Final Blog

Fairfield County; where art thou Fairfield County.

When I think about Fairfield County, I think about athletics, colleges, traveling abroad, wealthy families, toned workouts, and how it all ties in to our generation! We are living in one of the wealthiest county’s. It’s something to take pride in right? Our county reminds me of a plate of spaghetti. We have the meatballs, the spaghetti sticks, and the tomato sauce. No matter how different we all are, somehow we coincide to make a very accepting dish- or in this case small section of Connecticut.

Values of being successful is something that’s involved in our cultural space. For instance, in most high schools and magnet schools students go abroad to study different traditions - lifestyles, join sport teams, and do what’s needed for something as essential as a college essay. Unfortunately, going to a different country is a privilege. Those that may not be able to afford it kind of get singled out in a way. It’s like they’re missing out on a big opportunity. College in general is looked upon as a big asset towards being successful. With many affordable prices for schooling nowadays there’s basically no excuse not to go. Not moving forward to create a better life would be undervalued today.

I mean, not everyone can or will own a nice big mansion with a huge backyard and pool in the future. I just think that the individual would feel obligated to attempt climbing the social class ladder. Working somewhere like Mc Donald’s will eventually ask for a two year college degree in serving up orders in the future. In this county there are a variety of low wage jobs make the employees have a certain amount of education and skill to work there.  When I think about social and cultural boundaries its noticeable where said person would end up living. They’d most likely be in East/South Norwalk or Bridgeport, for example, than Fairfield & Darien where house are like a million dollars. Nobody has time for that!

Other than that, I feel like I’ll definitely make sure I’m aware of what’s going on around me in the near future. It’s interesting how my perspective of lifestyles around this country has changed or clarified because I took time to analyze old and new cartoons and observe common areas in the county. The most impacting analysis are the cartoons. They have so many hidden messages that kids wouldn’t usually get but it’s still defining what our generation will continue to be like. In relation to social classes and being successful, a lot of the cartoon characters don’t ponder on it as much. Fortunately, Cartoon network characters like “Flapjack” from the Misadventures of Flapjack, and “Chowder” show two different perspectives of life. Flapjack, this little boy, is somewhat poor. He’s always rummaging around for food or going in for free snacks at the candy store. It makes kids see a realistic struggle – minus his literal whale mother. As for Chowder, he likes in a middle class. His boss owns this important chef business and in one episode he sheds light on how hard it was to study, pass exams to be one.

It’s a bit confusing how society works with all these barriers. But, once our generation grows up we’ll face social and cultural barriers in our own societies.

Blog 3/4 Cartoons

 Cartoons are the key component of life. Back in the day they taught moral lessons like telling the truth, being respectful, noticing the value of character – like having proper etiquette and pronunciation of the English language. From old cartoons like The Jetsons on Boomerang to newer shows such as, Regular Show and Gravity Falls there’s a decline of what’s expected in society. It’s as if it’s expected for parents to teach their kids moral lessons before they watch these stereotyped, slang filled cartoons. Yes, it appeals to the kids but it does nothing but worsen our generation.

What makes the Jetson’s so great is the fact it was created BEFORE 2000. It was made before all of the crappy cartoons started coming out. – I can’t deny, I like a couple, but I’m a lot older than its intended audience and I know right from wrong. For instance, the Jetson’s live this family lifestyle. Though it has this stereotypical role of women and girls being these dainty, fashion, boy loving beings while the men and boys focused on intelligence and work, the show is a futuristic type of cartoon. You still see the kids doing chores, doing homework, or respecting their elders. If you watch Regular Show it’s the complete opposite. It’s a show that shows kids that they should enjoy life and not stress too much, but emphasizes that it’s okay to slack off and do nothing! It’s positive and negative. Their boss Benson is always telling them to get things done. He kind of symbolizes an authority’s figure; if Mordecai & Rigby don’t listen to him at first, what makes people think that children will listen to their elders? Eventually they make up for their actions because they depend on their job. In the Jetsons when someone face a problem with a robot for example, they would say something like “Get off you mechanical monster!” But with Mordecai & Rigby, they would prank and make fun of someone they didn’t like. Not all kids are going to act like this but it’s the message they’re sending out; it seems like society would justify it by saying ‘kids will be kids’ as a result.

