# data[].attributes.body
When reading this chapter it made me realize how the coffee and individual drinks can be a reflection of their social class. In this chapter the authors talks about how the culture around coffee is shaped by certain class differences, from the different types of Coffee a person may drink to wear they purchase it at. An example of this is, someone grabbing a quick coffee from mcdonalds is seen differently that someone who is drinking a latte that is handcrafted from and expensive cafe. This chapter isn't just about coffee the true meaning behind this chapter is how people of different social classes consume certain items differently like coffee.

I was able to connect this chapter to my life in a way I didn't expect. If I am rushing to go to class i'll grab a quick coffee from the store, something that's quick and fast where I don't have to sit there and wait, but if I am with my friends we will then go to a nice local coffee shops where we can sit and talk, the environment, price, and the way the coffee is presented creates a better experience. I really never realized how something so small such as where you get your coffee can carry small class signals. I also notice when I'm at work the coffee some people buy can reflect on their lifestyle. Some people may buy the normal store-brand coffee and others may buy the more expensive brands that are considered organic.

When reading this chapter I realized how this discussion relates to certain economic topics about individuals consumer habits and how marketing is often targeted to certain groups of people which is seem in this chapter regarding the ideas of coffee.

This chapter really made me realize how much certain aspects of life stand out a lot more. It shows us as readers how being in a certain social class will really influence every single aspect of you life such as the coffee. Marketing is such a big strategy when it comes to different social classes often times places with inexpensive coffee will advertise it as a quick affordable coffee that you can get on the go. When it comes to a more expensive coffee brand they will advertise how good the flavor is in a way that will sound appealing to upper class people.

# data[].attributes.body
The reading Gans’ The Uses of Poverty in Down to Earth Sociology really changed my way of thinking about poverty and how it works in our society today. In the reading Gan's argues that poverty is not just a social problem it actually helps benefit certain groups of people. This was very shocking to me because I always assumed poverty is something our society would to fix, Now I realized as Gans explains that poverty is what helps provide cheaper labor, makes sure that low-wage workers have the jobs nobody else wants, and benefits the wealthy individuals by giving them a group of people they are able to compare themselves to. Poverty is definitely more embedded in our social systems more than i had originally thought.

I see this inequality in my everyday and often times don't even realize. When I am at the grocery store or a certain store in general I see people having to put things back because they can't afford it and often times it's just basic necessities like groceries or toilet tree items, while others are able to just spend large amount of money and not think twice about it. It is so disheartening because low-wage workers are essential for keeping businesses running and work extremely hard but they have the hardest time being able to make ends meet.

This reading really makes me think twice about structural inequality. The social system helps keep poverty even though we say we want equality, no matter how hard anyone tries the poor will stay poor because as we, this is what the wealthy want because it will aways benefit them.

Economics connect to this reading because in an economic class you get taught about how poverty can help stabilize wages because there is always that group of people that are willing to work for less.

Overall after reading this chapter I am not more aware how poverty is not just a persons personal issue but it is something that can help benefit other. With the way our society is built it is extremely hard to break the cycle of poverty and id why our society will forever be structured this way because it will always benefit others.

# data[].attributes.headline
H 383-394: Morris & Grimes, Moving Up....

# data[].attributes.subject
H 383-394: Morris & Grimes, Moving Up....

# data[].attributes.body
After reading this chapter I thought more deeply about social mobility and the challenges many people face when they want to better their social class. The reading discusses how trying to move up the social latter is a lot more often then it may appear to be. Education, family background, and what connections you have in society play a very big role in if someone can move up on this social latter. The part in this reading that really stood out to me was, no matter how hard person works this doesn't always guarantee success there are many aspect that can prevent this, for example access to good education and economic stability make it ten times harder for many people to be able to move up.

A topic I was able to think back to when reading this chapter is economics, because in economic we are taught about how wealth is often passed down through generations which makes it easier for some peaople to stay ahead. This can often times make some people who who are in a lower class become less motivated to move up because they may think if that person got rich through luck meaning they were just born into a wealthy family what makes them think they may be able to make that money on their own.

When relating this topic to my own life I think about how fortunate enough I am to go to college and live at home while being able to work once a week. After reading this chapter I realized how many people who have to help out in their homes have to work everyday which makes it hard to even go to school so they can further their education because as someone who is experiencing how hard college can be I couldn't imagine having to work a full time job. Often times many people get stuck in their situation because if they aren't working how will there be food on the table or water running.

When reflecting on this reading i am now more away of how complex moving up in society really is, it reminded me that while hard work is nnecessary, the system is not always fair and the inequalities in the way our society is structures mare it very hard for some people to be able to move up.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading this chapter I now have a deeper understanding of how wealth and power are in the hands of a small group of people. In this chapter the author explains how the upper class keeps the status they have through the exclusive network, good education and the control they have. The most shocking topic in this chapter was how the this class doesn't just hold financial power but also has a large influence on business, politics, and cultural norms. It made me realize that the wealthy doesn't just have money advantages they have influential connection and opportunities that really have a large impact on their wealth.

When looking at the growing wealth gap in the U.S. and how hard it can be for an individual from middle or lower class to become this wealthy. This chapter really relates to the last chapter that discusses social mobility, this is the idea that it definitely is possible to go up on the social ladder, it is very hard without having access to the same privileges that the upper class has. this relates to this chapter because the wealthy control everything and they like having this control which is why it is so hard for people to become wealthy because of how controlled the system really is.

The topic in this chapter is something I see everyday. When shopping there is always that one person that clearly has more wealth. they are buying more pricey products without having to think twice, not even looking at the products adding up. This makes me so much more aware of how everyday privileges that come with having financial security, like having the privilege to afford healthier food or products that have a better quality, without stressing about the cost.

This chapter definitely helped me realize how class isn't just about income, it shapes access to power, the influence on others, and opportunity. It also made me refledct on how class devisions really have an affect on individuals lives, even if you are unable to see it at first it is definitely there.

# data[].attributes.headline
Youtube video "Wealth Inequality in America"

# data[].attributes.subject
Youtube video "Wealth Inequality in America"

# data[].attributes.body
This video is extremely shocking because it provides a clear graph of how much of control and money the top 20% really have. It is so disheartening to me how much money the top 20% have and how little they do for others. So many people in can barely put food on their tables and there are people in the United States who have so much money they don't even know what to do with it. It is also so shocking how so many people in the United States are so uneducated about this topic including me, it definitely shows in the video how uneducated people are about this topic when people in the United states created a graph of how they believe the wealth is distributed compared to what the graph really is.

