Week 10: Social Change

One of the major concepts in this class is sociological mindfulness. Although I was never Michael Schwalbe's biggest fan, I'm always going to remember what he first said about the topic-- "Mindfulness is more than paying attention. To be mindful is to see and appreciate its unique qualities...we see beyond stereotypes and prejudices."

I realized after my work in this class just how close-minded I was as an individual who aspired to create social change in her community. I never looked beyond the image and representations I had been raised with, and the assumptions I created were only based on ideas established by the media and historical contexts.

Another aspect of the class that changed my viewpoint on society were my trips to the Buena Vista labor camps. I had no idea who I would meet, how they would see me, if I would be able to even communicate enough with them. Thankfully, I was able to really get to know these kids, and learn so much about them as people, instead of as a group and build friendships that I'll never forget. I hope they were able to learn about me too, and expand their mindfulness as well.

Being sociologically mindful will make me look past the preconceived notions we establish from public institutions (ie: media), group think, and historical/cultural contexts. As an individual, I have already began looking past these notions and questioning why someone is the way they are--what happened in their past? what ideas do they have about society? where do they find their ideas? etc. I want to learn about a person, instead of the group they are placed in. I want to live in a society where we don't have to use race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status as an excuse for anything.

I majored in Communications because one day I want to be able to tell the world about injustice in their own communities, on their planet and around the globe. Hopefully my writings will be able to reflect the mindfulness I exert as an individual, so I can educate my readers about learning and appreciating--instead of judging.

I don't know if I will get a chance to say this again, but taking this class was one of the best decisions I ever made. Everything from driving to Watsonville to arguing with my classmates about football and motherhood has taught me I still have a long way to go before I can call myself sociologically mindful. Thank you Mari, and the rest of my 10:30 section for giving me something to look forward to every M-Th.

peace.

Buena Vista Part 3

On Thursday evening, I took my first weeknight trip to the Buena Vista Labor Camps for the Adult ESL Classes. My Spanish is not what it used to be, so I was definitely nervous about it. Thankfully, the high school kids were waiting for us when we arrived, and I learned they would be helping the Beg. level students with their tutoring, while I would assist the organizer with a more advanced student. The student I worked with was completing her GED, and brought her book with her...the only downside was that it was in Spanish! My partner and I had both learned biology in English, and we realized teaching her how blood circulates through the heart was going to be a challenge.

I began to circulate through the groups and saw how the tutoring sessions functioned. The high school kids made an effort to help the women of the ESL classes, and they planned their own mini-curriculum for the night. We went around the room and introduced ourselves and our favorite colors, as an ice breaker. I realized I was the only non-native Spanish speaker in the room, and I felt that made the students nervous or maybe even intimidated. Some of the ladies refused to speak in English and glanced at me and the other tutors when it was their turn.

To be honest, I felt a bit like I was intruding at the beginning of the session, but towards the end, I felt at home. My tutee began to show me pictures of her sons as we made her answer everyday questions like "Where is the closest gas station?" or "How much is the ____?" and even had fun when we exchanged tongue twisters in English and Spanish.

On this trip, I was able to recognize the culture barrier clearly--because when it comes to adults, who are already raised and pass on their own ethnicity and cultural lifestyles, it is more challenging to interact with an individual who shares none of your life experiences or background. However, I'm glad I made the effort to come Thursday night, and I hope I'll be able to return again.

Buena Vista Part 2

On Saturday, June 5, I made my second trip to the Buena Vista Camp for a day of fun with the kids. I thought I was the only one looking forward to it this much, until I saw about 10 kids already waiting for our cars to arrive when we reached the camp. I know the first time the kids met me, it was a culture shock for them, and I was sure it would work against me when a few kids were hesitant to approach me. However, this week was completely different. The boys ran over to me and shouted, "HEY, I remember her!" and dragged us to the field to quickly start our soccer game. To anyone one else, it might seem like we were just there to spend some time babysitting young kids, but I knew I was making a difference. These kids barely spend time outside the camp since their parents are always working, and even when they do get out, they barely meet people unlike them, therefore impairing their ability to be sociologically mindful. I think these trips are an opportunity for both of us to learn about each other, our lifestyles, and our backgrounds. One of the most memorable moments from that day was watching the kids play basketball, and spotting a little boy watching us from around the corner of a building. We brought him out to play, but he wanted to show me his marble collections instead, and I tried playing catch with him after. His name was Angel, he was shy, but he started to open up to me. Right before we left, I was talking to the older high school boys about the other programs TOUCCh has, and I felt a tug on my sweatshirt. Angel pulled me far away from the boys and whispered, "I want to play basketball now! Come with me." I felt horrible when I said I couldn't because my mommy was waiting for me at home, and his eyes filled with tears and he ran home. Made me sad the whole way home :(

These camps are seriously some of the best community service I've done, and I can't wait to go again

Week 8: Gender

As soon as I became a "young woman," I began to feel the disadvantages of being female in my community. In the social circles I grew up in, girls were always "supervised" and observed to a point where it is considered stalking, and I only say this because it has happened to people I know in the past. Whenever girls in my community stray off the predestined path that good Muslim/Pakistani girls are supposed to follow, they are immediately "blacklisted." Girls are meant to be quiet, polite, modest, and most importantly, to stay the hell away from boys, to put it plainly.

After I became of age, all eyes were on me. What I was studying, who I was talking to, where I was going to school. I noticed boys my age didn't have these concerns, even when they should have.

However, this is not to say that I resent being female in this society. I was always comfortable being a young woman in my society and I lived up to the expectations people had because it was just the way things were, and I didn't know any other way to live my life.

I've often thought about how my life would be different if I were born male in my society today. I know people would not care as much about how I lived my life, or the choices I made because boys are inherently given these privileges. Maybe boys face their own struggles, and maybe I'm not sociologically mindful enough right now to see them, because I still think boys would have it a little easier.