Week 1 Journal Culture Reminders Write 250 Words And Include
Week 1 JournalcultureReminderswrite 250 Words And Include A Word Count
Think about a television show you’ve recently watched (or take a break and go watch a TV show!). Use AT LEAST five terms/concepts from Chapter 3, "Culture," in the Schaefer textbook to explain what happened in the show. For example, if you watched an episode of Law & Order, you might discuss norms (folkways, mores, laws), subcultures, values, beliefs, etc. including the behaviors of any of the characters. Please bold or underline the concepts you use from the chapter in addition to using in-text citations for each term/concept. Write approximately 250 words, include a Word Count (WC) before your references, and ensure proper APA formatting with a title page, in-text citations, and references. Proofread and edit before submitting your assignment.
Paper For Above instruction
In today’s interconnected society, television shows serve as reflections of cultural norms, values, and social structures. Recently, I watched an episode of the series "The Big Bang Theory," which provides an interesting reflection of contemporary American culture. Using five key concepts from Chapter 3 of Schaefer's textbook—norms (folkways, mores, laws), subcultures, values, beliefs, and cultural symbols—I will analyze the behaviors and social interactions depicted in the show.
Firstly, the characters in "The Big Bang Theory" adhere to specific norms, which are societal rules that dictate acceptable behavior. For example, the characters' familiarity with social etiquette, such as greeting friends or respecting personal space, reflects folkways—informal norms that guide everyday interactions (Schaefer, 2020). However, their often blatant disregard for conventional norms, like not understanding social cues, underscores their deviation from societal expectations.
Secondly, the show highlights subcultures within the broader American society. The main characters represent a subculture of highly intelligent, socially awkward individuals interested in science and geek culture. This subculture challenges mainstream societal norms, emphasizing the importance of shared interests and identities (Schaefer, 2020). Their unique language, fashion, and hobbies set them apart, illustrating how subcultures maintain distinct identities.
Thirdly, values such as intellectual curiosity and scientific achievement are central to the characters' identities. Their passion for science and knowledge demonstrates core societal values that prioritize education and innovation (Schaefer, 2020). The show often portrays these values as both admirable and humorous, emphasizing their importance within this subculture.
Fourthly, beliefs about gender roles and relationships are explored through character interactions. For instance, Sheldon’s rigid beliefs about social hierarchies and gender expectations reflect societal stereotypes, which are often challenged but still influence behavior (Schaefer, 2020). These beliefs shape characters’ attitudes toward romance, friendship, and work.
Lastly, cultural symbols, such as the apartment decor or comic book collectibles, serve as visual cues that communicate the characters' cultural identities. These symbols reinforce their subcultural affiliations and reflect broader societal values related to individualism and intellectualism (Schaefer, 2020).
Overall, "The Big Bang Theory" exemplifies how television narratives portray complex social and cultural dynamics, including norms, subcultures, values, beliefs, and symbols, providing viewers with insights into contemporary American society.
Word Count: 278
References
- Schaefer, R. (2020). Sociology: A brief introduction (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.