Hagan - To lighten, ease, alleviate, relieve, moderate, allay, assuage, temper, make or become less burdensome or heavy
The former represents liberty in one’s thoughts and this represents how the blog would serve as a medium for me to freely express how I think and feel on the things I have read. It encapsulates my raw and unfettered ideas and opinions to showcase a more authentic feel for the reader. On the other hand, the latter word is used to show that this blog also serves as some form of cathartic activity for me; wherein I consider it to be a safe space to let out my thoughts and feelings on certain things.
Entry 5: Me, Myself, and Others: Development of Values, Principles and Ideologies, Love and Attraction, and Risk Taking Behavior and Peer Influences
It is often said that we are the average of the 5 people that we hang out with and I partly agree with this. Man is a social animal. We are beings that inherently seek to interact with other people and more often than not, the people we associate ourselves with have a huge impact on our personality and behavior. This module tackled topics that most young adults could relate to like development of our values, love in its various aspects, and the significant influence of peers on an individual.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhU9MZ98jxo
This module reminded me of the song Paris by The Chainsmokers since the song gave of a free spirit vibe reminding me of old times in high school where I would do crazy and risky stuff with my friends.
Similar to the previous module, this module also highlights the importance of culture and how it affects the formation of values. Filipinos are known to have unique values since it’s a country that has been colonized multiple times. It was really refreshing to know the Filipino values that I was unfamiliar with. What really stood out for me was the Filipino value of “bahala na” . Initially I thought it was just an expression for recklessness, a saying before doing something you might end up regretting because I often hear people say “bahala na si batman” before doing questionable things. To my surprise, it also meant having done all that you could possibly do beforehand which makes worrying about things meaningless. Filipinos are known for our resiliency and for being able to wear a smile despite any situation. This, in a way, is an attempt of Filipinos to make the unfavorable situations lighthearted. It also tackled love but only in the romantic lens. It would have been beneficial to also extend the limitation of love towards friends and family. Although it was enlightening to know the different stages, causes, and types of romantic love, love is not limited to romantic partners. Lastly, it also tackled peer pressure and risk-taking. Going back to what I said at the beginning, although our peers have a significant impact on shaping who we are, eventually we still have to hold accountability for ourselves. Part of this module mentioned that smoking, drinking, and sexual activities are beneficial to teens as it is a means of getting acceptance and respect. I fully disagree with this concept since now people are more aware of the drastic consequences of substance abuse and acts of delinquency are not the marks of a true adult. In relation, peers are one of the main factors of risk-taking behavior. There are negative and positive types of peer pressure. This only solidified my belief that being peer pressured is a choice since there is always an option to do better.
Overall this module was an eye-opener and somewhat nostalgic experience since it tackled topics that I have experienced (still). It’s content was easy to digest despite having 3 separate topics.
I’m gonna switch it up on this one for this last part about growing up and working. The movie “The Breakfast Club” really hits you with the “well one day we’re gonna realize that we are already adults”. I found this kind of thing to be sad since my friends and I were previously talk and we had this realization as well. Conversations shifted from exciting and intriguing gossip in school and life to “I already want to work and earn money”. This movie suggestion is a fitting end to this blog of mine, enjoy!
Entry 8: The Individual Steps Out: Career, Community and Society
Not gonna lie, this has to be the module where I do not get to relate with the most as I do not really think about the future job and just go with the flow of things. However, I did pick up a thing or two from this topic even though I spent most of the time to be not that engaged. The module's first section covers the subject of work and career development. Other than work being shaped by social and economic realities, including the advancement of ICT, globalization, labor availability, the financial crisis, and competition, what really stuck to me was learning that work is also seen as gendered process, which results in unequal opportunities and work experiences for men and women. Furthermore, I was shocked to learn the clear distinction between profession (a succession of occupations we held throughout our lives) and vocation (something we enjoy doing), as I had previously assumed the two were interchangeable. I also learned about the various theories affecting one's career development, and I found "Holland's Theory of Career Choice" to be the one that resonated with me the most because there are no expectations as to what time someone has to do something, and that work environment and type is such a big deal in my experience when choosing one’s job. On the other hand, Roe’s was the most unrealistic one for me in the sense that its very essentialist in nature and does not take into account the individual experience. As for the remaining topics, I wish that I learned about them sooner, like in high school. For instance, the steps in career planning could have immensely helped me with choosing my course for college as I am not really into what I am taking now. Another one would also be the discussion on resilience, particularly in a personal sense. The strategies taught could have helped me a lot back then and I could have avoided making even worse decisions during these times since I had multiple depressive episodes. As for the disaster preparedness part it was basically a review of what was taught in out Disaster Risk Reduction and Management class during high school, very nostalgic 😊.
