Our New Normal In The Coronavirus Crisis Involves New Ways

Our New Normal In The Coronavirus Crisis Involves New Ways Of In

Our "new normal" in the coronavirus crisis involves new ways of interacting with one another. What are some of the new norms that have emerged? How are we learning those new standards for behavior? In thinking about this, be sure to concentrate on the learning process.

Who has created the new norms? How are they communicated to us? How much practice does it take to master these new norms? How do others respond to our appropriate and/or inappropriate behaviors? How would you explain the wide variations in response to the new rules (some individuals follow the rules, others not so much)?

Which of the theories do you think best describes how you are learning the appropriate behavior? Explain the relevance of the theory you have selected. Do you agree or disagree with the arguments regarding the messages and impact of Disney movies made in the video "Mickey Mouse Monopoly?" Explain.

Paper For Above instruction

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably transformed societal interactions, compelling individuals and institutions to adopt new behavioral norms to ensure safety and public health. These evolving norms include practices such as social distancing, wearing face masks, frequent hand hygiene, and avoiding large gatherings. The process of learning these norms involves a combination of formal communication, social modeling, and gradual behavioral adjustment influenced by social and cultural contexts.

Primarily, health authorities, government agencies, and media outlets have played pivotal roles in creating and disseminating these new norms. Public health campaigns utilize television, social media, and community outreach programs to communicate the importance of these behaviors. Such messages are reinforced through visual cues—such as floor markings for social distancing and signage—and through guidelines issued by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The effectiveness of these communications hinges on repeated exposure and clarity, which facilitate the internalization of new standards.

Mastering these new behaviors requires consistent practice, often over weeks or months. For example, adopting proper mask-wearing involves understanding the correct technique, remembering to wear masks in appropriate settings, and resisting social pressures or complacency. As individuals practice and receive feedback from social surroundings—such as friends, family, and colleagues—they fine-tune their behaviors. Social responses to appropriate behaviors typically include positive reinforcement, while non-compliance may result in social disapproval, questions, or even sanctions in some contexts.

Responses to these norms exhibit considerable variation among individuals. Some follow guidelines stringently due to health concerns or moral convictions. Others may neglect or resist them due to skepticism, fatigue, or perceived infringement on personal freedoms. This disparity can be attributed to psychological, cultural, and socio-economic factors, which influence how messages are received and acted upon.

Regarding the learning process, social cognitive theory offers a compelling framework to understand how individuals acquire new behaviors. Bandura’s theory emphasizes observational learning, imitation, and reinforcement, which are highly applicable during the pandemic as people observe respected figures or peers practicing new norms and receive social approval or disapproval accordingly. This theory underscores the importance of modeling behaviors and the role of social feedback in shaping actions, aligning with how many individuals have adapted to new health protocols.

Switching to the discussion on media influence, I agree with some critiques presented in "Mickey Mouse Monopoly" regarding Disney movies' messages and their impact. The documentary highlights how Disney films often promote gender stereotypes, consumerism, and complex cultural representations that can reinforce societal biases. While Disney movies are engaging and culturally significant, they also serve as influential tools shaping perceptions, especially among children. The portrayal of gender roles, for instance, often emphasizes traditional stereotypes that may limit children's understanding of gender equality. Moreover, the commercialization embedded in Disney productions fosters materialistic values at a young age.

In conclusion, the new norms adopted during the pandemic exemplify societal adaptation through a combination of authoritative communication, social learning, and individual practice. Theories like social cognitive theory provide insightful explanations of this learning process. Additionally, critical evaluation of media messages, such as those examined in "Mickey Mouse Monopoly," reveals the complex influence of entertainment on societal values. Recognizing these dynamics is essential for fostering more conscious and informed behaviors and media consumption patterns in contemporary society.

References

  • Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). How to protect yourself & others. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Advice for the public: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
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