Alright! More and more juice to marinate these thoughts like Prof G calls it. First off I want to say that I liked how Dianne began her presentation today with the social problem exercise. Personally I think the way things become social problems is that we are such a socially constructed society that yes, society can be the root of problems like the way we consume unhealthy things leads to cancer and then they grow so big that we see things as not social problems but let's say, medical problems.
What made me decide where to stand in the different parts in the room like some my classmates said, is of course my upbringing that my parents taught me what is right and what is not, reading books, watching the news, personal experience, all socially constructed, I am a socially constructed product. I think of this and it overwhelms me how complex society as a whole is. If we were to change one thing then how would that affect the rest? Wow, I have one more year to go before I get my bachelors and I am getting so scared as time gets closer to go into the real world. In dealing with this whole anxiety I realize there is no way I can change anything this big on my own, I need help from others to make a change. I keep the quote from Zinn in my mind to calm me down, "...every social movement starts with disappointment..." and let me tell you I am very disappointed even with my self that I am not on top of the news or articles or current events happening in the world.
Many thoughts were spoken out loud today and in the end I think,wow, we are so embedded with different issues within issues what if one day we really did change the world, would the world end because we solved the impossible puzzle that life is today?
Any thoughts?
I really enjoyed reading you blog, it was real and uninhibited. I think about graduating all the time, and it too scares me. I'm only trying to make my mark and hope that this world doesn't shed me to pieces in the process. Just to touch on another topic that you mentioned about social problems, I know for a fact we all stood where we stood in the room because of the way we were raised and the people that we are around. People don't know what's out there or how something effects someone else until they are exposed to it. I look forward to reading more in the future:)!!
ReplyDeleteVeronica -
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, regarding the Zinn quote, "...every social movement starts with disappointment..." This is really a powerful statement, but so very true. If we weren't disappointed, frustrated, or angered by things going on around us which don't seem fair, then nothing would ever get changed for the betterment of those most affected by wrongdoing. I don't really keep up with the news/current events (and, haven't for a long time) like others around me may do. But, since you are disappointed with yourself about that, remember that you can't change what you HAVEN'T done, but you can always start today to change it -- one step, one act, one event at a time.
Try not to be so hard on yourself (I understand that it gets difficult at times not to do so), but the things that you learn each day can help you to become the person that you are meant to be. Once you walk across that stage at graduation, there will be people in the world waiting for someone (YOU) to get to work as an advocate for their issues and concerns. You'll be ready, because the disappointments and frustrations that you're experiencing now will help mold you into the person you'll need to be in the future. Hang in there! :-)
Symone,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment and for letting me know someone else feels like me too! If you read Shirley's comment (below yours) it really gives me motivation to keep going. I know that situations like these with social problems may never end but at least we can try our best and even a little change can mean A LOT for someone one day. I remember what Dr. Aguilar said, "How can I help you, What can I do for you?" and then people would always ask for even the simplest things and that made a difference.
Shirley,
You are great thanks for the motivational note you gave me, I do feel lost at times and I overwhelm myself thinking I will never achieve anything good but that is stress speaking, not me. I wish you the best too in this social work experience as well!
Thank you for the comments guys!