This Blog is a resource tool for the students taking the "FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES" elective at Westborough High School, Westborough, Massachusetts.
Monday, February 23, 2009
"Little Boxes" - Period 1
Today you read the story "Little Boxes" in class. Please share your thoughts about the story and the class discussion that followed in a reflective post. Make at least one comment about another student's post.
21 comments:
Anonymous
said...
in a sense i can see why this would be a dilemma for wright because he does not want to be generalized because he feels as though generalizing puts him into a particular category of race that cannot let people see him for who he really is. it label's him and puts an identity on his forehead that he is clearly not happy with because he believes he is so much more than that...
I can see what Wright means when he talks about generalizations in our society. We are always either in one box or another, but there is always more than one box into which we could fit, and no matter which box we are in, we never feel like we belong in it, because we think about the other boxes that we could have been in. I agree with neil's thoughts about how "generalizing puts him into a particular category of race that cannot let people see him for who he really is."
I don't think anyone can say that they have never generalized a person before based on their ethnicity. Not necessarily stereotyping, but say seeing a person with pale skin and calling them white. In most instances this isn't really a bad thing nor is it very offensive. However, in Wright's case not only would a generalization be inaccurate, but somewhat degrading to his rich heritage. I think one's race or heritage is never something they should be ashamed of, but I can see why Wright is confused. He faces a dilemma that few face. His sense of identity is jaded because he really doesn't have one group he can say he really fits into. Like Neil was saying, it is understandable for him to be not happy because he is so much more than a "gringo", an Asian, or a white. When one is generalized it strips them of their individuality, but at the same time gives them a sense of belonging. Generalizing is truly a double edged sword. :(
To put one's self into one of the "little boxes" is to take away a part of one's self. What makes a person a person is how they are different from everyone else. Categories are generalizations that make preemptive assumption. Every time someone marks themselves as part of a certain category they lose a certain essence that makes them unique. Every time someone is categorized they lose importance because they become just like all the other people in that group. In reality each one of those people are different and should not be assumed the same because of one characteristic.
Justin Cash Money Millionare Strohsnitter - I agree that statement that "I don't think anyone can say that they have never generalized a person before based on their ethnicity" because without knowing each and every person, we tend to group the people we don't know. As we grow to know a few of these people and their specific action, our minds are forced to attribute that certain group to those actions. Ignorance is in each us, and through which do we generalize and stereotype.
I also agree with Justin's statement that we all put people into generalized groups. I know I put myself into generalized groups - I'm a white American girl from an upper-middle class family, etc.. The difference here is that beyond identifying myself as just a "white American," I also acknowledge the other parts of me which make up my identity as a white American - Irish, Scottish, British, Swedish, Welsh, and German, plus probably some others I don't know about. I don't think that the problem is so much the little boxes, but rather when we force people to fit into just one little box. Hence why I like the survey questions which say, "Check all which apply." :)
I agree with Wright that "little boxes" or generalizations of certain categories are stagnating to the growth of a person in this world. Being placed in these boxes for me atleast, diminishes the value of identity. Being in a group of masses doesn't represent the individually of everyone and the differences between them. Wright doesn't want to be typecasted by his outside appearance which is entirely understandable but this day and age is inevitable. Everyone is put in these "little boxes" due race, religion, gender, age, social standing, etc, it is just human nature and will always occur. It is really sad to see that at this time that people are not being held for the substance of an individual but rather the outside forces that are uncontrollable. I also agree with Neil that when placed in a category it doesn't show what that person truly is inside.
We all belong to many "little boxes." The thing we don't realize is that all the "little boxes" come together and forms a big box which defines who we are. The problem we have though is that people generalize other people, and puts them in a certain category using one of the "little boxes" which causes them to never actually know and understand who a person truly is.
Salik you bring out a good point of how, "we never feel like we belong in any box we are put in because we think about all the other boxes we also belong to." It is partly the reason why we are never satisfied.