Entry 7: Individuality, Solidarity, and Citizenship
This reflection brings attention to the complex interplay between individuals and their broader social and physical surroundings. It underscores the notion that individuals are not solitary entities but essential components of the collective human experience. By belonging to interconnected spheres like family, community, nation, and humanity, individuals are both shaped by their environment and possess the capacity to influence it through their choices and behaviors.
(this meme is so relatable to this module HAHAHAHHAHA yikez)
Throughout the course of history, the ongoing discussion surrounding individuality and the impact of institutions has given rise to intricate inquiries regarding the equilibrium between personal autonomy and communal responsibilities. Should individuals perpetually yield to the collective's expectations, or should the collective prioritize the safeguarding of individual rights? Achieving a harmonious coexistence of these divergent interests necessitates a thorough exploration of the roles individuals assume within society and the corresponding obligations that society owes to its constituents.
The notion of agency, which refers to the ability to act and create an impact, highlights the significance of individual independence and the power of decision-making. It recognizes that individuals harbor intentions, formulate plans, and nurture aspirations, while possessing the capacity to translate them into actions. Agency does not exist in isolation but is intricately intertwined with external forces, including social class, gender, ethnicity, religion, customs, and institutions.
Human agency comprises several fundamental characteristics. Intentionality captures individuals' ambitions and how they transform them into concrete action plans. Forethought empowers individuals to visualize the future and align their actions with their desired outcomes, fostering a sense of direction and coherence. Self-reactiveness emphasizes individuals' capacity to regulate their behavior and take specific actions necessary for achieving their goals. Self-reflectiveness sets humans apart, as they engage in introspection, critically evaluating their thoughts and actions, and enabling personal growth and adaptability.
Despite individuals possessing agency, they do not exist in isolation or as autonomous entities. The functioning of human beings is a complex interplay between intrapersonal, behavioral, and environmental factors. Individuals are influenced by their surroundings, but they also possess the capacity to actively influence and mold their environment. These dynamics are reflected in the three modes of agency: individual, proxy, and collective. The individual mode highlights independent action, the proxy mode involves relying on others for assistance, and the collective mode demonstrates the power of collaboration and cooperation among individuals to achieve desired outcomes.
Citizenship, originating from the Latin term "civis," represents belonging to a political community and entails certain rights and responsibilities. It is a social construct and a mutual agreement in which individuals willingly agree to abide by a shared authority while safeguarding their fundamental rights. Citizenship encompasses various duties, obligations, and the dedication to actively contribute to society. It acknowledges the interdependence and interconnectedness of individuals, encouraging them to play active roles as contributors and guardians of the broader world beyond their personal interests.
Solidarity, classified as either mechanical or organic, underscores the unity and interdependence among individuals. Mechanical solidarity emerges from shared beliefs and customs in small societies, whereas organic solidarity acknowledges interdependence in complex societies. Altruism, which involves selflessly benefiting others without seeking personal rewards, is closely intertwined with solidarity. In complex societies, both altruism and organic solidarity play vital roles, as social citizenship encompasses not only political rights but also socio-economic well-being and shared obligations.
In summary, what I have learned in the analysis of the module brought me attention to the dynamic relationship between individual agency and collective responsibility. It emphasizes the significance of comprehending the rights, responsibilities, and obligations that accompany participation in a broader social framework. Striking a balance between individuality and the well-being of the collective requires acknowledging and valuing individual agency, while simultaneously promoting solidarity and embracing altruism. Attaining a harmonious equilibrium between personal autonomy and social cohesion is essential for the advancement and welfare of both individuals and society at large.
