, but it made me realize why homosexuals sometimes keep quiet. It seems natural to stay quiet just out of easiness. Society has put up so many barriers and loops that it is easier just being "normal" to everyone else. I also see how that can be a HUGE burden. Having to keep a secret like that, to have to act differently than what is natural, just so that you can keep a job or get accepted into graduate school.
If I take anything out of this class (I plan on taking many things with me but so far the most important has been...) it is that you can't imagine the stress, the barriers, the burden that homosexual people go through on a daily bases all because society labels them as abnormal. I have a new respect for those who are flat out trying to do what feels right to them...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Weekend Reading
After reading through all the different topics assigned to us over the weekend, I was particularly interested in essays about bisexuals. Bisexualism is an orientation that I feel gets less attention and less heterosexual criticism. Why is that?
From my experiences and knowledge I feel as though males view bisexual women as attractive rather than offensive. Just the thought of two women, who happened to also like men, is a situation that is somewhat tantalizing. It makes me wonder what women think of two men? Is this a mutual attraction, something our sexuality desires?
If anyone has any feedback on my questions, I would like to hear others voices.
From my experiences and knowledge I feel as though males view bisexual women as attractive rather than offensive. Just the thought of two women, who happened to also like men, is a situation that is somewhat tantalizing. It makes me wonder what women think of two men? Is this a mutual attraction, something our sexuality desires?
If anyone has any feedback on my questions, I would like to hear others voices.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Trinity Lutheran Pantry Service
So I had the honor of working at the Trinity Lutheran Church in their Pantry Service with another classmate. I'm very glad that I decided on this service learning opportunity because it made me very aware of the efforts our community in Parkland is making to help those in need. People that fit a certain criteria are able to come in once a month on either Tuesdays or Fridays and receive a bag of food. This food bag may not contain much but to have people from the community donating their time and effort to try and help in any way possible, is simply amazing. The TLC also puts on free community meals once or twice a month, so that anyone can come in and have a hot dinner.
The two ladies that I was able to work next to were particularly special people. They were there usually every time the Pantry was open to, flat out, feed people. They wanted those who worked up the courage to come in and ask for help to know that THEY cared, that they wanted to assist them, and that they understood sometimes people need a hand. Theses ladies could be doing a hundred other things but instead they come to TLC and hand out bags of canned goods, macaroni, and top romen...It didn't matter if you were homeless or if you were tight with money and had mouths to feed, bag after bag was generously and graciously handed out.
When Gillian had these service learning activities set up I'm not sure she imagined the effects that it would have on students, especially me. I had some time to reflect on this experience and I found myself wondering how I could help this cause. Its as simple as coming in for a few hours on Tuesday and Friday, or even buying some extra food when you go grocery shopping and dropping it off at the church...I already know my schedule for spring and you can bet that most Tuesday mornings that I'll be at TLC preparing bags and handing out hot coffee to whomever comes in.
I was also very pleased to hear that the PLU Dining Service and the PLU garden has/was donating food to this wonderful group. Anything helps and everything counts.
The two ladies that I was able to work next to were particularly special people. They were there usually every time the Pantry was open to, flat out, feed people. They wanted those who worked up the courage to come in and ask for help to know that THEY cared, that they wanted to assist them, and that they understood sometimes people need a hand. Theses ladies could be doing a hundred other things but instead they come to TLC and hand out bags of canned goods, macaroni, and top romen...It didn't matter if you were homeless or if you were tight with money and had mouths to feed, bag after bag was generously and graciously handed out.
When Gillian had these service learning activities set up I'm not sure she imagined the effects that it would have on students, especially me. I had some time to reflect on this experience and I found myself wondering how I could help this cause. Its as simple as coming in for a few hours on Tuesday and Friday, or even buying some extra food when you go grocery shopping and dropping it off at the church...I already know my schedule for spring and you can bet that most Tuesday mornings that I'll be at TLC preparing bags and handing out hot coffee to whomever comes in.
I was also very pleased to hear that the PLU Dining Service and the PLU garden has/was donating food to this wonderful group. Anything helps and everything counts.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Movie and Reading
Having grown up on Disney and Pixar movies, Mickey Mouse Monopoly really shocked me. When you watch Disney movies for pleasure (at least in my case) you don't really catch those racial injections. Little did I know that the Beast was an abusive and brutal form of a significant other, and that all pretty girls had slim waists and curvy features. I guess you could say I feel into the trap that Disney was setting; I traveled to Disneyland, I watched all the movies, and I was a consumer and a traveling ad (because I used to wear Disney t-shirts). I do have to argue that as far as I am aware, those racial injections and the sexist remarks and actions did not affect how I viewed the world. This could have occured because of proper schooling or proper parenting. This movie truly through me for a loop when clip after clip pointed out numerous flaws. I now question whether or not I would want my children watching these kind of movies.
