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Date: 6/9/25

Honestly, I’m taking this class because I need it for my degree, but I also want to better understand people and how the world works socially. I’ve noticed how much of what we go through like relationships, community, even the way people treat each other is deeper than just personality. A lot of it comes from how we were raised, what we’ve been exposed to, and the systems we live in.

I also feel like learning about sociology will help me see things with more clarity, especially when it comes to the bigger picture. I want to be more self-aware and understand how people operate not just individually, but in groups, cultures, and society. And even though this is a requirement, I feel like there’s something valuable I can take away from it if I stay open-minded and apply it to real life.

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Date 6/9/2025

The first thing I remember buying for myself was a big bag of candy from the corner store when I was a kid. I had saved up a few dollars from doing little chores around the house and helping out family. I felt so grown walking in there by myself, picking out exactly what I wanted without having to ask anybody. I remember feeling really excited in that moment like I had some type of freedom.

Looking back at it with more of a sociological lens, I can see how social factors played a role in that moment. For one, I was a kid, so candy felt like a reward or something to look forward to. I was influenced by things like commercials, what my friends liked, and the way kids around me saw candy as something special. My age and social location shaped what felt like a “good” purchase. At the time, I didn’t think about it that deeply, but now I realize that even small purchases can reflect the world around us what we’re taught to value or want, especially as kids.

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Date 6/9/2025

Reading the JCB Preface made me reflect on how sociology is really just about paying closer attention to stuff we usually overlook. What stood out to me is how everyday items like clothes, foods, or routines can say a lot about our social world. I never thought jeans could tell a whole story about society until now. It’s interesting because growing up, there were things I just accepted as “normal” without ever questioning why. This reading made me realize that sociology helps put language and structure to things I’ve always felt but didn’t know how to explain.

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Date 6/9/2025

This reading helped me see sociology as something way bigger than just studying people it’s about really understanding how everything is connected. I was thinking about how different groups shape who we are, even if we don’t realize it. Like, the way I act at work versus with my girls, or even how I carry myself in public, all of that has roots in social norms. I never thought about how being a part of different groups like being a Black woman, being a student, or even growing up in California affects how I see the world and how the world sees me.

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Date 6/11/2025

This chapter felt like it was made to wake people up. It broke down how something so simple like jeans actually holds deeper meanings about identity, class, and culture. I started thinking about how trends start and how we all follow them, sometimes without even knowing why. It reminded me of middle school when certain brands were everything if you didn’t wear them, (True Religion Jeans, Jordan’s,MCM Backpacks) people assumed you were poor or not cool. That pressure didn’t just come from peers, it was media, school, and even family lowkey pushing certain images. That’s when it clicked for me how much society shapes what we think we want.

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Date 6/11/2025

What I got from Berger’s reading is that sociology really requires curiosity. It’s not just about getting answers but being willing to dig deeper and not take things at face value. That reminded me of how I’ve been questioning my own surroundings and relationships lately. Like, there’s stuff that I’ve accepted for years that I’m finally starting to look at differently. Berger talks about how sociologists have to be open to seeing things that might be uncomfortable, and I relate to that, especially with some of the things I’ve been unlearning in my personal life.

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Date 6/11/2025

Mills introduced me to the idea of sociological imagination, and honestly, that concept hit hard. He talks about how people feel trapped because they don’t understand the bigger picture of what’s going on in the world around them. That made me think about how many of us blame ourselves for stuff that’s really caused by systems or social forces. Like, when people struggle financially or mentally, society often makes it feel like it’s just a personal failure. But Mills is saying we have to look at the bigger picture, and I think that’s what I’m starting to do in real life too step back and realize not everything is just my fault or someone else’s systematically it seems like we’ve been collectively bamboozled 🙄😂

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Date 6/16/25

I didn’t realize food says so much about who we are. Like, it’s not just what we eat it’s how, when, where, and even who we eat with. That part about rich people and poor people eating differently definitely made me think. Food can show your culture, your background, even your status. I always thought food was just food, but now I see it’s deeper than that. It really shows how people live and what they value. It made me pay more attention to how food connects to bigger things in life.

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Date 6/16/25

When reading this at first I was like “what is this??” but then I realized Nacirema is American spelled backwards. And the way the author described brushing your teeth and going to the doctor it sounded so weird but that’s our everyday life! That part was kinda funny. It made me realize how normal stuff can sound crazy when you explain it from the outside. That was the whole point culture is all about how we see things. We think we’re “normal” but to someone else, we’re the weird ones.

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This made me think about how much we say without talking. Like, silence, space, eye contact all of that means something, and it changes based on where you’re from. I never really thought about how silence can be loud, but it can. Some people use it to show respect, others use it to create distance. The part about how nonverbal stuff affects relationships was true. I’ve definitely felt a vibe from someone without them saying a word. It made me realize body language is a whole other language.

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Date 6/16/25

This reading was kinda deep. I thought sympathy was just about being nice when someone’s sad, but it’s more than that. It’s like people use it as a tool sometimes. You give it, you expect it, and it depends on who the person is. That part made me think about how people handle feelings in public and in relationships. Sympathy isn’t just an emotion it’s like a little unspoken deal sometimes. I never thought of it like that before, but it made sense. People really do pick and choose when and how to show sympathy.

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Required Entry: Marx vs. Durkheim  JCB p. 50

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Required Entry: Marx vs. Durkheim  JCB p. 50

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Date 6/16/25

Marx said “food shows who’s in power,” and Durkheim said “food brings people together.” That’s basically it. Marx focused on the struggle who has access, who controls it, and how it causes inequality. Durkheim saw food as something that helps people connect and build community. They’re both right in a way, just looking at it from different sides. Marx sees conflict, Durkheim sees unity. It’s wild how the same thing (food) can mean two totally different things depending on how you look at it.

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Henslin  “Doing Sociological Research” (29–47)

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Henslin  “Doing Sociological Research” (29–47)

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Date 6/17/25

Henslin’s chapter lays out the essential components of sociological research, focusing on the need for careful design, objectivity, and ethics. Sociological research involves various methods from surveys to experiments to participant observation each suited for answering different questions about society. The chapter stresses the importance of avoiding bias and ensuring voluntary participation through informed consent, which aligns with ethical standards in research. This connects to positivism because sociology strives to use scientific methods to study social facts, but Henslin also acknowledges the limits of purely quantitative data. Qualitative methods like interviews allow sociologists to explore meanings, motivations, and experiences, tying into interpretive sociology. The chapter made me realize that research is not just about gathering numbers but understanding people’s realities while respecting their rights. It also emphasized that good research can reveal hidden social patterns and inequalities, contributing to social change.

Henslin explains the challenges of conducting research in real social settings, such as gaining trust and dealing with ethical dilemmas. Researchers must balance the goal of objective knowledge with the need to protect participants from harm. This tension shows how sociology is both a science and a humanistic discipline. The chapter deepened my appreciation for the complexities involved in producing valid and ethical sociological knowledge. I learned that rigorous research methods are crucial for producing reliable results, but empathy and respect must guide how researchers interact with people. Henslin’s insights challenge me to think critically about how research design affects what we learn about society and how that knowledge is applied. In conclusion, this reading reinforced the idea that doing sociology well requires both technical skill and moral responsibility.

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Johnston, Cairns, and Baumann Appendix (401–424): Advertising and Research Methods 

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Johnston, Cairns, and Baumann Appendix (401–424): Advertising and Research Methods 

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Advertising is a powerful force that does more than just sell products; it actively shapes our social values and cultural meanings. This appendix shows how advertisers use research methods like surveys, focus groups, and experiments to discover what motivates people’s buying habits. From a symbolic interactionist perspective, advertising creates shared symbols that influence how we see ourselves and others. It constructs ideas of identity and status, often linking consumer goods to social success or happiness. However, this process also reveals underlying power structures, aligning with conflict theory by showing how some groups benefit economically while others are marginalized. The ethical questions about research techniques remind me that data collection isn’t neutral it reflects who controls knowledge and whose interests are prioritized. Overall, this reading highlights that advertising shapes culture and maintains social inequalities through complex social interactions and power dynamics.

The methods discussed emphasize the importance of understanding how society consumes not only products but meanings, creating a cycle where culture and commerce are deeply intertwined. Advertisers don’t just sell things; they craft narratives that embed products with social significance. For example, an ad for a luxury car might communicate ideas about wealth, power, or freedom that influence how people view themselves and their place in society. These social meanings are internalized by consumers, affecting behavior and social relationships, which sociologists must critically analyze. This appendix shows that research is vital for unpacking these cultural codes, but it also warns against ignoring the ethical responsibilities involved. It reminds me that advertising research must be rigorous and reflexive to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes or inequalities. In short, this reading deepened my understanding of how research and advertising work together to mold social life.

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Pager, “Would You Hire an Ex-Convict?” (63–72)

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Pager, “Would You Hire an Ex-Convict?” (63–72)

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Pager’s article is a striking experimental study that exposes racial and criminal background discrimination in employment opportunities. By sending matched pairs of applicants with and without criminal records to real job openings, Pager reveals that having a criminal record drastically reduces the chances of a callback. What’s even more shocking is that white applicants with a record often receive better treatment than Black applicants without one. This finding directly illustrates conflict theory because it shows how race and social class create systemic barriers to equality, maintaining power imbalances. The study highlights how structural racism is embedded in hiring practices, not just individual bias. It challenges the idea that hard work alone can overcome social disadvantages and calls attention to the institutional forces keeping marginalized groups trapped in poverty. Pager’s research is a clear example of how sociological methods can reveal hidden inequalities that perpetuate social stratification.

The experimental design also strengthens the argument by controlling for variables and isolating the effects of race and criminal record, which makes the findings more convincing and difficult to ignore. This demonstrates the power of quantitative research combined with real-world settings to uncover social injustices. The article made me reflect on how job discrimination limits economic mobility and reinforces social exclusion for those labeled “deviant.” It pushes me to think about the broader social systems like the criminal justice system and labor market that work together to sustain inequality. Pager’s study is a reminder that sociological research is essential for informing policy and social reform aimed at reducing discrimination. This reading deepened my understanding of how multiple social factors intersect to shape life chances and opportunities.

