Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Social Construction of Reality
What is the difference between spit and saliva? Nothing, except the feelings that society has created about the two. To illustrate this Tuesday in class Mr. Sal had someone spit on a spoon and the whole class thought it was disgusting. Spit in a classroom is deemed socially unacceptable and odd in American culture. On the other hand we wouldn't think kissing someone or sharing a drink with someone, which is exchanging saliva, is gross. Certain feelings that we feel in situations are completely made up and created by our culture, environment, and society. When I went to France and stayed with a French family, in their bathroom was a beday. In French society, and even all of Europe that is normal and acceptable, but in American society and culture it is odd, and unacceptable. Most Americans would even say it's gross, or unhygienic, and being from America, I even thought this too. I couldn't bring myself to use the beday it was just too weird and different in my eyes.
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Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we believe things that are different are weird. Seeing something in a different country that is new, and what we are not used to, surprises us but is just a part of everyday life for the people that live in that society.
I completely agree. Society places stigmas on us that completely affect our mindset on something. In English class, we are learning about existentialism, and one of the major arguments that an existentialist would make is that we must become more in tune with nature, rather than conform to society. Society places restrictions on us and prevents us doing things that make us stand out.
ReplyDeleteNice example with the "bidet"
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