Sociology by Aiden Varley

Primary Groups (PART 1)

aidenv1115 — 2025-05-05 20:59:20 UTC

Primary Groups are people who are close to you who shape your identity and values. This picture is of my beautiful girlfriend and me on a movie date. Our relationship is emotionally deep and, of course, ongoing. Both are key factors in primary groups.

Symbols (PART 1)

aidenv1115 — 2025-05-05 21:10:42 UTC

This is a flag pole, which I bought on Mt. Fuji in Japan. I used this to hike the whole mountain, carrying the flag the whole way. The flag represents Japan and the culture it holds. It isn't clear in the picture, but on the side of the stick, there are press-on stamps that you could obtain as you climbed the MT. This symbolizes the journey of exploiting a foreign nation.

Culture Shock (PART 1)

aidenv1115 — 2025-05-05 21:19:03 UTC

Now this picture is not my own, but when I visited Japan, specifically Osaka, there were many sketchy things, including these used underwear vending machines. I have heard about things like this in Japan, but seeing them just there on a street corner like it was normal was a culture shock moment. This challenged my social norms, although most Japanese citizens would not consider this to be normal either.

Green Day Video/Deviance (PART 2)

aidenv1115 — 2025-05-05 21:30:58 UTC

Who made this: Green Day, a very popular band that often uses its punk rock roots to challenge authority.

Who does not benefit: Authority figures and pro-war politicians. As this band influences youth, their opinions and anti-war opinions can change public perception.

This could be rebellion and deviance as they are standing up to authority.

A Pointlessly Gendered Product: LEGO sets

aidenv1115 — 2025-05-05 21:35:56 UTC

Who is this for: These were made for kids in mind, and they appeal to both boys and girls, but tend to create certain themes for each instead of both.

Another way of thinking: Another way of viewing this is, why are toys gendered in general? What good does a girl's magazine vs boys do but create unnecessary division?

Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022): GENDER

aidenv1115 — 2025-05-05 21:50:19 UTC

This landmark Supreme Court decision reversed the constitutional right to abortion.

Who does this not benefit? This affects all women and those who may specifically need access to this care. Some would see this as an attack on women's rights and gender.

Who benefits? Those who benefit are mainly the pro-life movements, like religious organizations and many right-wing political movements.

Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, Minneapolis MN: Racism

aidenv1115 — 2025-05-05 21:58:28 UTC

This represents racism as George Floyd's death marked a huge racial protest and reform in police policy.

Who does not benefit: Racist systems and corrupt police institutions, and laws were all disrupted by this event, sparking a push for change and reform.

Another way of thinking about this tragic event is not just a murder and a death but a birth of new ideas and is start of real change. Unfortunately, it took many deaths to reach this, and I am sure many more.

SELF

aidenv1115 — 2025-05-05 22:02:01 UTC

This flag, which I have had in my room for many years now, is one of the first things many will see when walking in. It represents the self as it can tell you a lot about my personal beliefs just from what it says. Many will make correct assumptions and many wrong, but it is something I resonate with, so that is why it can represent me.

"This guy looks like he's up to no good or he's on drugs or something." - Prejudice

aidenv1115 — 2025-05-06 05:39:05 UTC

This comment was made by Zimmerman before confronting an unarmed black man, Trayvon. He jumped to assumptions and conclusions by saying he looks like he is on drugs. This comes from nothing but a cultural and social prejudice that is racist to its core.

Charismatic Leader

aidenv1115 — 2025-05-06 05:46:57 UTC

Now this is quite a silly thing I own, but it does make sense, I swear. This, of course, is a cardboard cutout of Dwayne The Rock Johnson. As a young kid, I grew up very overweight, and have always looked up to someone like The Rock physically. He, of course, is a fairly positive role model and plays the same charismatic guy in every movie. I keep this in my room as a daily reminder of what I am training for, and how far I have come, as this item is associated with a memory from my first gym from years ago as well.