In the video "Wealth Inequality in America" the narrator says, "On my chart 1% of America has 40% of all the nations wealth." Hearing this made me think back to previous readings where the authors discuss's how hard it is for so many people to climb the social latter and how much control the wealthy really have, it is evident and makes so much because the richest people have so much of the United States money. In the video the narrator also describes how the lower and middle class have 7% of the Unites States wealth, this is another example of how much control the wealthy have there is now way for people to move up when they are being held down by such a powerful group of people who have so much money it is off the charts.

After reading all of the readings and watching this video it has really changed my mindset when it comes to our different social classes. In school and at home I was always taught as long as you work hard and get a good education your going to go far in life, your going to make money, many kids are taught this. In reality this isn't the case for the majority of the Unites States. No matter how hard anyone works there are always gonna be circumstances that hold people back like education and family background. There is always going to be that top percent of people that have so much control and they are the ones that keep the system the way it is, they have this control.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading this chapter I now look at how race and sports are connected, a lot differently then I have before. Something that really caught my attention when reading this chapter is how race is socially constructed when it comes to athletics, certain racial groups are very often stereotyped as being naturally better at certain sports. This reading explains how black athletes are very often seen as having "natural talent," while the white athletes are celebrated for the "hard work" they put into the sport they are playing. Racial stereotypes are very deeply embedded in how we as a society see athletic ability, even if we may not realize it.

Sports is a topic where it is very obvious how the inequalities are. In the reading the author discusses how athletes of color don't have as many opportunities when it comes to leadership positions or management positions even thought they are very dominant on the field. This made me think about topic I have learned about like systemic racism. This is the idea that even when people of color have earned this success there are still so many challenges when it comes to having the power they deserve just like in sports, these players work so hard to get to where there out but they don't get the praise or positions they deserve to have.

When football season comes around I am sitting right next to my dad watching every football game with him, this is something we bond over and have done since I was little. I have watched almost every game and am always around his friends when we are watching games. I often times hear his friends praise the white athletes and they always point out the white players and say things like "that guys a beast" referring to the white guy, even though the black player is playing the exact same way. They may not realize the black player is playing the same way because just like the reading talks about the white athletes are praised for the "hard work" they do and the black athletes are seen as "naturally talented" which is why they don't get praised as often. When commentators in football are commenting on the players I often hear them being surprised by the white players praising them for the amazing play they just did. This is the systematic racism that is in sports that isn't talked about because this way of thinking is embedded in so many people's heads.

Overall this chapter definitely made me realize how race and sports connect with one another. It opened my eyes about how sports is seen as a place of fairness but in reality there is deeper social inequalities. It is important to realize how important it is to challenge these stereotypes even is regular, casual social settings because this is what helps contribute to the bigger patterns of bias.

# data[].attributes.headline
JCB Chapter 12: Music/Racism and Cultural Appropriation 3/28

# data[].attributes.subject
JCB Chapter 12: Music/Racism and Cultural Appropriation 3/28

# data[].attributes.body
In this chapter I was able to think further about how racism and cultural appropriation are very prevalent in music. Mainstream music makes so much money from Black culture while not giving Black artist the praise they deserve. The reading explains how certain genres of music like rock, jaz, and hip-hop were created by black music artist but was dominated by white performers who got more recognition and financial success. This really made me come to a realization about ow music which may seem like a form of creative expression, can really show how much racial inequality has really impacted music especially in todays world.

Cultural appropriation is often times seen as "cultural appreciation." In this reading the author shows us how music artist will adopt certain symbols, style and sounds from marginalized cultures without giving them the recognition they deserve and or respecting where it came from. This reminded me of previous topics discussed like power dynamics. The different between being inspired by a culture and exploiting it. Very mainstream artist use certain aspects of minority cultures without giving the credit they deserve. They benefit from the culture without facing the struggles that the individuals who created it experience.

I was able to connect this idea with my own life when realizing how popular music influence fashion and certain trends. An example of this is styles like cornrows or oversized streetwear are often times seen as "edgy" when worn by white individuals but when worn by black individuals is is seen as negative. This made me realize how certain cultural expressions are celebrated or criticized based on who is wearing or performing them.

This chapter really made me think a lot deeper about the music I listen to. it made me want to be more mindful of where different genres and styles come and really recognize the contributions these marginalized artists have made. I also now recognize that racism in music is not just about explicit discrimination but also about who gets the credit, visibility and profit.

# data[].attributes.headline
How has your social class affected your life and choices?

# data[].attributes.subject
How has your social class affected your life and choices?

# data[].attributes.body
My social class had affected my life in so many ways especially when it comes to certain aspects like the school I went to, my home life, the career path I’m going down, and small things like my diet.

Growing up I lived in the north side of Stockton and went to Lincoln high school. I got to live by my school which allowed me to walk to school. Many kids I went to school with had to take the bus and get to school super early because they didn’t have the opportunity to live by the school. I was also able to get tutoring lessons if I needed it.

Being middle class has affected my home life in such a positive way because I have a 2 parent household which means there’s more of an income. With there being more income I noticed I had more options when it came to food we ate, it was always very healthy but with this I noticed it was a lot more expensive especially the fresher ingredients, my parents did look at prices especially if something was more expensive but more often they cared about ingredients, making sure everything was healthy for my brother and I.

To further my education I chose to go to Delta because I didn’t want to be away from my family and I knew it was a better option financially. Luckily I am able to only focus on school and only work one day a week for 4 hours. I know this has a lot to do with my social class because I am being financially supported by my parents until I start my career in nursing.

Being middle class has had a large impact on my life when it comes healthcare. Growing up I had my yearly checkups when it came to annual physicals, eye doctor appointments, and the dentist. This is due to the fact that both of my parents work and have health insurance which is why I was able to have annual checkups.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading this chapter it definitely made me think more deeply about race and identity in everyday life. An idea in this reading that really made me think is how race is not just something individuals experience in big events but in small, daily interactions. Page discusses how being black in America comes with having to be constantly aware of how others may look at you, whether it it in the classroom, a store, or even a job. This really made me come ro realization about how race can shape ones personal identity and the way society treats others in ways that are so

normalized it's unnoticed by the individuals who are not affected.

When looking at this reading it made me think further about privilege and how the different racial groups experience the world in very different ways. What Page experiences is an example of how tiring it can be to constantly having to prove yourself or manage other individuals assumptions, this is something white people don't really ever have to deal with.

When reading this chapter I thought about my own life especially when the author brings up the idea about having to constantly be aware of how others may look at you. I am hispanic but very light complected so not many people realize, my boyfriend is also hispanic but he is darker complected so in a sense he looks a lot more hispanic then I do, I notice when we are out in public at store, sales associates will follow us around trying to be discrete but I catch them doing it all the time but when I am out by myself I have never had this happen to me. It seems like when we are out in public my boyfriend has to overcompensate he is always so well mannered and often times very nice to everyone he comes across but this is due to him knowing people are judging him just by the way he looks which is why he feels the need to do this. I never realized this until reading this chapter, race has a large impact on the way individuals are treated in society even in small situations.

