The Meaning Behind a Gift

How has the meaning behind a gift changed within modern society? Gifts were used in the old days as a form to express ones appreciation for another. But it seems that in today's world gifts are given out of obligation instead of with love.

Much of this obligation surrounding gifts has come from our consumerist society, which markets gift giving as a way of earning another person 'true love'. Mothers and Fathers are forced to provide their children with gifts that live up to the standards of those gifts their child's friends are receiving.

How have gifts become a status symbol in society? Gifts have become status symbols in society because there are now certain possessions that people are expected to have. If a person does not have items like an I-Pod, X-box, Cell Phone, or Computer their status within our material society is in some ways seen as lower.

Children feel the need to own these electronics, because every one of their friends has the same new gadget. The pull towards the newest and brightest new toy has led parents to abandon giving those gifts which their child does not desire. Every kid wants the new X-box, and therefore it must be the best gift a parent could give their child.

I feel that over the coming years, gift giving is going to transform in tremendous ways. Electronics and other such entertaining devices may no longer been seen as gifts, but as common tools that each person is expected to have. Consider cell phones and computers. Once they were luxury items, but they have now become such necessitated tools within society, that it is hard to imagine a time when everyone didn't have one.

Gift giving must slowly meander away from mainstream consumption to maintain its sentimental bearings. If it is not able to do this, I feel all meaning behind the gift will be lost.

Thanksgiving

As the clock has struck midnight here in Phoenix, Arizona it is officially Thanksgiving. I have always found this Holiday to be somewhat contradictory, because it is based on an event that occurred in a much less pleasant and peaceful manner than its modern day portrayal. But there is also a very intriguing quality about Thanksgiving, that has been lost in many areas of present day American society.

The quality that I am referring to is the unity of people. For a day, families, and friends come together to celebrate the concept of community and giving. It is nice to know that we make time for 24 hours of generosity and joy per year.

Thanksgiving gives each of us the excuse, which we seem to need, to embrace our neighbors, friends, and family alike. It is a celebration of the equality of man, and a clear reminder of the inefficiency of Individuality within American culture.

I hope everyone has a joyous celebration today because, for once, we all hold equal standing at the dinner table. We are fellow citizens of a free nation. The next step, is for us to take this day of equality and implement it into our daily lives. I salute all for their Thanksgiving contributions. I thank You for Giving!

The Sadness that Was Jonestown

On November the 18th, 1978 in a small town in South America, a mass (over 900 people in all) suicide occurred. It was a very sad day for humanity, and a clear example of how 'group think' corrals, and can destroy, all those which come across its path.

How can this large of a group be led into such an act of desperation? Jim Jones, who was a master manipulator, and the leader of the Jonestown suicide, painted suicide as a golden option to salvation. Many people who disagreed, and who were not in favor of the suicide, did their best to question Jone's rational. But in the end, the group consciousness (or unconsciousness, in this case) overruled all individual opinions, and the Jonestown suicide (which including around 350 children) took full effect.

It is these sorts of events that remind us of the fragility of the follower. There are many of us within this world, who know no better path than that of a devote student or disciple. Therefore it is of the utmost importance to spread awareness. We cannot allow another catastrophe like this, which was not managed by the government with a firm hand, to take place.

We must take full responsibility as individuals, to recognize when we have dug ourselves into a questionable position, and then to learn and educate ourselves based off of the defining experiences we had. There is no shame when one realizes futility, and decides to make the commitment to personal development, instead of lingering on a path of despair. It is encouraging, however, when people do learn from their life's experiences, and move on towards the next ones.

This cycle of life provides optimism for our future. If we learn from these events, which continually remind us of the horrors of the past, we will never repeat such acts. We will be able to more clearly recognize impostors, those who are interested in power and manipulation, and disassociate with their various, yet creative, practices of fallacy.

Marriage before God, or State?

Has our culture come to a point in the year 2008, where it is socially more important to marry before the State, than as a symbol of two people devoting themselves to each other before god? Marriage within the United States, is a way to legally link yourself to another person, however, it used to be about the cosmic bond that god would supposedly provide for two people. The deep religious views that used to dominate the realm of marriage, and the ceremonial practice of marriage, have become less and less experienced and conclusively forgotten.