For some reason kids are expected to be these little bundles of joy; they are supposed to be clean, nice, and kind of proper depending on what their parents or guardians instill in them. If they watch something like Regular Show and aren’t reminded what’s wrong they could think that this was the way to act. The last thing I want to hear would be someone making a “My Mom” joke like Muscle Man (a character who resembles a bully in the cartoon). It’s pointless and pretty stupid. Gravity Falls (Disney) is another show that makes you think about the nature of this generation. In Gravity Falls' episode “Summerween” they hint that being cool means no more trick or treating. Instead it’s preferred to grow up; growing up meaning-go to a party, ditching silly costumes. Dipper, the little boy (main char.)  felt like ditching his sister to hang out with a much older girl. He was gullible, and of course naïve. When I think about kids today, half of them look A LOT older than they’re supposed to be! Those kind of kids act like mini teenagers; it’s gross! I kind of wish that the trick or treat monster, from “Summerween”, would force the kids in this generation to act their age.  In the Jetsons Elroy the youngest child, did what kids usually do! Play with toys, his pet dog and be a studious little boy.

When are kids going to enjoy their childhood? Overall, these cartoons may be funny, but it poisons the youth. Between Regular Show's aged characters with childish mentalities, and Gravity Fall's 'eager to be grown' kids the more I wish older cartoons would come back.

Blog 2/4 Observng Physical Places

What is so special about buying food? I guess I’m not a food addict like my father. When I go to food stores I don’t pay as much attention to the people, to the prices, to the quality of the product. It’s like to-may-toe’s and to-mah-toe’s. The product may be the same but the pronunciation and who it could appeal to is different. When you think about it, there are many cultural and social boundaries between Fairfeild County.

I mostly focused on Fairfeild, East Norwalk, and South Norwalk.

In Fairfield there were a variety of food stores that are similar to the ones located in Norwalk. The only thing that stands out seems to be BJ’s. In South Norwalk, East Norwalk, and Darien you wouldn’t find Wholesale Corporations bigger than Costco. Especially in South Norwalk, it’s common to see places like Shoprite, Stop N Shop, Whole Foods, mini Spanish stores and other small food chains. It's a huge contrast from Fairfeild  which seemed predominantly white. Surprisingly, the co-workers ethnicities in the Wholesale Club varied. Socially, what I’ve noticed was over the years there was a decline in shoppers. It may be its isolated location, or the fact I go at the least popular time. Like Costco, in Norwalk, shopping at BJ’s can get pretty expensive. You could go in for something as simple as toothpaste, and spend close to $20. It may seem like an exaggeration, but the prices add up. Even when I do food shopping, I have to be fairly prepared to spend at least $400 for the bill. BJ’s is not the type of place for easy once a week shopping. Costco can be depending on what you need; it varies for everyone. Either way, lower social class would be neglected the most considering the prices and the little to no money saving bargains they claim to have.

At Stew Leonard’s (East Norwalk), Shoprite, and Stop N Shop (East & South Norwalk), there’s less of a cultural boundary and more of an intended social class advertisement. Stew Leonard’s is one of my favorite food stores. From my perspective the managers, average workers, kitchen staff, etc. provide this warm environment for mostly middle class and elderly. The elderly have more benefits since it’s in the same proximity of the store. Stews is more of a brand; you’d be paying more for milk, for instance, than if you were to have bought it from Shoprite. Stew and Stew Jr. own the store, and they have social and cultural control of who’s able to go into it. Someone who may solely depend on a bodega or small cheap market may not have interest in Stew Leonard’s. They could possibly go to Shoprite or Stop N Shop. Stop N Shop is a bit more expensive than Shoprite. Both appeal to all; it’s a preference. If it’s not Shoprite’s logo, of a cart filled with all kinds of goods, then it’s their popularity and publicity. Even Stop N Shop creates this advertisement that it’s a cheaper store with better savings. You could be getting more of your money’s worth if you’re doing a casual shopping.

When you think about it, food shopping can be extremely complicated. It’s all depends on where you live, the ethnicities around the area, and how much money you make in a certain social class. Someone living in Darien might think the average prices in Whole Foods are cheap opposed to someone who would shop at Shoprite.  Store owners, loyal customers, store location, and government which is involved with the finances set the environment for the store.

Blog Post 1/4 TV SHOWS

Basic comedic sitcoms and dramas like Psych and New Girl define most of our lives. From the regular city, suburban towns to the lifestyles these characters portray we can relate easily while sharing a few laughs. On the surface, both TV shows have a wide range of ethnicities and skills in a lower and high middle class. It’s great knowing that you get this melting pot with a variety of people.