Overall this chapter emphasizes how race affects every aspect of life, even in ways that are not always obvious. This chapter really made me think more critically about how aware I am of racial dynamics and how I can be more intentional about recognizing and addressing bias in everyday life.

# data[].attributes.body
This reading was disturbing and very eye-opening in ways I didn't expect. This chapter dove deep into how raciest ideologies are formed and maintained, it shows how racism is not just about ignorance, it is often times very deeply rooted in fear, insecurity, and ones want for power. What really shocked me the most was how individuals in hate groups don't really see themselves as bad but instead justify there way of thinking through very twisted logic and a sense of belonging. I was able to think deeper about how dangerous and convincing extremist ideologies can be, especially when supported by group identity.

After reading this chapter this made me reflect on what I have learned about socialization and group dynamics. Hate groups thrive on ideas like, victimhood where they convince the members of the group that they are the ones being oppressed. Confirmation bias is how individuals look for information that support their beliefs and rejects anything or anyone that challenges them. This help explain why the racist ideologies are so hard to break free from, they are not just about being misinformed but about an emotional attachment to a worldview.

When reading this chapter I was able to connect it to my own experiences at work and in everyday interactions. When I am working I see how people from different backgrounds coexist, I also notice very subtle biases in how customers or employees interact with one another for example I notice when I am assisting certain cashiers they will act a lot nicer or polite to certain people who are a certain race even though they may not the treat the cashier with respect just because they are a certain race the cashier will treat them with so much respect. While racism may not always be blatantly visible, this reading made me realize that the prejudices don't just disappear just because society has become more accepting or has claimed to be more accepting.

This chapter definitely challenged me to think about where racism stems from, beyond just ignorance. It showed me that combining hate requires more that facts, it takes empathy, critical thinking, and challenging the systems that allow these ideologies stick around. It is so important to speak up against prejudice, even in very small, everyday moments.

# data[].attributes.headline
Required entry questions, asking myself these questions.

# data[].attributes.subject
Required entry questions, asking myself these questions.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What race are you?

-I am hispanic and white.

2. How do you know? How do you make that decision?

- I know this because my mom told me she is hispanic and white and my dad is hispanic so growing up they always told me I was hispanic and white, this is how I am I made this decision.

3. How did you learn what race you are? Can you tell me about some of the early messages you first received about race in general or your race in particular?

-I learned what race I was at school as well as my parents informing me when I was young. Some of the earliest messages I can remember about race is in 4th or 5th grade when getting taught about bullying and how everyone looks different because of the many different races. I never really got taught about race at home because I have such a diverse family so growing up I feel like I just knew.

4. How do you decide what race other people are? Examples?

I decide what race other people are by the way they look for example skin color, hair texture, facial features.

5. How do other people decide what race you are? Examples?

Other people have assumed my race by the way I look, not many people guess hispanic because of how light I am, many people have guessed I was white just because of the way I talk.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What race are you?

-He is Native American and Hispanic.

2. How do you know? How do you make that decision?

-His mother informed him about his race which is how he made this decision.

3. How did you learn what race you are? Can you tell me about some of the early

messages you first received about race in general or your race in particular?

-He learned about what race he is because he grew up in a very traditional Hispanic and Native American household and was taught everything about his race in his home. Some of the earliest messages he first received about race was at home, his mom and other family members always taught him about different races and how important it is to be kind to everyone.

4. How do you decide what race other people are? Examples?

-He decides what race others are by the way they look for example the clothing they wear, there skin color, and something as small as the language they

5. How do other people decide what race you are? Examples?

-Other people decide what race he is by the way he looks, he feels he looks like a very traditional hispanic man because of his skin tone and the way he dresses.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What race are you?

-He is hispanic

2. How do you know? How do you make that decision?

-He knows he is hispanic because of his parents, they informed him.

3. How did you learn what race you are? Can you tell me about some of the early messages you first received about race in general or your race in particular?

-He learned what race he is through his parents. His parents informed him that there are many different races and to be respectful to other so matter what.

4. How do you decide what race other people are? Examples?

-He decides what race other people are by there physical features, there skin color, the language they speak.

5. How do other people decide what race you are? Examples?

-Other people decide what race he is he is by appearance for example his skin color, the way he presents himself, his facial features.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What race are you?

-She is white and hispanic

2. How do you know? How do you make that decision?

-She knows she is white and hispanic because of her father this is also how she came to this decision.

3. How did you learn what race you are? Can you tell me about some of the early messages you first received about race in general or your race in particular?

-She learned what race she was through other family members. Some of the earliest messages she received about race in school was through lessons at school for example in her history classes.

4. How do you decide what race other people are? Examples?

-She decides what race other individuals are through race and laguage for example if she sees someone with blonde hair and blue eyes she is gonna assume they are white.

5. How do other people decide what race you are? Examples?

-other people decide what race she is through physical features, for example she has lighter skin so many people assume she is white.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What race are you?

-They are white

2. How do you know? How do you make that decision?

- She has always been told she was white. Her family identifies as white, and thats how society also sees her too.

3. How did you learn what race you are? Can you tell me about some of the early messages you first received about race in general or your race in particular?

-She doesn't remember a specific moment where she learned it. It was just kind of always there. She remembers learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights in school, and realizing that was a big deal historically.

4. How do you decide what race other people are? Examples?

-She usually decides what race people are based on looks like skin tone but she said she tries to keep more of an opened mind now and let people tell her.

5. How do other people decide what race you are? Examples?

-people usually just assume she is white because of her features for example she has green eyes and dirty blonde hair.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What race are you?

-She is black and white.

2. How do you know? How do you make that decision?

-She said it is a mix of how she was raised and how others see her. Her family talked about both sides of her background growing up, so she always knew both.

3. How did you learn what race you are? Can you tell me about some of the early messages you first received about race in general or your race in particular?

- She learned what race she was mostly through family, her mom always told her she was black and her dad also reminded her she was white, so she always knew she was both. She really understood what race meant when she was in school. Kids would ask her what she was or just assume she was just black. This is when she realized how she saw herself was not how others saw her. Her mom taught her about black history, she learned race was not just about skin color.

4. How do you decide what race other people are? Examples?

-She said she usually decides what race people are based on appearance, skin tone, hair, facial features, etc. She does know this can often be misleading so she tries not to assume.

5. How do other people decide what race you are? Examples?

-Most of the time people just assume she is black, especially if they don't know her. Sometimes people are really confused about what she is and they just ask her what she is.

