Look at that fake CLA$S...

 During class, we had watched a movie that had a few striking moments in it. One of the clips was of a lower-middle class lady being essentially turned into a lady that would "fit in" with the upper class. She was taught the right way to speak, dress, even walk. She was given a full makeover and was sent to an art auction (because apparently that's the only place that rich people go to). When given this new image, she still awkwardly approached gentleman; which showed that she was a "phony". In society, majority of the people strive for better, then linger to get to that last step because that's where they want to be. It takes hard work both in school and out, to achieve this kind of success. Changing ones appearance will only take away from their true self, and camouflage who they truly are for a short period of time. But in reality, to get to that so called "upper class" it would take years of dedication and strive; but being yourself during the process. "YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE"!

Jail time.. waste of time.

Why do we put people in Jail?

It seems like an obvious question, but it is an important one and it is more nuanced that initially meets the eye. What is the concept of justice? Is it for revenge, to placate the victims? To protect the public or property? To 're-educate' criminals? Is it to act as a deterrent? If so, just to deter people harming others or harming themselves too (it is illegal not to wear a seatbelt in most countries, even when it is only you in the car)? Is it to punish people that society frowns apon? Is it all these things? The law clearly punishes for both intent (eg conspiricy to murder) and consequence (eg death by dangerous driving).

We put people in jail, because of the crimes they did or the laws that each of them broke. What we seize to realize is what happens after the criminal is caught in the act, and sent to jail. It's nothing but a cycle. When civilians arrive at the court houses, they're treated like complete dirt, even if not found guilty yet. But that's just the beginning. When convicted of a crime, they are sent to jail.. in other terms a hell hole. The point of jails should be to help educate the criminals and try to teach them what the right thing to do is. Instead, they don't do anything but lock them up; Expecting them to learn for themselves, which isn't reality. When sent out to the real world again, most repeat the mistakes they did because they were never told that it was wrong otherwise. Jails should be more concerned about educating the public and making sure that crime stays off our streets, rather then talking smack about each and every one of the inmates. 

Deviance

Deviance in a sociological context describes actions or behaviors that violate cultural norms including formally-enacted rules (ex: crime) as well as informal violations of social norms (ex: rejecting folkways). 

       The past few days, we have been learning about how society thinks, and how everything that isn't considered "normal" is weird. But what exactly is the norm? To be honest, I'm not sure anyone can even pinpoint anywhere close to it. In class, we had heard multiple examples of how deviance is present in our country; in society. The example that stuck out to me the most, was the blue tooth example. So let's just say a random guy was driving in his car and his blue tooth ear piece was completely out of sight. The person to the left of him would be like "Whoa, why is that guy talking to himself? He's soooooooo weird!!" However, the person to the right of him wouldn't think anything of it, because he/she would see the man's ear piece and realize that he is talking to someone on the phone. That's considered to be normal.

"Age...

... is just a number, right?" Then why are so many adults looking down upon teenagers? Why is the drinking age 21? Or why is the legal adult age 18? In society now days, we go about numbers to justify when we can do certain things, when in reality it should be based upon ones maturity level and how he/she handles/goes about different things. In past experiences, I have met numerous amounts of people that are 17 years old that are way more mature than some 24 year olds, yet they still don't have the same rights as the 24 year olds do. Why? Because laws prohibit them. I find it unfair beyond all means, that we are stricken to try new things when WE are ready to try them, based upon the government's ruling. It's up to them to decide what we can do.. but it should OUR duty to determine when we are ready to take responsibility for our actions.