When a person is in the situation to fill out these "little boxes", the reason for boxes is to generalize, and for a job application, college application, census what have you it is to gather information. I do not really see the big deal of checking off a box to generalize yourself and if the issue is that you dont fall into a catagory well then just check off "other". It isnt really a big deal when you generalize people by male or female. Generalities are just a tool to say what you are not who you are. This particular indiviual feels as though, as Neil said, "much more than that" and hes absolutely right! BUT personally I think this individual may be looking into these "little boxes" as trying to squeeze ALL that he is inside of one, and all it is asking is a general label, a simple summary, a mere fraction of who he is. He seems to feel threatened, or cornered, or "boxed in" when he is looking at himself in a general way. When I lived in Singapore and I had my own little boxes to fill, I had to check the other box. If someone wants to kno what I am I have no problem generalizing it, and I do not take offense of someone trying to generalize me. If people are so insecure about answering what they are, they should check other, or omit that part if possible.
I agree we have all generalized before. I also agree it isn’t always a bad thing as long as it isn’t used in a discriminatory manner. When we fill in those “little boxes” we aren’t able to fully describe who we are. I see where Wright struggles because he doesn’t fit in to ONE “little box.” If we all really took the chance to look at who we are, most of us would not be able to fill in just one either. I agree with Katie, those that allow us to choose all that apply allow us to expand on how we describe ourselves.
Our views on the world and the people in it are a reflection of how we were raised. Not always but the environment around us is the major influence to why we see these generalities as they are. While seeing life in this way can be a positive and negative thing. Its important to be able to realize where they came from and whether or not they are warranted.
Anthony Wright felt completely limited by these boxes, when his story was much more. He wants everyone to understand and know his circumstance and by checking a simple box no one can comprehend the complex being that is Anthony and what makes him more than a tiny box.
DA Princess is right, People generalize people and separate them into "little boxes" and do not truly even know the person. I think this is a good example of how socially willing to judge people we are. How we use assumption to base our opinions of people off of. To get in the argument if this is a good or bad thing would be tough. I think that the pro's and cons are close to equal in this case. It is something that everyone does these days. It has become almost a natural instinct to generalize people when you see someone you do or don't know. It is a part of human nature. In this case Wright is worried about what people think of him because he knows he is generalized. Because of his race he is kind of down on himself. He feels that his mix of race is allowing people to label him however they want. The important thing in this story though is that he realizes that he should be known as what he thinks of himself.
Call me ignorant and non-understanding but I dont see what the big dilemma Mr. Wright is facing. From what I can grasp, he feels miscatagorized by lables and generalites put on him by society, which in my opinion is wrong. I don't see why Mr. Wright must fit into these boxes that others are trying to push him into. He's Anthony Wright and no one else; so why must he succumb to these pressures of showing others what "little box" he belongs to? He knows who he is, so why is that not enough? Why is it so important for people to show who they are to others, especially to others who have no signifagance to their lives (such as the Achievements boxes that Mr. Wright filled out). My perspective is that everyone in the world is unique, and so we are the only ones who can fit in our own "little box". And through that understanding, I don't see the reasonable point to feel like you don't fit into a different or more generalized box, because within that box your trying to fit into you're still in your own box always. I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you feel like you don't fit in (just as Mr. Wright does), then you must realize that you're not trying to fit into anyone elses box but your own first. Make yourself feel comfortable before trying to fit into something on a larger scale.
I think that little boxes are both, helpful and damaging. In the article the little boxes were portrayed in a negative light because of the stereotypes they cause. When you put a label on a person, you limit multiple factors that can change the way you view them. However, when filling out an application, or anything of the sort, people find it easy to separate them into categories. The hispanic, the white, the black. Most times it isn't even correct to say hispanic or black, seeing as how black is a color and hispanic is a race. Yet, people still do it, and we continue to fill out the boxes, narrowing down who we are and what we are defined as. This helps to determine things that might not be seen, if there were no little boxes everyone would be the same. We are individuals who instead of not filling out a box, we should fill out as many as we can and show how unique we are.
I completely agree with Justin Cash Money Millionare Stroh we have all eather fallen to generalizations or made some of our own. Heritage is not something that a person should be ashamed of, on the contrary it is something to embrace. Embracing and labeling yourself can definately cause a conflict when you are not sure which one you are doing. I loved your post J-Stroh goodlooks!