# data[].attributes.headline
What is race?  What does it mean to say that race is socially constructed? 

# data[].attributes.subject
What is race?  What does it mean to say that race is socially constructed? 

# data[].attributes.body
Race is the way society categorizes people based on physical traits like skin color, facial features, and sometimes even cultural or the country someone came from. From the interviews, I was able to see that race plays a very big role in how people are treated and understood in the world. For example one of the individuals I interviewed identifies as biracial, black and white, She talks about how people often times just see her as black. Another person I interviewed identifies as white, and explained to me she really never had to think about her race, which shows how being part of the racial majority can affect how aware someone is of race.

Saying that race is socially constructed means that race isn't based on biology or science, but based on social ideas and beliefs that people have made over time. As seen in all of my interviews every person said that they decide what race others are based on appearance. This is because this is what society has trained us to do, for example when someone seen another person with blonde hair and blue eyes there going to assume they are white because that is what society categorizes white people as. These ideas of race have been passed around so much through things like culture, media laws, and institutions, shaping how people are treated, and how they see themselves and others. Because race is a social construct it can change at any time, depending on time, place and context. What counts as one race in one society might not be seen the same way in another.

# data[].attributes.headline
JCB Chapter 7: Toys/Gender, Sex and Sexuality 

# data[].attributes.subject
JCB Chapter 7: Toys/Gender, Sex and Sexuality 

# data[].attributes.body
This chapter really opened my eyes about how early on gender roles are taught and how little things like toys can make us who we are today. In this chapter the author challenges this idea that boys and girls naturally like different things, the author points out how this preferences are formed my society. An example of this is how girls are encourages to play with dolls and pretend to care for people, boys on the other hand are pushed toward toys like action figures and other kind of toys that encourage aggression or control. This really impacted my way of thinking because it demonstrates how gender expectations are enforced into our lives from childhood which we don't even realize.

After reading this chapter I realizes how we take gender roles for granted. I often assume certain behaviors are just how some boys or some girls are, but in reality society is guiding these behaviors through things like, media, marketing, and parenting. This makes me think of gender like a performance, as a society certain genders act a certain way because they want to meet society expectations and often times peaople aren't even aware they are doing this.

When looking back on my own childhood I realize how I was shaped by gender norms. Even when it comes to thinks like school or on birthdays, the toys given at schools or birthday are separated. Nobody ever said directly these toys are for boys and these toys are for girls but it was very obvious what the toys that were meant for girls were and what the toys that were meant for boys were. After reading this reading I realized how truly limiting this can be, not just in how children play but how they learn to express their emotions, build relationships or how they themselves see future roles.

After reading this chapter I am so much more aware about how much of an impact gender has on our society. Children aren't just naturally attracted to action figures as soon as they are born it is because of the experiences they have in life from the people they surround themselves with to the television they watch, small things like this can truly change the way someone thinks as a whole which often carries into adulthood as well.

# data[].attributes.headline
JCB Chapter 11: Beauty/Ideology and Intersectionality 

# data[].attributes.subject
JCB Chapter 11: Beauty/Ideology and Intersectionality 

# data[].attributes.body
Beauty standards are way more than just trends, which is what this chapter made me realize. Beauty standards are shaped by so many different circumstances like power, privilege and social expectations. The biggest takeaway I got from this chapter is how beauty is connected to ideology, it isn't just about a single persons preferences, it is about what society says is, normal, acceptable, and even desirable. The messages are everywhere, in advertisements, movies and one of the biggest factors is social media. In the messages the portray privilege whiteness, youth, wealth and thinness.

The idea that stood out the most while reading this chapter was intersectionality. Race, gender, class, and sexuality all connect to shape one'e experience of beauty. This made me think about how individuals who do not fit the normal beauty standards are often judged, excluded, and or pressured to change. An example of this is women of color face tons of pressure to straighten their hair or even lighten their skin because it is seen as more professional or even attractive. That way of thinking isn't just about looks, it is about deeper society standards that tell people the way they naturally are isn't good enough, that they are not beautiful because they don't fit in societies box,

When reading about these beauty standards it reminds me of topics that were discussed in psychology. Topics like self esteem and body image, and how damaging these beauty standards can be to one's mental health, especially for young people, young people are impressionable which is why these beauty standards are so harmful.

As a women I have felt these beauty standards my whole entire life. Social media has had an extremely harmful impact on me in so many ways. The beauty standards made me want to grow up even faster and look older because I wanted to fit these unrealistic beauty standards. When first entering high school this is when social media had a huge impact on me due to looking at all the different girls on social media without realizing many of them have surgeries because they are to influenced by societies beauty standards.

Overall this chapter has made me reflect on myself and helped me realize the insecurities I feel aren't just me being in my own head they are largely impacted by societies beauty standards.

# data[].attributes.body
After taking a trip to my local toy store I took a close look at how toys are organized and gendered. After really paying attention and really observing it was definitely very eye opening. When observing the layout of the store it was very in your face which toys were "for boys" and which toys were "for girls." On one side of this store there was a lot of bright colors like pink and purple, the toys in this section were items like dolls, kitchen sets, fake makeup items and stuffed animals. On the side that was marketed more "for boys" the colors were a lot darker, colors like black, red, and blue, with items like action figures, cars, and toy weapons.

Another big giveaway that certain toys are for certain genders is the packaging for the toys, things like the designs, fonts, and even the language. On the "girls" toys there were words like, "princess" and "sparkle" but on the "boys" toys there were words like "extreme" and "power." When realizing all of this it makes me realize each section is pushing children to become certain types of individuals, the girls as caretakers and very focused on their looks while boys are supposed to be more strong and active.

When trying to find gender neutral toys there were very few, the ones I did see were things like puzzles, board games, and science related toys. These toys didn't really have a lot of color and were put in sections where children don't really go to,

After taking a deeper look at kids toys it made me realize how children are expected to follow these gender expectations so early on. Society teaches children what it means to be a boy or girl before children are even able to comprehend what the difference is. I now realize how much of an impact the toys I played with had on me as a child. I played with dolls and was obsessed with makeup and bright colors which was due to me being exposed to toys like this so early on. This was all I knew just like many other children today.

# data[].attributes.body
When completing this mini-content analysis I looked at two very well know fashion and beauty websites which were Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Something that really stood out to me when examining each website was how much someones beauty is connected to femininity. Most of the beauty content, like skincare tips and product ads were marketed for women. Most of the women shown had very clear skin and were always styled, they looked very polished. When it came to the beauty content men were never really shown and when they were it was very rare. This is a perfect example of how beauty is seen as something women are supposed to be invested in, not so much men.

When looking at race and ethnicity on these websites most of the models have very light skin, there were some Black, Asian, and Latina women but when they were shown it was articles base on diversity. Although they did have women of color it felt like they did it to check a box, these women of color should be regularly shown in these beauty articles but they are not. These article's had a very clear preference for lighter skinned women and when they did show Dark skinned women it was a lot less frequent. Colorism has a very big impact on todays beauty standards, lighter skinned women are seen as more desirable which has a very large impact.