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Required Entry: JCB p. 105 Coffee Shop Ethnography

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Required Entry: JCB p. 105 Coffee Shop Ethnography

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The coffee shop ethnography reveals how everyday social interactions in casual spaces like coffee shops are rich with cultural meanings and social norms. This observation fits perfectly with symbolic interactionism, which focuses on how people create shared meanings through daily encounters. Even simple actions like ordering coffee, making eye contact, or choosing a seat follow unspoken rules that maintain social order. The ethnographer’s detailed notes show how these routines reflect broader cultural values, such as politeness, privacy, and class distinctions. This made me realize culture isn’t just big, formal traditions but also small, ongoing performances that shape identity. Ethnography as a method captures these subtle dynamics by immersing the researcher in the natural setting. This reading expanded my view on how micro-level interactions build up the social fabric and maintain cultural coherence.

Additionally, the study highlights how social environments influence behavior and how people adjust their actions depending on context, which connects to Goffman’s dramaturgical theory. Everyone is performing a role, even in places as informal as a coffee shop, to fit in and be accepted. This makes me think about how social life is a continuous negotiation of meanings and impressions. The ethnography also reveals inequalities in access and privilege, such as who feels comfortable occupying certain spaces. Understanding these patterns helps explain how culture operates to include some and exclude others. This ethnographic approach shows the importance of looking closely at everyday life to understand society. It reinforced my belief that sociology is not just abstract theory but a tool to uncover the complexity of real human interactions.

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JCB Chapter 10: Social Interaction & Branding/The Self

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JCB Chapter 10: Social Interaction & Branding/The Self

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Date 6/18/25

Social interaction plays a central role in shaping who we are, especially in a world that increasingly values image over authenticity. This chapter helped me see how our social identities are constantly being managed and curated based on who we’re around and how we want to be perceived. It’s not just that we show different sides of ourselves in different settings it’s that we’re constantly branding ourselves whether we realize it or not. That stuck with me because I’ve always felt aware of how people present themselves online, but this chapter helped me connect that idea to everyday, offline behavior too. The idea of the self as a “brand” made me think of how many of us feel pressure to be marketable to look a certain way, talk a certain way, or present a specific narrative about our lives just to be taken seriously or feel accepted. That isn’t always about vanity; it’s often a survival tactic in a world where social capital carries weight. What this reading really drove home for me is that social life is about performance, and branding is just the modern extension of that it reflects both who we are and who we believe we need to be to belong.

In addition, I found myself thinking critically about how this branding process differs based on class, race, and gender. Some people are given more flexibility in how they present themselves, while others especially marginalized folks are expected to constantly prove their worth. This made me think of symbolic interactionism and how meanings are created through shared social interactions. But those meanings don’t exist in a vacuum they’re shaped by dominant cultural expectations. When we brand ourselves, we aren’t just expressing individuality; we’re reacting to larger societal pressures. That made me reflect on the emotional labor that goes into being “on” all the time curating, editing, and performing a self that feels acceptable to others. This chapter made me realize that branding can be both empowering and exhausting. It can give people the tools to tell their own story, but it also reflects the social constraints we’re operating within. Branding isn’t just about selling products anymore it’s about selling the self, and that has real social consequences.

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Goffman, The Presentation of the Self in Everyday Life (135–146)

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Goffman, The Presentation of the Self in Everyday Life (135–146)

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Goffman’s ideas about dramaturgy and the “presentation of the self” completely shifted how I understand everyday social interactions. His theory that life is like a stage—where we perform different roles depending on the context resonated with me in a personal way. It reminded me of how often I code-switch or shift the way I speak, move, or carry myself depending on whether I’m at school, home, or work. According to Goffman, this isn’t fake; it’s a normal part of maintaining social order. We all perform roles that fit the situation we’re in, and we manage impressions in ways that reflect the kind of self we want others to see. I never realized how structured and intentional these performances are until I read this. It made me think about how much energy goes into managing social perceptions sometimes out of fear of being misunderstood, judged, or excluded. This reading made me more aware of the subtle, everyday negotiations that go into how we present ourselves, especially in settings where the stakes feel high.

The metaphors of the front stage and back stage helped me think about how people behave differently depending on the audience. On the “front stage,” we’re putting on a show cleaning up our language, fixing our posture, acting polite. But on the “back stage,” we drop the act and relax into our true selves. That made me wonder: do we ever really get to live fully in the back stage, or is it becoming harder in a world of constant visibility? Social media has blurred the lines, making performance constant, even in spaces that used to feel private. Goffman’s theory helps explain why this can feel so exhausting. What stuck with me most is the idea that we’re always doing this balancing act, trying to be authentic while still managing impressions. His work gave me a vocabulary for something I’ve always felt but didn’t know how to name: the everyday pressure to perform, not in a theatrical way, but in a very real, human way.

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Thompson, Handling the Stigma of Handling the Dead (249–264)

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Thompson, Handling the Stigma of Handling the Dead (249–264)

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Thompson’s article introduced me to a kind of social performance that I’d never really considered the role of funeral workers and how they navigate stigma in a job that many people find unsettling or even repulsive. I found this reading deeply humanizing because it showed how people doing essential, emotional labor are often unfairly judged simply for being in close contact with death. Thompson shows how these workers use humor, emotional detachment, and boundary management to cope with a job that can be physically and emotionally demanding. I was struck by how much of this work is not just about caring for the dead, but caring for the living helping families grieve, maintaining composure, and navigating people’s discomfort. It reminded me of emotional labor in other professions, like nursing or teaching, where the work goes beyond the technical duties to include managing people’s feelings. This made me realize that stigma doesn’t always come from the work itself it comes from society’s discomfort with what the work represents.

Thompson also shows that the stigma of working with the dead isn’t just individual; it’s structural. These workers are often underpaid, undervalued, and misunderstood, which connects back to how society avoids or denies death as a part of life. That made me reflect on how we treat people who take care of the things we don’t want to think about janitors, sanitation workers, funeral home staff. They’re often invisible unless we need them, and then they’re treated as morally suspect or “weird.” This made me think about how stigma is socially constructed and maintained through silence, avoidance, and judgment. I found myself feeling a deep sense of respect for these workers after reading this. They’re not just handling bodies they’re handling emotional realities that most people are not equipped to deal with. Thompson’s work is a reminder that sociology should look at the margins, because that’s often where the clearest signs of inequality and social meaning can be found.

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Date 6/22/25

This chapter made me think about how much meaning we attach to the act of shopping beyond just buying things. It shows how consumer spaces are actually social spaces where class, race, and gender norms get played out in everyday ways. I was struck by the idea that people are not just shopping for objects, but also for a sense of belonging or identity. For example, people go to certain stores to feel like they fit in with a certain group or status, and that reflects how shopping can be about constructing social self-image. It also made me think about how not everyone has equal access to those spaces not just financially, but also socially, depending on how they’re perceived. A Black person being followed around in a store, or someone feeling out of place in a high-end shop, shows how shopping is shaped by systems of exclusion. I never thought of the mall or store as something that reinforces inequality, but now I realize how much power lies in even the smallest details of our public behavior. It reminded me that something as ordinary as shopping can actually reflect deep layers of social control.

The chapter also touched on the idea that these spaces require certain behaviors, and people who don’t follow the “unspoken rules” often get policed or shamed. That connected for me because I’ve definitely noticed how some people are treated as if they don’t belong in certain stores even when they’re just minding their business. The expectations around appearance, posture, speech those are all subtle ways that social order gets enforced. This made me think about how people of color, poor folks, or even just young people get judged in those spaces for not acting “right,” and how it reinforces who gets to feel comfortable and who doesn’t. The reading broke down the myth that shopping is a neutral or harmless activity. It really is a site where people perform class and identity, but also where surveillance and exclusion happen. What stood out to me the most is that shopping isn’t just about economics it’s about power, image, and who gets to be seen as a full person in public.

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This reading got to me emotionally and intellectually because it brought up how easily people will go along with harmful systems when they feel pressured or disconnected from the impact. The experiment Meyer describes shows how people can rationalize or distance themselves from the harm they’re causing just because someone in authority told them to. I’ve always believed that people should think critically for themselves, but this reading showed me how fear, power, and groupthink can cloud moral judgment. It made me reflect on how violence or discrimination in history like slavery, genocide, or racism didn’t always rely on “evil” people, but often on everyday people who didn’t speak up or stop what they were doing. What really stuck with me is that the participants in the experiment weren’t forced they chose to keep going, which makes me question how often people today excuse injustice by saying they’re just following rules or doing their job. This reading reminded me that silence and obedience can be just as harmful as direct violence.

It also made me think about how we’re still facing the same issue today, especially in systems like policing, immigration, and even education. People often carry out policies or actions that hurt others and then act like they’re not responsible because “that’s just the way the system works.” I think Meyer’s point is that we all have a responsibility to question orders and think about who we’re harming, even if it makes us uncomfortable. It challenged me to think about how I act in situations where someone else is being mistreated am I stepping in or staying silent? That’s something I’ll keep thinking about, because this reading made it clear how dangerous it is to let yourself become passive in the face of wrong. It’s easy to say “I would never do that,” but Meyer shows that the real test is what you do when you’re the one being asked to act.

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Required Entry: JCB p. 140 “Shopping for we-ness’”

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Required Entry: JCB p. 140 “Shopping for we-ness’”

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This short piece helped me understand how shopping is used to create a sense of belonging, especially within communities. I thought it was interesting how people shop not just to buy things but to feel connected to a group identity or to reinforce shared values. For example, shopping at Black-owned businesses can feel like an act of support and pride, not just a transaction. It reminded me that where we spend our money says something about what we care about, and that shopping can be a way of expressing solidarity. At the same time, the reading pointed out that this kind of “we-ness” can be exclusive. People who can’t afford to participate or who aren’t seen as part of the group may be left out, even if they share the same background. That really made me reflect on how consumer culture can both build community and leave people behind.

The phrase “shopping for ‘we-ness’” made me think about how much we use brands and stores to show who we are and where we belong. It’s not just about taste it’s about identity and recognition. But it also raised the question of whether we’re truly building community through shopping, or if we’re just buying the appearance of one. That tension really stood out to me. It’s empowering to support businesses that align with your values, but it’s also important to ask whether that connection goes deeper than a purchase. This entry made me reflect on how complicated consumer behavior is, especially for marginalized communities trying to find affirmation and connection in a capitalist world. It left me wondering how we can build a stronger sense of “we-ness” outside of the marketplace, too.