I don't like how individuals in this world can only be generalized into one specific broad category or "little boxes". It makes you feel like you only belong into one kind of society. If your a person like Anthony Wright, you would feel really lost and not know what box to choose from cause their is so much about your identity which makes you a unique person and not just a person who fits into a "little box".
It can seem like society wants to categorize people and give them attributes that they do not have or want. People do simplify their views of others, especially when they do not know them, with preconceptions. On the other hand, I agree with Alexa that putting people into "boxes" can be useful and make things easier, especially when trying to gather data. You can only make so many boxes, though, and there will always be something that will not be defined within a box. I also agree with Katie that adding "check all that apply" can allow a fill in sheet to cover so much more.
Sammy has a point. Its not right to judge people by what category they are in. Its whats inside that counts about the person and not just how they look and what category box they fit in for their ethnicity. Its not right to generalize a person by race...that's where stereotyping comes in.
I agree with Justin that generalizing is a double edged sword. It can be useful in some situations like gathering broad statistics and things like that, and can be hurtful when used to judge a person. Everyone generalizes people, and even some of that is okay. Like what David Pizza said, if you see a pale skinned person and think that person is white...not a big deal. This really only becomes a big deal if you begin to judge how that person will act based on what you see. I also agree with Alexa that Mr. Wright should just check the "other" box if he feels like the other boxes don't suit him correctly. Usually after an "other" box it gives you a space to fill something in, here he could put whatever he feels is more appropriate than the provided, more common, answers.
I agree with Sammy, most of us belong to many little boxes. These little boxes help us associate with others who are like us, but what if we are not all alike. How do we “belong”, how do we find that serenity with in ourselves. Most of us don’t focus on just one box and that is what helps us see that we don’t need to agree with that categorization. This helps one realize that there is a bigger picture than that little box. However this isn’t always the issue the issue we now face is people generalize others. This isn’t necessarily bad as long as we all keep in our conscious not to use it in a discriminatory way. This is why one may feel comfortable with these little boxes which help identify themselves in more than one way. As long as we know that we don’t always need to fit in; that being different isn’t bad that we can belong to other “boxes.” We will always have that peace within ourselves.
I agree with Nick his father “wanted his son to follow in his footsteps.” When his son shot the rifle he believed it would signify that he was becoming a man. However his mother disagreed with her husband and believed her son wasn’t “ready.” In contrast his mother was right it was too soon and he couldn’t handle killing the rabbit. It soon became real to Steve that using a rifle is a weapon a power that can be pointed toward killing or hurting something. Steve felt so pressured into killing that rabbit it some way “traumatizes” him. Steve realizes he doesn’t want to follow the same path as his dad and doesn’t believe in violence. The film taught me that you can make your own choices and not follow everyone else; because you are your own individual.
Today you read the story "Little Boxes" in class. Please share your thoughts about the story and the class discussion that followed in a reflective post. Make at least one comment about another student's post.
21 comments:
in a sense i can see why this would be a dilemma for wright because he does not want to be generalized because he feels as though generalizing puts him into a particular category of race that cannot let people see him for who he really is. it label's him and puts an identity on his forehead that he is clearly not happy with because he believes he is so much more than that...
I can see what Wright means when he talks about generalizations in our society. We are always either in one box or another, but there is always more than one box into which we could fit, and no matter which box we are in, we never feel like we belong in it, because we think about the other boxes that we could have been in. I agree with neil's thoughts about how "generalizing puts him into a particular category of race that cannot let people see him for who he really is."
I don't think anyone can say that they have never generalized a person before based on their ethnicity. Not necessarily stereotyping, but say seeing a person with pale skin and calling them white. In most instances this isn't really a bad thing nor is it very offensive. However, in Wright's case not only would a generalization be inaccurate, but somewhat degrading to his rich heritage. I think one's race or heritage is never something they should be ashamed of, but I can see why Wright is confused. He faces a dilemma that few face. His sense of identity is jaded because he really doesn't have one group he can say he really fits into. Like Neil was saying, it is understandable for him to be not happy because he is so much more than a "gringo", an Asian, or a white. When one is generalized it strips them of their individuality, but at the same time gives them a sense of belonging. Generalizing is truly a double edged sword. :(
To put one's self into one of the "little boxes" is to take away a part of one's self. What makes a person a person is how they are different from everyone else. Categories are generalizations that make preemptive assumption. Every time someone marks themselves as part of a certain category they lose a certain essence that makes them unique. Every time someone is categorized they lose importance because they become just like all the other people in that group. In reality each one of those people are different and should not be assumed the same because of one characteristic.