This module made me remember the time in grade 10 wherein we did a community outreach in Calumpang, Molo and taught the children in Yusay Elementary School with basic subjects that they find difficult. Although this is a course requirement, I really did have fun and learned a lot of things. This is an example that exemplifies the interplay between individual agency and collective responsibility as my involvement in a community service project. I had the opportunity to interact with children who were facing challenges in academics. Through this experience, I witnessed first-hand the impact of social factors on their lives, such as limited access to resources as these children have the difficulty in buying paper and pencil and most of them don’t have uniforms and bags. These made a lot of impact in their self-esteem and some even stopped going to school. It made me reflect on the broader societal structures that contribute to poverty and the importance of collective efforts to address these issues.
While participating in the community outreach program, I gained a profound understanding of the importance of individual agency. Interacting with individuals and hearing their stories, I came to realize that they were not limited by their circumstances but possessed the inherent ability to enact positive change in their lives. Witnessing their determination and drive for personal growth and transformation reinforced the power of intentionality and self-reactiveness as catalysts for progress.
I’ll keep this entry short since I might find myself blurting out to much leading to me being all over the place since this module had to be the most emotional one for me as someone who is experiencing mental health problems and had my brother incapacitated from it (financially impairing my already poor family). Anywyays, this module centers itself on the topic of mental health, with a particular focus on the common problems encountered by people around the world such as depression, anxiety, suicide, and addiction. Not only do I like how it provides details on the nature of each one, but I was really drawn by the different means of providing help and just how to deal with others afflicted by them. As someone having multiple relatives who incurred mental health problems around my age I found this module very useful so that I may assist them better and also help myself when the time comes. After going through the entirety of this module, one idea stuck to me over and over and it is that we should be understanding towards those having such problems and always remember to try and be kind and never ever falsely use mental health problems as a reason to get away with things. To everyone out there experiencing mental health problems I hope you’ll reach a point of recovery and take care always.
When I think of this module another thing that comes to mind apart from the movie “Lady Bird” is Frank Oceans magnum opus “Blonde”. I suggest that you prepare your body, mind, and soul before listening to this album. ITS AMAZING
Entry 4: Me, Myself, and I: Body Image, Rites of Passage, and Gender and Sexuality Issues
This was the most intriguing module for me since the topics of body image, rites of passage, as well as sex, gender, and sexuality concerns were applicable and relatable to my life then and now. Starting with the issue of body image, the key message was that our bodies are something we are continually exposed to, and this is equally applied when we interact with others, making it an important factor to consider while understanding ourselves. Furthermore, as stated clearly, body image is how we see our bodies, and it is believed to be dynamic in nature because it fluctuates depending on culture, environment, and occasion. Furthermore, I learned that body image issues are often at their greatest around adolescence because this is when our bodies undergo major changes, although in retrospect, I did not worry that much about it (LOL). Also, what surprised me in class was how specific and active our male circle was with their insecurities (I admire them for their bravery in sharing), whereas I had a difficult time finding something I was insecure about (I said my weight because of my metabolism, but it did not affect me that much). With this, I felt grateful for the individuals in my life who are constantly embracing and encouraging in the most direct way possible.
(watch the banger coming of age movie "Lady Bird”, its such a relatable to this module as it amazingly encapsulates every topic mentioned, like frfr)
We then discussed rites of passage, which are significant points in a person's life cycle. Although it was once thought to have a ceremonial nature, alterations to societies brought about by time may have changed this depending on the community and experience of the person involved (the question of whether it has a ritualistic character came up often during our discussion). It was also emphasized in class that it usually entailed three key stages: separation (ritual removal of the individual from normal life), transition (time of isolation), and cooperation (return and readmission back into society with new status). While it was mentioned in class that in the Philippine setting, these events were seen to be binyag, circumcision, communion, confirmation, and debut these are things that I personally do not consider as life changing or at the very least a hallmark of my life thus far. For me, examples of what really felt like rite of passages was when I decided to not come back home for the summer after an altercation with my parents, another summer where I had to live alone because of the location of my workplace, and the time I had an emotional and contemplative talk about life and society with a fisherman. Hence, this part of the module was quite confusing to me since it really focused on the commonly seen rite of passages in society, many of which I do not relate that well into.
