Final Post

In my first blog I wrote a little bit about who I am. I talked about the clubs I'm involved with, how I enjoy singing and playing guitar, and what I get through forming connections with people. I do think all of this stuff is correct, but sociology has made me think about more of what makes up who I am. In my first blog I talked about how I'm normally a dependent person, but music is something I did on my own. I think I've always been a little ashamed of being dependent, but this class has made me see that that's not really a bad thing. As humans, we need to depend on each other. It's how we are wired and made to be. The importance of connections was just reinforced to me on a much larger level than I could have thought. In my first blog I think I talked more about connections I am consciously making, but I now see there are so many connections I haven't been aware that I've been making, but have nonetheless been made. I didn't realize how many things affect the way I think and live my life. The social construction of race, gender roles/stereotypes, the area I live in/school I go to, etc. have all played a vital role in making me who I am. I viewed those things more as facts about me, but I wasn't able to see that they truly do make up the person I am. I wouldn't be the same if I lived in a different place at a different time. It's so important to realize how you are a contributor to society. By caring so much about my appearance and wanting the perfect hair, body, skin tone, etc. I am adding to the narrow definition of female beauty in America, that really needs to be expanded. I've learned that it doesn't have to be that way though: by being sociologically mindful of how you are affecting the way everyone sees things, you can choose to affect everyone in a positive way.