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(JCB) Chapter 3: Fast Food/Work & Economy 

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(JCB) Chapter 3: Fast Food/Work & Economy 

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This chapter pushed me to think about how much our jobs shape who we are and how we relate to others. Fast food work isn’t just seen as “easy” or “starter” jobs it’s often viewed as disposable, and that mindset ends up devaluing the people who work there. I thought it was powerful how the text connected low-wage labor to larger systems of social control, especially with how fast food companies push for standardization and efficiency over human experience. This takes away creativity, autonomy, and dignity, and it made me think about how often we mistake productivity for value. I also noticed how gender and race show up in these jobs like who’s expected to smile, stay calm under pressure, and be grateful for poor pay and conditions. It makes me question the deeper social messages we’re absorbing just from how work is organized. The way this chapter tied work to identity made me reflect on how people internalize their positions, especially when jobs are used to define someone’s worth in society.

In many ways, the chapter revealed how fast food jobs reinforce inequality under the appearance of neutrality. It showed me that these jobs aren’t naturally bad they’re made that way through policies, branding, and the way companies structure labor. I was especially impacted by the idea that fast food work operates as training grounds for obedience, repetition, and compliance. It almost felt like this kind of labor isn’t just about flipping burgers it’s about conditioning people to accept limited options. This perspective helped me connect the conversation to capitalism and how it creates cycles of dependence by designing jobs that don’t lead to economic freedom. If I were discussing this with someone, I’d ask how we can rethink what makes work “valuable” and who gets to define that. I left the chapter thinking more critically about how we’re trained to accept poor working conditions without even questioning it.

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(H) Leidner, Over the Counter at McDonald’s (497–507)

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(H) Leidner, Over the Counter at McDonald’s (497–507)

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Leidner’s analysis of McDonald’s work culture broke down the idea that these jobs are mindless they’re actually highly structured, monitored, and demanding. I was struck by how much emphasis is placed on standardization, where workers aren’t supposed to think or adjust but just follow the script. The idea of “emotional labor” came up again, and it stood out how service workers have to manage not only tasks but also their emotions and customer reactions. Leidner described how these jobs leave little space for individuality, which reminded me of Goffman’s concept of the “front stage” in performance it’s all about showing the version of yourself that fits the brand. This makes me wonder how people who work in these spaces protect their mental health or find pride in what they do, even when their work is undervalued. The reading really made me rethink how I view fast food workers and what’s being demanded of them. Just because something is considered “low skill” doesn’t mean it isn’t incredibly hard or complex in its own way.

I also appreciated how the text explained that McDonald’s trains people to function in a very specific way that’s easy to replace. It was unsettling to realize how workers are treated like moving parts in a machine, not people with ideas, needs, or long-term potential. Leidner connected this to a broader pattern where businesses prioritize consistency and control over growth or empowerment. I kept thinking, why do we act like this is normal or acceptable? I’d want to talk to someone about how corporate language and branding cover up how harmful this model is. Even if McDonald’s sells convenience, it’s clear the company depends on invisibilizing the real labor that makes that possible. Overall, this reading expanded my view of fast food work as something we should take seriously not just as jobs, but as reflections of what we value.

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(H) Wishard, Caught Between the Ages (535–546)

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(H) Wishard, Caught Between the Ages (535–546)

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Wishard’s essay brought a different angle to the labor conversation by focusing on generational tension and how older workers are often pushed out of the workforce. I hadn’t really considered how ageism functions in the same spaces as racism or classism, but this reading made the connection really clear. The idea that older workers are seen as slow, outdated, or unfit even when they still need income was something I found unfair and upsetting. It made me think about how capitalism defines worth based on speed and productivity, which automatically disadvantages people who don’t fit that mold. Wishard highlighted how older people still want to contribute meaningfully, but they’re often treated like they should just disappear. This challenged my assumptions and made me more aware of how invisible aging workers can become. I also noticed that this topic doesn’t come up much in conversations about inequality, even though it affects a lot of people.

Another powerful point was how experience and wisdom are undervalued in jobs that prioritize “freshness” and flexibility. This made me question how much we really value experience if we’re willing to toss it aside just to cut costs or look trendy. I would want to ask how our culture can be so quick to dismiss entire groups of people just for aging, even though it’s something we all go through. Wishard’s piece helped me understand that labor inequality isn’t just about wages it’s also about dignity, recognition, and opportunity. It connected back to earlier readings by showing how systems decide who’s “useful” and who isn’t. I came away from this reading thinking we need to fight harder to protect older workers’ rights and include them in conversations about justice and equity.

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Required Entry: JCB p. 79 – Corporate Ideologies / Fight for $15

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Required Entry: JCB p. 79 – Corporate Ideologies / Fight for $15

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The “Corporate Ideologies” section exposed how companies use specific language to hide the reality of exploitation. By calling workers “team members” and talking about “family,” corporations try to mask the power imbalance and keep employees loyal even when they’re being underpaid. I’ve always felt weird when jobs push that “we’re all family here” vibe, because it’s usually followed by unpaid overtime, short breaks, and no health insurance. The reading helped me understand that this isn’t random it’s a deliberate strategy to create a sense of emotional obligation without real support. This section made me think about how emotional manipulation plays a big role in low-wage work. It’s not just about the money it’s about making people feel like they can’t say no or speak up. That connection between branding and control really stuck with me.

The “Fight for $15” section gave me hope, though. It showed how workers have been organizing for years to demand fair pay and better conditions. What I liked was how it reframed fast food workers as people with power, not just victims. Their activism challenges the idea that they’re replaceable or unimportant. I also appreciated how the movement connects fast food to broader labor rights it’s not just about burgers, it’s about what kind of world we want to live in. If I were talking about this, I’d ask how we can support these movements even if we’re not in those jobs ourselves. This reading left me thinking about how workers can change systems from the inside out, and how much that kind of organizing matters.

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(H) Ehrenreich, Nickeled and Dimed (411–424)

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(H) Ehrenreich, Nickeled and Dimed (411–424)

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Ehrenreich’s experiment of going undercover in low-wage jobs highlighted just how unsustainable and degrading that type of work really is. It wasn’t just about the pay it was about how exhausting, humiliating, and physically demanding the jobs were, especially without health care or stability. What shocked me most was how she couldn’t afford housing even while working full-time, which challenges the myth that hard work alone is enough. I felt frustrated reading about how many workers are just surviving, not living, because the system is rigged to keep them barely afloat. The reading reminded me that this isn’t about individual failure it’s about structural barriers and a lack of safety nets. I appreciated how Ehrenreich kept calling attention to the emotional toll of being constantly undervalued and overworked. It really helped me understand how poverty isn’t just about money it’s about being denied rest, comfort, and basic respect.

Another thing I noticed was how much emotional labor was expected in these roles, especially from women. They had to keep smiling, follow strict rules, and put up with rude customers, all while being paid close to nothing. Ehrenreich explained that even when she tried to do everything “right,” it still wasn’t enough to live with dignity. That part really hit me because it’s something people don’t see from the outside how people in poverty have to work twice as hard for half as much. The book made me think about how little people in power understand or care about this reality, and how easy it is to ignore suffering when it’s not yours. I’d ask, why do we place blame on workers for struggling, when the system is designed to make sure they never get ahead? This reading didn’t just make me angry it made me want to learn more about what real change could look like.

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Video: Wealth Inequality in the United States

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Video: Wealth Inequality in the United States

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After watching Wealth Inequality in the United States, I was honestly shocked by how extreme the wealth gap is. I had heard before that rich people held most of the money in the country, but I didn’t realize just how unbalanced it really was. The video showed that even what we think is “ideal” wealth distribution is still far more equal than what actually exists in reality. It’s upsetting to see how many people work hard every day and still don’t even have enough to survive, while a tiny percentage of people live in luxury. It made me think about how the system is rigged to benefit those who already have money and power. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the problem isn’t just about hard work it’s about access, opportunity, and control. The video made it clear that we can’t fix something we don’t even fully understand, and most Americans have no idea how bad this wealth gap actually is.

This video also made me think differently about the way success is framed in America. It’s like we’re taught that anyone can make it if they just try hard enough, but that’s not true when the system is set up to keep certain people at the bottom. When the richest people have all the influence, they get to make the rules and they’re not making them to help the rest of us. It really connects to everything we’ve been learning this week, especially how class and power go hand in hand. I left the video feeling frustrated but also more aware. It made me want to question things more and look deeper into who benefits when the system stays the same. The most powerful thing the video did was break down something huge into something that’s easy to understand. It made me feel like understanding inequality is the first step toward doing something about it.

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Gans explains how poverty, while harmful and unfair to those who experience it, actually serves some functions in society. It provides cheap labor, creates jobs for people who work with the poor, and acts as a warning to others to avoid falling into poverty. This made me think about how society might keep poverty around because it benefits certain groups, even if it hurts the people living in it. It felt frustrating to realize that poverty isn’t just an accident but has a role in maintaining social order. I also thought about how blaming poor people for their situation ignores these larger social purposes. The reading made me question whether we really want to end poverty or just manage it to keep things running. Overall, it gave me a new way to understand why poverty stays so common despite efforts to reduce it.

Gans also points out that poverty supports the economy by making sure there’s always low-cost workers, which helps businesses and consumers. That makes me feel angry because it means the system is designed to keep some people at the bottom. I think about how this connects to the idea of social classes and why it’s hard to change your situation. The reading made me realize that ending poverty isn’t just about giving people money or jobs but changing how society works. It also made me think about how people who aren’t poor might ignore or look down on the poor because they see them as necessary to their own lives. This makes it even harder for poor people to get respect and support. So, Gans helped me see poverty in a bigger picture beyond just individual struggles.

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This chapter used the everyday habit of drinking coffee to explain how class is built into so many parts of life that we don’t even think about. It made me realize that even small things, like where you get your coffee or how much you pay, reflect bigger class divisions. Some people can afford fancy drinks at name-brand shops while others are just trying to get the cheapest option to stay awake at work. The chapter showed that class isn’t always about obvious things like money it’s also about social habits and cultural signals. Coffee became a symbol of who belongs where and who gets to enjoy comfort and ease. It reminded me of how normalized it is for poor people to get judged for their choices while rich people are praised for the same behavior. This reading opened my eyes to how much class is about more than just income it’s about the little things that shape how we live day to day.