Is it even important for marriage to be centered around god anymore? In centering the union on god, there is useful support for the couple during the difficult times of the marriage. God used to act as a backbone for marriage, or in other cases, as a reason to feel guilt because of failed marital practices. But nowadays, the role god plays in wedlock is far different. The role of God in marriage is slowly changing from the central focus of a family, to an ornamental accessory, that brightens the way a family is perceived by the surrounding community.

It is very difficult to see so many failed marriages around us. Each one is very important, and hurtful, to all people who are involved. I hope that this coming generation of prospective wedding planners will have a higher success rate than the last. We'll have to wait and see.

Reaction to Change

Now that Barack Obama has been elected President of the United States, I would like to take a look as to how America is viewed differently by the rest of the world. The first difference that comes to mind is diplomacy. All indications so far, point to a more successful (it cannot be too hard to outdo the last group of decision makers) Foreign Affairs regime under Obama, because other nations problems must be taken into account to fix this global economic crisis.

The fact that such a progressive and idealistic thinker was elected to office must signal change to other nations. The world now knows that the American people, as a whole, are aware of the global damage our country has caused in recent memory. By electing Obama, a decision was made, to listen to those who have been ignored for so long, and to conduct our policies rationally and with detailed planning.

Obama's election was very important to express the immense diversity captured across the United States. It is hard for a nation to be "by the people, and for the people," when, prior to Obama's election, there had yet to be a president who differed from the usual white complexion.

I feel that Barack Obama, in essence, signals the success of diversity. If Barack is to be successful with our country, however, it will be imperative that he turn our diversity, that which separates us from one another, into that which brings us together. If he can do this he will have initiated true change, and the room for growth, as a collection of diverse nations, will be vast. Obama has a few months to prepare for his induction, but when the oval office is officially his, many will expect (like Obama was when he was elected) drastic change, and they will be begging for it to come fast.

A New Commander and Chief

The day has come, and there are problems to be solved. So, now that Barack Obama's outstanding presidential victory is starting to settle in, let's take a look at how our country already is, and must continue to change.

Racial boundaries must begin to diminish. People have been acknowledging the differences between themselves and their neighbors for far too long, so if true change is to take place, prior misconceptions of morality and skin color must be permanently put to rest. It is instead time to start noticing our similarities. We are all citizens of the same powerful, yet struggling Nation. We all live in a world where without immense collective cooperation, and dedication to our revival, we will begin to falter and suffer through larger and more complicated issue.

It is also necessary to re-develop a sense of National pride in the United States. The disengagement of youth from politics (possibly due to our current administration) is hurting our national identity, and our country is floundering for a sake of purpose and motivation. As our new leadership, it will be the job of The President to harness and direct the youth's energy towards the restructuring of American infrastructure.

Our society must be rebuilt around good quality education, efficient and environmentally friendly means of transportation, work forces that are taken care of, and who have potential for individual economic growth, and on entertainment which is less focused on exploiting our material inclinations, and which is more geared towards educating us on world related issues.

As a society, our knowledge base must start to grow as a whole. It must be us, who make the next important scientific and technological discoveries, so that there are opportunities for the up and coming generations to nurture and develop these changes even more.

Change is in the air, so it is time for us to act. This election has forced us to see the problems we are enduring, and the difficulties that still lie ahead. The real test, will be to answer those calls of our noble and beloved President. We are going to be asked for our help, so it will be up to us to follow through and deliver change.

White Supremacy

Is there really still room for racial discrimination? How is it that after nearly 150 years, we are still experiencing the same sorts of hatred against people of African heritage?

In the last few days a story broke about two young-adult white supremacists who were plotting a nationwide killing spree against African Americans. In all, they were planning to kill 88 people (beheading 14 of them) while culminating their spree of killings with an attempted assassination of Senator Barack Obama.

It isn't too often nowadays, that we here such extravagant and outrageous displays of racial hate. These are the sorts of stories that open our eyes to the fact that things have not changed nearly as much as we have thought, and that we have far from eradicated racial prejudices.

