Expand Alcohol Blog

Jorge Turcios

Soc. 360

Professor Williams

30 April 2012

Expand Alcohol Blog

What is alcohol?

Dictionary. com defines alcohol as, “Also, called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, ethanol, fermentation alcohol. A colorless, limpid, volatile, flammable, water-miscible liquid C ₂ H ₅ OH, having an etherlike odor and pungent, burning taste, the intoxicating principle of fermented liquors, produced by yeast fermentation of certain carbohydrates, as grains, molasses, starch, or sugar, or obtained synthetically by hydration of ethylene or as a by-product of certain hydrocarbon syntheses: used chiefly as a solvent I the extraction of specific substances, in beverages, medicines, organic synthesis, lotions, tonics, colognes, rubbing compounds, as an automobile radiator antifreeze, and as a rocket fuel” (Dictionary. com)

Alcohol History

Alcohol, like every other drug in the United States, has had its ups and downs. Alcohol has gone from being illegal to being legal.  Alcohol was prohibited during 1919 to 1933, as it was mandated in the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution. Many rules and regulations were enforced by federal and states laws that criminalized the use and the sale of alcohol. This ended via the ratification on December 5, 1933 and the repeal of the Twenty-first Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (Wikipedia.com). There was always controversy around the legalization of alcohol: society believes that by criminalizing and prohibiting the use of alcohol citizens would be protected. The prohibition of alcohol was the moral thing to do according to the views of a society that was influences by rich, white, and males.

            In 1784 a person who drank too much or became physically impaired   or who could not make rational decisions do to alcohol abuse was seen as deviant.  With the influence of popular opinion, society was able to label a non-existing disease. Therefore, many groups emerged in order to “help” those individuals that were “sick” with alcoholism and needed treatment.

            Benjamin Rush, an educated, political figure was against the sale of alcohol. He saw alcohol as something evil for the body and the mind. However, all his effort for stopping the sales of alcohol was useless because alcohol became legal. After legalization, the use of alcohol consumption decreased. But, the stigma and the labels of someone that drinks too much still exist.

            Now the use of alcohol is very common in bars all around the country. After it became legal many places adapted to sell the product.  I am going to explore how American society sees, dehumanizes, and rejects those individuals that drink at home alone, in comparison to the ones that go out and have a few drinks with friend and family. What society calls these types of individuals respectively “lonely drinker” and the   “social drinkers.”

            After a quick introduction to alcohol and its history, the question is, how society can draw the line on how much alcohol a person can consume before he or she is label alcoholic? According to Mayo Clinic, alcoholism is defines as, “A chronic disease in which your body becomes dependent on alcohol” (2010). In the other hand, MediceNet.com, define alcoholism as,  “Alcohol abuse is a disease that is characterized by the sufferer having a pattern of drinking excessively despite the negative effects of alcohol on the individual's work, medical, legal, educational, and/or social life” (2012). As professor Williams mentioned in class, for the most part, when an individual becomes disable, or incapable to contribute to society, he or she is seen as deviant. Most people that drink heavily cannot perform or maintain a job because their addiction produces a negative impact in their body, physically and mentally; consequently, they struggle to maintain a job. Society criticizes the actions of those individuals that drink too much without knowing that alcoholism is a disease. In order for someone to function, they need undergo to treatment, to be able to function as “normal.” If a person has total control of alcohol of his or her consumption and can perform, maintain, and support him/her self, it is more acceptable by society. However, if a person consumes alcohol and he or she gets intoxicated and cannot perform a job, then society sees it as a problem.

Treatment for Alcoholism

For the most part, there are not special pills that can cure alcoholism, but there are a few drugs that can help reduce the craving for alcohol. Also, there are special supports groups that can help people deal with the struggles by walking them to a few steps through a program that provides moral support to its members; a good example is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This organization has helped millions of people with their drinking problems. As part of their program men and women share their stories and that helps to provide support to other members that are in the same situation. AA’s mission statement defines itself as,  “ A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism” (AA.org). This is not the only organization available to help individuals who are suffering from this disease.

