Posts
Hi folks,
Well, we're almost at the midpoint for this class and I hope that you have learned a lot so far. I hope that you learned not only from me, but from the readings, your classmates, and the videos and blogs that you have been sharing with one another.
I don't have much to write about this week, simply because I want you to come to your own conclusions about socialization and especially as it relates to gender. I think it is important to remember that our socialization process (as individuals) varies by race, class, and gender. So, we don't turn out all the same.
I read this very sad story in Sunday's NY Times. It is, however, completely relevant to our units on socialization and culture. It also is strongly connected to Tony Porter's TED presentation. Please read it. If you do, it will add to a very lively discussion for tomorrow. The link is below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/opinion/sunday/a-boy-to-be-sacrificed.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
I was truly horrified to read this article, but it isn't surprising. Please read it and let's discuss tomorrow. There are some other articles that I ran across that I want to share with you. This one relates to interaction and the socialization process. More importantly, this article demonstrates the interplay between nature and nuture. Check it out:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/24/the-brain-on-love/?partner=rss&emc=rss
Well, have a great and productive day. Your next exam will most likely be next Thursday, April 5, 2012. It will cover chapters 5 and 6. See you soon...
Professor Applewhite
I don't know whether to be saddend or outraged by this man's story. Thankfully, I don't have to live in such a society where I would have change as far as the gestures of my hands. God knows being Italian, that would be a problem for me. This young man is so brave and his survival instinct is to be commended. He had to change in order to live.I'm not saying he should have to change but I am glad he new how to survive. I am truly sad for any human being who has to change who they out of fear of being killed. Those men more than likely would have killed him and his family would have allowed it in order to keep up with their society's beliefs. Although we have Gay Rights (to an extent) here in the US, I know that these kind of crimes still happen here. It seems that for the gay community everything is a challenge.I am so sad to think that this man was made to believe God doesn't love him. To be laying with his family in fear and they didn't even attempt to protect him just sickens me. I can see what you mean in relation to Tony Porter.The man box doesn't allow for these type of feelings. With all the problems in the world, why is gender such an issue. The hate crimes, the suicides and I'm sure in some cases shame and self loathing do to society unaccecptance is just too much for an human being to have bear. Who are we to judge anyone. Every human being on earth should have equal rights and the freedom to love whoever they wish. Feelings that can't be helped should not be surpressed. I am glad this article was published. I hope it will bring into light this serious crime against humanity. I am happy this man is finally free to talk about his sexuality and has the support of others in the Arab world. Lets hope one day the whole world will be supportive.
ReplyDeleteHow utterly, devastatingly heartbreaking. I think sometimes that it doesn't take too many years of adulthood to start to lose touch with that real, visceral acuity of feeling that marks our youthful transitions. Whether it's the exhilaration/devastation linked with our first love or the shame and despair associated with the realization that even real friends won't stick up for you when the bullies come calling.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments, Lisa and Amina. I think that you touch on some of the important themes of the writing, but there are some other things that come to mind when I read the article, namely Porter's Manbox and how it operates if you fall outside of the box. Think about it and let's discuss later.
ReplyDeleteThere's no way that this story can be sadder. Little Abdellah can never be the same, yet I hope he understands innocence is not something others can take from him. Thus, he is still as innocent as 12 year-old Abdellah. I can assume people in Arabic culture, but not in particular, are socialized in an extreme way about gender, which ruins Abdellah's life. The saddest part was that his family, friends, or neigborhoods were not exceptions.
ReplyDeleteIn second article, the news that they actually make the department for the analyizing relationships neuroscientifically was surprising. Additionally, perhaps, the term, 'Mommy hands' can be true scientifically. 'Mommy hands' is a conventional method for curing or relieving a pain for kids. I thought that is Placebo effect, yet reading tells me it could actually work.
As we already talked about the 'Man box', the components of the box are sort of our societal norms for men. People expect men's behavior in a certain way. Men will probably feel rejection from society when they don't do something people expect. In second article, studies show people feel actual physical pain when they get emotionally hurt or feel rejected from the society. Thus, Abdellah may have suffered by an enormous amount of physical pain.
is sad to read something like that espcially that im a man and there are still similar things like that happening around the world. this guy is brave and he survived a hard envirnment. he felt like he was alone in this world and not even his family or god could help him. sometimes i feel like that but i been thru so much things that i got used to it and got streght to realized im a man now and sometimes we need help but we push ourselves and even thoe life is hard when you on your own you still manage to get a lot of things done by your self. i wouldnt want no one or anyone i know to go thru an experience like that boy.
ReplyDeleteThe article, A Boy to be Sacrificed, is an emotional piece. I don't know why no one in Abdellah's family stood up for him or tried to protect him when drunken men came to their place and shouted. In the Philippines, there are young boys who realized they have feelings for the same gender, and those around them are fine with it. There are a few actors and actresses who are homosexual and are very famous. No matter if one of your family members is homosexual, you should still love him/her because they are of the same blood and they are family. Abdellah made himself a rock in order to survive even if it was going against what he deeply felt he wanted to do.
ReplyDeleteIn the other article, I believe having the ones you love especially your spouse with you when you are diagnosed with a health problem can help you recover faster and even dull the pain. There have been studies done that have proven it. If Abdellah experienced his family's love and support, he would have turned out differently and been able to grow up emotionally strong.