...SOCIETY AS A PRODUCT OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS The term "symbolic interactionism" has come into use as a label for a relatively distinctive approach to the study of human life and human conduct (Blumer, 1969). With symbolic interactionism, reality is seen as social, developed interaction with others. Most symbolic interactionists believe a physical reality does indeed exist by an individual's social definitions, and that social definitions do develop in part or relation to something "real". People thus do not respond to this reality directly, but rather to the social understanding of reality; i.e., they respond to this reality indirectly through a kind of filter which consists of individuals' different perspectives. This means that humans exist not in the physical space composed of realities, but in the "world" composed only of "objects". According to Blumer, the "objects" can be divided into three types: physical objects, social objects, and abstract objects. Both individuals and society cannot be separated far from each other for two reasons. One, being that they are both created through social interaction, and two, one cannot be understood in terms without the other. Behavior is not defined by forces from the environment or inner forces such as drives, or instincts, but rather by a reflective, socially understood meaning of both the internal and external incentives that are currently presented (Meltzer et al., 1975). Herbert Blumer (1969) set out three...
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...1 Symbolic Interaction, Functional Analysis, and Conflict Theory of Elie Wiesels’s Night Introduction 2 Symbolic Interaction, Functional Analysis, and Conflict Theory of Elie Wiesels’s “Night” Elie Wiesel’s Night begins in Sighet, Transylvania, 1941 when he was a teenager. He begins talking about a life before his world, along with his family, was torn apart. His family was Jewish, and he wanted to study Cabbala. He was very much involved in his faith and wanted to further pursue it by studying Cabbala, but his father would not let him. “There are no Cabbalists in Sighet.” (pg 4). He was very close with his shtibl, Moishe the Beadle, who later was taken by Hungarian Police and expelled from Sighet because he was a foreign Jew. Once they were taken over by the Gestapo, the babies were used as target practice and the adults were shot. Moishe managed to escape because he was shot in his leg and was able to get back to Sighet to tell Elie what happened. He also tried to tell everyone in town what had happened to him and the rest of the foreign Jews, but no one believed him and he was branded insane. 1944 was when the town of Sighet was split into two ghettos, and no one could leave the town. Shortly after that, the Hungarian police told everyone in town to turn in their valuables (gold, jewelry, etc.) because they were going to the first concentration camp, Auschwitz. This is where Elie and his father were separated from his mother and sisters, and never heard from or...
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...The main theory that had helped guide me through my decisions and actions was the symbolic interaction perspective. When I think about this theory, it makes me think about the social interactions that people take part in everyday in both their personal and professional lives. For example, at my placement, I make sure I act professionally, which includes not bringing my personal life to placement or discussing any issues regarding to workplace around residents. This theory I find helps me understand better why one’s perception of their workplace may differ depending on their hierarchy. Some staff as I observed, do not take requests or instructions as seriously if it comes directly from students since they may think that as students, we do not...
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...Shopping as Symbolic Interaction: race, class and gender in the toy store. Williams I think the main point of the author is to try to explain us the difference between socials classes and treatment to different people in a toy store, and how she deals with every situation put in her way when a costumer is complaining about something . She also explains the different tactics that her fellow employes used to treat the Costumers and their effectiveness to control them in tough situations. One of the research methods that she used was to observe how the employees and Costumers interacted with each other, specially black and Latino workers with white middle class women, who were the ones that were always complaining about everything and the black and Latino women didn't complaint as much as the others Did. Some of the things that I learned from this reading are that upper social classes always have a lot advantages over other people, and that the businesses treat them better because they know they have money and they don't want to lose that kind of Costumers even if they lose some money. This reading basically proved me right, because I always knew all of this stuff, because every time you go to a toy store (or any other store) you see this kind of benefits, but that's how it is and we cannot change it. Something that I want to add, is that stereotypes have played a mayor role in our society, in every corner of...
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...A Perspective of Rural vs. Urban Upbringing A Perspective of Rural vs. Urban Upbringing Social themes can differ greatly between culture, ways of communication, social status and even geographical locations. Behaviors amongst human beings can be influenced based upon their surroundings, financial statuses and cultural practices. In the movie “BABIES” directed by Thomas Balms (2009), the examination of child upbringing is perceived through the viewer’s eyes, as the program depicts how children develop based on their different social themes and financial classes. Depending on your geographical location and your financial class, a parent’s view on the “norm” of child upbringing can differ dramatically. This movie introduces a baby girl named Panijeo, and her mother in the village of Opuwo, located in the city Namibia, Africa. In this village where urban resources are nowhere to be found, mothers spend their days with their children making paint, jewelry and cooking. This village lives in huts made of sticks with mud roofs, and men ride donkeys as means of transportation. Panijeo is shown, living in her normal environment, playing with big stones and smashing a chalk-like substance into powder. This is just another way Panijeo is learning to imitate her mother, who also smashes a red chalk like substance to create red skin paint. In a life away from an urban environment, Panijeo is learning through playing, what she will be...