Scenario

            If a person goes out with a friend to a bar and gets really drunk and acts stupid, others seen his or her actions as “normal” because this person is intoxicated, and it is the alcohol that is making him or her act that way. On the other hand, if a person drinks at home alone and gets really drunk and passes out, then this person can be seen as deviant because of the idea that society has created regarding drinking alone; it is not socially acceptable, and alcoholism becomes the master status of the individual.

            Furthermore, having one or two drinks during dinner is acceptable, but if a person drinks a whole bottle of wine at dinner, then it is consider deviant. Once again, society draws the line between what is consider normal and deviant.

Money

            The Government makes a lot of money by taxing alcohol, even though alcohol consumption can be accounted for many fatal accidents.  According to The Safety and Consumer Protection Agency, from Wisconsin, “Alcohol related crashes killed 238…and injured nearly 4000 in 2009.” The reason I report this is because Wisconsin has the highest rates of drunk driving in the nation, therefore those numbers are important if we consider the whole nation numbers and the negative influences of alcohol.

            Also, the New York Times reports that, “The nation’s states and local governments take in $17 billion a year from alcohol taxes” (2011). This money is received, and yet there are not many programs that support rehab and counseling for people that want to stop drinking

            In conclusion, to be able to help individuals trying to be successful in stopping the addiction of alcoholism, society needs to change the way laws are made. Lawmakers need to take into consideration many factors that can lead a person down the road of alcoholism. If the system is set up to oppress and create labels, we are always going to have a society that reacts negatively to anyone’s actions see many actions or they will always being seen as deviant.

Work Cited

“Alcohol." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 01 May. 2012. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/alcohol>.

“Alcoholism.” MediceNet.com. n.p. n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2012. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcoholism/DS00340>

“Alcoholism.” Mayo Clinic. n.p. 06 May. 2010. Web. 30 Apr. 2012. http://www.medicinenet.com/alcohol_abuse_and_alcoholism/article.hp.asp.

Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholic Anonymous World Services Inc. n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2012. http://www.aa.org/?Media=PlayFlash.

Severson, Kim. “States Putting Hopes in ‘Bottoms Up’ to Help the Bottom Line.” New York Times. 28 Sep. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2012.

Wikipedia.com. 27 May 2012. Web. 27 Apr. 2012 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_in_the_United_States

Severson, Kim. “States Putting Hopes in ‘Bottoms Up’ to Help the Bottom Line.” New York Times. 28 Sep. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2012.

Film Review: Live Nude Girls United!

Jorge Turcios

Professor: Williams

Soc. 360

8 April 2012

Live Nude Girls Unite!

1. What is the main thesis of this film?           

            The documentary  “Live Nude Girls United!” follows and talks about the injustice committed by stripper nightclubs owners. The film show how many dancers are being oppressed, discriminated, and exploited by club owners and customers. It also presents the audience on how society views the job as deviant and immoral because sex is involved. The activist asked for equal rights, health insurances, benefits, but most important to be treated with respect.

2. What were the main arguments in support of the thesis?           

            The abuse of club owners, how the dancers where hired to dance, but then they were ask to perform private dances for special customers. The film talks about how women were treated like hookers and not as professionals, and how customers were violating the dancer’s rights and privacy by filming them without their consent. The owner ask for a fee to use the stage asking the dancer for $250 a day, the classification of dancers base on their skin color.

3. How does the thesis of this film relate to the course?           

            Through the semester we been talking about deviant behaviors and what society consider deviant, strippers are not the exemption, this job is consider deviant and immoral with a high level of stigma from society. The profession is target as immoral and unacceptable. The people that work in this type of profession are seeing as sick because they sell their body for money, and according to social norms that is not acceptable.  According to the article, “Exotic Dancers: Where Am I Going to Stop?” dancer are expose to more deviants when more money is offer such as intense body contact with customer all the way to sex for money.