Lastly, we have sex, gender, and sexuality issues which is the one I found to be the most engaging and really had fun learning. After tackling this part of the module, I felt really enlightened and as a supporter of the LGBTQI+ community it really made me even more knowledgeable, which would help me in enlightening others as well. This module also discussed issues relating to SOGIE and the major learning that I got from this is that there is still a lack of education about it and that such change will take time but with our combined efforts through influence we can hasten this timer. Furthermore, what really stuck to me are the various terms taught which are the following:
· Sex
· Sexuality
· Gender Identity
· Gender Expression
· Sexual Orientation
My SOGIE is that I am a Cis Male who is Omnisexual Aromantic and Masc presenting c:
Since drinking liquor is such an integral part of PH Culture I made one that fits to my taste. PLS DONT JUDGE ME HAHAHAHHA. If you want to make one similar to mine try this website out! https://tiermaker.com/create/ph-ilimnon-tier-list-huehuehue-15858068
As a college student living away from home, in an environment of culturally diverse people, this module has been an eye-opener for me and has helped in reinforcing my grounding in the community that I am exposed to. This module tackled the Interplay of culture, ethnicity, socialization, and personality and how they are crucial factors in the development of selfhood. Reading this module has been a positive experience as the content was easy to digest with the numerous situational examples provided. The activities in the module also are enjoyable to do and further solidifies the learnings outside of class. Most notably, this module has helped clear some of my confusion regarding self-identity.
Culture is the root of societal norms, values, and traditions and our individual development is significantly affected by it. One crucial aspect of development is that we are not passively receivers of culture. It’s a negotiation where we affect culture just as much as we are affected by it. Throughout the school year, I have been exposed to various cultures through interactions with classmates, participation in multicultural events, and even just by staying at my boarding house. I grew up mainly using hiligaynon and my personality can often be characterized by (ikaw lang describe hehe) but in order to “fit in”, I constantly have to equip myself with the ability to effectively communicate with my peers by switching from different languages as well as altering how I carry myself with certain friend groups.
Through these experiences, I have come to realize that culture is not a monolithic entity but a complex web of beliefs, customs, and behaviors. Exploring different cultural perspectives has broadened my horizons, helping me appreciate the richness and diversity of human experiences.
Overvall, the module was quite informative although personally i would like for it have more personality test activities. Additionally, if there was something could ask the author about it would be to further expound on the impact of globalization and technology to the development of self-identity. With the internet breaking down geographical barriers and social media taking over society, what would the extent of online identity.
For this module I suggest this banger of a movie and I do not want to spoil any of it. Though in relation to its entry, it showcases how interactions with others can lead to different outcomes, hence leading to possibilities of different selves. I one hundred percent recommend this blockbuster hit. SHEEEEESH
This reflection of mine delves into the intricate and dynamic relationship between biology and society in shaping an individual's sense of self. Module 2 challenges the common misconception that behavior and identity are solely determined by one's biological composition, shedding light on the impact of institutional practices and societal beliefs. It investigates how biological influences affect the formation of self, emphasizes the role of social interactions in shaping one's identity, explores the importance of context and historical period in self-identity, and analyzes the effects of colonialism on self-concept.
What I have learned from this module is that although biological factors, including genes and biochemical processes, undeniably play a role in shaping physical attributes and behavior, oversimplifying the concept of self to mere biology fails to capture the intricate nature of human identity. This reductionist perspective often leads to biased viewpoints and the normalization of societal roles based on perceived biological distinctions, such as gender.
I strongly agree with the theory of the "looking glass self" proposed by Charles Horton Cooley that highlights the significance of ongoing social interactions in the formation of the self. According to this theory, our understanding of self evolves as we interpret how others perceive us, shaping and refining our self-concept through experiential learning and acquired knowledge derived from these social encounters. Everything we do, even in the simplest way of greeting other people in the street has a significant impact in how people perceive us as a person and in return, through this people we can perceive ourselves as a good person in the community. George Herbert Mead's differentiation between the "I" and the "me" further clarifies how self-awareness emerges through active participation in society and the internalization of societal responses and evaluations.
Selfhood is also intricately intertwined with the geographical and temporal contexts within which people exist. The places we inhabit, enriched by personal experiences and symbolic significance, play a crucial role in shaping our self-identification. Likewise, time and collective memory contribute to the formation of selfhood, allowing individuals to establish connections with historical events and develop emotional bonds with an imagined community.