What stood out most to me was how businesses use class-based branding to make people feel included or excluded. The idea that certain types of coffee shops are “for” specific types of people made me think about how we’re constantly being sorted and labeled based on how much we can afford. That connects to the video because it shows how wealth and class shape not just our money situation but also our sense of belonging. It also made me think about how people judge each other based on class without even realizing it. When you start seeing class in everyday routines like drinking coffee, it really makes you question what else is hidden in plain sight. The reading didn’t just talk about coffee it used it to explain something way bigger. It helped me understand how powerful class is in shaping our identities, choices, and experiences.

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Morris and Grimes discuss how moving up from poverty is very difficult, even when people try hard. They explain how many barriers like poor schools, lack of jobs, and little family support make it hard for people to change their lives. This made me realize how unfair it is to say that people are poor just because they don’t work hard. The reading helped me understand how social systems trap people in poverty, especially people of color. It was frustrating to read about how people face extra challenges depending on where they live or the color of their skin. I also thought about how the “American Dream” isn’t the same for everyone because of these obstacles. This made me want to learn more about how to make society fairer and more supportive for everyone.

Morris and Grimes also focus on how even small things like transportation or childcare can stop people from moving up. I realized that success isn’t just about effort but also having the right resources and help. This reading connected to Gans’s ideas because it shows that poverty isn’t just personal failure. I also thought about how these struggles affect families and future generations. It made me feel empathy for people who keep trying but face so many roadblocks. The reading reminded me that fixing poverty needs more than individual effort; it needs changes in policy and community support. Overall, it showed me how complicated moving up the social ladder really is.

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Higley, The U.S. Upper Class (H 395-406)

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Higley, The U.S. Upper Class (H 395-406)

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Higley explains how the upper class in the U.S. stays powerful through wealth, education, and social networks. The reading helped me see how wealth isn’t just about money but also about influence and control over society. I was surprised to learn how exclusive these groups are and how they protect their status. It made me think about how hard it is for people from lower classes to break into these circles. Higley also describes how the upper class shapes politics, education, and culture to keep their advantage. This made me realize that inequality isn’t just about poor people lacking resources but also about rich people keeping theirs.

The reading showed that the upper class doesn’t just live differently but also thinks differently, with values and behaviors that keep them separate. I thought about how this affects opportunities for everyone else. It made me feel like society is set up to benefit a few while leaving many behind. Higley’s ideas connect to the video about wealth inequality because both show how big the gap is between rich and poor. I also wondered what could change to make society more equal. This reading made me realize how power works in hidden ways, not just through money but through social rules and expectations. Overall, it gave me a better understanding of why social class matters so much in America.

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3rd Set Required Padlet Post: Social Class and My Life

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3rd Set Required Padlet Post: Social Class and My Life

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Growing up, my social class shaped the way I saw the world, even before I had the words to describe it. I noticed early on that there were certain things I just couldn’t afford to do or have, even if I worked hard. Whether it was joining extracurricular activities, going on school trips, or affording the latest clothes, there were always quiet limitations that reminded me where I stood. It made me feel like I had to hustle harder just to get basic things others took for granted. At times, I caught myself feeling ashamed or like I had to hide the struggles my family was going through. I didn’t realize until much later that what I was experiencing wasn’t just “normal” it was part of a bigger system that made it harder for people in lower-income brackets to move up. The way people talk, dress, or even dream can be influenced by their class, and that pressure to “fit in” or not be seen as struggling made a big impact on my self-worth. Social class didn’t just affect what I had it affected how I saw myself and what I thought I deserved.

As I got older, I became more aware of how deeply social class influences opportunities, choices, and even health. There have been moments when I had to turn down job opportunities or internships because I couldn’t afford unpaid labor, transportation, or taking time off from paying jobs. I’ve also had to make choices based on survival rather than passion, which is something people with more financial freedom rarely have to consider. Even now, I notice how much emotional energy I spend trying to manage money, avoid debt, or plan for emergencies energy that could’ve gone toward personal growth or creative goals. My social class has taught me how to be resourceful and resilient, but it has also kept me in survival mode longer than necessary. I know that moving up in class isn’t just about hard work it’s also about access, networks, and knowing how systems work. That’s why I’m more intentional now about unlearning shame, asking for help, and trying to create a future where I’m not constantly stuck in a cycle of “just getting by.” Social class doesn’t define my worth, but it absolutely shaped my path.

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Required Entry: Race Interviews & Social Construction of Race

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Required Entry: Race Interviews & Social Construction of Race

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After asking five people the assigned questions about race, I noticed a wide range of answers even though everyone technically lives in the same society. When asked “What race are you?” most people gave answers like Black, White, Asian, or Latino but how they knew their race varied. One person said they knew based on what their parents told them growing up. Another said they figured it out from how people treated them and what boxes they were told to check on school forms. A few people mentioned skin tone or facial features, while others referred to culture or language. What stood out to me was that most people had a moment in childhood when they realized that race “mattered,” whether it was hearing a racist joke, getting profiled, or being warned to act a certain way. When I answered the questions myself, I realized I’ve always known my race based on how people responded to me, even more than how I see myself. It made me think about how we don’t just learn race from our families we’re taught it constantly by the world around us.

From these conversations, I understand even more clearly that race is socially constructed it’s something society teaches and enforces, not something rooted in biology or science. Most of the people I interviewed gave different reasons for how they identify others’ race: clothing, speech, hair, skin color, last names, even where someone lives. One person admitted they just “go off vibes,” which shows how unclear and subjective race really is. It’s not based on facts it’s based on patterns people learn, often without realizing it. I also noticed that most people have experienced being misidentified, which reminded me that race isn’t something we fully control it’s something society assigns based on surface-level ideas. When people say race is a social construct, they mean it’s made up and enforced by human rules, not nature. And because it’s made up, it can change depending on where you are or what people believe. This assignment showed me how complicated and real the effects of race are, even though race itself isn’t real in a biological sense.

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(JCB) Chapter 6: Sports/Race (Omit Section 4, pp. 164–169)

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(JCB) Chapter 6: Sports/Race (Omit Section 4, pp. 164–169)

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This chapter made me think a lot about how race and sports are connected in ways that go beyond talent or skill. Black athletes are often praised for their bodies but not for their intelligence, leadership, or strategy. The media creates a false story that says Black people are “naturally” better at sports while white athletes are “smart” and “hard-working,” which is a double standard. This creates a trap for Black athletes who get attention for performance but not respect beyond the game. It also shows how people are still assigned value based on old racial ideas, even when they’re being celebrated. The chapter helped me understand how something as fun as sports can actually be used to reinforce harmful racial messages. Even when it looks like progress, it’s still shaped by who holds the power and who controls the narrative.

The chapter also made me think about how sports can be both freeing and limiting at the same time. For many young Black kids, sports feel like one of the only paths out of poverty, which puts pressure on them to succeed in that one area. At the same time, it limits how society sees their full potential in other fields like science, business, or art. This connects to earlier chapters about how systems are set up to direct Black people into certain roles. The way scouts, coaches, and fans talk about players often includes coded language that dehumanizes them, turning people into products. Even though many athletes speak out about injustice, they’re often told to “stick to sports,” showing how their value is conditional. This chapter showed me that sports are not separate from racism they’re one of the places where it hides in plain sight.

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GTBL: How Do You Numerically Measure Good Teaching and Better Learning?

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GTBL: How Do You Numerically Measure Good Teaching and Better Learning?

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One way I think good teaching can be measured is by how well the students actually understand the material, not just how well they memorize it. A lot of times, teachers focus so much on grades or test scores, but that doesn’t always reflect whether the student actually learned something meaningful. For me, better learning shows up when I can apply what I learned to my real life, when I remember it after class is over. I would give a teacher a higher score if they made the class feel interactive, encouraged different opinions, and explained things in a way that clicked for different learning styles. Sometimes, it’s not even about how much you say but how you say it tone, patience, and being open-minded go a long way. I’d also say that when students feel comfortable asking questions without fear, that’s a major sign that good teaching is happening. So to me, a numerical measurement of good teaching could come from anonymous student surveys, but those surveys would have to go deeper than just “was the class hard or easy.”

Another way to measure better learning is by giving students chances to show what they’ve learned in creative or personal ways. Not everyone shows their intelligence through tests some students learn more through discussions, projects, or writing. If I was designing a way to rate learning, I’d include how often students feel challenged but still supported. I’d want to know how many students felt like the class changed their thinking or helped them grow. I’d also measure how many students feel like they can use the class material outside of school, because that means the learning stuck. Good teaching doesn’t always mean strict structure sometimes it’s about flexibility, care, and connection. So for me, numbers can be useful, but only if they reflect the full picture, including student voices and long-term impact.

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When I think about ascribed statuses, I think of the things we’re born into without any choice. For example, I would list my race, age, and sex assigned at birth as ascribed statuses because I didn’t do anything to earn or choose those. They shape how people see me before I even open my mouth. On the other hand, achieved statuses are things we work for or choose over time. I’d say being a student, having a job, and being a friend are three of my achieved statuses. These reflect effort, time, and decisions I’ve made, and they hold responsibilities that I’ve had to grow into. I think people forget how much power our achieved statuses can have when it comes to shaping our lives sometimes more than the ones we were born into.

If I had to describe the role connected to my status as a student, it would include showing up to class, turning in assignments, paying attention, and participating when I can. But honestly, the role of a student also comes with a lot of unspoken pressure like managing time, staying motivated, and dealing with stress that comes from school and life. Society has expectations for students that don’t always match reality, especially for people juggling school with work, family, or other responsibilities. The more I think about it, the more I see how roles are socially constructed too. Just because you have a title like “student” doesn’t mean your experience looks like everyone else’s. And sometimes, people judge you unfairly based on those roles without understanding the whole story. That’s why I think it’s important to understand both statuses and roles  because they show how society gives us labels but also how we push back and define ourselves.

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Conformity: Influenced by Authority or Group

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Conformity: Influenced by Authority or Group

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One moment that stands out where I felt influenced by authority was back in high school. There was this teacher who had a reputation for being strict, and a lot of students would just agree with whatever she said to avoid conflict. I remember one time she said something about a historical event that didn’t sit right with me, but I kept quiet because everyone else nodded along. Looking back, I felt pressured not to speak up because I didn’t want to be singled out or cause tension. That’s conformity staying silent or going along with the group to avoid standing out. It didn’t feel like a big deal at the time, but now I realize that’s how harmful ideas sometimes go unchallenged. Authority doesn’t always have to threaten you sometimes their presence alone is enough to shape how you act.