Rambling

So I have been in a bit of a writers block lately. It has been difficult. It seems like the only thing that could even peruse me to write is a little Duke Ellington before dinner. My Sociological Imagination (mentioned in first posted article) has been closing down on me for unknown reasons. It was as if I was frightened by these real encounters I was finally perceiving. In my life of sheltered boarding school living, and parents house dwelling, I had not experienced that much which was real. It has been difficult to see these vast market drop offs in the economy. Business' can no longer make enough money to survive and it hurts our morale as a society. Finally grasping the damage that our country is doing to the world made me realize how much each person needs to actively participate, in an effort to change habits of frugal spending, and over anxiousness to enter into cost inefficient wars and other sorts of skirmishes.

How can I make a difference in society? How are we as individuals supposed to know where to put our energy to make a difference? I have been told that my help is needed, but no one has forced me like my mother to participate. This election is going to be very interesting. The ramifications of either nominee are going to be huge. Obama with his Idealist perspectives to slow down the decision making (which might be a good thing) in this country, and McCain with his Realist processing skills. If McCain does slip into the white house the backlash could potentially be scary.

Well enough rambling. I will open my Sociological Eye to the world soon enough. I hope to come back writing. Good night to all.

Your Relation to Me

Today, I am going to valiantly try to define how interpersonal relationships shape the people who we are. This intriguing connection, between one human being and another, is one that I have always wanted to wrap my finger around, but have yet to accomplish. My first question is, how do You shape the person who I am, and how do I do the same for You? It is quite interesting to pay attention to bonds and friendships in life, and to notice how each and every one of them affects the person who you are.

From a sociological perspective, the relationships in our life place us into certain categories, and deem us to be people of classification. They determine how we are viewed by society and, often times, how people choose to relate to us. These interwoven interactions give us a sense of identity that is solely based on how others perceive us to be. Is this a good thing that we relate to ourselves based on how others view our social habits?

From a personal perspective, these relationships have taught me all about who I am. My differing, and unique, links to individuals have drawn me closer to a deep connection with, and to an understanding of, myself. With every personal human relation, I feel as if I am taught something profound about the person who is Me. I have been taught that I need to give each person the opportunity to relate to me in an individual manner. I have been shown that the reason to reveal my true self to another, is so that they may less fear the experience of realizing their own individuality.

What does all this mean?

How can I change the way I relate to myself, from an outside-onlookers perspective, to an internal-introspective view of self? The answer, is to see yourself in the person next to you. If we are all able to see the distinct similarities, and individual qualities, that we share with our neighbor, we begin to formulate and define our own identities. It is very difficult to allow another person to show you a part of yourself, but when we open ourselves to the experience of another, great things tend to happen.

I wish it were easier, to sociologically explain my theory of self exploration, through interaction with another, but I find it quite difficult to express the subtlety of what I am trying to convey. Sociology in its atomic form is the individual relationships we hold with those around us. The purest form of Sociology is the dynamic connection between two people, and the knowledge and understanding they shed on each other. We must value our personal relationships because they help to shape the person who we are. Now, let's try to go out and treat others with the respect we give those whom we learn from.

Highway Driving

This fall break my roommate and I drove south on Interstate 5 from Portland to Eugene, Oregon. During the two hour drive, I began to notice how people relate differently to the environment provided by their cars. Some of the drivers appeared uneasy, and as if they were holding on for dear life. It was as if they had more awareness of their surroundings, than I did, and were thus less comfortable with the high speed situation. Then, there were those drivers (like myself) who were clearly enjoying their own little ecosystem. They were jamming out to their various musical preferences, and at ease with the movements of those around them.

For the most part though, everyone on the road had one common goal: their destination. Why is it that Highway Driving is so impersonal now days? Didn't driving used to serve a purpose (getting where you want to go) while being an enjoyable sort of vacation? The fact of the matter is that society has sped up. Road trips, once a great pastime of the United States, have become less experienced and more dreaded activities.