I have also learned that the identities of colonized peoples have also been historically influenced by colonialism and imperialism. Frantz Fanon emphasizes the eradication of colonized identities and the assimilation of the colonizer's identity, resulting in profound feelings of inferiority. Edward Said builds upon this analysis by examining Orientalist discourse and its enduring effects on the self-perceptions of non-Western populations, perpetuating ethnocentrism, and racism.
After I finished reading the module, I did not have a difficulty in understanding the contents and I have learned that the intricate relationship among biology, society, and selfhood surpasses a mere reduction to biological determinism. We as humans evolve our self-identities through social interactions, influenced by institutional practices, beliefs, and historical circumstances. We embrace the multifaceted nature of selfhood that fosters a more inclusive and compassionate outlook. We recognize the enduring impacts of colonialism that is crucial for cultivating a decolonized self-perception and advancing social justice and equality.
This module really made me question my identity in society. I is still in the process of finding myself and my role in the society. Selfhood for me is a never-ending struggle to find myself and how I fit in with society. It is an intricate journey of self-discovery and how I relate and establish relationships in the society. I sometimes question my purpose in society. I have pondered multiple times on what is my identity as a person. Through this course I found that my identity as a person or Miguel as they call is sometimes a very serious person with academics but does not forget to mingle with other people. Some people say that I am introverted but I’m not, my social battery just takes a lot of time to recharge, and I like to be by myself or surrounded with my friends that understand my thoughts and character as a person. That is exactly what I see for myself and also according to my friends.
Working on entry 1 got me thinking of the horror movie “Split” which involved a person having multiple personalities abducting 3 women for his/her/its plans. It really encapsulates the difference of essentialism and social constructionism (like the antagonist being a guy having a female and animal personality goes against the former) as well as ideas about the self. If you have the time, I suggest you check it out and try relating it to the Module 1 topics, enjoy uWu.
As the introductory module for this course, what I mostly took away from it was the meaning behind the course title, as well as the major societal variables and viewpoints required for the development of what is referred to as "the self." So, for the course title, I agree with the explanation given in the module for “Self and Society” because, while the two may be regarded independent entities, they are both interconnected in the sense that the constant interaction between the self and society results in what we call social behavior and selfhood.
Moving on, the two opposing viewpoints on the self, which are the essentialist and social constructionist frameworks, really stuck with me and were thoroughly covered in class. The former suggests that things (including humans) remain constant, implying that there are established expectations, indicating that everything is predictable and objective. In the case of humans, the essentialist viewpoint sharply differentiates the two due to biological differences and cultural expectations shaped by socialization. Men in this perspective, for example, are supposed to undertake heavy lifting and other physically strenuous, while women are expected to do delicate work and nurturing roles. Because of examples like these, I had a strong disagreement with this viewpoint. While there are objective realities and expectations for humans (such as genetics and hormonal make-up), especially in modern times, everyone can express themselves and charter paths in whatever way fits them.
This is where social constructionism comes into play as the opposing framework, as it entails that the physical reality is constructed perception of it and that the self is a product of the individual experience. Though it leads to a more liberated and open approach to understanding oneself, the negative of this framework is that it is not dependable in creating theories about the self because everything is subjective in its lenses.
Finally, even though it was not delved into in class, the notion of how power shapes the way people define and present themselves, whether through institutional standards or communication was an interesting one. This topic really gave me a realization moment as I was able to recall how institutions, especially the school, church, and my very home had that big of an influence towards me. However, it was mentioned as well in the material that trough self-reflexivity (the capacity to examine and reevaluate how one behaved in given circumstances) and agency (our capacity to decide how to act or pursue the next course of action) allow for creating oneself that makes change conceivable and promote individuality. This really resonated with me as I was somewhat of a black sheep in the family and even in high school as I was not accepting of conservative expectations after realizing how it did not vibe with me and how I perceived the world (I think being in UP for my high school and my friend group was a huge part of this).
Overall, I think this course's introduction module was a great place to start because it clarified my approach in the upcoming modules and it really set the tone that not everything is objective and predictable (as someone coming from a STEM-related background this is a good reminder for me). Moreover, it really enlightened me and made me realize multiple things that might have affected the Miguel that I am now.