This analysis really made me understand how beauty is constructed by society, it has a strong connection to the systems of power. These websites and magazines are sending a message out that many individuals don't realize because it is so deeply imbedded in our world today. Media has such a big impact on the way so many people see themselves because there are certain types of people shown in the media.

# data[].attributes.body
Reading this chapter made me come to the realization that gender roles are taught very early which has a very powerful lasting impact. In this reading the authors emphasis on how boys are taught about becoming "men" through things like peer pressure and social cues. This reading really emphasis on how much men are socialized more in childhood, specifically through things like behavior at school, sports, and the way adults talk to boys expressing their vulnerability. There is so much pressure to be emotionless, tough and vey dominant which starts very early on and is often enforced.

This chapter connects to this idea that gender roles are built and maintained through expectations and repetition. I was able to connect this chapter to ideas discussed in a psychology course I was in, where we talk about how one's identity is formed and how harmful it can be when individuals feel like they have to fit in a certain box because that is what is considered "normal."

As someone who grew up with an older brother I see this first hand with the way my parents treat my brother compared to the way they treat me, I am a girl and also the youngest. My father was very sensitive with me and very lenient, my dad would often show more emotion around me but when it came to my brother he never really showed emotion and when I pointed this out to him he really didn't even realize this because this is just how he was raised and did the same with my brother. He was raised to not show much emotion because as a man you are taught to be strong because men are typically the head of a household which is why he raised my brother this way. This is how society treats men and often times men don't even realize because this behavior is so normalized in our society.

# data[].attributes.headline
How I have been socialized into my gender

# data[].attributes.subject
How I have been socialized into my gender

# data[].attributes.body
When looking back on my life I can definitely see the ways i have been socialized into my gender as a women. On specific situation even that stood out to me is when I was about 8 years old I wanted to join my older brother and his friends in a game of football. I remember one of the adults there at the time had told me "Little girls don't play football," and she told me I should go play with the other little girls, they were playing with their dolls outside. Obviously at the time I was so young i really didn't think about it and didn't take any offense to it. Now I realize this is a moment where I was being lead toward an activity that society expected me to be involved in as a girl.

From a very young age I was always praised for being very girly, cute, and always polite. Everyone had always told me not to be to loud or messy because this isn't "ladylike." In school I often noticed girls who were very outspoken or confident were seen as bossy but the boys who acted like this were seen as cool and leaders. small situations like this guided me to "do" my gender meaning how to act, speak, and dress in order to fit into my female role.

Looking back at all of the situations I have experienced as a young girl and an adult women, now I realize the way I act is shaped by society and what they expected from me and so many other women. I wasn't a "girly girl" at birth I was shaped to act this way because of society. Women are put into a box and as long as they follow the rules life is "easy" for them but once they decide to shift away from what society expects there not looked at as positively. I was able to connect so deeply with the readings I have read because these reading acknowledge and prove how much society as an effect on women and men in ways that nobody wants to talk about. It is a topic that definitely needs to be discussed more often.

# data[].attributes.body
In this chapter the author discusses ideas about how early on girls are socialized into the traditional femininity. An idea in this chapter that shocked me was how much of an of an impact peer groups have on shaping how girls see themselves, this didn't shock me because i didn't know it was true it shocked me because I didn't realize how much of an impact other have. Eder discusses how girls in middle school begin to realize how important being attractive and popular is especially to boys. I definitely felt this pressure in middle school just like many other young girls have. There were so many rules that weren't talked about but people just knew for example the way you act, talk, and dress, if you didn't follow these rules you were often times looked at as weird and nobody would pay attention to you.

This chapter remind me of previous chapters we have talked about like how gender is a social construct and how individuals "do gender" in everyday life. In psychology there were subjects that discussed self esteem and how one identifies during childhood. The work Eder does shows that girls start to shape their identity based on other approval which can be very harmful especially in the way many young girls view their worth.

This chapter made me reflect on my own experience growing up. I remember wanting to be liked and accepted so badly which then led me to not speak up and prevented me from being myself all because I wanted to fit in. It is extremely sad realizing that so many other young girls go through the same thing because of the expectations society has for young girls. I am now more aware of how the lessons I have learned earlier on still control my life even today, I am still to this day trying to unlearn these ideas that hold me back from wanting to be myself and doing certain things.

# data[].attributes.headline
180-191: Thorne & Luria, Sexuality and Gender....

# data[].attributes.subject
180-191: Thorne & Luria, Sexuality and Gender....

# data[].attributes.body
This reading really made me think about ideas I never have before. Throne and Luria discuss how gender and sexuality are not just biological or personal, they are shaped through daily interactions especially during adolescences. I never really considered where children are sat in a classroom, who they have conversations with and recess, and how they tease on another could be part of learning gender roles but when looking back on everything discussed it makes a lot of sense

An idea that really stood out to me is how school has one of the biggest impacts on children because they teach everyone so early on what is considered "normal" when it comes to being a boy or a girl, even how they are supposed to act or feel towards the opposite sex. I remember when I was attending elementary school boys and girls often times wouldn't sit next to one another at lunch and if they did other kids would make jokes about them liking one another. This was always very awkward, and now I understand why, it wasn't just random, it was how society wanted us to be, society trains us.

Peer influence has the biggest impact on us because this is what we here are whole lives, positive or negative feedback from other students, just like in psychology where this is discussed. The influence others have on us is so powerful which is why is often times shapes who we become and who we currently are.

Thinking about this personally, I see how early on I learned what behaviors were looked at as "too much." Whether it was how I dressed or the people I surorund myself with, there were always these invisible rules. It is so crazy realizing how the moments I experienced in life made me who I am today.

Overall this section made me come to the realization that small social moments can be so powerful, these moments shape the way we see ourselves when it comes to sexuality and gender.

# data[].attributes.headline
H 192-198: Tannen, But What Do You Mean?

# data[].attributes.subject
H 192-198: Tannen, But What Do You Mean?

# data[].attributes.body
After reading this chapter I now understand how differently men and women are taught to communicate and how this can then lead to misunderstanding between one another. Tannen starts to break down things like criticism, giving thanks, and even making certain jokes can be understood very differently depending on gender. The idea that shocked me the most was how women are women are taught to be less indirect and more polite while having a conversation but me on the other hand are taught to be very assertive and direct. Acting this way isn't necessarily wrong but it often leads to frustration especially in relationships or the workplace.

This section makes me think back to previous sections discussed and how gender is a social performance. The way peaople act especially around others is to please the peaople around them because they want to act what is considered "normal".

