The Lost Boys

In class, we watched the movie "God Gave Up On Us". It was a documentary on the Lost Boys of Sudan. I experienced a sizable amount of culture shock while watching this film, paralleled by the culture shock the boys experienced upon arriving in America. I have become more sociologically mindful as a result of this film in the sense that I am acutely aware of struggles vastly different from my own. These people were forced to leave behind their home and everything they knew. I was reminded how lucky I am to have a constant home base to come back to at the end of the day. I cast so many things off as habits that they would consider luxuries. I guess I am somewhat ethnocentric because I see my way of life as correct, and theirs as foreign. In reality, both are correct, though vastly different. I am definitely a changed person after seeing this movie.

Another Week, Another Blog Entry

This week in Sociology, we talked a lot about Ms. Brownstone's experience living and working in Shanghai. It seemed to be a city of ethnocentrism. Her students also experienced culture shock by the mere sight of her curly hair. Everything about her was foreign and "not right" to them. She was constantly stared at and eventually grew tired of the experience. She said it was still a great learning experience and she recommended I study abroad. After hearing what Ms. Brownstone had to say about it, I think I just might have to! In America, we are severely ethnocentric, sometimes more than we would like to believe. I'm sure I'm guilty of this as well. I think it would be immensely powerful and interesting to be thrust into another culture that is completely unlike my own and be forced to come to terms with my surroundings.

Community Service #1

1. Diabetes Walk- 2 Hours
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in a fundraiser for Diabetes. One of my best friends, Caroline, has Type 1 Diabetes, so naturally when she asked me to do the walk I didn't hesitate. I donated money in addition because I know how much she struggles with Diabetes and I hope they can one day find a cure. It was a really wonderful experience to walk together with my friends while coming together for a common interest. I loved doing the community service and can't wait until my next experience!