Sociology Several Research Papers Essay Research Paper

Sociology Several Research Papers Essay, Research Paper

College Fraternities:

A Counteracting Force on Campus

#5 pg. 84

Mass Society has brought all of America together. Wireless telephones can connect you to another person at any time, any place. You can talk to a person living in Africa and talk to someone in China at the same time with internet chat-rooms. Whether it’s sitting in rush hour, in the middle of the line at McDonald’s, or attending a baseball game, society seems to close in on us from all around. With all the faceless crowds surrounding you every day, where can one go to meet people with the same interests. College Fraternities, of course!

Students away from home for the first time are looking for a sense of community and belong. Being around a lot of people you don’t know might be lonely, but living with the same people day in and day out can create a pressure to belong. In the mid-sixties, college fraternities had a boom, averaging about 30% of college campuses. In the seventies, that number dropped to 19% due to the anti-war and people’s rights era. In the eighties, the number quickly rose back into prominence. Today fraternities can be found in great numbers on almost all college campuses.

Fraternities can be a great tool for scared, confused, and lonely freshman to meet one another. Fraternities are now seen as a haven for binge-drinking, hazing, and rape. Many campuses are now trying to abolish frats all together. As long as fraternities are run in a decent, respectable manner, bringing students together to form a sense of unity and friendship is an important part of the college experience.

The Appeal of Cults

#6 pg. 86

The term “Cult” is used by many people to refer to any group, organization, or church that they dislike. Cults are typically accused of brainwashing unsuspecting students, elders, adults, and children into following their beliefs or group. Cults received a bad rap from such leaders as Charles Manson and Jim Jones, who instructed their followers to kill or commit suicide.

The truth is that many people join a cult not because they are uneducated, evil, or crazy, but simply because they are lonely or lack companionship. Many cultists have left behind their family and loved ones for a chance at self-fulfillment. Many of these people feel that they have nowhere else to turn with their problems and feelings. Some cults look for these lost souls to assimilate into their group while others are simply looking for others like themselves who share the same visions and dreams. Should cults be registered with the government as a form of protection for potential enlistees. A government database with background information and history would be nice, but so many groups are underground, hidden, or too grassroots to be seen.

Cult disasters are always a tragedy, and the chances are good we haven’t yet seen the last mass-suicide. It is up to friends and families to provide support to loved ones who seem confused with the ways and direction of society.

Who’s Minding the Kids.

#1 pg. 104

High School teacher Pam Smart had inspired her 15-year-old student and two friends to murder her husband. The kids were caught after they shot Greg Smart in the head, killing him. Prosecuters pressed the point that the tragedy would have been avoided if the school kept a more careful eye on Smart. Police later found out that students knew about the forthcoming murder at least two months in advance, and knew who the culprits were a month before the police found out. It seems no one wanted to be the snitch. The students would rather look cool to their classmates instead of doing the right thing. No one would break their silence to prevent a murder.

The author of this article goes on to suggest that the fault doesn’t lie with MTV or movies but mainly with the schools. Schools have failed to create an acceptable replacement to peer groups. I disagree that schools are at fault. Teachers aren’t babysitters any more than bankers, lawyers, or doctors are. Such high demand is placed on teachers not only to teach, but to raise children. Too often it is left with the schools to supervise student’s moral and social education. Under-funded schools with underpaid teachers can not be the only haven for children. It is and always will be the responsibility of the parent to keep track of their children after school. Many towns have after school sports. Many parents are home in the afternoon but just don’t monitor their children. To place the blame mostly on the school is unacceptable. Parent’s need to be made more aware of their children’s activities and habits.

Let the System Do It!

#2 pg. 106

Centuries ago families lived together through thick and thin. Grandma is sick. Everyone would chip in and help care for her. Sonny boy got smacked on the head and is retarded now. Everyone pick up the slack while momma finishes takes care of him. William has a drinking problem. Everyone help him kick it.

Nowadays if there is a problem with a family member, people hide the gruesome reminder. The sick and elderly are shipped off to nursing homes. The mentally and physically retarded are sent to special schools or camps. Drug abusers are sent to rehab for ‘advanced’ treatment. Many people wish not to associate with disabled people because

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