I’ve also experienced group conformity in social settings, especially when I was younger. I’d go along with what my friends wanted to do, even if I didn’t fully agree, just because I didn’t want to be “the difficult one.” Whether it was the music we listened to or how we talked about certain topics, I sometimes played along to avoid being left out. It’s easy to lose track of what you really believe when you’re always trying to keep the peace or avoid judgment. This made me realize how powerful group dynamics can be especially when you care about fitting in. I’ve learned that conformity isn’t always bad, but it can stop you from being honest with yourself or others. Standing out takes courage, especially when the group doesn’t make space for difference.

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Clothes: List of 10 Items, Country Origins, and Reflection

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Clothes: List of 10 Items, Country Origins, and Reflection

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Here are ten clothing items I wear regularly, along with where they were made:

1. Nike hoodie – Made in Vietnam

2. Levi’s jeans – Made in Mexico

3. Hanes t-shirt – Made in Honduras

4. Adidas socks – Made in Turkey

5. Champion sweatpants – Made in Cambodia

6. Old Navy tank top – Made in Bangladesh

7. Converse sneakers – Made in Indonesia

8. H&M dress – Made in India

9. North Face jacket – Made in China

10. Target pajama pants – Made in El Salvador

When I really looked at the tags, I was surprised to see how global my closet is. Most of what I wear was made in countries I don’t think about day to day, but people there are working hard under conditions I probably wouldn’t be okay with if I saw them firsthand. It made me think about how clothing companies look for the cheapest labor possible and how that shapes what we wear in the U.S. Every item reflects a global chain of production that’s often invisible unless you slow down and look. I started wondering about who made my clothes, how they were treated, and how much they got paid. This really connects to the idea of class and inequality even something as small as my socks is tied to bigger systems of labor and power. It also made me think about how little consumers know or question about where our stuff really comes from.

This exercise also made me reflect on how disconnected we are from the labor that makes our everyday lives possible. It’s easy to feel like our choices don’t matter when everything is so global and out of sight. But realizing how many people are part of making even one outfit possible made me feel differently. A lot of the workers in these countries are working long hours with low pay, often in unsafe environments, just to keep up with the demand for cheap clothes. It’s wild to think that I’m wearing something that might’ve taken someone hours to sew for just a couple dollars. This is also tied to race and class  the global south is overwhelmingly people of color, and the exploitation happening there is part of a bigger history of colonization and global inequality. It made me want to be more mindful of how I shop and to not ignore the systems behind my comfort. Even though I can’t change how clothes are made, I can at least be more conscious and informed.

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I visited a local coffee shop for 30 minutes and quietly observed everything happening around me without trying to stand out. The first thing I noticed was how calm and slow the energy was, even though the shop was full. The majority of the customers were casually dressed, working on laptops or talking with friends, which gave the whole space a relaxed but productive vibe. Most of the people in the shop were white, and I didn’t see many people of color, which made me think about how class and race shape who feels comfortable in certain spaces. I also noticed that a lot of the customers ordered expensive drinks without looking at the prices, which told me they probably had the kind of financial security that allows for that. The employees were mostly younger, racially diverse, and moved quickly behind the counter, almost like they were trained to smile and make the customer feel important no matter what. There was definitely a class divide between the workers and the customers, even if it wasn’t being said out loud. It reminded me of how something simple like coffee can hold a lot of meaning depending on how it’s served, who’s drinking it, and what the space around it looks like.

The way the shop was set up also said a lot about class. There were long wooden tables meant for community, but most people were sitting alone with headphones, which made it feel less about connection and more about individual productivity. I watched a woman in business clothes talk loudly on the phone about a work meeting while a barista quietly swept near her without being acknowledged. That moment made me think about how invisible service workers can become, even though they’re the ones keeping everything running. The prices were also a quiet form of exclusion $6 for a basic drink isn’t affordable for everyone, and that shapes who can regularly be part of this space. I thought about how this ties into JCB’s Chapter where coffee is more than just a drink; it becomes a marker of lifestyle, class, and even identity. It’s not just about the caffeine it’s about what it means to “belong” in places like this, and who gets left out of that picture. In just thirty minutes, I saw how a coffee shop isn’t neutral; it’s shaped by race, class, power, and unspoken rules. This exercise made me realize how much you can learn about a society by watching how people act in ordinary places.

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1. What race are you?

I identify as Black.

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

I know because that’s how I’ve always been identified by my family, my community, and by society. I also see how I’m treated in certain spaces, and that treatment lines up with how Black people are typically perceived in the U.S. It’s not just about skin color it’s about the history, the culture, and the experiences that come with it.

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 about my race at a young age, mostly through my family and school. I remember being told that I’d have to work harder, that people might not see me the same way, and that I should be proud of who I am. Some of the early messages were both empowering and frustrating it was like being told I was special, but also being warned that others might not see me that way. I learned early on that race could affect how I’m treated, whether it’s by teachers, strangers, or people in authority.

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

Honestly, I tend to go by how people identify themselves, if I know them. But if I don’t, I might look at features like skin tone, hair, or how they speak and dress basically the social cues we’ve been taught to notice. For example, if someone has darker skin and certain facial features, I might assume they’re Black or Afro-Latinx. But I also try to not make assumptions because people’s backgrounds are way more complex than what we see.

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

Most people assume I’m Black right away. I’ve had people call me “strong” or “loud” just because of that, without knowing anything about me. Sometimes it feels like people already have a story about who I am based only on my race. I’ve also been followed around in stores or spoken to in a different tone, and I know that has to do with how I’m racially perceived. It’s like my race walks into the room before I even say a word.

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What is race?  What does it mean to say that race is socially constructed? 

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What is race?  What does it mean to say that race is socially constructed? 

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What is race?

Race is a way that people are grouped together based on physical features like skin color, facial features, or hair texture. But it’s not something that’s based in biology it’s more about how society decides to separate people. Race is used to create categories that often lead to unequal treatment, stereotypes, and discrimination. People don’t choose their race it’s something that’s placed on them by the outside world, based on how they look or where they’re from. Even though race isn’t real in a scientific sense, it feels very real in people’s everyday lives because it affects how they’re treated. Race shapes how we’re seen, how we move through the world, and what kind of access we have to opportunities and resources.

What does it mean to say that race is socially constructed?

Saying that race is socially constructed means that it’s not something people are born knowing it’s something that society has made up and taught over time. The idea of race was created to justify systems like slavery, colonization, and inequality. It’s a way to give power and privilege to one group while taking it away from others. Over time, people have been taught to see race as real and natural, even though it’s not based on science. We’re trained to notice race, judge others by it, and even judge ourselves through it. So when we say it’s socially constructed, we mean that race is an idea people created, not a biological truth but it still has serious impacts because of how deeply it’s built into society.

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(JCB) Chapter 12: Music/Racism and Cultural Appropriation

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(JCB) Chapter 12: Music/Racism and Cultural Appropriation

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This chapter opened my eyes to how deeply racism shows up in music, especially through cultural appropriation. It made me think about how Black artists have created so many of the most important music genres in the U.S., yet they are often not the ones who profit the most. The way the music industry treats Black creativity as something to be copied or repackaged by white artists shows how racism isn’t always loud sometimes it’s just about who gets the credit, the platform, and the money. Even when white artists are “inspired” by Black music, they often erase the origin of that sound or ignore the struggle that birthed it. That erasure isn’t accidental it’s profitable. This chapter helped me understand how cultural appropriation is about power and access, not just copying. It reminded me that representation without respect is just another way racism evolves.

The examples in this chapter made me reflect on how normalized appropriation has become in pop culture. From fashion to slang to sound, Black culture gets picked apart and remixed without any context. When Black artists express themselves, they’re often labeled as “too urban” or “aggressive,” but when white artists do the same thing, it’s seen as edgy or cool. That double standard reinforces the idea that Blackness is only acceptable when filtered through whiteness. It also shows how the system makes it harder for Black artists to control their own stories and work. Even though there have been more conversations about this issue in recent years, the industry still rewards those who steal more than those who create. Reading this chapter made me more critical of what I listen to and how I think about where music comes from. It also made me more protective of the culture that gets exploited but rarely respected.

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Reading Showing My Color by Page gave me a personal view of what it feels like to grow up in a world where race always shapes how you’re seen and treated. What stood out most was how Page had to navigate both white spaces and Black spaces, but never felt fully safe in either. This made me think about how exhausting it is to constantly adjust who you are just to avoid being targeted or misunderstood. The reading made it clear that racism isn’t always about hate it’s about assumptions, erasure, and never being allowed to just exist without explanation. Page’s experiences reminded me of moments when I’ve had to defend my identity or explain my background to people who just didn’t get it. That pressure to “represent” or “speak for” a whole race is unfair, but so many people deal with it every day. It’s also exhausting to carry that weight while trying to live your own life.

What I also appreciated about this reading was how Page talked about finding power in their Blackness, even when the world tried to make them feel ashamed of it. There’s a certain type of strength that comes from knowing who you are despite what others expect you to be. But at the same time, the pain and isolation that came with constantly having to code-switch or deal with microaggressions was so real. The reading highlighted how racism is not just a system but also an emotional and psychological experience that wears people down. I kept thinking about how many young Black kids go through similar struggles without even having the language to describe what they’re feeling. This reading didn’t just explain racism it made me feel the human side of it. That’s what made it powerful. It pushed me to think more deeply about how identity is shaped and how racism teaches people to feel out of place in their own skin.

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(H) Ezekiel, “The Racist Mind” (pp. 369–375)

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(H) Ezekiel, “The Racist Mind” (pp. 369–375)

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Reading The Racist Mind by Ezekiel gave me a disturbing but necessary look into how deeply rooted and intentional white supremacist thinking can be. What struck me most was how organized and logical these people believe their racism is they treat hate like a belief system with rules, history, and goals. This reading helped me understand that racism isn’t always emotional or ignorant. Sometimes it’s strategic and taught, passed down like a tradition. That realization was scary, especially thinking about how easily those ideas can spread when people feel angry or powerless. Ezekiel also showed how these groups give people a sense of belonging through shared hate, which made me think about how dangerous it is when people turn to racism as a way to feel important. The reading made it clear that white supremacy is not just about individuals it’s a network, a culture, and a mission that people actively choose to be a part of.

