Define "Normal?" Well, according to dictionary.com normal is conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural. HUH?
On page fifty-one of Define Normal Jazz asks, "I mean, what's your defition of normal?"
Antonia responds with, "You know,normal. Happy, healthy. Someone with friends and family..." Later she adds, "You have goals and dreams. Things you want to do with your life. You value life. You don't waste it."
What is normal? Is piercing your body in every possible area, normal? Is growing up in Boston but rooting for the Yankees, normal? Is eating peanutbutter and cheese sandwiches, coloring your hair every week, or even having two groups of friends, normal? Conversely, if I want to be by myself and don't have many friends is that ABNORMAL? If I am quiet at school am I ABNORMAL? If I don't value family am I ABNORMAL?
So class, what is your definition of normal?
Remember class, you can disagree with one another but be respectful of our differences in perspective.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Stereotypes
Our theme and subject for the first half of Define Normal is a very sensitve subject. Stereotyping, bullying, etc has directly effected us all. When discussing the matter please be the mature young adults that this subjects requires of you. Be precise with your word choice, and reread comments before you post them. All school rules apply, but just as importantly, the social skills of our world apply.
Stereotypes-we all have heard them and many of us have used them as our simple way of filling in the blanks for what we do not know or are not willing to learn. As we learned in class, the problem occurs when stereotypes (theory/idea) grow into something much bigger like an prejudice (attitude). At many schools, including ours, stereotypes play a major role in "bullying"; a problem many us have faced in our middle school careers.
Not including age or sex, many of us have characteristics that are prone to stereotypes. Think about this school. Where and when do stereotypes come up? Without using specific names, what are some of the groups who take a bad wrap? Feel free to discuss the origin (where do they begin) and happenings of stereotyping at our school. On a larger scale, who in the world is to blame for stereotypes?
The bigger picture is, how do we stop it! Take some time to evaluate the strategies the school has introduced to stop stereotyping "Mix it Up Day," "No Name Calling Week," school assemblies. Are these effective? What are some suggestions you would make to improve the school's problem?
Please have an open, but POSITIVE discussion on stereotyping in your life. Think of it as a journal entry with a chance to read, respond, and connect with others.
Stereotypes-we all have heard them and many of us have used them as our simple way of filling in the blanks for what we do not know or are not willing to learn. As we learned in class, the problem occurs when stereotypes (theory/idea) grow into something much bigger like an prejudice (attitude). At many schools, including ours, stereotypes play a major role in "bullying"; a problem many us have faced in our middle school careers.
Not including age or sex, many of us have characteristics that are prone to stereotypes. Think about this school. Where and when do stereotypes come up? Without using specific names, what are some of the groups who take a bad wrap? Feel free to discuss the origin (where do they begin) and happenings of stereotyping at our school. On a larger scale, who in the world is to blame for stereotypes?
The bigger picture is, how do we stop it! Take some time to evaluate the strategies the school has introduced to stop stereotyping "Mix it Up Day," "No Name Calling Week," school assemblies. Are these effective? What are some suggestions you would make to improve the school's problem?
Please have an open, but POSITIVE discussion on stereotyping in your life. Think of it as a journal entry with a chance to read, respond, and connect with others.
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