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...Abstract: The year 1768 witnessed that Qing Dynasty was shrouded in sorcery scare, which horrified the nation thoroughly. This essay focuses on three sides as the emperor, officials and populace, takes into account the economic, political and cultural context of that time and attempts to investigate the symbolic interaction in between these three sides in the sorcery scare incident, providing a new horizon for the application and further improvement of symbolic interactionism. 1. Research Object and Theoretical Perspective In 1768, or Qianlong 33rd, a scare of Soul Stealing derived from Jiangnan, the richest region in China then, and spread fast along Yangtze River and Jinghang Canal. For almost half a year, common people were overwhelmed...
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...Professor Thomas C. Foster Notes by Marti Nelson 1. Every Trip is a Quest (except when it’s not): a. A quester b. A place to go c. A stated reason to go there d. Challenges and trials e. The real reason to go—always self-knowledge 2. Nice to Eat With You: Acts of Communion a. Whenever people eat or drink together, it’s communion b. Not usually religious c. An act of sharing and peace d. A failed meal carries negative connotations 3. Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires a. Literal Vampirism: Nasty old man, attractive but evil, violates a young woman, leaves his mark, takes her innocence b. Sexual implications—a trait of 19th century literature to address sex indirectly c. Symbolic Vampirism: selfishness, exploitation, refusal to respect the autonomy of other people, using people to get what we want, placing our desires, particularly ugly ones, above the needs of another. 4. If It’s Square, It’s a Sonnet 5. Now, Where Have I Seen Her Before? a. There is no such thing as a wholly original work of literature—stories grow out of other stories, poems out of other poems. b. There is only one story—of humanity and human nature, endlessly repeated c. “Intertexuality”—recognizing the connections between one story and another deepens our appreciation and experience, brings multiple layers of meaning to the text, which we may not be conscious of. The more consciously aware we are, the more alive the text...
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...profile - Primrose (or Primula vulgaris) is native to western and southern Europe, north-west Africa and south-east Asia. It is a delicately scented, pretty, pale yellow flower with five petals. Primrose flowers in the early spring and is one of the first flowers to bloom; it grows in open woods and shaded hedgerows. Primrose symbolism – Although fairly similar, different cultures have their own symbolic meanings for the primrose plant. The Victorian interpretation of primrose was quite superstitious; like when bringing the primrose plant into your house if you have more or less than thirteen flowers it was believed to be bad luck. It was also a symbol for bashfulness, inconsistency, young love, neglected merit and also says I can’t live without you when given as a gift. Whereas in Norse folklore it was much more related to the gods, since it is the sacred flower of ‘Freya goddess of love’ and all that she enraptures, in Norse culture it also represents the woman and the petals on the blossom stood for various stages of life. Although those two cultures have their own specialized symbolic meaning for Primrose, the plant has some quite generalised meanings throughout lots of cultures such as love, patience, kindness, gentleness belonging and nurturing. Herbalism and medicinal uses – Primrose is a very versatile plant and is used not only as an ornamental flower but is also edible and has many medicinal uses. The leaves and flowers of...
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...Synopsis: This assignment focused on the advancements of telepresence and face-to-face interactions among businesses. This technology is growing rapidly and offers businesses a way to save money with the ability to move into global markets. Businesses with this technology are able to conduct meetings and without having to physically send all parties to a single location. The technology and software is very expensive, but over time the trickle-down effect will allow almost all companies wanting to compete globally a chance at this technology. This is truly the technology of the future. 1. What kinds of limitations do you see for users of telepresence? Is it really a substitute for face-to-face meetings? Make a list of features of face-to-face meetings. Then consider a range of business situations as an employee, from initial hire, to working with a team, to understand what your boss wants, and even a termination meeting. How would telepresence work for you in these situations? There is still not that feeling of another person being in your presence. Computer screens are great, but nothing beats an actual face-to-face meeting, in my opinion. Telepresence is going to take place whether we like it or not, the cost saving benefits alone will be the reason. Interviewing future employee teem projects, and terminations could all very well be done with this technology. The lack of personal interaction will hinder a little, but the cost of meeting another person will out way the...
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...Magic in the Screen In the age of technology which we currently live, it would be unheard of to come across someone who did not own a television, a computer, and a mobile phone. With all kinds of electronics at our disposal, personal interactions have become less essential. A 2008 study conducted by Ball State University and sequent partners, found the average American spend eight and a half hours a day in front of a screen whether it be a TV, a computer or some other gadget. A paper published in “Biologist” stated in 2007 on a average a person would spend under 2.5 per day participating in face to face interactions. This means that the average person would spend a minimum of triple the amount of time staring at a screen then they would in face to face interaction. In the Poem ‘The Screen’ By Terrence Chiusano, the author provides an example of the memorizing affect screens have on people. The poem explain how during flights the passengers generally ignore the stewardess when she explains emergency procedures, except on one flight the author was on where they instead used a prerecorded version. The recorded version immediately captivated everyone’s attention. The author’s message is clearly stated as well as obviously depicted in his example, ‘the screen is magic’. His language is simple and straight forward as he does not to dress up his message to have it understood. Even in a situation where the information could potentially save the viewers life it is ignored when presented...