4. Which arguments/points did you find the most convincing?           

            The media attention was a positive contribution in changing the mentality of many people supporting the union and the acceptance of strippers as a profession. The lack of respect for the workers, the club owners requesting to add the word “fun” as definition of the job description not taking in consideration the this job was beyond fun it was been done for a necessity to support children and families. The limitation and violation of free speech rights address by the union attorneys to forbid the word “pussy” from any legal documents presented to them during the barging agreements. It was okay for the club owner to ask employees to fully show their body, however it was not acceptable to use the word. The respond from police when employees call 911 for assault or disturbance on the club, they either took to long to answer or they did care a settle message on what society consider valuable, apparently those call made were not as important because they were coming from a stripe club.

5. Which arguments/points did you find the least convincing?

            Even if the union support and fix the guidelines of how dancers should be treated society will always see this job as deviant it will be hard to dissociated the stigma that is involve with this profession. 

6. Choose one argument, point or question that most stands out for you. How would you study this point?

Briefly design a research study around that point.

            One of the arguments that stand out, was the idea that most dancers to earn the maximum amount of money needed to offer other services beside dancing and stripping. Now dancers need to offer sexual intercourse to earn the money they make before by just showing their naked body to customers. The concern is what level of protection are they using and if more money is involved at they willing to perform sexual intercourse without protection. In the research I would study a group of older and younger dancers and interview them to find out what type of limitation and how much money is consider sufficient to perform unprotected sex. This will determine the level of education that will be needed to inform and protect them from STD and other transmitted sexual infections.

The Drag Show

Jorge Turcios

Professor: Williams

Soc. 360
04 April 2012

The Drag Show

            On Thursday, March 29, I was able to attend to a “Drag Show” at Washington State University. It was different experiences for me because. I had been to other drag show before, however majority of the performers have been male impersonators, imitating famous women singers. I have never seeing women impersonators as male artists. It was very different; the environment was diverse just like the colors of the rainbow. It was a safe place for everyone, people was mingling, eating, laughing, and taking their pictures at the picture booth.  The event organizers and everyone involved was very welcoming and treated everyone with respect and acceptance with out prejudices of race, class, or gender.

            A person who dresses in drag is in my opinion is an artist. It does not have anything to do with their sexual preferences of behaviors. It is not like they are confused about their gender identity. However, society put the labels of those that act or dress as women, therefore they are seeing as deviant, or perhaps they are consider not normal and sick.

Base on the information received in class I will agreed that YES, being drag can be seeing as deviant in the United States, because it rejects the norms established by the American society.

  

  

Story of an Illness

Jorge Turcios

Professor: Williams

Sociology 360

27 March 2012

Story of an Illness

Alcoholism

For my fourth post I would like to explore the problem with alcohol and the social construction around “alcoholism.” According to the United State Department of Agriculture, “Alcoholism is a term use to describe a medical condition of alcohol dependence” (United Department Of Agriculture).  Let me start by asking you the following question: What is considering normal drinking? This question is important because it makes us think about what society considers “normal” drinking. As we know “alcoholism” is seen by society as deviant, especially if a person becomes incapable to do his or her daily activities. Also, it is important to recognize that the label “alcoholic” is usually used if a person mostly drinks alone instead of drinking out with friends..

Alcohol is not the problem. It is the social construction and the labels that have been created around “alcoholism” affect many individuals and unable them. Socially an alcoholic person is seen as deviant he or she is not treated as a sick person that needs medical attention. The heavy alcohol consumption can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and sexual dysfunction (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). After this long list of problems the government decided to legalize alcohol.

Furthermore one of the reasons the government legalized alcohol was not because of the public interests but because they can make a lot of money due to alcohol consumption. The industry generates a lot of money which translates in power. According to Times, “State and local governments earn about $17 million annually from alcohols taxes” (The New York Times). The government agrees that alcohol consumption can have negative effects in someone’s life. Yet it is okay to sell it because of the large amount of revenue that provides to the government

In America society considers “normal” drinking if someone has two to five drinks during dinner, or goes out with friends to a bar and gets drunk. On the other hand, if a person drinks the same amount of alcohol at home alone, society automatically labels this person as sick because drinking alone, according to the standard is not normal. We assume that he or she is having problems and they may need medical attention, perhaps a prescription that helps them cope with their problems.