There are simple reasons why driving is no longer as attractive to us as it used to be. 1) The price of gas 'drives' many of us away from these sorts of trips. 2) It is now cheaper to fly some places, and the time saved is very attractive. People rarely drive for the simple pleasure of getting out on the road and enjoying themselves. Driving is, now more than ever, strictly about getting where you are trying to go. There is no time taken to mingle in 'small town' America. The attractions that used to force us to pull over and spend a few dollars, worth of time and money, no longer grab us and lure our attention.

Driving is a tool. It has lost its beauty and charm for most of us.

If there is one thing for certain about driving, it is that it provides us the opportunity to sit back and think. One can learn a lot about themselves from just driving. It helps build patience, and gives us time to learn to feel content with ourselves.

Oh my, how I'm glad I enjoy to Drive!

Markets of Power

In modern society, we are faced with certain markets that control the vast majority of power and influence. These markets play a large role in our lives whether we like them or not. No matter how hard we try to hide, or how far we try to run, in order to escape these mega powers, it would require an act more drastic and life altering.

Why is it that these markets are infused into every facet of our lives? Our religion doesn't just give us means to be closer to god, or some other higher being, but it educates us on the facts (based on medieval accounts) of this world and its natural surroundings. Our race and class afford us, or cost us, positions that would have greatly improved the overall material quality of our lives. How much I would give to get that dang couch for my room!

Money dictates every decision we make. It forces us to experience, not what we want to experience, but what we can afford to experience. Our overall health is subject to the monetary funds we have at our dispense. We are lured into the multifaceted trap that is the Fast Food Industry, by the basic principle that time is money. These noble providers, who give us food that is actually worth 60 cents, attract us with their easy, cheap options that drain the locomotive beauty from society. People are no longer able to interact with joy. They are forced to speed through time, with an utter lack of disregard for the clock on the wall.

We need to control the forces which bear down on us. If we are going to hold the burden of some external greedy culprit, let it at least be our fathers who play that role. Our lives are in our hands, if we wish to hold them tight enough. We control the market (our mind) that presides over our physical realm, and our internal relation to self. The time is clearly upon us to start developing this market.

The Social Portrayal of Self

In Julie Bettie's Women Without Class, the topic of self portrayal comes up front and center. This topic is one that is hard not to struggle with, especially when considering the difficulties of showing ones true-self solely based on outside appearance. In life, expression, through physical appearance, is one of the rare opportunities we have to communicate who we are to the world around us.

Why is it we might ask, that Las Chicas (the working class Hispanic students in Bettie's book), and The Preps (those middle class white students) feel such a strong need to give material identity to their social scenes? Having the ability to classify with a certain group or culture, usually, helps in terms of feeling a part of a greater whole. But, why do they feel the need to create, or to at least include themselves in the stereo type of their race/class traits? The 'comfort' we, supposedly, feel by being like those people who we are similar to, is often times less real than it appears to be.

Of course, the camaraderie aspects to social groups play huge roles. People feel the need to be included, and it is easiest to be accepted by those who you are alike. But how come so little importance is placed on classifying with oneself? Is there not a great gap in our society between who a person IS and who she/he perceives themselves to be?

Within my own life, I notice personal affiliations with those peer groups (not naming any names!!!) whose general approach to life is quite different than the method I have come to embrace and enjoy partaking in. The particular approach which I have begun to live by is actually not one at all. I live my life in hopes of experiencing all that I will allow myself to perceive. This is quite a challenge, but it does allow me to view all people from a neutral perspective, and to enjoy them for their many creative and unique qualities.

The only answer I can think of, for our deep connection to those who have similar characteristics as us, is our inability to be content and comfortable with ourselves as individuals. We seek, as a group, to find out who we are as individuals. There is something comforting in that statement. Is there anything wrong with this sentiment? Three sentences ago I thought there was, when I was under the impression we needed to learn who we are for ourselves. But I now realize, that we are all fighting to be who we are, no matter what, and who, it takes to help us figure it out. There is nothing wrong with learning more about yourself through the experiences of a group. Groups multiply experience. And, if there is anything you need to have, to know who you are, it is experience.

