As sociologists, I think it's important to be objective and neutral in our analysis of society. Although there are different paradigms that sociologists follow, for example, functionalism or conflict theories, we must be able to examine the world through all schools of thought-- recognizing strengths, weakness and key ideas that each paradigm reveals. It seems to me that some of our personal opinions or attitudes spill over into our analysis which can present a sticky situation.
For example, at the "Does Race (Still) Matter?" event, it was clear that the majority of the attendees were Democrats and thus the mentality expressed throughout the seminar was Democratic. However, one should not cling to one's affiliations and condemn different affiliations as that lone Republican in the audience. We should invite all views and explore all ideas so that we can understand one another better and then eventually agree to disagree if we don't end up seeing eye to eye.
Our class discussions seem to be the same way--making generalizations and criticizing certain groups. We criticized Palin tonight but was Biden perfect? (Keep in mind, I'm not promoting one or the other I'm just trying to be objective).We do not need to straddle the "fence" but at least consider how the grass looks on both sides.
OK! Please tell ME when and if I am being biased or passing off an opinion for a fact. I am the first who wants to know and correct the bias. I'll bring a whistle, and you can use it.
ReplyDeleteTonight I was allowing opinions of yours to be aired - after all, these are the reactions of the "peers" in the final part of your paper.
I agree. It is necessary to be objective. The paper that was read tonight was clearly objective, did anyone not see that? Yes the author said that a person looked "street" but it was objective. To be honest I am sure we all knew what he meant. Should the author have said "urban"?
ReplyDeleteTo switch gears now our fellow classmate commented on Palin. Not to take sides of Palin or Biden, but it is still clear that race and sex matters. Why? So what that she is spunky, so what she's from Alaska, at the end politicians are politicians. What seems necessary is to see that they both laid their cards out on the table, regardless of Gwen the moderator of the debate. There is no color or sex for change. This election is a perfect example of how judgemental America can get. America was quick to judge when a Catholic ran for President. People didn't beleive that there would be change, but you know what John F. Kennedy became our President and change did happen.
For starters i doubt using words like "urban" or "street" would be a good choice if it were a speech, but as it was just a paper it shouldn't matter what words the author chooses because it probably wasn't meant to be read out loud or at least I don't think the author intended it to be read, but I could be wrong. Overall I thought the paper was very well written, much better then mine anyways.
ReplyDeleteAnd on the change thing, I don't think that the public is doubting change, its more like they are afraid of what changes are going to happen. Honestly I'm kind of afraid of where this election will take the country, but I feel that way about every election so its not saying much....
Interesting...When I hear the word "street" I get negative images of the typical stereotypes-"black" gang member from the hood- or Hispanic gang member from the hood. And to answer your question AR, no actually I did not see that statement as being objective. I feel that anytime your professor has to clarify what you are "trying" to say is a PROBLEM! It should be the writer's responsibility to make sure s/he is being clear!
ReplyDeleteAs for the Palin change thing. Yeah we need change but we have to have the right type of change. Things change but it’s not necessarily for the "good". Just as we are judging Palin, Obama WAS and is still being judged based on his race. Somehow we forgot about all the negative things that were said about Obama. I guess that doesn't matter anymore!?!?! It was only a couple of months ago!
Well, one can always strive to be objective and in striving to be objective we, many times, end up becoming subjective. It is easy to see the right in everything that we hear and see, but hard to follow through when alone (amongst your personal thoughts), when anguished (mentally, physically, spirtually), and when amongst peers of varies sorts. Everyone incorporates personal biases to everything regardless of the who, what, where, how, and why.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much variety of thoughts and feeling with this presidental election. Everyone in class provided very good points, whether most felt it wrong or right. In the end we must explore all angles and aspects of thought and expression. As for change...change will come regardless of who is voted in, for better or worse, who really knows whats going to happen? The way things are at the present moment, it has to get worse before it gets any better.
bingo - 'urban' would have been a less loaded word to use, IMHO.
ReplyDeleteTO MR PICA:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the trying to be objective, but ending up being subjective. This is why I think people are just too sensitive in this world or America shall I say. It is hard to have a conversation with people on race issues or even politics because you’re constantly trying to make sure "ur not being offensive" take for instance the whole street comment, some found it offensive, but I didn't! Who determines that using or saying someone is street is offensive?
Can someone answer that for me?
Maybe it depends on who you ask and who you are talking to!?!?!?!
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion I believe that the author could have used a different word. I'm sure when we all hear the word or term "dressed street" we automatically think African American or Hispanic because our society/media has that image carved into our minds. So, yes even though we are to be objective lets be mindful of the words we do use for they can be easily misunderstood.
ReplyDeleteha! this whole "street" thing is funny! Well, to me, the word "street" comes off as a bit negative. I think of baggy pants, huge shirts,etc. In reality its just a style of dressing. To people from the street, it may seem positive. BUT, the media does have a lot to do with they way we perceive images and people. I think urban would of been a better word. Oh well! good paper though!! =)
ReplyDelete