What I don’t understand is the fact that the main character always gets the girl. At times it makes no sense. If you’re not Jess, who happens to find a love interest in Nick her roommate or Shawn who’s head over heels for his detective co-worker in the SBPD you’re out of luck with love. I mean the only other roommate that finds love is Smidt; he’s three out of the group of four roommates in New Girl to be successful. But, like many other comedic dramas, that relationship falters so the main character can get the most attention. On the bright side Jess is not this carbon copy version of Barbie who gets her prince charming. At least she’s a goofy gal with a boyfriend who’s nothing close to perfect. Even in Psych Shawn is nothing close to being prince charming. His goofy, passive aggressive, carefree, personality, and physic sense is a complete opposite of Jules, his girlfriend. She’s a smart strong willed blonde detective of the SBPD who takes risks rather than working in the office or doing a small police job. Don’t let that define her though. She still has her imperfections such as being nervous, not as courageous as she appears and more.

As great as these two shows are, the two main characters who seem to be neglected the most happen to be Gus, and Winston! Winston, the only African American main character, is the fourth member of the group of friends. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all treated as equals in terms of race! At first Winston was this important character with confidence and now he’s an insecure single man with minimal lines and roles in the show. I want to see more of him like season 1! It’s like men are portrayed as these needy individuals who either want sex and long term relationships. As numerous as it can be it becomes this fake insight on what most men want. Gus, the only African American main character, is best friends with Shawn. In most cases Gus is a lot smarter than his best friend and he values his job as a pharmaceutical salesman. Yet, he’s not recognized because of Shawn’s powerful psychic skills. It’s not fair! Why can’t he get the girl since his intelligence is being overshadowed? It's like being smart is looked down upon, or isn't as valued in society. Even when he does date for an episode or two, the girls may not be pretty, or have the best sanity. Gus for instance dated a female from a physiatrist ward; he became desperate! The female wasn’t looked upon as a freak; she was a regular girl with a simple disorder controlled by drugs. Winston found a female who happened a slob, a food addict, and overbearing. Yes, these are women, but they deserve some kind of great relationship.

With these dramatic relationships and cultural boundaries between interracial couples in New Girl, as well as the complicated relationships amongst these crime fighting psychic detectives in Psych, it shows that society has a hunger for love.  unfortunately, not everyone is capable of staying in a successful relationship.  

Can We Really OWN Anything?

To own something means being willing to focus on the fundamentals of an object or skill; being able to control and possess what you've worked hard to obtain; being able to embrace your inner self. It can be a characteristic that makes you unique and different in such a diverse society. By embracing what you own, you get this sense of confidence. Nelson Mandela once said that people can achieve success despite their circumstances if they are "dedicated" and strong willed. I mean, how can you create an identity for yourself if you shelter your abilities?
Sometimes insecurities can get in the way of owning the skillsets that make up your self-identity.  Saleem found himself dealing with these impacting issues. As he was growing up he developed a traditional, strong sense of smell; later on telepathic powers. It made him unique. Sadly, like many of us may do at times, Saleem dismissed his ability because he didn’t understand it's potential.  His parents, siblings, and some friends thought he was losing it; he lost track of his gift.  Like Mandela mentioned, it takes a lot of time and dedication before you’re able to own anything. With practice, Saleem had the ability of being able to take part in historic time periods in India. He used his powers for his advantage despite those around him not being positive. He listened to his instinct to follow his own path.
Goebbels like many power seeking individuals takes a different approach. He's clear in his persuasive speech. Goebbels uses his knowledge to create a hypocrisy to go against the Jewry and  get his intended audience to agree with his views. Like Saleem and Mandela, regardless if your intentions are good or bad, you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. It's important to have this confidence to show that you deserve this ability, position, or item. In this case Goebbels makes sure to own his position as a German politician. He's so in control that he get's most to believe his speeches. Insecurities such as doubting is not an option; focus on the fundamentals or key components to use your ability. At such a war prone time period, Goebbels took a risk to speak out amongst his intended audience. He was ready to take on any risks. Owning and identifying one’s self coincide.  Like the politician shows, you need to embrace what you own because it defines the characteristics of who you are.
In relation to "prominent thinkers that have pondered the relationship between ownership and the development of self (identity)," there needs to be an acceptance for whatever abilities someone has. It defines who we are as unique individuals. No matter what obstacles are faced in life, it's possible to bypass it.