In my personal life this reading made me think about the conversations I have has with my male familt members and male coworkers where I felt misunderstood. I used to think it was just a personality clash, but I camw to the realization that it could be because of the diffeeret communication styles that are shaped by gender. I also thought about certain times when I held back from being direct because I did not want to com off as rude or too forward, which is something many women are conditioned to worry about.

This reading really helped me become more aware of how I talk and understand others. It also reminded me that being able to understand these differences can then lead to a better understanding not just between men and women but peaople in general.

# data[].attributes.headline
H 341-348: Katz, The importance of being Beautiful

# data[].attributes.subject
H 341-348: Katz, The importance of being Beautiful

# data[].attributes.body
This chapter really made me come to the realization that physical appearance can affect so many people's lives is so many ways that many people don't even think about. Many people just think beauty is only about looks or someones personal preference but the authors points out that beauty play a very big role in very big things like who jobs hire, how students are treated in school and even huge life decisions like how a person may be sentenced in court. People who are considered conventionally attracted have so many life advantages. People who do not fit societies beauty standards are unfairly judged.

i was able to connect this chapter to what I have learned about what beauty is from a very young age through factors like social media and toys I had as a kid. This relates to subject learned in class like social inequality and how the race, class, and gender can effect many people's experiences. individuals who don't fit into these beauty standards are often peopled of color or people who are disabled, this is because society has excluded them making them feel like they aren't beautiful.

As a women I can definitely relate to this topic because I have noticed how differently I am treated in society depending on the clothes I wear and how much makeup I have on. I notice people, not just men, have treated me with a lot more respect if I have nicer clothes on and more makeup on. This then makes me feel pressured to always wear makeup when I go out and always wanting to be dressed nice because I realize how much of an impact this has on my day to day life. Many people say beauty doesn't really matter but as a women in today's society I have experience how much beauty really matters.

After reading this chapter I know realize the more beautiful you are in societies eyes the more power you have in society. As a women in college this makes me more aware of how I look at others, I now question how I may be judged and how I may judge others without even realizing.

# data[].attributes.headline
518-534: Miller, Women in the Military

# data[].attributes.subject
518-534: Miller, Women in the Military

# data[].attributes.body
This chapter really gave me a better understanding of how hard it is women who are in male dominates institutions especially in the military. Women have has to really prove that they are able to be in combat and have leadership roles. Even today women still face a lot of resistance and have to deal with the made up stereotypes. Something that I felt was so disheartening in this reading was how women are constantly having to prove themselves not just physically but also in social setting. Women are forced to learn how to balance being tough but also being feminine so they don't have to deal with being labeled in a negative way.

This reading shows how gender roles are still so relevant in todays society. This topic relates to what we have learned about gender norms and how they can have such a big impact on someones career opportunities and expectations from society. Women in the military are always have to worry about the way they are being looked at because this determines whether or not they will be respected or even accepted.

As someone who has family members in the military I can definitely realte this to things I have heard about from them. My aunt was a very high rank in the military and was in charge of lots of men, she often experience these men trying to hit on her because they didn't take her seriously due to her being a women. When they talked to the men who were higher up in rank then these men they would talk to them with the utmost respect. This shows how much women have to fight for the respect they should receive especially when there in a career dominated by men.

Overall this section really made me think about how our society struggles with gender equality in all space not just in the military. it is so important to really challenge the assumptions men make about women and stand up for women who don't feel like they can.

# data[].attributes.headline
JCB Chapter 8: White Wedding/Marriage and the Family 

# data[].attributes.subject
JCB Chapter 8: White Wedding/Marriage and the Family 

# data[].attributes.body
Reading this chapter allowed me to have a deeper understanding of weddings and the concept of marriage and family. Throughout all of the chapters I have realized almost everything we do as a society that is seen as traditional such as weddings is shaped by society, what is acceptable to society. I always seen weddings as a celebration of love but I now see how wedding are performances, they are based around gender and are often times very structured and very exclusive.

The author breaks down the idea of a white wedding as a cultural identity. Weddings are not just about the dress they are about the big parties, the pricey ring, the father giving away the bride. These traditions are so normalized in todays society they feel very natural but this chapter makes it very know these traditions are based on ideologies about gender, class, race and sexuality. This made me think about a show I used to watch when I was younger, "Say yes to the Dress," when watching the show I never really questioned why most of the brides in the show were white, thin and straight. I now realize how these images I seen on TV are about a bigger system that is telling us who has earned this type of celebration and who isn't considered.

In class we have discussed ideas like the nuclear family model. This chapter really emphasizes how marriage isn't necessarily a personal choice, it is a social institutions that plays a very big role in controlling behavior, controlling inheritance and property and even other factors many don't think about like citizenship. I also thought about intersectionality, this is a topic discussed a lot in my ethnic studies class, this relates to what is discussed in this chapter because many people do not have equal access to marriage or family recognition. I thought about LGBTQ+ couple, immigrant families, and people who are unable to afford a traditional experiences. What they experience challenge the narrative of what a traditional American family looks like.

Growing up I was a very traditional girly girl who dreamed of having that fairytale wedding with the big dress, having a big family, and going through the traditional steps. Now that I am older I question where these expectations come from. Is this really what I want, or is this just all I know because of media and the very traditional family I grew up in. It is insane that weddings are tens of thousands of dollars for one day, this doesn't sit right with me. It seems like a very big waste of money.

# data[].attributes.body
Having a wedding is something I have always dreamed about since I was very young, if I was to be specific I would say at the age of about eight to nine years old is when I started to really think about the small details. I was always so influenced by TV shows, growing up I would sit on the couch with my mother watching shows like Say Yes to the Dress and Four Wedding, these shows displayed the gorgeous dresses and the expensive over the top weddings.

I was always so influenced by my parents when it came to having my dream wedding not because my parents pushed me to get married, because of the way my parents came together. My parents met an extremely young age had a baby got married and had another baby, worked there way up and built a beautiful life for themselves. Hearing there story influenced me because I heard about my parents love story and of course wanted the same life story. As a child I wasn't thinking about all of the challenges they faced I was just thinking about how amazing it is that my parents got married and built an amazing life, I assumed there life was so good because they got married. Now as an adult I know they went through extremely tough times to get to where they are at now.

When thinking about my dream wedding as a kid I of course wanted a very large wedding because I had correlated a good wedding with a lot of guests. I wanted a lot of bridesmaids which has definitely changed now because I don't have the friends to have a lot of bridesmaids. I of course wanted the mermaid dress with a long train and a long cathedral veil, this has not changed I still dream about having a wedding dress exactly like this. I wanted my theme to mainly include diamonds and sparkles, this has definitely changed. I also wanted roses everywhere because as a kid they were my favorite flowers and they still are.

