"If you ain't desperate at some point, you ain't interesting"

We all know him. At least, have heard about him and seen him acting as "sad clown." He was named the funniest man alive. He brought laughter to the mouth of  his fans with his savvy. Yet, he had a traumatic childhood which mostly consisted of anger and hardship.


Who might this be. I know you know. And of course, i know.
      
JIM CARRY.

Jim Carry had a normal life.  As a child, he performed stand-up comedy to anyone and everyone interested to watch. At 10, he performed stand-up comedy during the last remaining minutes at the end of each school day.


 His father was an accountant, but as Jim got older things became worse for his family. They had to move to Scarborough and all work in the Titan Wheels Factory. He  had to work 8hrs a day while still attending school. Even with his input, his family struggled and had to search for  new jobs. Things were so touch that they lived in a camper van.

Willed and determined, Jim decided to pursue his career as a comedian. He performed stand-up comedy and loved so much that he dropped out of high school. After, he landed in a sitcom called The Duck Factory and then progressed to Living in Color. This opened the door of stardom for him and paved the way to many funny roles in movies such as Mask and Ace Ventura.


He has been nominated and awarded several award in the MTV Movie Award, Kids Choice Awards, People's Choice Awards, U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, and many more.
Jim truly understands what it means for one to work for his dream!
http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-rags-to-riches-stories.php

Moving Up the Ladder

                    In Modern America Social Stratification is the class classification of persons into socio-economic conditions. It is a ladder that rises in social class as it get higher. Originating centuries ago, social stratification has progressed from: the Greek era to caste society to medieval feudal society and to capitalist society.

Not to reverberate what you already know, lets begin!

             

                      The American society as a capitalist society is socially stratified into three group. These include: Upper class, Middle class, and Lower class. Inequality exists economically, socially, politically, and ideologically. Weber would explain this society as one in which class status depends on material wealth, although, honor, prestige, and religious affiliation come secondary in determining class status. 

         The American society is state based and divided into subdivisions according to Dennis Gilbert, William Thompson, Joseph Hickey, and James Henslin. These include:  the upper class, who are rich and powerful; the upper middle class, who are highly educated and affluent professionals; the middle class, who are college educated and white –collar individuals; the lower middle class; the working class, who are clerical and blue-collar workers; and lower class, who are working poor and unemployed underclass.

                   

                                   Class mobility in regards to social stratification has become a growing concern sociologist. Class mobility is defined as class ascendancy. It follows the principle that each successful generation will have a higher standard of living than predecessor. 

                 

                   The American Culture, which believes that an individual has the freedom and liberty to pursue happiness know this as the American dream. The idea emphasizes that any individual possess the opportunity to move up the social class ladder. It sent hundreds of million to the American shore. 

                                           Yet to many Americans, this was reality in the past, where educational attainment and income were easily increased in a lifetime.

               

                         Research shows that the middle class has experienced a decreased in class income. Compared to the past, social mobility has decreased. This is evident in the tax difference between the rich and the other classes beneath. For instance, a CEO to a company makes more money in an hour than his employee makes in a month under minimum wage. 

                                      In a poll in 2006, less than one third believed that life would be better for the next generation. Another showed more than half of Americans no longer believe that the American Dream is attainable for majority of their fellow citizens. Further, a survey showed the fear within American towards the inability to continue their present life style. This gruesome idea has impacted 5% of American today wherein the unemployment rate has risen from 4% in 1999 to 9% in 2011.

So ask yourself, does the American dream still exits today?

Are You "In" or "Out"?

Centuries and decades have past, yet one thing that persists and remains the same among teenagers is peer pressure. I will be discussing the 'fitting in' aspect of teen social problem. Let me begin with a story of a young freshmen in high school. He sees the upperclassman on his bus completely regaling and loves to be part of them. As a result, he tries to lie his way into the crowd. It is evident to them that his bluffing, so they disregard whatever he says. This just goes to show a live experience of an attempt by a "new kid" to fit in. There are many examples that goes beyond being accepted into a group.  You may be pressured in defining your identity, behavior, or language. 

Teens do crazy stuff to fit in. They find themselves in conflict between being cool or being themselves, just because they wish to be part of the “in” crowd. Some with appropriate and respectful behaviors have adopted not-so-great behavior like behaving rudely, using cuss word, and participating in illegal activities. From my point of view, self-actualization (psychology, sorry Ms. Basi) plays a role in overcoming the need to fit into a crowd that might make you feel uncomfortable anyways. Once you know who are and what you stand for, I believe it takes twice the effort for that necessity to influence you. Most teens experience self-actualization at different period. If it results in you not fitting in with the popular kids, so be it, but with over 200 million teens in the U.S. and up to a billion teens around the world, I doubt the likelihood for that to occur.