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...Modern culture is refers to the shift in collective though that took place with the rise in scientific advancement. Modern culture gives many drawbacks rather than benefit to the people especially children. Here, I’m as Candidate A strongly believes that modern culture is ruining childhood. There are because it discourages traditional play and interaction with other children, make the children exposed so much and also being self cantered. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Firstly, it discourage traditional play & interaction with other children As we know play is very important aspect of the childhood development. In the past, a large part of childhood was interacting with other children, exploration through toys and outdoor play. The rise of technology promotes environments which render toys unappealing for their children spend the majority of their time inside, immobile and apart from other children, which is ruining important developmental aspect of childhood ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes that true but don’t forget that Modern culture will make the children exposed too much. As example, even though they have technology and already have been blocked by their parents, they still can be exposed through Music. As we know, nowadays kids very influenced by the pop stars and try to do what their favourite pop star but unfortunately, music currently...
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...influenced the effectiveness of both interactions, the one to one and the group communication. The main five factors were lighting, seating, temperature, space between each other and the camera position. Lighting In both interactions the lighting was great, it wasn’t too bright or too dull. I know this because I could see all my colleagues whilst taking part in both interactions, I could see their body language, facial expressions and posture all clearly because the lighting was on point. If the lighting was too bright then it could have affected my eyesight, I wouldn’t be able to see my colleagues which would have made it hard for me to make eye contact and to communicate with them effectively. If the lighting was to bright then it would have partly blinded me which would have made me feel uncomfortable and the interaction wouldn’t have taken place as quickly and as effectively as it did. It is very important that the studio rooms lighting wasn’t also dull, this would affected my self-esteem and my interaction wouldn’t have gotten completed as effectively as it did. Again, the lighting was excellent and it was set to a standard limit which gained my confidence whilst performing in both interactions. Seating The seating is also important when it comes to performing. If the seating was too rough then it would have made me feel uncomfortable, this would have made my interaction less effective because I wouldn’t fully concentrate on the interaction, instead I would have been busy...
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...To: All Employees From: General Manager Subject: Interaction with Dogs While Exercising and Training Team, It has come to my attention that the policies and procedures set in place by management for exercise sessions of our borders has not been upheld to the highest of standards. Rin Tin Inn has developed these policies and procedures to protect the dogs in our care as well as our staff members. Please read the procedures stated below, print, sign and date, and turn this document into management for our records. Failure to adhere to these policies and procedures while conducting exercise sessions with our borders will result in write ups and or possible termination of employment. All policies and procedures MUST be up held when handling, supervising, or interacting with our borders. Remember, each dog reacts differently to every situation making them unpredictable and present a certain level of risk. This risk becomes ever more prevalent when handling or interacting with dogs participating in training and exercising. I look forward to your continued understanding, cooperation and support of our companies’ policies and procedures. Any further questions please direct them to your immediate supervisor. General Manager Pauline Hoagland Procedures for Interaction with Dogs While Exercising and Training For each exercise session • Sign into the Exercise and Training Log • Identify and record the dog(s) identification number, boarding kennel of origin, which run...
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...What causes internet users to take on an Avatar An avatar is a representation of one's self online. When utilizing the world wide web many persons choose to use an avatar instead of presenting their authentic selves. They are often used in online video games and on various sites that require some sort of user representation. There are many reasons for using avatars, these range from security and privacy to insecurity and a medium of escape. Avatars are a means of expression for some people, They allow for users to portray themselves the way they view or in some cases would like to view themselves. Avatars are often given a bad name and in some cases are frowned upon. Some argue that they are a misrepresentation of self and are a dangerous deception to others who assume the avatar to be a true representation of its user. Avatars act as front line security especially in the online gaming world. They make it safe for people to interact with each other with minimal risk of security breeches. It can be argued that the use avatars are not a full proof protection plan from online predators but they help is masking true identity. This, however, can be a double edged sword since the identities of other users are masked as well. When it comes the privacy avatars play a vital role, especially for younger internet users. As Sherry Turkle pointed out younger internet users are willing to share personal information online with no safeguards. With the use of avatars there is a lesser...
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...daily interactions with people, and can affect our conversations that we have with one another. For this assignment I chose to work with my roommate, Yale Mendelson, to test out the different lengths of distance between each other to carry out a conversation. The three different distances that I chose was down the hall from each other (approximately 8 feet), face to face (approximately 1.5 feet), and face to face with less than a half of foot between our faces. All three of these distances brought about different reactions between the two of us and showed differences in conversation at each distance. The first distance was the furthest, we began our conversation, I had to speak very loudly, almost a yell, to begin our interaction. I could tell right away that Yale was uncomfortable with this because he is not very outgoing and we were bringing some attention to ourselves. The hall way was not empty so as we were talking back and forth to each other I noticed that we both had to use hand gestures and certain body language cues to help the other realize what they were saying. This setting was definitely difficult for us to have a normal, personal conversation. This distance left for a very broad interaction that was not able to ever become very personal. The next distance that we used to interact with each other was the face to face at about 1 to 2 feet apart. For this distance, I could tell right away that both of us were much more comfortable. Our interaction went on...
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