The way I envisioned my wedding was largely impacted by the things I seen on TV because the majority of weddings displayed were very glamorous.

# data[].attributes.body
Reading this chapter has made me realize how societies idea of a traditional American family is shaped by myths and ideas people choose to remember. Coontz describes how the idea of a nuclear family really only existed in the 1950's which means this is the type of family many individuals were expected to have even though at the the time it didn't represent everyone. Throughout history families didn't all look the same, there were families who came from different social, economic and cultural conditions. This really made me think about the way I think about what a so called normal family looks like.

When going through this chapter I realized how it connects to previous chapters discussing how how institutions like family and constructed by society. The family structure is not natural it changes based on things happening at that time in society like war, shifts in the economy, and the different movements going on for gender or racial equality. Media and politics use the image a what a traditional family is supposed to look like to push specific values, even though the image they are pushing does not reflect real life for most people.

When comparing my life to what the traditional household looked like in the 1950's I realize how different it is. My Mom and Dad both work and both of my parents contribute to things like cooking and cleaning because this is what fits best for our lives. This is why this the traditional family image is so unrealistic for so many people.

Overall this chapter made me realize it is okay question where these ideas come from as well as questioning if these ideas fit for my family. There is nothing wrong with not fitting in to societies expectations because these expectations are very unrealistic.

# data[].attributes.headline
H 277-286: Henslin, Eating Your Friends is the Hardest 

# data[].attributes.subject
H 277-286: Henslin, Eating Your Friends is the Hardest 

# data[].attributes.body
Reading this chapter really shocked me. Thinking about how people were forced to eat the bodies of their friends to survive is something I could not even fathom. It mad me feel very uncomfortable to even real, but this is what made this chapter so impactful. I came to the realization that social norms are very strong, how deeply people are taught what is considered right and wrong. How these norms can completely change when an individuals survival is on the line.

This reading made me think about a time when I felt forced to go against what I thought was normal just to take care of myself. During a really stressful period in high school, I had to stop being as involved in clubs I was in because my mental health was declining. I had felt so guilty because i thought I was letting people down, I was raised to always follow through and never quit, but I had to put myself first even though it felt very selfish. The idea of feeling the need to break away from expectations to survive emotionally and mentally really connected with me.

I really thought about how easy it is to judge people. Before reading this, I thought cannibalism no matter what was just wrong but I now see how difficult things can get when you are fighting to live. This is connected to different topics I have studied, how society teaches us rules but these roles are not always black and white.

After reading this chapter I now question what I would do in this kind of situation and I honestly do not know. I do know that this has made more empathetic and aware that people's choices often come from places we do not really fully understand.

# data[].attributes.headline
H 315-321: Zimbardo, The Pathology of Imprisonment

# data[].attributes.subject
H 315-321: Zimbardo, The Pathology of Imprisonment

# data[].attributes.body
This portion of the reading had really gotten to me. Zimbardo's account of the Stanford prison Experiment really emphasizes how fast someone can change when they have power or when it it taken from them. What really stunned me was how regular everyday college students can slip so easily into the roles of cruel guard or helpless prisoners because if the environment they are in. This made come to the realization that our behavior is shaped by context, and how dangerous it can be when certain systems give certain people authority.

This chapter made me think about a time at work when a manager started treating everyone very differently than our previous manager. Before the environment where I worked felt very supportive and respectful. Once this individual took charge, everything changed. They began to micromanage and create very unnecessary rules, you could cut the tension with a knife. I noticed some of my coworkers starting to act very different they became very withdrawn or defensive. It did not get anywhere near the level of the experiment but it definitely helped me understand how leadership and power can help move the whole dynamic of a space.

This reading ties into what I have learned about power, authority, and conformity. We often times like to think we are always in control of our actions, but Zimbardo's experiment shows how fast people can fall into roles without even realizing it. The loss of self-awareness is very scary.

I thought about our prison system. If something like this can happen in a simulation with student, what does this say about real-life systems where individuals are locked up for many, many years. This made me reflect on how fast we as a society judges others for acting out in prison without even considering what the system could be doing to them.

# data[].attributes.headline
H 322-334: Rosenhan, On Being Sane in Insane Places

# data[].attributes.subject
H 322-334: Rosenhan, On Being Sane in Insane Places

# data[].attributes.body
This section of the reading was very upsetting because I had realized how this is a topic nobody really talks about. This idea that someone who is perfectly healthy can be put into a psychiatric hospital where they are then treated like they are mentally ill because this how they are labeled is very unsettling. What really makes me question doctors and professionals who work in this field is that they don't even question the diagnosis, instead the patience are the ones questioning. This is a perfect example of how powerful labels can be, even dangerous.

Reading this section made me think a about a time where I was talking to a school counselor about my anxiety. I was talking to this counselor because I needed help, once I had starting talking to them about my thoughts and how anxious I was, it felt like they had started seeing me through a lens. Every problem I had brought up like my relationship issues or school issues, was because of my anxiety, that was the solution for my problems. I didn't feel heard I was just getting a diagnosis, as if I was like every other kid who came into their office. Being labeled doesn't just occur in very extreme places like hospitals it happens in normal every day situations, that is what this chapter taught me.

It is very frightening how once an individual is labeled, especially someone with a mental illness, everything that person does is seen as another symptom of that illness even if it is something normal, that everyone does. This makes me question how often people get misjudges based on a diagnosis because they do not fit in to what is considered normal.

I now realize how fast society is to define someone by that one trait or moment. It is a good reminder to always be open-minded especially when it comes to talking with someone who may seem different on the outside. Everyone has the right to be seen as a human being not just a diagnosis.

# data[].attributes.headline
H  470-480: Hunt, Police Accounts of Normal Force

# data[].attributes.subject
H  470-480: Hunt, Police Accounts of Normal Force

# data[].attributes.body
This chapter made me open my eyes when it comes to people in positions of power that try to justify their actions. Often times police officers will use use phrases like "normal force" to justify their actions because to most people what that officer did look like excessive force. The way many officers talk about how this is just apart of their job, and is essential for control, made me come to the realization that the culture in a profession really shapes what is seen as acceptable.

The subject covered in this chapter reminds me of the conversation I have had with my family about the behavior and accountability of police officers. I have watched many videos online where excessive force is very apparent, but it is often times justified by the officers or departments involved. I now realize it isn't just about certain cops being a "bad cop" it is the whole system. My cousin is a police officer in San Francisco and she discussed with me how in there training they are taught to target certain individuals because of there appearance meaning there race and the way they dress. This was extremely disheartening to hear because it shows how broken the system really is.

Social norms is something we have discussed and it very apparent in this section. What is considered normal really depends on the group of people you belong to. When it comes to police culture, specific actions are just considered a part of their daily routine, when looking on these action from the outside it looks very violent. The differences in ones perspective is very impactful, it makes me think about how hard it can be to hold certain systems accountable when they are defined by their own standards.