Hyper Scheduling (Intense)

Imagine the daily routine of a student who attends Fort Lauderdale High School.  She wakes up at 5 a.m., goes to school for 8 hours, and stays after school until 5 p.m. for a demanding physical activity. She boards the after school bus, reaches home at 6 p.m., and spends the rest of the night  finishing her homework until probably 12, 1, or 2 a.m. in the morning. This applies to most high school students in what scientist call hyper scheduling.

Hyper scheduling or over scheduling has increased in student over the last decade. One of the causes is the amount of competitiveness that has made college admission much more difficult than previous decades. These students who are hyper scheduler often feel like there is not enough hours in a day because they have many things to do. As a result, they are unable to get enough sleep which leads to emotional, physical, and mental stress.
 
It tends to be worse for students whose families are not involved in their activities. They tend not to spend enough time with their families. In contrast, involved families help reduce student's stress by managing their activities in supportive ways.
 
So guys, my research will incorporate all these profound aspect by answering the question on whether  involved students experience hyper scheduling and to what degree is it experienced if parents are involved.

P.s. If you are involved in any extracurricular activity or activities and you think you are an hyper scheduler and you are interested in being a part of my research, let me know. (there is a smiley face after this) :)

Blue Tape and the attack on Studentville

Man 1: Education in danger,
Woman 1: The future of school students is at risk. And this is a serious problem!
Man 1: What is that in the air?
Man 2: A bird.
Woman 1: A plane 
Man 1: No it's blue tape


How ridiculous it is that the big guys mandate the use of blue tape for all teachers. Most of the time students already know whats going on. Hitler had a way better propaganda than these school board officials who proclaim that blue tape will ensure "students success". I don't believe that blue tape will make students more focused, willed, or interested. Whether it's blue tape, green tape, purple tape, red tape or whatsoever tape, it has no relevance to my life or education. Although I think it is a great idea, significantly counting it against teacher is really uncalled for.

Man 2: now every student will stay awake in class.
Man 1: they will complete their homework and turn it in.
Woman 1: and every student will go to college and graduate with a PhD.

The US 99%

Occupy, occupy, occupy! 

Seems to be the popular word by a group of intolerant citizens to the United States government’s and Wall Street’s policies. Like a virus¸ the epidemic has spread from New York City to over 70 cities, which has involved over 600 communities in the USA. The epidemic has become an endemic and is also prevalent in other countries. When I heard about the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) protesters, I thought of them as trouble makers. But after understanding what they stood, camped out, and protested for, any sincere American would pick up a poster, even posters, and protest along.

Primarily organized by Canadian activist group Adbusters, this protest was inspired by the Arab Spring movement and the Spanish Indignants earlier this year. Their famous slogan “We are the 99%” explains the protesters financial variance between the wealthy 1% and the other citizens.

What do we want do we want! Social and economic equality! When do we want it! Now!

The American citizens condemn the greed of corporations, its control and influence specifically as lobbyists and financial service sector- responsible for expanding the economy, over the US government. Basically, they demand that President Obama change large corporations influence on the representatives in Congress and end their corruptions through a President Commission. This political reform they believe will alleviate the frustration of the people against unemployment and the banks.


Marxist would view this protest as a revolution influenced by "class consciousness" of the proletariat to the exploiting bourgeoisie.     According to Hobbes, the intervention of the government is only necessary to ensure that human nature-the greed and corruption of rich corporation" is tamed and controlled.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/10/the_occupy_wall_street_movemen.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_Wall_Street

Nigerians and South Africans Socialization

It indeed true that Africa social norm are similar yet different so I will compare one of the well-known countries in the west and south of Africa. I have experienced first hand the socialization of  Nigeria, therefore I will thus compare its ethnic, cultures, morals, and people to that of South Africa to show the little versatility in their socialization.

Yes I said cultures because there are over 250 ethnicities in Nigeria but all can be grouped into three culture Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. You will find some  Yoruba and all Igbo to be Christians while other Yoruba and Most Hausa are Muslims http://www.business-travel-nigeria.com/nigeria. South Africa's ethnicities comprise of the Khoi-San, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, Sotho, Shangaan and Venda. Unlike Nigeria who religiously and culturally categorize its people, South Africa racially categorizes its people racially into White, Black African, Indians, and colored. Like most African countries, both were colonized by the British.