At the same time in America society, we condemn those individuals that are older and have drinking problems. We usually question their abilities, and we put them down because they cannot put their life together. American culture has socially constructed that if you are a younger age, 18 to 21, is okay to get drunk and act stupid. However, if the same behavior is done by an adult 30-40 years old the perception is different. Society expects more from an adult, therefore, getting drunk and acting stupid is considered deviant. It is interesting that according to Durkin on his article “Binge Drinking on College Campuses” he mentioned that men are more likely consume more alcohol than women, and that white students in comparison to other ethnicity are the ones that consume larger amounts of alcohol (Readings in Deviant Behavior, 213). The reason I mentioned this is because without the actual research people have the misconception that the people the drink the most are the people of color such as, African Americans or Hispanics. Furthermore the research show something else different that contradicts our view of the ideas that are created within our society.

            Many of us experience the need to liberate ourselves from the pressure of society and alcohol helps us forget about the norms and what is expected from us according to social standards. Misbehaving in public places, avoiding getting in to fights, and hooking up with strangers are some examples of the things we would not do because of social norms. Society encourages us to suppress our feelings and emotions. As a result, alcohol helps us liberate ourselves. The good thing about it is that as long you are under the influences of alcohol people do not label you deviant because it was a onetime rebellion that was caused by the alcohol consumption. Witch brings me to the Social Bond Theory that explains, “The motivation for deviant behavior is present in everyone but the motivation will lead to deviance only for some people – but not for others.” (Readings in Deviant Behavior, 213). The act of  itself drinking is not deviant, it is the society’s interpretation of the behavior the one that leads to the judge and label.

In conclusion, what we can see is that in most cases deviant behaviors are not the act itself that is consider deviant; it is the interpretation that society have given to the act. Drinking is not good for personal health issues, but everything in moderation is recommended by some doctors. However, society cannot limit someone’s ability to drink and condemn them if they drink five, six or seven alcoholic beverages, everyone is different and it is hard to draw a line to describe what is “normal” and what is deviant.
Credits: WC 854

Works Cited

“Alcohol Alert” U.S. Deparment of Health & Human Services. n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2012.

“Alcohol Abuse and Depandence” United State Department of Agriculture. n.d. Web. 23 Mar.

2012.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. n.d Web. 28 Mar. 2012.

Durkin, Durkin., Wolfe, Scott., Lewis, Kara. “Binge Drinking on College Campuses.” Readings in Deviant Behavior. Alex Thio, Thomas C. Calhoun, Addrain Conyers. Boston: Pearson Education Inc., 2010. 213 – 216. Print.

Severson, Kim. “ States Putting Hopes in ‘Bottoms Up’ to Help the Bottom Line.” The New York Times 28 Sep. 2011. Web.

Williams, Meredith. “Do Drugs and Alcohol Make You Sick.” Social Deviance Sociology 360. Washington State University. 24 Mar. 2012. Web. 28 Mar. 2012.

Generation RX Movie Review

Jorge Turcios

Professor Williams

Sociology 360

11 March 2011

Generation RX Movie Review

 1. What is the main thesis of this film?

Generation RX is a documentary that focused on pharmaceutical industry, doctors, and teens. It focused primarily in the relationship between those institutions and the negative effects that are causing to teenagers by prescribing medication and ignoring the side effects that those are causing to kids and their families.

2. What were the main arguments in support of the thesis?

The main points are: 1. The relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and the group of people that in charge of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM). 2. Parents in their testimonies addressing the negative effects that some medications have had in their children’ Medications such as Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, and many more drugs that are being prescribed by professionals. 3. How the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has covered up many of the labels addressing the negatives effects on these medication; for the profit that they can make out the sells of these products. 