At the same time, The Racist Mind challenged me to think about what makes people vulnerable to these ideas in the first place. Many of the men Ezekiel interviewed were looking for answers, power, and identity and white supremacy gave them a false sense of control. It made me think about how dangerous it is when society doesn’t provide people with healthy ways to process pain, fear, or insecurity. The reading also made me reflect on how racism isn’t just about outward actions it’s also about the stories people tell themselves to justify cruelty. What scared me most was how normalized their thinking became inside those groups, almost like being in a cult. It’s a reminder that we have to take racist ideologies seriously and not just brush them off as ignorance. Overall, this reading reminded me that fighting racism means understanding how it works, how it grows, and why people commit to it. You can’t break down a system you don’t fully understand, and The Racist Mind helped me see just how complex and dangerous that system is.

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(JCB) Chapter 7: Toys/Gender, Sex and Sexuality

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(JCB) Chapter 7: Toys/Gender, Sex and Sexuality

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Reading this chapter really made me think about how deeply toys shape the way kids learn about gender roles without even realizing it. I never paid attention before to how simple things like dolls, trucks, or action figures are used to push kids into very specific ideas of what boys and girls “should” be like. What stood out to me was how toy companies market products to reinforce stereotypes instead of challenging them. It’s frustrating because a lot of parents don’t see the harm in it, but those early lessons stick with people for life. I also thought about my own childhood and how toys influenced how I saw myself and what I thought I could or couldn’t do. It’s clear now that toys are a big part of how society polices masculinity and femininity from an early age. The most eye-opening part was realizing how profit is tied into all this gendered marketing makes companies money, so there’s no push to break those patterns.

Another point that stuck with me was how gender, sex, and sexuality are often thrown together as if they’re the same thing, when they’re not. This chapter explained that sex is about biology, gender is about identity and expression, and sexuality is about who you’re attracted to and all three are heavily shaped by social expectations. It made me think about how early kids pick up on rules about how to “act right” for their gender, and how that impacts their sense of self. I thought about how hard it is for kids who don’t fit into those boxes to feel safe being themselves. This connects to bigger conversations about intersectionality too — race, class, and culture affect how gender norms show up. One big takeaway for me is that it’s not enough to just say “toys don’t matter.” They do matter, because they’re one of the first tools used to teach kids what society expects from them. It made me want to pay more attention to how everyday things quietly shape how we think about gender and sexuality.

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(JCB) Chapter 11: Beauty/Ideology and Intersectionality

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(JCB) Chapter 11: Beauty/Ideology and Intersectionality

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Reading this chapter about beauty really made me realize how much the idea of “being beautiful” is actually controlled by society and big industries. It was frustrating to see how beauty standards are not just about personal preference but about power, money, and control. Companies profit from making people, especially women, feel like they’re never enough so they keep buying products to fix themselves. The part that hit me was how beauty standards are also tied to race, class, and other identities, not just gender. For example, Eurocentric beauty ideals have been pushed as the “norm,” which makes so many people feel excluded or pressured to change themselves to fit in. I thought about how beauty expectations show up everywhere from magazines to social media to job interviews. It really proves that beauty isn’t just about looking good, it’s about fitting into an ideology that keeps certain people in power and others chasing after acceptance.

What I also found interesting was how intersectionality explains why some people feel even more pressure than others. A rich white woman might feel stressed about looking young, but a Black woman, for example, might also deal with pressure to straighten her hair or lighten her skin to look more “acceptable.” The chapter made me think about my own life and how I’ve judged myself or others without realizing these beauty rules were planted in my head. It also made me angry how much time, money, and energy people spend trying to meet standards they didn’t even choose. It reminded me that these ideals are not natural they’re taught and enforced by ads, media, and peer pressure. One big takeaway for me is that real beauty should be about self-acceptance and respect for different bodies, not a single mold that everybody’s supposed to squeeze into. This chapter really opened my eyes to how fighting unrealistic beauty standards is actually fighting an entire system that profits off our insecurities.

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Reading Henslin’s piece about how boys learn to “become male” really made me think about how much of masculinity is taught and not just automatic. It was eye-opening to see how little boys are trained early on to hide emotions, act tough, and prove themselves to other boys. What hit me most is how this teaching comes from everywhere family, school, media, and even other kids on the playground. I thought about how young boys learn that crying or showing fear is seen as weak, so they bottle it up and then carry that into adulthood. I see how that shows up today when men struggle to talk about feelings or don’t feel safe being vulnerable. The part about teasing and name-calling made me think about how it forces boys to “man up” out of fear of being picked on. It makes me wonder how different things would be if kids were taught that it’s okay to feel and express emotions honestly, no matter their gender.

This reading also made me reflect on how masculinity hurts boys too, not just girls or society in general. When boys have to prove their toughness, they sometimes do things that are risky or hurtful just to fit in. I thought about how peer pressure plays a huge role in shaping these behaviors and how it can lead to fights, bullying, or even dangerous stunts. The part that stood out was how boys are encouraged to see girls as conquests or proof of their manhood, which affects how they view relationships later on. It makes me wonder what healthy masculinity would look like if society didn’t shove all these rigid rules onto boys from such a young age. I feel like more people need to read things like this so they understand how deep the training goes. It’s not just about being “born a boy” it’s about what boys are taught they have to be. Reading this makes me want to challenge how we talk to young boys in my own family and remind them it’s okay to be soft sometimes too.

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Reading Eder’s section about how girls learn to “become female” made me think a lot about how early girls get taught to care so much about what others think. It surprised me how much pressure there is on girls to be nice, quiet, pretty, and liked by boys even when they’re young. One part that stuck with me was how boys get praised for being loud or showing off, but girls get told to be sweet or “ladylike.” I realized how this double standard affects how girls see themselves and compete with each other for attention instead of supporting each other. It made me think about school too, and how popularity often depends on looks and whether boys like you. I remember seeing that in my own school days how girls who didn’t fit a certain look or didn’t play along with the flirting games were often left out. It makes me sad how normal it is for girls to feel like they have to be perfect to be worthy.

This reading also opened my eyes to how girls learn early on to judge themselves and each other through a boy’s perspective. The idea that girls’ social status depends on boys’ opinions was really frustrating to read, but it made sense looking back. It also explains why so many women still struggle with feeling good enough, because that mindset starts so young. I thought it was interesting how Eder pointed out the way teachers and schools sometimes help push these ideas without meaning to. Even small things like dress codes and how girls get told to “cover up” send messages about how their bodies are viewed. It makes me think that changing how girls grow up has to start with adults paying more attention to the signals we send. After reading this, I feel like it’s even more important to teach girls that their value isn’t tied to who finds them pretty or likable. If more people understood this, maybe girls would feel freer to just be themselves.

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(H) 180–191: Thorne & Luria, Sexuality and Gender

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(H) 180–191: Thorne & Luria, Sexuality and Gender

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Reading Thorne and Luria’s section on sexuality and gender really showed me how deeply connected those two things are in everyday life. What stood out the most was how kids learn to separate “girl things” and “boy things” so early on, and how this separation shapes what they think is normal. I noticed how even small stuff like who sits with who at lunch or how kids line up for recess reinforces the idea that boys and girls are so different. It made me think about how I grew up and how many unspoken rules there were about acting “girly” or “boyish.” Another thing that made me pause was how kids who didn’t fit into these gender boxes were often teased or left out. This reading made me realize that kids pick up on these lessons by watching each other as much as they do from adults. It’s wild to think that even playground games can teach kids about what’s “okay” for boys and girls when it comes to gender and even future sexuality.

I also thought it was really interesting how Thorne and Luria talked about how early ideas of sexuality show up in innocent ways, like teasing or jokes about “crushes.” It shows that kids learn fast that liking someone is supposed to look a certain way. It frustrated me how these ideas can lock people into boxes about what they’re “supposed” to like or how they should act. The reading reminded me that schools and families have the power to change this by letting kids know it’s okay to just be themselves. One takeaway I got was how important it is to create safe spaces for kids to ask questions about gender and sexuality without shame. If kids learn early on that there’s no “right” way to be a boy or a girl, maybe they’d feel freer growing up. After reading this, I feel more aware of how small interactions shape big ideas about identity. It really pushed me to think about how these messages show up everywhere, even when nobody says them out loud.

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(H) 192–198: Tannen, But What Do You Mean?

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(H) 192–198: Tannen, But What Do You Mean?

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Reading Tannen’s piece really made me think about how men and women communicate so differently without even realizing it. One thing that stood out was how women are often expected to soften what they say, while men can be more direct without it being taken the wrong way. It reminded me of times when I felt like I had to add “just” or “sorry” in emails so I wouldn’t come off as rude. Tannen explains how these little differences can create misunderstandings, especially at work or in relationships. It made me think about how often people especially women have to choose their words carefully just to be heard the right way. I never really noticed how much extra effort goes into changing your tone to match what people expect from your gender. This reading opened my eyes to how much power language holds and how unfair it can be when it works differently for different people.

Another thing that really hit me was how people can get offended when they don’t understand where someone else is coming from. Tannen points out that men might see directness as strength while women might see indirectness as respect and vice versa. This explains so many arguments that happen when someone thinks the other person is being rude or dismissive. I think my biggest takeaway is that everyone needs to slow down and listen for what the other person means instead of just the words they say. It also made me reflect on how I talk to people in my own life, and whether I’m clear or just hoping they’ll pick up the message. Knowing this makes me want to be more patient and pay closer attention to what people are trying to say. Communication really does go deeper than words it’s about understanding the person behind them.

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(H) 341–348: Katz, The Importance of Being Beautiful

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(H) 341–348: Katz, The Importance of Being Beautiful

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Reading Katz’s piece made me see how deep our society’s obsession with beauty really goes. One thing that really stood out was how being attractive can literally change how people treat you in everyday life. It’s unfair, but it happens so often that most people don’t even question it anymore. Katz talks about how beauty can open doors or close them, and I see that all the time with celebrities or influencers who get opportunities mostly because of how they look. It made me wonder how many people are overlooked or not taken seriously just because they don’t fit a certain standard. I also thought about how much money and time people spend trying to live up to beauty ideals that aren’t even realistic. This reading really pushed me to think about how I see myself and others, and how much looks shouldn’t decide someone’s worth.

