Blog 8

Social change is defined as “an alteration in social order of a society.” The world is eternally changing to form to new social standards and values. This social change may be positive or negative, depending on the motives of the source of influence. Personally, my dream for social change would be to end poverty and world hunger. Not to say that everyone would be rich in the world. However, my dream is that everyone in the world is comfortable in their lifestyle and their basic needs are met. These basic needs may include necessary food and water, shelter, safety, and adequate clothing. In order for this to happen, communities and individuals would need to come together and intervene to find a long-term solution. Many organizations are already working towards ending poverty and world hunger, by raising funds, organizing community outreach programs, and providing supplies to victims. However, more light needs to be shed on this particular issue. If that were to happen, citizens of the world would then be able to come together internationally and solve other complex worldly issues.

Word Count: 250

Blog 7

Considering the fact that I am naturally more of an extrovert, I have the tendency to network and connect with others fairly easily. I find it easy to talk to strangers and network with people on a personal and professional basis. With this being said, by playing a significant role in my community, high school, and college, I have created a very broad group of friends and a great social network. Therefore, I have a relatively large sphere of influence in my community!

If I wanted to broaden my sphere of influence in order to enact more social change, I would reach out to various clubs and organizations through UCF and decide which of those would be interested in helping me make an impact with my social change project. Otherwise, I would contact local community organizations and businesses to help with my social change project.

Influence can be dangerous as a leader by enabling people with bad intentions to create negative social change or empower negative leaders in society. Conversely, influence can be helpful as a leader by creating positive social change and solving community issues through collaboration and networking. In either case, influence can serve to be beneficial or detrimental to society depending on the motives of the person holding the influence.

Blog 6

Typically, you would see a homeless person holding up a sign asking for financial help, and wishing a blessing upon the giver. Some generous person might actually make a small donation as a way to try to help the person afford some food or possibly shelter and they would move on with their life and the real issue would never be resolved. As you can see in the picture above, however, the homeless man holds up a sign saying “Keep your coins, I want change”. The phrase strikes a reader because “coins” and “change” are interchangeable words. However, the person is not asking for monetary change rather than coins, they are asking specifically for social change within society, rather than just a hand-out. This person is prompting society to reflect on how they respond to is specific issue of homelessness, however it also demonstrates social change more broadly. This picture is urging people to think about various societal issues in a more critical way in order to solve some of the world’s problems. It is calling for collaboration and unity within communities in order to solve social issues more broadly, rather than a simple fix, such as a monetary donation to a homeless person. Instead, people should be resolving problems fully, rather than seeking a quick fix on the street. For homelessness specifically, drug prevention and rehab programs, affordable housing programs, career research and counseling services, etc. These are just a few ways in which a person who is passionate about creating social change can get involved and be a part of a greater impact in society. With every major social change issue, there are ways in which people can create social change for a more productive, positive society.

Blog 5

One Easy Thing All White People Could Do That Would Make the World A Better Place

                Racial inequality is somewhat of a touchy subject. Many people, particularly white Americans, feel uncomfortable when discussing racial inequality and social injustice. Unfortunately, I too struggle with coming to terms with racial inequality, because it is hard for me to understand the injustices of the world due to the fact that I’ve lived a somewhat sheltered life as a white, middle-class American. However, I have had some experiences with injustice in my community. For example, I have noticed that when I am surrounded by a group of my white, female friends, I do not get looked at any differently within my community. If I were to walk with a group of females who happened to be of a different race, specifically black, I might be judged differently based on unfair stereotypes and prejudices. Furthermore, I’ve noticed that in some of my past classes, if the teacher is not aware of being sensitive to diversity and racial equality, then there is some tension. For example, a white teacher may not pay as much attention to a group of white females concerning discipline compared to a group of black males. This may occur due to stereotypical behavior of the two differing groups. Anyway, it is completely uncalled for and unfair because the judgment is not based on a valid reasoning within the classroom. One thing that I can do to counteract injustice is to actively observe and stand up for social justice concerning racial tension an inequality. If I were to see something morally wrong, I would step in and try to mediate the situation.

 

Casual, Rafael. "One Easy Thing All White People Could Do That Would Make The World A Better Place." Upworthy. Upworthy, n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2013. <http://www.upworthy.com/one-easy-thing-all-white-people-could-do-that-would-make-the-world-a-better-place-5>.