3. How does the thesis of this film relate to the course?

The influences that social institutions have over society, and how they manipulated individuals with the use of the media to creates problems and provided solutions just to make money.

4. Which arguments/points did you find the most convincing?

They’re groups of people being diagnosed with some kind of mental or physical disease to support the pharmaceutical institutions.

Teenagers are the ones who are being target.

The government needs more enforcement and regulation on pharmaceutical institutions.

5. Which arguments/points did you find the least convincing?

That there are many children that need to be treated, and not be ignored that they suffer from some kind of mental disability, but that medication are not always the most efficient methods. Some children only need more attention and dedication to avoid intake prescriptions drugs.

6. Choose one argument, point or question that most stands out for you. How would you study this point? Briefly design a research study around that point.

The U.S. government has the power to investigate closely pharmaceutical industries, so my research will be to delegate of group of people that control the quality of this industries something like that FDA, however this group will be undercover to guarantee transparency to the consumers.

Tough Guise Movie Review

Jorge Turcios

Professor Williams

Sociology 360

04 March 2012

Tough Guise Movie Review

Though Guise is a story that addresses how American society has build cultural and sociological ideas about what is to be a man and how masculinity should be represented in our daily life. The media in particular has enforced the representation that a man should be respected and in order to earn that respect he must poses the following qualities, strong, independent, thought, and primarily detached himself from feelings or emotions because he will be seeing as weak, fragile, and worst case scenario called “faggot”. This offensive word is use by others, not on reference to a   sexual preference, but to put someone masculinity in question. Guilligan talks about it in his article “Shame, Guilt, and Violence”  He mentioned that while conducting his interview one of the main focus in the mind of most of the guys in prison was that they  value their “pride” That it the only thing they have left and their willing to protected.

            Through out the movie guys are being asked what they consider valuable as men. Many of them promote violent behaviors; winch can be supported by their necessity of power, control, and feeling superior. Fox and Levin touched on those topics in their article “Serial Murder: Popular Myths and Empirical Realities” They also mentioned how the media influences, even though not necessarily that every person that act on a violent behavior should be considered crazy or sick that there are many levels to that type of behavior and one that society and the media do not  take in consideration is the construction of masculinity and the overall expectations.

            The way this film to the course is the fact that we are studying deviant minds and how some behaviors are socially construct. How those constructed ideas influence in our daily activities and how they affect society in general. We see on television every day guys killing each other, man abusing man, women, and children, also, bullies in schools. All this problems are consequences of those social pressures that we consider important and valuable as a society.  

             I am agreed that social institutions should re consider the idea of masculinity and focus on a less violent approached to this issue. Since we are kids, our families start shaping us to become strong, independent, and successful at in early age. However, not every individual is equal, therefore not everyone should be expected to act the same way.

I was not agreed with the fact that violent creates more violent. It is the construction of this idea of masculinity that is embedded in our brains, but if we can change what society valued and change those concepts and ideas surrounding masculinity; we may help change the behaviors of some individuals.

Mainly I want to know the impact that television, video games, and movies have on influencing violent behaviors in teenagers. I will like to conduct an experiment that will having two groups of teenagers. Group one will be expose to sports, classical music, and social activities. Group two will be expose to violent behaviors through television, video games, and movies; after a few months will record those individuals behavior by  observation and how they socialize with other groups.

 Works Cited

Fox, James. Levin, Jack. “Serial Murder: Popular Myths And Empirical Realities.” Reading In Deviant Behavior. Eds. Alex Thio, Thomas Calhoun, Addrain Conyers. Boston, MA. 2010. 77-75. Print.

Gilligan, James. “Shame, Guilt, and Violance.” Social Research. Volume 70. Issue 2005. 1149-1180. Web. 3 Mar. 2012.

Kimmel, Michael. Mahler, Matthew. “What Triggers School Shootings?” Reading In Deviant Behavior. Eds. Alex Thio, Thomas Calhoun, Addrain Conyers. Boston, MA. 2010. 76-82. Print.