Another thing that struck me was how beauty standards connect to gender, race, and power. Katz mentions how women especially feel pressured to look a certain way to be seen as valuable or professional. I thought about how this affects self-esteem and mental health, and how so many people hide parts of themselves to fit in. The reading also showed me how these ideas of “beautiful” aren’t just about preference they’re built by media, ads, and history. I realized that people with privilege can ignore these pressures more easily, while others feel stuck trying to keep up. My biggest takeaway is that beauty isn’t just personal it’s political, because it decides who gets respect and who doesn’t. If I explained this to someone, I’d say we need to stop letting looks hold so much power over our lives and value what’s deeper.

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(H) 518–534: Miller, Women in the Military

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(H) 518–534: Miller, Women in the Military

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Reading Miller’s section about women in the military made me think about how much progress has been made and how far we still have to go. It shocked me how many barriers women still face just to serve their country on equal footing with men. I knew there were double standards, but Miller’s examples made it real like how women’s abilities are often questioned even when they prove themselves again and again. What also stood out was the tension between wanting to serve and dealing with discrimination or harassment that men don’t have to face the same way. This reminded me of other fields where women have to be “twice as good” to be seen as equal. The reading made me feel frustrated that people’s biases can hold so much power, even in life-and-death jobs. It pushed me to appreciate the women who push through anyway, despite the cost.

Something else I noticed was how women in the military often carry extra burdens outside of combat. Miller talks about expectations around femininity and family roles, which means women soldiers have to fight stereotypes both on and off duty. It made me think about intersectionality and how being a woman, and often a woman of color, layers on even more challenges. I was also surprised by how some policies look equal on paper but don’t play out fairly in real life. This shows that change isn’t just about making new rules but changing people’s attitudes too. My biggest takeaway is that representation alone isn’t enough we need to make sure women are safe, respected, and given the same chance to lead. If I shared this with someone, I’d tell them we should honor women’s sacrifices the same way we do men’s, without forcing them to prove themselves over and over again.

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Required Entry: JCB p. 207 Toy Store Observation

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Required Entry: JCB p. 207 Toy Store Observation

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This week, I went to toy store just to really look at how the toys were separated and sold to kids. The first thing I noticed was how the boys’ section and the girls’ section were on totally opposite sides of the store. The “girls” side was covered in pink, glitter, and dolls with all kinds of makeup kits, play kitchens, and baby strollers. Meanwhile, the “boys” aisle was full of action figures, cars, trucks, Nerf guns, and building sets in darker colors like blue, red, and black. What stood out to me was how obvious it was that each aisle was teaching kids what they should be interested in based on gender. I watched a mom steer her daughter back to the “girl” aisle when she started looking at a big Lego set on the “boy” side. It made me think about how kids don’t just pick toys adults guide them to stay in these boxes.

Another thing that caught my attention was how the packaging and slogans were designed to keep these roles in place. The “girls” toys talked about beauty, friendship, and caring for babies or pets, while the “boys” toys used words like power, adventure, and battle. There were hardly any toys in the girls’ section that focused on building or science, which bothered me because it shows how early these limits are set. I thought about how this connects to the reading’s point about gender socialization kids learn what’s expected of them before they even realize it. Seeing parents and grandparents picking out these toys made me wonder how many of them even notice they’re doing it. I felt like the whole store was silently telling kids who they should be when they grow up. This observation really made me see how something as simple as a toy aisle is actually part of a bigger system that keeps gender roles in place.

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Required Entry: JCB p. 330 Counting Beauty

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Required Entry: JCB p. 330 Counting Beauty

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For my mini content analysis, I decided to scroll through the current front pages and trending sections of two big fashion websites: Vogue and GQ. I made sure to look at 50 different images of people, counting cover shots, editorial spreads, and featured ads. Out of the 50 people, I noticed that 35 were women and only 15 were men, showing how beauty is still mainly tied to women’s appearances. When I looked closer at race and ethnicity, I counted about 38 white models, 5 Black models, 3 East Asian models, 3 Latino models, and 1 South Asian model. Not a single model had visible body fat every person had a slim or “toned” body type that matched the typical Western beauty ideal. It struck me that even when non-white models were included, they often still fit the same thin, Eurocentric features. Doing this really showed me how narrow and repetitive mainstream beauty images are, and who gets left out.

What surprised me was how subtle these patterns can be when you’re just flipping through pictures casually. But once I started counting, I couldn’t unsee the dominance of white, thin, mostly light-skinned people, especially women. It made me think about how this ties into the idea of beauty standards as a form of social control that shapes what we believe is desirable or acceptable. It’s clear that the industry sells a very limited image of who gets to be seen as beautiful, which keeps feeding into insecurities and pressures to look a certain way. It also made me wonder how much this influences young people, especially girls of color who don’t see themselves reflected. This content analysis proved to me how media helps maintain ideas about gender, race, and even class through who is shown and who isn’t. Overall, it reminded me that beauty standards are not just about looks, but about power and exclusion too.

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Mandatory Post:  How I’ve Been Socialized Into My Gender

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Mandatory Post:  How I’ve Been Socialized Into My Gender

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When I was younger, I noticed early on that people treated me differently based on my gender. For example, my family and teachers often encouraged me to play with dolls and do activities that were seen as “girly,” while steering me away from things like roughhousing or playing with trucks, which were labeled as “boy” stuff. I remember being praised when I acted caring or gentle but sometimes getting corrected if I was too loud or assertive. These experiences taught me what it meant to be a girl without anyone explicitly saying it they were just little rules I learned to follow. Over time, I started understanding that being a girl meant fitting into certain behaviors and interests, which shaped how I acted around others. This process wasn’t just about what I liked but about how I was expected to behave in social settings. It showed me that gender is more about social expectations than just biology.

Looking back, I realize that these lessons about gender were reinforced everywhere in my family, at school, and even on TV. I was socialized to be polite, nurturing, and to care about how I looked, which are traits often associated with femininity. I also noticed that boys were given more freedom to be loud or take up space, while I was expected to be more reserved. This kind of socialization taught me early on to watch how I expressed myself and to fit into a specific gender role. It wasn’t always easy because sometimes I wanted to do things outside those limits, but I learned to adjust to what people expected. Now I understand that gender is a social category that shapes a lot of how we interact with the world, and that socialization plays a huge role in creating those categories. Knowing this helps me think more critically about gender and how it influences people’s lives.

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(JCB) Chapter 8: White Wedding/Marriage and the Family

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(JCB) Chapter 8: White Wedding/Marriage and the Family

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Reading White Wedding/Marriage and the Family made me really think about how much pressure there is in our society to treat weddings like this ultimate goal or prize, especially for women. It stood out to me how weddings have turned into this huge performance that’s supposed to prove love, success, and social status all at once. It makes me wonder how much of what we think about love and marriage actually comes from genuine feelings, and how much is just society pushing us to follow a script that makes certain industries rich. I noticed how the reading showed that the “white wedding” isn’t just about a dress and a cake it’s really about reinforcing certain ideas about gender roles and what a “proper” family looks like. It made me uncomfortable to realize how often people judge women, especially, for not getting married by a certain age or for not having a big traditional wedding. If I was talking to someone about this, I’d probably ask them to think about how many choices we make about love and marriage because we really want them, and how many we do because we’re scared to break tradition. This reading really opened my eyes to the ways a wedding can say more about what society wants from us than what we actually want for ourselves.

Reading this made me think about how I’ve seen weddings and families in my own life. I grew up seeing big weddings on TV and social media, and it made me feel like if I ever get married, it has to look a certain way. But the truth is, I know families that don’t look like that at all single moms, blended families, people who don’t want to get married at all. This idea that marriage automatically means stability is clearly false. I feel like this chapter shows how weddings can distract people from real relationship problems, because they’re so busy trying to make it “look right” for other people instead of themselves. Now, I think more about what actually makes a family strong love, communication, and support instead of the perfect wedding photo.

I added this YouTube video because it questions whether soulmates are real, which connects to how the ‘white wedding’ myth pushes the idea that there’s one perfect person for everyone. JCB shows how this idea is shaped by the wedding industry, not just personal belief.

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Faut-il croire en l'âme soeur ? Chit Chat Makeup

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The American Family pushed me to look at the idea of family in a different way, too. What I appreciated most is how it breaks down the myth that there’s one perfect, timeless model of the American family. So many people act like the 1950s nuclear family is the standard we should all want, but the reading shows that it was really just one moment in history and honestly, it wasn’t even that perfect for everyone. Families have always changed and adapted based on the economy, war, social movements, and culture shifts. It makes me think about how damaging it can be when people shame other family structures, like single parents or extended families living together. Coontz shows that there’s no single “right” way to build a family people do what they can to survive and love each other with what they have. If I talked to someone about this reading, I’d bring up how important it is to push back when people act like families are “falling apart” today, because in reality families have always evolved. This makes me feel more grateful for the flexibility and resilience that so many families show, especially those who don’t fit the mainstream mold but still find ways to take care of each other. This actually reminds me of the show “The Goode Family”, where a vegan family lives naturally in a community that’s really different from them. Even though they don’t fit the “mainstream” family mold, they still find ways to care for each other and navigate people’s judgments which connects exactly to what Coontz explains about how real families survive in unique ways.

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Required entry: JCB p. 243 Wedding dreams 

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Required entry: JCB p. 243 Wedding dreams 

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I can honestly say I’ve never really fantasized about my future wedding, at least not in the way people usually expect. When I was a little girl, I did imagine wearing a big white dress and having all my family watching me walk down the aisle, but the older I got, the more that dream faded into the background. I think the more I experienced relationships, the clearer it became that the fairy tale I grew up seeing in movies and TV shows was just that a fairy tale. Real life taught me that putting a man at the center of my dreams doesn’t guarantee anything, especially not happiness or stability. I’ve seen too many women build their entire identity around a man and a wedding, only to feel empty when reality didn’t match the fantasy. The “white wedding dream” just doesn’t speak to me anymore because it feels more like a performance than a real marker of love or success. I’d rather put my energy into building something real for myself, with or without a wedding attached to it.

