Mixed Martial Arts

In Sociology we watched a clip by a graduate Shane Logan and his presentation was based on the question "why would a rational human being sign up to be an MMA fighter?". Shane said that there was a sociological connection to MMA which there is. The is sociological connection the MMA because people do not understand why  people put themselves into the situation of fighting. It's totally a choice and people have the guts to take it. My conclusion is that there must be some high that gives MMA fighters when they fight.


*Are there really more injuries or deaths from sanctioned MMA than pro wrestling?
- Pro Wrestling is known as a fake sport. They are actors and take the risk of getting hurt. MMA fighters do it for fame and money. So I think they are probably more injuries in MMA that in pro wrestling.

* More steroid use?
-  MMA definitely has an increase in steroid use. The test for drugs but turn their heads when it comes to steroids.

*Are the social messages expressed in MMA more harmful than those expressed in professional wrestling?
- MMA seems to have no rules and is a free beating. I don't think it has a good message and I don't think it is necessarily a healthy sport to get involved with. Their is no good message when it comes to MMA. Practically the message is beat the crap out of the other person so that they give up.

When Does "Goofing Around" Become Bullying?

Kids and teenagers love to joke and goof around. Whether it is physical or verbal kids use this everyday to laugh and have a good time. Some kids are more emotional than others and take it more personally than some kids do. When kids take it to heart or the antagonist crosses a line it is called bullying. According to Webster Dictionary the definition of bullying is when someone uses "superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants". Suicide has became the third most highest cause of death among teenagers. It has been predicted that 4,400 deaths this year will be caused by suicide. It does not say for sure that the thought of suicide will be caused by bullying but bullying partakes in some of these suicides. Teenagers can be mean but they can also make a difference and take a stand. If you see someone being bullied in any way speak up. Your kind words or actions may save someone's life.

The Truth About American Culture"

When we say "American Dream", what does that really mean? The thing that people could argue about that statement is the fact that America can not just be its own culture because America is made up of so many different cultures. Just because the majority of the United States (70.9%) is white Americans doesn't that the white people make up the American culture. I think that there is no customs American people have that haven't been influenced by the other cultures that bring us Americans closer together as a country.  For example we have birthday parties and we use piñatas. Kids have a heck of a time using those, but what’s ironic about that is that the piñata originated in Mexico and it somehow got to be a part of the American thing that we sometimes do at parties. Another activity that is a big deal and is a part of some peoples ever day lives is the sport soccer. Soccer was originated in Europe and it made its way to the United States and we play a lot too! I think it is so difficult to say that Americans have their own culture because we are the way we are because of the many different kinds of people that make up the United States. We are called the boiling pot for a reason and that reason is that we have so many wonderful and not so wonderful people in America that are generations from all corners of the world!

The Game of Barnga

In sociology we played the card "Barnga"! Mr. Reints wanted us to relate that game to real life. So here is my input about the game relating to real life.

If you could describe the game in one word, what would it be?

•  Frustrating

What did you expect at the beginning of the game?

• I expected that it would just be a normal card game, but knowing Mr. Reints I knew it just wouldn't be for fun. I knew it had to have a point to it.

When did you realize that something was wrong?

• When Donte and I played the game all differently. We both knew we had different rules.

How did you deal with it?

• I sort of flipped out on him but I couldn't talk so it was kind of hard to express those feelings.

How did not being able to speak contribute to what you were feeling?

• I expressed my frustration by stomping or giving him dirty looks.

 Is my title above appropriate for the game of "culture."  Why or why not?

• Yes, we all have different rules and we play the "game" differently.

 Is a universal language and set of customs necessary for world peace and harmony?

• In my opinion I think that would have to be yes. We misunderstand each other and in different cultures some things mean different or other sayings that are harmful or offensive.

 What can a simple card game teach us about our culture?

• That we each respond to things differently and we all have different ways of dealing with things or that rules of our own culture can be totally different in another culture