Though Guise. Dir. Sut Jhally. Perf. Steve Austin, Marlon Brandon, James Caan. Media Education Foundation. 1999. Film.

WC: 634

Murderball Movie Review

Jorge Turcios

Soc. 360

Professor: Williams

February 21, 12

Movie Review II

Murderball

            Murderball is a film that let us learn the other side of people with disabilities. It helps us understand that not everyone on a wheelchair wants to be look as fragile, incompetent, or unable. The movie re-enforce the fact that people with disabilities are in some cases more capable to do things mentally, physically, and emotionally, in comparison to those individuals that are consider “normal”.

            One of the main points that Mark Zupan address is the fact that a person is consider deviant when he or she is handicap or unable.  For the most part, some people feel sorry for them; or think that they are not capable of function like a person that is not on a wheelchair.  People with disabilities are consider deviant because the media plays a big role crating images winch are consider to be healthy, however those bodies are far from reality. The same role is play for obese people they are consider deviant because of their size, most people feel sorry for a heavy person thinking that they wishes to be skinny like those models on commercials. Erich Goode mentioned on his article, The Stigma of Obesity, that obese people are consider by society less worthy, the same happened with people like Mark as soon someone see him in a wheelchair, atomically we start making assumption or feel sorry for him.

            The thesis relates to the course because as we study “deviant bodies” we learn that most deviant incapacities are socially constructed.  It helps us understand how labels are created to dehumanized individuals. However, Mark Zupan is the opposite of that, he show us that being “deviant” can have a positive outcome if you ignore what society believe.

            One of the points I found more convincing is that the actual stigma is the one who make those individual feel insecure and unable to accomplish things. In the case of Emanuel the autistic child that his father refused to get him diagnosed because he felt that having a diagnosis will actually stop the child reach his maximum potential. That the way I believe stigma works on individuals, as soon society puts labels it help  unable the maid to function.

            I will like to study the effect Mark Zupan is having on individuals that are just finishing treatment and are put back to live their life. My experiment will follow individuals throughout sections of self therapy, speaking with mark and the team and measure their motivation in comparison to those individuals that don’t received any coaching on how to cope with the outcome of an accident.

References

WC: 485

Works Cited

Goode, Erich. “The Stigma of Obesity”  Readings in Deviant Behavior. Eds. Alex, Thomas, Addrain. Boston: MA, 2010. 161-167. Print

Jad Abumrad, Robert Krulwich “The Frowners” Radiolab. 29 Dec. 2008. http://www.radiolab.org/2008/dec/29/the-frowners/ Web. 27 Feb. 2012.

Muderball. Dir. Henry A. Rubin, Dana A. Shapiro. Perf. Joe Soares, Keith Cavill, Mark Zupan. MTV Films, Participant Media. 2005. Film

Middle Sexes

Jorge Turcios

Professor: Williams

Sociology 360

February 13, 2012

Middle Sexes: Defining He and She

1. What is the main thesis of this film?

Thesis of the film bases the argument that human beings are not sexually equal. That according to Western society, we are born either male or female, but this is not true. It is not black and white there are many variety of genders but socially it is hard to accepted and incorporate them into our society.

2. How does the thesis of this film relate to the course?

We are learning different social constructed ideas of what is “normal” and what is not. In our discussions we touched on topics that are very sensitive, and many of us are ignorant to these issues. For example, watching the film “Middle Sexes Redefining He or She”. Help me understand more about gender and that there are many more genders. That is not only about male and female, but also that there are varieties. Also, this film relates to the course because for it focus in understanding that if a person is not male or female, this person is consider deviant winch is the main topic of our course.

3. Which arguments/points did you find the most convincing?

From the beginning of the movie I noticed the parents being very concern about the child’s wellbeing. At the beginning of the movie Sylvia Guerrero, Gwen’s Mother said, “…during her transitioning that was my biggest fear.” Richard, Noah’s father also shared the same fear that Mrs. Guerrero, that someone will hurt their boys because of their gender identity. Our culture does not accept any other forms of gender base on cultural, religious, social norms.