I also think class, race, gender, and even my socialization play big roles in why I don’t see a wedding as a goal. As a Black woman, I see how our communities are constantly fed this idea that marriage will fix everything, from financial struggles to social status, and I just don’t buy that anymore. I know weddings are expensive too, and a lot of times they feel like a way to show people you’ve “made it,” even if you’re starting your marriage in debt. There’s also the fact that in our culture, women are still taught that our worth is tied to whether or not a man chooses us, and that’s something I refuse to accept. I want my life to revolve around my own goals, my healing, my community, and my purpose, not just a man and a ring. When I think about my future, I picture peace, freedom, and building wealth not necessarily a big ceremony with flowers and vows. Maybe one day I’ll get married if it makes sense for my life, but it will never be the dream I build my whole self around.

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Henslin, Eating Your Friends is the Hardest (277–286)

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Henslin, Eating Your Friends is the Hardest (277–286)

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When I read Eating Your Friends is the Hardest, it made me think deeply about how far people will go to survive. Cannibalism feels horrifying because it crosses a moral line most of us believe should never be crossed, but this story shows how context changes everything. The plane crash survivors didn’t act out of immorality they were trying to survive when all normal rules disappeared. It made me realize how quick we are to judge others without understanding the impossible situations they face. I kept wondering what I would do if I were starving in the mountains with no rescue coming. Would I be able to do what they did? This reading shows that deviance isn’t just crime or breaking rules it’s about the complicated space between right and wrong when society isn’t there to support you.

This reading also shows how many rules only make sense when life is stable and safe. When people are in desperate situations, judging their choices based on normal standards feels unfair. The media often turns these real tragedies into shocking stories for entertainment, ignoring the human experience behind them. It made me think about how strongly we hold onto ideas of purity and disgust, and how that shapes what we see as human versus monstrous. It makes me wonder about other “unthinkable” acts people have justified in desperate times throughout history. This piece pushes me to think critically about the thin line between deviance and necessity. Overall, it reminded me that humans will do extreme things to survive, and we shouldn’t be so quick to assume we would act differently.

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(H) Zimbardo: The Pathology of Imprisonment

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(H) Zimbardo: The Pathology of Imprisonment

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Reading about how prisons affect people made me realize how quickly the environment can change someone not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. The situation itself creates roles that push people toward cruelty or submission, even if they didn’t start out that way. It’s surprising how fast people can begin acting harshly when given power over others, and how those under control might either become passive or resist. This made me think about how real prisons might push people to lose their sense of self or become violent, which feels tragic because it takes away their humanity. It also made me question how society justifies harsh prison conditions in the name of order and punishment, even when these conditions cause serious psychological damage. This reading pushed me to see imprisonment as more than just a place, but as a system that actively shapes people in harmful ways. It made me wonder how much real change is possible when the environment itself encourages harmful behavior.

What stood out most is how easily the prison environment creates a cycle of harm that’s hard to escape. The line between “good” and “bad” behavior becomes unclear when people are placed in positions of power or vulnerability with little control over the situation. I realized prisons don’t just punish crime they create new problems like fear, aggression, and loss of identity that can follow people long after they leave. This challenges the idea that prisons make society safer, showing instead how they can increase violence and trauma. It also made me think about how important dignity and control are to people, and how those needs are often ignored or stripped away in these systems. This reading made me question how justice can truly be served without causing more suffering, and how we might need to rethink punishment and healing. Overall, it pushed me to see prisons as environments that deeply shape behavior and reminded me that real justice must consider the human cost.

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(H) 322–334: Rosenhan, On Being Sane in Insane Places

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(H) 322–334: Rosenhan, On Being Sane in Insane Places

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Reading about how easily people can be labeled “insane” really made me question how fragile our ideas of normal and abnormal really are. It showed me how someone who is completely fine can be treated like they’re broken just because they’re put in an environment that expects them to act a certain way. It made me think about how dangerous it is when systems have that much power to decide who fits in and who doesn’t. Once someone gets labeled, it’s almost impossible for them to prove they don’t belong in that box, no matter what they do. It’s scary to think that the system can turn an ordinary person into a permanent patient just by deciding they’re different. This reading really pushed me to think about how much trust people put in institutions to judge what’s “real” and what’s not, even though they can get it wrong. It made me wonder how many people out there have been stuck in places or roles they never should have been in just because of one label.

What stayed with me most is how these labels can strip away someone’s voice and control over their own life. Once a person is seen as “insane,” their actions and words get twisted to fit that label, no matter how normal they really are. It makes me think about how much people rely on others’ opinions to feel sane or accepted, and how fast that can be taken away. The reading made me see how easy it is for the world to forget that people behind these labels still have feelings, thoughts, and needs like everyone else. It really makes me question if society cares more about controlling what’s “normal” than actually helping people heal. It also made me wonder how much fear of being labeled keeps people silent about their struggles. Overall, it pushed me to see how important it is to question who gets to decide what sane even means and to remember that behind every label, there’s still a human being.

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(H) 470–480: Hunt, Police Accounts of Normal Force

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(H) 470–480: Hunt, Police Accounts of Normal Force

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Reading about how force gets used and accepted really made me think about how power works in everyday life. It made me see that what people call “normal force” is often just another way to control certain people and keep them in line. It surprised me how force can look normal when it’s explained away or justified by people who have authority. This made me question how much we accept certain actions just because they come from someone wearing a uniform or holding a title. It’s unsettling to think about how some communities experience force as a daily thing, while others rarely even see it up close. This reading pushed me to look at what people excuse as “just doing their job” and ask if it really keeps everyone safe. It made me wonder how much trust people lose when force is used so casually and how that shapes how people see authority.

What stuck with me most is how force can feel like safety for some and fear for others. The reading showed me how quick society is to defend certain actions without thinking about how they feel on the other side. It made me think about who gets protected and who pays the price for that protection. I couldn’t help but wonder if the idea of “normal force” is really just another way to avoid facing hard truths about power and control. It also made me reflect on how people learn to accept force as part of life instead of asking for change. I feel like this reading really pushed me to think about what safety really means and who gets to define it. Overall, it reminded me that what’s normal for some people can feel like violence for others, and we shouldn’t ignore that.

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Required entry: (Adapted from an assignment by Joyce Johnson)

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Required entry: (Adapted from an assignment by Joyce Johnson)

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Required Entry: Reflecting on Judging Others as “Weird” or “Crazy”

When I was at the grocery store last week, I caught myself thinking someone was “weird” when I saw a woman loudly singing to herself while picking out fruit. At first, I felt secondhand embarrassment because it just seemed so out of place compared to how people usually act when shopping. Most people move through the store quietly, maybe talking on the phone or to someone with them, but not just singing out loud for everyone to hear. I didn’t even realize there was an unspoken rule that says you’re supposed to stay calm and keep to yourself in that space until I saw her breaking it so openly. That rule is kind of invisible until someone crosses it. I think I judged her partly because she looked older and was by herself, so I assumed she might be unstable instead of just happy or carefree. If it had been a kid or a teenager doing the same thing, I probably would have thought it was funny or cute instead of labeling it “weird.”

Thinking about it now, there are times when singing to myself in public might feel normal too, like if I had headphones in and forgot where I was or if I was in a really good mood and didn’t care. In other places, like at a concert or even on the street with friends, singing isn’t weird at all it’s just the store setting that makes it stand out. The label “weird” made me judge her instead of wondering if maybe she was just enjoying her day in her own way. I noticed how fast calling someone “weird” can turn something harmless into something that makes other people uncomfortable for no real reason. It also made me think about how we’re taught to keep certain parts of ourselves hidden in public so we don’t stand out. If I ever did the same thing, I’d want people to see me as a person having a moment, not someone to avoid or side-eye. This made me realize how quick we are to put labels on people instead of just letting them be human.

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What Is Family?

When I think about what family really is, I don’t just see it as people you’re related to by blood it’s more about the people who show up for you and give you a sense of belonging. Family can be people who make you feel safe enough to be yourself, even when you’re not perfect. Sometimes family is the people you’re born into, but a lot of times it’s the people you choose along the way. For me, family is defined by trust, effort, and the way people hold each other up through good and bad. You can share a last name with someone and feel like strangers, or you can have no official tie and still feel closer than anything. I think family means having people who remind you that you don’t have to face everything alone, even if you argue or grow apart sometimes. At its best, family is where you learn love, forgiveness, and how to keep showing up for people you care about.

Family also comes with responsibility and sometimes conflict, which is why the word means something different to everyone. Some people feel trapped by family while others feel saved by it sometimes it’s both at the same time. I think what makes someone “family” is when you know deep down they want the best for you, even if they don’t always get it right. It’s about a bond that can’t easily be broken by distance, mistakes, or misunderstandings. I’ve learned that family isn’t always about living under the same roof or sharing the same background it’s about who makes you feel at home. I think the idea of family keeps changing as you grow because you realize you can build it, protect it, or even outgrow parts of it. In the end, family is less about who you’re tied to and more about who you can count on when you need it most.

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(H) 446-460: Gracey, Kindergarten as
Academic Boot Camp

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(H) 446-460: Gracey, Kindergarten as
Academic Boot Camp

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Reading about how kindergarten works like an academic boot camp made me see school in a way I hadn’t really thought about before. It showed me how early schools start shaping kids to follow rules, sit still, listen to authority, and move as a group things we might not question because they feel normal. I never really noticed how much school is about teaching kids to be “good” students and future workers, not just helping them learn facts. The reading made me realize that things like lining up, asking permission, and raising your hand aren’t just about learning manners they train kids to accept a certain kind of order. It made me wonder how much of education is really about controlling kids rather than encouraging real curiosity. This makes me think about how school is connected to politics too, because the system teaches kids to accept rules and routines without asking too many questions. It pushed me to think about who benefits when young people are trained to follow instead of lead.

What stood out to me most is how schooling connects to bigger ideas about who has power and whose voice matters. If kids are taught to just follow directions from a young age, it makes sense that later on they might not question unfair rules or speak up when they see something wrong even when voting or being part of politics. It’s like school trains people to stay in line, literally and mentally, so they don’t challenge the bigger system too much. I think that makes it easier for those in power to keep things the way they are. It also made me think about how this connects to who has access to better schools and who gets pushed into schools that care more about discipline than real learning. This reading made me question what real education should look like maybe it should be more about helping people think for themselves and feel brave enough to challenge unfair systems. Overall, it reminded me that education and politics are always connected, whether we notice it or not.