After reading this chapter I have so many questions. I want to keep educating myself about institutional power and think more critically about certain systems.

# data[].attributes.headline
Required entry: A situation I experienced that I thought was weird/crazy.

# data[].attributes.subject
Required entry: A situation I experienced that I thought was weird/crazy.

# data[].attributes.body
Through out the week I definitely experienced many situations that I found weirs or crazy. A situation that really stood out to me was in the grocery store, I had seen a man, most like in his early 60's, talking to himself but it was very loud and he was walking up and down the break isle while he was doing this. I immediately thought to myself "That was weird." He had looked like he was having a full conversation with no one around. I purposefully avoided walking down this I because I didn't know what he was going to do or how he would react.

When Looking back on this situation the norm he had violated what the people are supposed to be very quiet and to themselves in a public space, especially in stores. Often times people are talking to other people of staying silent you, seeing someone having a conversation with themselves definitely broke this unspoken role. I never really considered not talking to yourself aloud at a store a rule but it it definitely affected the way I looked and reacted in that specific moment, The norm of acting normal in public spaces is assumed but i now see that this is something everyone has been socialized into having to follow.

The way this man was behaving really stood out to me because of his age I guess I just expect adults who are older and mature to be fairly quiet and composed in public. If I seen a toddler doing the same thing I probably would have smiled or thought it was cute, but instead, because this man was older the way I reacted was very judgmental. This shows me how what i consider "normal" really depends on that person's social status like their gender or age.

Now that I have thought back to this situation I can definitely see how the way this man behaved could be rational. He may have had a mental health condition or he could have been using headphones and I didn't see, he could have even been talking out loud which helps him remember what he needed to but, I am guilty of doing this when I am stressed or trying to remember to do this which is why I should not have passed judgement on to him.

In this situation what stood out to me the most was how fat I was when it came to me using the word "weird" and how this shaped the way I thought after using the work. This label made me feel very uncomfortable and like I should avoid this man, even thought he did nothing to threaten me or anyone else. This really shows how powerful certain labels are especially when it comes to the way I perceive or even respond to someone when they aren't following the social norms.

Experiencing this made me remind myself on how important it is to slow down and really think about why I am reacting that way. It is so easy to judge someone for being different, but these difference are what we have been taught to expect, not about the individual doing anything wrong.

# data[].attributes.headline
5/8 H 446-460, Gracey Kindergarten As Academic Boot Camp

# data[].attributes.subject
5/8 H 446-460, Gracey Kindergarten As Academic Boot Camp

# data[].attributes.body
When thinking about Kindergarten I never really put much thought into it I always seen Kindergarten as a way to ease a child into school, a very laid back fun, and playful introduction to school. When reading about Gracey's perspective I came to the realization that from the very beginning school is shaping us to behave a certain way, to listen, raise our hands, stay in line, and always follow the rules. School was never just about learning your ABC's, it is about learning how to exist and adapt in a society that is very structured.

The hidden curriculum is a topic I have heard about but never really fully understood what this means. This curriculum isn't what we read in textbooks, it is the messages we get about, obedience, authority, time management, and even self worth based on how good we are when it comes to following these rules. Realizing what this hidden curriculum is I now think more about how early on we are taught to put so much value into performance rather than the process and how schools set us up to become "good" students, and later on "good" workers in the world we live in today.

I am currently in a human development class and this topic has made me think about early childhood development and how having this structure shapes our behavior later on. Institutions really control people in ways many of us really don't even notice. In society everyone always talks about social control through media and laws but no body ever mentions how school is one of the strongest influences, especially because of how young we start school.

I think back to my own experiences in school especially the earlier years. I recall getting in trouble for talking a lot and never sitting still, behaviors that came naturally to me as a very curious and hyper kid. When analyzing Gracey's ideas, I see how even then, I was being trained to fit into this system. It was not just about acting "bad," it was about not yet realizing these unspoken rules of the institution. This training not only had an impact on me as a child but as an adult as well. No in college I often find myself feeling guilty if I am not constantly being productive, or feeling very nervous and anxious if I am not following my set schedule perfectly. This way of thinking isn't just because this is the way I am, it's because this was of thinking has been instilled in everyone from a very young age.

Now thinking more about how our education system is I now realize there could definitely be more room for improvement especially when it comes to creativity, flexibility, and personal growth, especially at such a young age. Of course structure is very important there is no denying that, but I now think about how much potential is lost by prioritizing performance and order so early on. When it comes to having kids later on I will try find a balance between learning to navigate society and still keeping their natural curiosity.

This reading really made me challenge how I look at school and my journey through the education system. As a society we are shaped by these system so early on, these patterns are what stay with so many people because they embedded so deeply within us.

# data[].attributes.headline
5/8 Extra padlet post, Summary of what I have learned

# data[].attributes.subject
5/8 Extra padlet post, Summary of what I have learned

# data[].attributes.body
Taking this class has really changed my way of thinking in so many ways. I now think about the way I look at people and how I may judge them without even realizing. I think about how the system could have affected that person which is why they do certain things or act a certain way. Before taking this class I was stuck on the mindset of you can control the outcome of your life, though someone may have grown up in a very harsh environment they can always make their life better. I always thought like this because of the way my mother grew up she had a harsh upbringing but was able to come up from this and now has a good job and to many a very good life, which is why I thought the way I did. But I never factored in why she was able to do this, I now realize she had the advantage of looking white, my mother is a hispanic women but looks white and I never really thought about how this can be an advantage until taking this class.

In our society today when someone looks white they are treated with much more respect and don't have to deal with the stereotypes that come along with being a person of color. When a white individual sees a doctor or a superhero on their TV screen at a young age they strive to be like this one day and realize they could be capable of becoming a doctor or even a superhero. When a child of color realizes that all the people on screen who have these big jobs are white this can discourage a child from doing these jobs because they do not have the representation they are looking for.

Systems like policing is an example of why many people aren't able to make it out of the positions they are in. Police are constantly targeting areas that are filled with people of color which makes it extremely hard for any person to want to do better especially if they are constantly being targeted for things that a white person does not have to deal with.

Of course any person of color can build an amazing life for themselves but with the way the system in America is structured is it extremely hard. A person of color does not have the same advantages as a white individual has. It is extremely disheartening to realize this but I am happy this class has taught me this because it is something I will remember for the rest of my life which I am extremely grateful for. When looking at the issues in our society it makes me want to make a change in any way I can because I see how it affects so many people's lives. Something as simple as changing the way you think can have a tremendous impact on many people.

Thought this isn't the only lesson I learned about in this class, it is a lesson that will stick with me for the rest of my life.