4. Which arguments/points did you find the least convincing?

Religion is very difficult to understand, as we watched the film, the Indian people believe that cutting their genitals it is considered a sacrifice for the “God” However, for me religion and sexuality are two different things that are to complicated to combined I respect all opinions, however I don’t think they should be put together.

 5. Choose one argument, point or question that most stands out for you from the film. How would you study this point? Briefly design a research study around that point.

It is important that parents understand how difficult it is to make the decision for fixing their kids genitals. It is a process that the kind has to be involved. It is hard to know what the future will bring therefore it is better to wait.  For some of those kids that have gone under treatment can be very difficult to adjust when they grow older, especially if they feel different then what the parents choose for them. My research will study the different approaches families can take and provide solutions that will benefit the children.

Credits

WC-493

Works Cited

Middle Sexes: Redefining He and She. Dir. Antony Thomas. Perf. Gore Vidal, Calpernia Addams. HBO, 2005. Film

Why I am/Not Deviant

Jorge Turcios

Professor: Williams

Sociology 360

February 1, 12

Why I am/Not Deviant

            I consider myself deviant for many reasons. I have always being labeled by society as different; especially in middle school. I remember being bullied particularly by the males in my classroom. They bothered me because my voice was soft. They said I sounded it like a girl. This type of aggression carried over into my family. They believed I did not meet the social standards, or the stereotype, of the “macho man”.  I was too feminine, I was always playing with the girls, and sports were not my strongest achievements.  My grandfather was a carpenter, a very masculine occupation, and he was always trying to get me to help him, which I did want to do it. I preferred to help my grandmother in the home chores. I thought that was fun, and I felt comfortable doing it. I remember  my aunt was always telling me “be strong, like a man,” or  “men do not cry.” Obviously they have all these ideas on how a male should act, and I was far away from being the strong “macho” figure; I was seen as too weak. All these reflections raised one question in my head. Who gives power to society to judge, discriminate, and put down another human being just because he or she looks or acts different? What can we do to change peoples’ mentality and create a world that can tolerate those individuals who are different than us?

            According to Howard Becker, deviace is created by society (Becker 39). What this means is that everything that is man made has it own flaws. We as humans create all these social constructed norms, which are not always perfect. The constructions of these are of special interest to those individuals who have money and influence. Therefore, it is unfair to treat other human beings different, based on social norms. In addition, Becker agreed that deviant acts may change from time to time based on human needs. He mentioned that sometimes-official enforcement declares some acts deviant to actually create pressure on a certain groups. For example, in the 1950s the United States government added emphasis on a law that was applied to any individuals practicing sodomy. Those found guilty were charged and incarcerated. This was considered a crime, mainly attacking homosexual activities. In this case the government created a label and created oppression and marginalization on this type of behavior. Also, in the documentary, Before Stonewall, the United State government attacked all homosexual activities as deviant acts. Ronald Reagan even said that homosexually is “…tragic illness” (Before Stonewall film).  The government and the media had influence to make citizens believe that homosexuality was a crime and it should be punished. 

            This brings us to another theory “Conflict Theory” which was created by Richard Quinney. He introduces the idea that “ definitions of crime are composed of behaviors that conflict with the interest of the dominant class” (Quinney 45). It relates to the Labeling Theory in the way that social constructed norms are rules regulated by those in power. In my case, I remember that when I went to talk to the my teachers about the kids bothering, one of the teacher my teacher laughed and told me I was being too sensitive. He said to me, “ your friends were only playing, and that they did not mean what they said.” I felt that no one really cared; I knew it was my fault being feminine and having a voice that sounded like a girl. The system was set up to protect those individuals that were more masculine, just because they play sports and won trophies for the school. I was considered a minority because I did not play any sports and also I was too girly. 