The Mind

Is a tool something that we have control over, or is it just an instrument that makes our lives easier in some form? If a tool can still be a beneficial and necessary device in our lives, even without complete control, we generally deem it valuable to our well being.

The concept of The Mind is one that I have always pondered over. How can something that I presumably have little control over, help me in such outstanding and profound ways? My mind, as I have learned, is one of simple means and lifestyle. It thrives when it is presented with difficulties and merriment's of similar form and pattern. It gets frustrated easily when it is surprised or forced out of its ever cushy comfort zone.

My Minds experiences and challenges on this earth range from simple to complex. Yet it, seemingly and quite mysteriously, always accomplishes its goals without fail. Is it because My Mind only takes on the challenges that it knows can be accomplished seamlessly? This is the answer (I think a light bulb just went off in my head) I am inclined to believe most. To me it makes sense that My Mind would approach only the sort of conquests it knew it could and would conquer. Why would someone allow themselves to partake in an unconquerable deed? Is there not a slightly sadistic tinge to that sort of mental activity?

The next important question to ask is, why My Mind chose this particular cut off line on its 'conquerability' meter? It is, after all, a very safe place when I stop to think about it. My Mind is very comfortable thinking that everything it decides to do will be completed successfully- It is interesting to note (I should write many blog entries on this particular issue) the correlation between being comfortable and being successful.

Why do I want to be comfortable? I almost think I would be more successful (in a relative, life fulfillment, sort of way) if I was always out of my comfort zone. At least then I would be pushing the limits to realms My Mind will not allow itself to know.

Are humans supposed to push the bounds of comfort/success? Where is the line drawn between being simply content and truly triumphant in ones life?

Why am I settling?

Why am I content? The reason is because I fear what I do not 'know'. And what I do not 'know', is what I cannot control. At this point it is easy to make the argument that there is nothing I can really control. For arguments sake let us assume that, within reason, we control some aspects of our own lives. If there are a few aspects of life that I am able to control, then why am I not willing to leave this Zone with predetermined outcomes?

It doesn't make sense to only do what you know how to do. The reason for knowledge is application. But, if one is having an encounter in which they have had no prior experience, it is unfair to force the situation, or rather morph it, into a familiar interaction in which there may be a predetermined outcome. Each experience in life deserves its own space to grow and change naturally.

Therefore, we cannot allow our minds to change our experiences into outcomes that we have no doubt already faced. Our relationship to foreign relations must be with open arms. These interactions that are unfamiliar to us, must be the ones that we embrace. We cannot deny ourselves the opportunity to have a true experience, or an experience that is newly felt, and hardly understood. These sensations are the base needed to continually stimulate our minds. We cannot settle on what we 'know'. Instead, it is important to come to terms with, and to learn, how what we don't know can impact our lives in a new and unusually good sort of way.

This is the limitation of The Mind. To have the opportunity to manage what sorts of experiences we are introduced to, on a regular basis, and to settle if we are afraid of what might be learned.

Now it is time to stop settling, and to get on with Life.

Occupational Hazards

In life we are all overburdened with responsibilities and obligations to someone or to something. Often times, it is difficult to determine the boundary lines between the representation of oneself, and the representation to the entity with which we are bound. The distinction between personal time and company time is one that is important and must be adhered to. If this careful balance is not carried out in a correct manor it will become difficult to prevent conflicts of interests in ones life.

To illustrate the point I am making, I want to think about what it would be like for an off duty Police Officer to enter the house of a Family Friend who is partaking in illegal acts.

Would the Police Officer still be obligated to report her friend regardless of the fact that she is off duty? Does the simple yet intimate gesture of inviting a person into ones house mean that all responsibilities and prior duties are left at the door?

I feel that it does. The time spent off duty for a Police Officer is personal time. The Officers commitment to her department when she is not in the act of being an employee is hers to do what she will with. In a way, the act of entering an individuals house as a friend negates all other binding relationships which, may or may not, obstruct the current circumstances. The Police Officers current bond to the Family Friend outweighs all others and takes priority.

However, should the Police Officer feel an undeniable bond to law and the authority which supports her, she of course has the choice to report the criminal acts.

