"Teenage Wasteland"

Donna Gaines is a journalist, cultural sociologist, and New York State certified social worker. Also she was an expert in youth violence and culture. She talks about how when a teenager commits suicide it is a personal tragedy, but when groups of teens form a suicide pact and successfully carry it out, it becomes a matter of public concern. I completely agree with what she is saying because this is a growing epidemic that has to be contained. Gaines examines both history and the biography of suburban teens to better her research. In my opinion, I see on the news and read about teen suicide cases, and most of them are caused by bullying and abuse.

Referring to my textbook “Experience Sociology”, chapter 3 talks about “Culture”. I find culture very important in someone’s life. It helps them have a mid set of what to believe in and follow. But some families don’t have this, either because they are atheists or they never follow what was thought to them. Page 59 in the textbook culture is defined as the collection of values, beliefs, knowledge, norms, language, behaviors, and material objects shared by a people and socially transmitted from generation to generation. This definition is true in my views but in others view they might contest this. Saying that the culture is there, but it’s the person who chooses to follow it or not.

As you continue reading this article on Teenage Wastelands, Gaines tells us about these groups of kids who commit suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. She tells us that they were dropouts “druggies” who barely got by in school and at home. Personally I think this is not true. Not all dropouts are druggies. It is either they have a different learning set then others; they have disabilities, family problems, or even abuse problems. That is why there is programs in the world to help these kids get past there problem, and live a good life. But some teens choose the negative path and sometimes end up committing suicide.

Gaines research tells us that mostly white kids kill themselves, and that how black kids in America are more likely to kill each other. Alcohol and drugs are mostly involved, but her other research tells us that kids prefer to go out with gas or drug overdose. In Gaines words “kids get bored and this boredom could lead to them occupying there time with drugs which might even kill”.

Kids these days have to moral in life and no respect. They just act out to impress people, mostly their friends, but where would that lead them? In jail, jobless, school less, or even dead? Kids need to wake up and see the world, what it can really do to you. Protect your life at all cost, and cherish what you have. Because there is others in the world who live to see another day, and don’t have anything to live for. There passion and dedication in life is priceless, and kids need to wake up and see this.

Association Is Not Causation

        Out of the three articles that were posted, the one that stood out the most to me was "Association Is Not Causation". This article gained my attention because i disagree with what it is saying. This article is talking about how drugs and alcohol does not affect the role in domestic violence. Drugs and alcohol affects the actions of a person, and it can make them very violent and very disruptive. To me this is one of the major causes of domestic violence and family violence. Drinking may look cool and used to make you feel better but the affects of intoxication may lead to you causing fights for no reason, and doing damage to the ones you love most. Drugs have a completely different affect on the user. For example LSD, Cocaine, or even OTC(over the counter) drugs can cause a person to hallucinate and act violent. Many people who read this article will agree with what i have to say because the facts are true, and drugs or alcohol play a big role in domestic violence and family violence.

       While reading my textbook "Experience Sociology" i can see how it relates to this article "Association Is Not Causation". On page 33 under Social Science as a Way of Knowing, it explains how researchers do basic research and applied research to gather information on what they are studying. Collecting data on relationship of murders and how they relate to killers takes a long process. Referring back to the article, there are many experiments and surveys that are taken to see how killers would commit their crimes. Scientist also use Public sociology to help with research. Using mass media helps the scientist spread there research, but the usage of social science wont bring all the answers. Reading Chapter 2 in "Experience Sociology" you can see that it mainly talks about Social scientists and how they examine social events. Gathering data, asking questions, and seeking answers is one of the biggest things a sociologist has to do to understand what they are studying. Sociologists and Scientists often use the same methods to get what there are looking for, and also they learn from each others research which is a good thing for the community.

Who Am I?

My name is Sohan, but my friends call me Zohan. I am a freshman in college, and so far i love the college life. To me its more freedom and a better educational environment. I am 18 years old and i love to hang out with my friends and family, to have fun, but my school work always comes first before anything else. I am the type of person who likes to make new friends but at the same time i am very shy. Growing up in a mix culture of Hindu and Muslim teaches you many things in life, and i follow my beliefs to make an impact on myself and other around me. This is what makes me a respectful person, and an understanding one to. The biggest influence in my life are my parents. They work hard to provide for me, even though its not much, our passion and confidence makes us strive to live on another day. Helping my parents out is something i will always do for the rest of my life. They brought me into this world and i feel i have a purpose to help them no matter what. My goal in life is to finish college and get a good job so i can support myself in the future. Also to get into the computer networking field to develop new technology that will have an impact on the world. One historical event that shaped the way i see the world is Martin Luther King JR. speech. His speech was "I have a dream" convincing his fellow followers to strive on in life and don't live under pressure. I live my life with no rules, just doing what is right to become a better person. Taking in advice from others is a good thing because you can start to ask question on what your beliefs are. Hearing a speech or a lecture from your professor or anyone else, you will always ask questions, and those questions/answers may lead to you changing your ways on life.