            Being deviant can be fun sometimes. Who wants to look like everyone else anyways? We love to claim our individualism, but in reality we are afraid of being labeled as the “other”:  those individuals that are going against social norms. For my experiment I decided to pick my nose during dinner, and in public places. I did it in front of my co-workers, at the restaurant, and in front of my family. Everyone responded in different ways. In my family my mother right away jumped in and told me what I was doing was nasty, and asked me to stop. My dad did not care. In the restaurant, I was offered a napkin and the waiter keep coming back to ask me if everything was okay. At work my coworkers just looked at me like I was a crazy person, but no one said anything.  I saw that picking your nose is something private like sex.  You do not do it in public or people will react with disgust.  I was not harming anyone with my behavior, but it was definitely not appropriate. Therefore, if we want to have an impact in our society we need to start revising those norms that are considerer “normal” and try to expand them to fix everyone’s personalities and behaviors. 

Credits:

Word Count: 857

Work Cited

Becker, Howard. “Labeling Theory.” Readings In Deviant Behavior. Eds. Alex, Thio. Thomas, Calhoun. Addrain, Conyers. Boston, MA. :2010. 39-41. Print

Before Stonewall. Dir. Greta, Schiller. Robert, Rosenber. Perf. Rita Mae Brown, Red Jordan Arobateau, Ann Bannon. 1984. Documentary.

Quinney, Richard. “Conflict Theory.” Readings In Deviant Behavior. Eds. Alex, Thio. Thomas, Calhoun. Addrain, Conyers. Boston, MA. :2010. 45-49. Print

How Do You Spot a Deviant?

         When have we as a society, drawn the line between what is right and what is wrong? Perhaps it was the moment society begun labeling things, people, sex, and conduct. The word deviant means a person or thing that deviates or departs markedly from the "accepted norm" (dictionary.com). As individuals of a society, we have “norms” in place that need to be followed. If you do not meet those “norms”, or if you try to change them, you are considered deviant. Since the moment we are born, we begin social constructs are determining who we are. We grow up filtering everything that comes across us.

          Furthermore, we use those filters to build feelings, create judgment, and form opinions about other human beings. I see it every day at work; the majority of my customers are people who receive Social Security and welfare assistant. A few of my co-workers criticize, judge, comment, and stereotype the typical African American, single mother without a job.  The comments I hear are “look at her long acrylic fancy nails,"“she drives a better car than mine,” “she probably paid a fortune to maintain that fake hair.” Those are a few of the comments I heard while doing my research. 

            The fact that she is black and receives assistance from the government makes her deviant. What is the ideal appearance for black women that receive welfare? Are they not allowed to look good? Perhaps having a nice car, long pretty nails, and expensive hair extensions helps them cope with the pressure from society.

            My coworkers are educated white females that grew up in better neighborhoods, with more privileges than some of my customers. Not only the white females are making those remarks, also the black women that are light skinned come in with racial comments. It is like a battle of color; the darker you are, the more criticized you will get. For some of them  it is outrageous to see a single African American mother cashing her welfare check and speeding it on things that make them look beautiful. It is easy to judge and make assumptions because we are using those filters that were inserted in our brains, ideas that blacks are lazy, troublemakers, and love to live off  from the government. All those racial comments are brought back to life when we less expected, even in the work force where everyone should be treated equally.

       
        As humans we are always looking for approval from our peers. Following the rules of society put us in a different social category. We do not want to become the "others", those that are considered poor and are less fortunate. Men and women that have power and money are the ones who make the rules and create the label to teach who is "normal" and "deviant." Stephen Pfohl mentioned, “It is a story of both deviance and social control” (Pfohl, 6). The ones that have the power, are the ones who can make the labels for the society they live in. In the case of my coworkers, having the power of being behind the counter, where the money is, gives them the power to label the black single mother cashing the welfare check.

 Works Cited Page

Pfohl, Stephen. “Images of Deviance.” Readings in Deviant Behavior. Alex Thio, Thomas C. Calhoun, and Addrain Conyers.  Boston, 2010. 6. Print