To sum up these thoughts, the Police Officer has no moral obligation to report her friend based on occupational loyalties. But, if she does feel the need to report these criminal acts because of her own ethical views, then she is correct in doing so. Her decision making should be centered around her own feelings and opinions, without influence from outside forces and pressures.

This moral dilemma is one that haunts me to the core. The prospect of being faced with such a difficult and morally deep issue makes me fear the possibility of an authoritative occupation. I guess now I just have to pray that one is not coming up in my horizon!

M"us"ic and Us

Within each persons life there is some form of expression that is honest, true, and which reflects the individual. Today, music is going to be the expressive art form that we will focus on.

The mass distribution of music in the last ten years has changed the way music is perceived. We now have the opportunity to diversify our taste in music, as well as our ability to appreciate new musical forms of art. Musics impact on today's youth is said best by an Oakland Hip-Hop group, Zion I. In their song Birds Eye View, the line "Music is Life" captures the attention of listeners, even before the first verse has begun. This sort of mindset is commonplace for modern youth.

In my personal life, music is synonymous with experience. When I listen through my absurdly large music library (it would take nearly a month to listen to) I find myself reflecting on past experiences with jovial recollection. Almost as if the song represents the conquests and triumphs my life has to share. The music in my life, is by far the most honest and expressive way to tell my biography. Preferences in genre have differed depending on women, positive or negative mindsets, athletic results, and most importantly, friends!

How is it that music has taken over the intimate memories of my life? It is possible that I am seeking added dramatic affect while telling the story of my life. But, I think it goes much deeper than that. I am fairly confident in saying, that my sole reason for this addiction to music is not centered around story telling (although my taste would bode for quite a story). It is based around personality. Music is an expression of self, regardless of if it is your own or another persons.

When I play songs for friends, I am expressing myself in an innocent and direct way. The song says what I feel. I am very comfortable playing certain music to say how I feel at the moment, and to communicate my feelings at present. As Zion I put it best, "Music is Life," and for me there is no question about that fact.

Environmental Happiness

In life there seems to be infinite ways to experience the sensation of happiness. In our modern age we have television, movies, restaurants, bars, amusement parks, clubs, and our inter personally connected internet persona's. All these examples are similar in that they lack a relationship to the environment. Of course there are exceptions to every one of these examples. But generally speaking, there has been a profound subtraction from the individuals environmental experience.

In terms of my own life I have noticed a skeptical removal from the outside world. I rarely take the time to experience the natural beauties that surround my daily building hopping of a life. Why is this? I continually ask myself. I have always been fond of the outdoors. Why is that as we develop (in terms of our time on this earth-not in assumed maturity or experience) we have a slow withdrawal from the nature that surrounds us? It must be that our responsibilities and obligations to others, as well as ourselves, have become too much of a burden. I do not understand why our relationships to fellow humans take precedence over our relationship to this earth.

Does our personal connection with this earth not hold at least as much, if not more importance than our relationships to those friends and foes who surround us? It must! We live on this soil to learn and to understand how to be grounded and stable in this life we are living. The earth is the best example of how to live ones life. The mixture of sacrifice (this world has fought for our right to free-will), consistency (waking up everyday to provide opportunity), and growth potential (good or bad, this earth is not going to stop changing) lend to us being able to live lives worth living.

I notice now at this tender age, that I can no longer take this earth for granted. It provides too much of our own goodness to forget about it now. I hope to never again forget the earths important and necessary role in the existence of a purposeful and happy life.

Education

Is there a way to structure our educational systems to provide students with a broad and practical knowledge base, which allows them to have an individualistic approach to success in life and occupation? I have a feeling the answer is yes, but results show that our current system is failing to supply such life tools to our youth.

In Ain't No Makin' It, Jay MacLeod presents striking information that clearly shows the shortcomings of public education. His analysis represents the unfair circumstances that many of the youth in the United States face. Our schools train bright-eyed kids to embrace the labor force in the form of low-income jobs. These schools, which instill short sighted desires and take away from the imaginations of our children have become the norm.

