Freaks and Geeks...

The pilot episode of the TV series Freaks and Geeks was very interesting. It was funny and relatable because it took place in high school and the characters were similar to typical teenagers. It was really cool for me to see that something so relatable to my life could demonstrate sociology so well. First of all, the groups in the school are so common in high school, so they are easily understood by teenagers like me. The geeks or the smart kids are functional in that they provide a refuge for each other if they don't fit in with their other peers. The group on the smoking patio is also functional because they can relate to each other if they maybe can't relate to their other peers. But, this group also has a dysfunction by pressuring Lindsay to smoke even though she knows it's wrong. The sociology of the group dynamics is easily understood by teenagers through these high school groups. I can relate because I would wear a certain style of clothes or do my hair a certain way to fit in with my peers in school. This group dynamic is dysfunctional because I might not necessarily express myself correctly. The second sociology idea is the conflict theory. The conflict is between who has power and who doesn't. In the show, Lindsay's counselor and parents have the power. They are only trying to make sure she leads a healthy lifestyle. Her parents have the power because they provide a home and food for her and her counselor holds punishment over her. But, when Lindsay doesn't agree with them, conflict arises. I can also relate to this because I don't always agree with my parents, but I have to follow their orders because they provide a home, food and clothes for me. But, I accept their orders and control over me because I know that they are only trying to help me. Lastly, there is symbolic interaction. The big symbol in the show is Lindsay's army jacket. Everyone notices that she is wearing it, even her brother. It represents her self expression and her rebellion. It also shows that she is questioning who she is as a person. I personally don't question myself and rebel through my clothes, but I know many people who do. I express myself through my independence and self confidence. Overall, these three perspectives are three different ways to have a sociological imagination.

Outliers...

Reading the excerpt from Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell was very interesting, and it made me think, a lot. First of all, it is so unique and interesting that the Rosetans were so healthy just because of their surroundings and their history. I always thought that people are who they are because that was just how they were born. But, this excerpt made me realize that that's not true. People are who they are because of where the live, when they live, who they live with, and how they lead their life. This is the idea of sociological imagination. This is how the Rosetans stayed so healthy; their health was "in terms of a place". You have to "look beyond the individual" and realize that one's culture, community, values, and people surrounding them have an affect on who they are. In the excerpt, a sociologist named John Bruhn went to Roseto to do studies to investigate this medical mystery. This supports the fact that sociologists do studies to gain support for their claims. Finally, this completely changes my view of other people, myself, and health in general. I'm now more aware of why certain areas of people are more likely to have certain diseases or conditions or not have anything wrong with them, health-wise. I think that my sociological imagination tells me that I am me because of my family and friends. My family and friends are huge parts of my life, so I think that they shape and contribute to the person I am. They give me my values and shape my personality. Also, I think that living in a suburb of a big city makes me less sheltered because I visit the city often and see many different things that you don't normally see in the suburbs. This informs me more about what life is like in other areas. I also am privileged enough to travel because of my family's place in social structure, so that allows me to see more of what life is like in different parts of the world. This overall makes me a more cultured and learned person.

Who am I?

Hi! I'm Rachel, I'm 17 years old, and I'm a senior in high school. I have many interests and favorite things that shape the person I am. My favorite food is strawberries; I also love reese's peanut butter cups. My favorite color is purple, and my favorite class in school this year so far is environmental science. I am very passionate about the environment, and I always try to recycle, reuse, and do anything else that I believe could benefit the environment. I also love working with kids, so I was a camp counselor this summer for first and second graders. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I'm involved in Operation Snowball, I will be a director this year. I benefited from this experience because it made me a stronger person and more confident in myself.

I never had, and still don't, have one biggest influence on my life. Many things influence me, almost everyday. These influences are not strong ones that sway or change the person I am; I'm still a very strong and independent person. But, many things or events affect me, not necessarily influence me. For example, seeing a homeless person on the street, or a mentally disabled person in the hallway. But, I think that my biggest influence on the person I am today is my mom. I know it's cheesy, but it's true. She taught me many values and morals that I believe in today, and she still teaches me everyday. My goals in life go along with my morals. I want to live a happy life. I want to feel like I lived each day to the fullest. I want to influence other people for the better.