As for the reading for Thursday I was particulary drawn to the essay about masculinity. When you interact with a group of close guy friends, you really don't realize the ongoing competition. I, being a male, had never really thought about how I display my masculinity...and once I had finished reading this essay I was almost ashamed of myself. Not because I was knowningly trying to put down others in order to boost my masculinity, but becasue I was doing it without even realizing it. Yes, males use terms such as "thats gay" or "he's a fag" and what is most shocking is those terms are only used to try and beleaguer others. I do have to say that I don't totally agree with the homophobia as a way of displaying masculinity. I am quite close with my guy friends and there is no lack of "love" between us. We refer to eachother as "brothers" we give always give big bear hugs haha. I also feel like if a homosexual were to approach us we would show respect, not talk down to them, and act as genuine guys. I'm not trying to say that we never have ridiculed someone behind their back but most of the time we act as gentlemen-like as we can as 21 year olds.
I'm am thankful that I have read this essay because the next time I try and display my masculinity I might just flex my muscles or challenge someone to an arm wrestling match rather than put people down for their sexual orientation.
As for the reading for Thursday I was particulary drawn to the essay about masculinity. When you interact with a group of close guy friends, you really don't realize the ongoing competition. I, being a male, had never really thought about how I display my masculinity...and once I had finished reading this essay I was almost ashamed of myself. Not because I was knowningly trying to put down others in order to boost my masculinity, but becasue I was doing it without even realizing it. Yes, males use terms such as "thats gay" or "he's a fag" and what is most shocking is those terms are only used to try and beleaguer others. I do have to say that I don't totally agree with the homophobia as a way of displaying masculinity. I am quite close with my guy friends and there is no lack of "love" between us. We refer to eachother as "brothers" we give always give big bear hugs haha. I also feel like if a homosexual were to approach us we would show respect, not talk down to them, and act as genuine guys. I'm not trying to say that we never have ridiculed someone behind their back but most of the time we act as gentlemen-like as we can as 21 year olds.
I'm am thankful that I have read this essay because the next time I try and display my masculinity I might just flex my muscles or challenge someone to an arm wrestling match rather than put people down for their sexual orientation.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
First Day of Class
So having never taken a sociology class before, I was very unsure of what to think. I am a biology major so its hard to imagine this class would be very relative to any of the other courses I am used to taking. What shocked me was when Gillian first described sociology, for all of us who had not taken a sociology class before, as the scientific (yes, right up my alley) study of human behavior in social context. This really put my mind at ease because I am comfortable with dissecting things scientifically, so this should be relatively similar.
I truly enjoyed taking the descriptive terms that I had generated about myself and applying the tags of either "Agent" or "Target". Agent, being the dominant term, surprisingly did not come up very often in my bank of terms. Target (the more subordinate term), on the other hand, did come up quite often. Whether it be younger brother, son, student, or serious personality, all of these terms I believe fall into the target section. This made me wonder if not quite being an adult yet had any influences on my choice of descriptive terms? Had I been an adult, would I have chosen more Agent terms? I also noticed that, similar to me, most everyone had only a few Agent terms.
This class seems to have a different style, and as stated in the syllabus it will be more like a "seminar" which sounds a lot better than a plain, old class. I am excited for the film critiquing and I also believe the that the service learning will be very beneficial. I do have to say that I do not look forward to present in front of the class (for any reason) but since Gillian has expressed an attitude of involvement, maybe this will help with my fears.
I'm not exactly sure how long these blogs are supposed to be but I'm going to stop...I am sure that length will be discussed later this week.
I truly enjoyed taking the descriptive terms that I had generated about myself and applying the tags of either "Agent" or "Target". Agent, being the dominant term, surprisingly did not come up very often in my bank of terms. Target (the more subordinate term), on the other hand, did come up quite often. Whether it be younger brother, son, student, or serious personality, all of these terms I believe fall into the target section. This made me wonder if not quite being an adult yet had any influences on my choice of descriptive terms? Had I been an adult, would I have chosen more Agent terms? I also noticed that, similar to me, most everyone had only a few Agent terms.
This class seems to have a different style, and as stated in the syllabus it will be more like a "seminar" which sounds a lot better than a plain, old class. I am excited for the film critiquing and I also believe the that the service learning will be very beneficial. I do have to say that I do not look forward to present in front of the class (for any reason) but since Gillian has expressed an attitude of involvement, maybe this will help with my fears.
I'm not exactly sure how long these blogs are supposed to be but I'm going to stop...I am sure that length will be discussed later this week.
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