Justin Cash Money Millionare Strohsnitter - I agree that statement that "I don't think anyone can say that they have never generalized a person before based on their ethnicity" because without knowing each and every person, we tend to group the people we don't know. As we grow to know a few of these people and their specific action, our minds are forced to attribute that certain group to those actions. Ignorance is in each us, and through which do we generalize and stereotype.
I also agree with Justin's statement that we all put people into generalized groups. I know I put myself into generalized groups - I'm a white American girl from an upper-middle class family, etc.. The difference here is that beyond identifying myself as just a "white American," I also acknowledge the other parts of me which make up my identity as a white American - Irish, Scottish, British, Swedish, Welsh, and German, plus probably some others I don't know about. I don't think that the problem is so much the little boxes, but rather when we force people to fit into just one little box. Hence why I like the survey questions which say, "Check all which apply." :)
I agree with Wright that "little boxes" or generalizations of certain categories are stagnating to the growth of a person in this world. Being placed in these boxes for me atleast, diminishes the value of identity. Being in a group of masses doesn't represent the individually of everyone and the differences between them. Wright doesn't want to be typecasted by his outside appearance which is entirely understandable but this day and age is inevitable. Everyone is put in these "little boxes" due race, religion, gender, age, social standing, etc, it is just human nature and will always occur. It is really sad to see that at this time that people are not being held for the substance of an individual but rather the outside forces that are uncontrollable. I also agree with Neil that when placed in a category it doesn't show what that person truly is inside.
We all belong to many "little boxes." The thing we don't realize is that all the "little boxes" come together and forms a big box which defines who we are. The problem we have though is that people generalize other people, and puts them in a certain category using one of the "little boxes" which causes them to never actually know and understand who a person truly is.
Salik you bring out a good point of how, "we never feel like we belong in any box we are put in because we think about all the other boxes we also belong to." It is partly the reason why we are never satisfied.
When a person is in the situation to fill out these "little boxes", the reason for boxes is to generalize, and for a job application, college application, census what have you it is to gather information. I do not really see the big deal of checking off a box to generalize yourself and if the issue is that you dont fall into a catagory well then just check off "other". It isnt really a big deal when you generalize people by male or female. Generalities are just a tool to say what you are not who you are. This particular indiviual feels as though, as Neil said, "much more than that" and hes absolutely right! BUT personally I think this individual may be looking into these "little boxes" as trying to squeeze ALL that he is inside of one, and all it is asking is a general label, a simple summary, a mere fraction of who he is. He seems to feel threatened, or cornered, or "boxed in" when he is looking at himself in a general way. When I lived in Singapore and I had my own little boxes to fill, I had to check the other box. If someone wants to kno what I am I have no problem generalizing it, and I do not take offense of someone trying to generalize me. If people are so insecure about answering what they are, they should check other, or omit that part if possible.
I agree we have all generalized before. I also agree it isn’t always a bad thing as long as it isn’t used in a discriminatory manner. When we fill in those “little boxes” we aren’t able to fully describe who we are. I see where Wright struggles because he doesn’t fit in to ONE “little box.” If we all really took the chance to look at who we are, most of us would not be able to fill in just one either. I agree with Katie, those that allow us to choose all that apply allow us to expand on how we describe ourselves.
Our views on the world and the people in it are a reflection of how we were raised. Not always but the environment around us is the major influence to why we see these generalities as they are. While seeing life in this way can be a positive and negative thing. Its important to be able to realize where they came from and whether or not they are warranted.
Anthony Wright felt completely limited by these boxes, when his story was much more. He wants everyone to understand and know his circumstance and by checking a simple box no one can comprehend the complex being that is Anthony and what makes him more than a tiny box.