You're probably thinking Blah, blah, blah boring, but this historical fact has all to do with the development of their socialization.

Both nations perform a fantastic job embracing outsiders but show intolerance towards each other. Nigeria has an ongoing history of heinous acts, bombings, machete attacks and burnings, performed by extreme Muslims who wish to be segregated from their Christian associates. South Africa, on the other hand is a nation with an incessant increase in crime rate whether it be home robbery, hijacking, or rape. These countries are similarly “a nation that is at war with itself.” Durkheim would analyze this as the unlimited desire of members of  a society and a deviancy from what society dims as proper, thus explaining the cause of the  present negative deviant behaviors.

There governments have undergone a lot a of structural change from tribalism to republicanism, mimicking the government structure of the British, from who they had received their independence. Yet corruption has hinder the expansion of both their economy and political government. Known infamously in Nigeria as 4-1-9, fraud is rampant in both countries. This create the necessity for business owners to be cautious with how their business is handled. Bribery and corruption has increased the injustice in the government, for instance, a parent can pay of the judge for his child’s deviant behavior. Another example is government officials rigging elections. The presence of these unethical behaviors has lead to an unstable society, where poverty and crimes are abundant.

With the interaction of culture, in Nigeria the archetypal struggle is religious based, while in South Africa, it more racially based. The people of South Africa were plagued with decades and decades of segregation and have come a long way integrating. However, cultures mingle with each other with many diverse group living together in cities. These countries have also socialized with things abroad, such as having Mc Donald stores, overseas fashion, and gadgets. Both countries are festive. Whether it be displaying fervor for football ( American named soccer) in which they would gather as a family in a house, store, or stadium, or celebrating anniversaries and events, they did these not minding the race or religion. They cherish their culture, beautifying themselves in their native colorful attires and accessories.

In both African countries, education is valued greatly. Parents and their children see education has the open door out of their futile living status that the students are motivated to perform well in school. The parents spend their entire income on school fee to meet the deadline payments.

Africa and South Africa have come along way in their socialization. Though collectively the people are faced with unsatisfactory situation, they are still one of the most charitable individual you’ll ever meet.

Teen Pregnancy

I don't quite understand why a number of girls who get pregnant as teens in today's society, take so much pride in it. Maybe it because of the society or the family or they are trying to make the best out of their present situation. When I see them I feel  a growing passion of anger flowing through my vein, but with a tint of sympathy.
 
Teen pregnancy is a dominant latent issue in our society and lately has been increasing.In Teen pregnancy, different factors play a role. A teen girl can willing have sex to get pregnant, willing have sex but mistaking find herself pregnant, or  might be a victim of rape. Whatever the case might be, being a teen mom is a complex responsibility. As a visionary and an ambitious student -not to say pregnant teens aren't- I view teen pregnancy as having an 80% disadvantage in life. This includes the demanding time, expenses, and shortened dream.

It is true that the stress of an adult parent(s), caring for a new born is profound; if compared to a teenager the stress level might double, since she is a child herself. What ever argument anyone makes to disregard school and it's assignments, there's always the sleepless nights, crying baby, and unhealthy living. The expense of caring for a new born: paying for check-ups at the doctors, baby food, clothes, and baby essentials is significant. It's ridiculous how much you  can spend on a mere eight pound baby. Calculate it!

I feel like there is nothing worse than a shortened dream. These young girls who had pictured themselves as fashion designers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, or what ever they desire will have to sacrifice their dreams to nurture another's dream, knowing their's might never be achieved. The consequences of Teen pregnancy becomes a snow ball effect. The mother has to get a job, two jobs probably, to nurture and provide her baby. This may lead her to drop out of school because her struggles are overwhelming her. By her dropping out of school she is unable to get a good jobs and have a career. Some of this kids growing without a father pick up deleterious behavior that negatively affect our society and the circle begins all over again.

I understand that there are exceptions. This are the 20% individuals who have supportive families and are financially stable. It includes teen girls that give their baby up for adoption and teens that have babies who become great educators, talented athletes, and successful professionals.Just making a show such as "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Moms" doesn't stop the increasing rate but rather negatively contributes to it because more and more girls saw it as a method of becoming famous. Educating teens that they will at some point start taking responsibility of their actions is one of the best way to do it. I write this not to create a solution, but rather to draw awareness to part of our community that is in great need of scrutiny.