For the youth to thrive we must be trained and brought up in a mindset of success. We have to be aware that all our hard work may or may not pay off, yet still be willing to put forth the effort to move forward. Education cannot dictate class. Having class must be a more important variable than the monetary class of an individual. Our society needs to be shaped around global values rather than global influence.

If we are able to change, or rather develop how we see potential in the individual I feel we will grow strength in numbers. We must find where each persons goodness fits into the whole of the puzzle. The hard part is recognizing the distinct decency of the individual.

Fixation with Victory

Why is that human beings as a race have this innate fixation with proving they are superior to their fellow man? Is it because we feel fulfilled or satisfied in a selfishly eager sort of way? The answer is clear. All mankind is searching for is a sense of security. With success and accomplishment, usually follows confidence. People are attracted to and follow confidence, because it breeds positive energy. Positive people have a natural calmness, because they know they need not prove themselves.

Having the ability to outperform a fellow man is a true joy. It allows a person to have an air about themselves, which is simple happiness. Man enjoys triumph because it breeds confidence, positivity, and security for those who are afraid of victory themselves. There are many of us who are afraid of such success. We choose to live our lives under the radar, without showing others that we can be successful and accomplish our intentions when we see fit. Our main problem is that we rarely acknowledge those opportunities for success. We instead allow the next, more ambitious person to fulfill our own dream and to make it their own, while we wait idly to the side. This process of giving up ones dream for fear of being successful will be discussed at length on a later date.

The Brothers vs. The Hallway Hangers

The tale of the Brothers and the Hallway Hangers is an interesting yet somewhat surprising one. In this story based around low income housed families, Jay MacLeod chronicles the educational differences between the families of the Brothers, and those of the Hallway Hangers. His analysis is quite unexpected and very telling of our flawed racial stereotypes.

MacLeod goes deep into the family backgrounds of both these groups. In doing so we begin to notice that the African American families (those of the Brothers), are trying with everything they have to escape the prison that is 'the projects'. We also start to get a sense that many of the white families (the families of the Hallway Hangers), have resigned to their fate as permanent 'project' dwellers.

This analysis struck me quite profoundly, because my previously naive notions were to the contrary. Being a white semi-motivated, semi-spoiled, middle class college student I had perceived that other white people were like me. I had never been exposed to white ghettos. Or heard about areas where people of white skin were trapped in this downward cycle towards poverty, which is public housing.

The other deeply intriguing point that MacLeod brings about is the utter discipline and motivation amongst the African American 'Brothers'. We are constantly bombarded with these pictorial generalizations that lead us into a false trap(the media). This trap generally leads us to believe that all African Americans in 'the projects' are lazy and unmotivated members of society.

MacLeod's method of disproving racial and societal stereotypes is proving to be quite effective. He tells us what we rarely hear, and supports it with the factual information and data he has collected. The 'Brothers' are trying to make their way out of the projects through hard work, and most importantly lofty dreams. The Hallway Hangers have accepted their fate as the bottom dwellers of society, and it is no one's dream to live in such a nightmare.

The Sociological Imagination

How much have our goals and priorities in life changed over the past sixty years? We have transformed from a society with a booming and diverse economic focus, to one with a self oriented, "misery of vague uneasiness." The mental shift with regards to an individuals problems is a key indicator of where we are heading as a society. It is quite interesting to take note of how self fulfilling our personal issues are in modern American society. While our concerns during the first half of this century were economical and governmental based, they have since shifted towards personal problems that neglect the greater whole. Our fears in life no longer come from the perspective of a nation, but rather from the near sighted eyes of our many citizens.

Another interesting question that the author poses is, "where does this society stand in human history."

Is it possible for us as an American nation to leave a lasting impression on history? It appears unlikely since our primary inclination is to look out for, and to take care of ourselves. Our mark on history cannot possibly be felt deeply when the common individuals mark on his own community is felt so seldom. As a society our collective purpose must be to leave a positive impression on this earth. One that lasts and is remembered with pride and joy. If we can walk away from this planet, having left positive footprints on this earth our Sociological Imagination will have been well used, and our duties fulfilled.