DA Princess is right, People generalize people and separate them into "little boxes" and do not truly even know the person. I think this is a good example of how socially willing to judge people we are. How we use assumption to base our opinions of people off of. To get in the argument if this is a good or bad thing would be tough. I think that the pro's and cons are close to equal in this case. It is something that everyone does these days. It has become almost a natural instinct to generalize people when you see someone you do or don't know. It is a part of human nature. In this case Wright is worried about what people think of him because he knows he is generalized. Because of his race he is kind of down on himself. He feels that his mix of race is allowing people to label him however they want. The important thing in this story though is that he realizes that he should be known as what he thinks of himself.
Call me ignorant and non-understanding but I dont see what the big dilemma Mr. Wright is facing. From what I can grasp, he feels miscatagorized by lables and generalites put on him by society, which in my opinion is wrong. I don't see why Mr. Wright must fit into these boxes that others are trying to push him into. He's Anthony Wright and no one else; so why must he succumb to these pressures of showing others what "little box" he belongs to? He knows who he is, so why is that not enough? Why is it so important for people to show who they are to others, especially to others who have no signifagance to their lives (such as the Achievements boxes that Mr. Wright filled out). My perspective is that everyone in the world is unique, and so we are the only ones who can fit in our own "little box". And through that understanding, I don't see the reasonable point to feel like you don't fit into a different or more generalized box, because within that box your trying to fit into you're still in your own box always. I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you feel like you don't fit in (just as Mr. Wright does), then you must realize that you're not trying to fit into anyone elses box but your own first. Make yourself feel comfortable before trying to fit into something on a larger scale.
I think that little boxes are both, helpful and damaging. In the article the little boxes were portrayed in a negative light because of the stereotypes they cause. When you put a label on a person, you limit multiple factors that can change the way you view them. However, when filling out an application, or anything of the sort, people find it easy to separate them into categories. The hispanic, the white, the black. Most times it isn't even correct to say hispanic or black, seeing as how black is a color and hispanic is a race. Yet, people still do it, and we continue to fill out the boxes, narrowing down who we are and what we are defined as. This helps to determine things that might not be seen, if there were no little boxes everyone would be the same. We are individuals who instead of not filling out a box, we should fill out as many as we can and show how unique we are.
I completely agree with Justin Cash Money Millionare Stroh we have all eather fallen to generalizations or made some of our own. Heritage is not something that a person should be ashamed of, on the contrary it is something to embrace. Embracing and labeling yourself can definately cause a conflict when you are not sure which one you are doing. I loved your post J-Stroh goodlooks!
I don't like how individuals in this world can only be generalized into one specific broad category or "little boxes". It makes you feel like you only belong into one kind of society. If your a person like Anthony Wright, you would feel really lost and not know what box to choose from cause their is so much about your identity which makes you a unique person and not just a person who fits into a "little box".
It can seem like society wants to categorize people and give them attributes that they do not have or want. People do simplify their views of others, especially when they do not know them, with preconceptions. On the other hand, I agree with Alexa that putting people into "boxes" can be useful and make things easier, especially when trying to gather data. You can only make so many boxes, though, and there will always be something that will not be defined within a box.
I also agree with Katie that adding "check all that apply" can allow a fill in sheet to cover so much more.
Sammy has a point. Its not right to judge people by what category they are in. Its whats inside that counts about the person and not just how they look and what category box they fit in for their ethnicity. Its not right to generalize a person by race...that's where stereotyping comes in.
I agree with Justin that generalizing is a double edged sword. It can be useful in some situations like gathering broad statistics and things like that, and can be hurtful when used to judge a person. Everyone generalizes people, and even some of that is okay. Like what David Pizza said, if you see a pale skinned person and think that person is white...not a big deal. This really only becomes a big deal if you begin to judge how that person will act based on what you see. I also agree with Alexa that Mr. Wright should just check the "other" box if he feels like the other boxes don't suit him correctly. Usually after an "other" box it gives you a space to fill something in, here he could put whatever he feels is more appropriate than the provided, more common, answers.
I agree with Sammy, most of us belong to many little boxes. These little boxes help us associate with others who are like us, but what if we are not all alike. How do we “belong”, how do we find that serenity with in ourselves. Most of us don’t focus on just one box and that is what helps us see that we don’t need to agree with that categorization. This helps one realize that there is a bigger picture than that little box. However this isn’t always the issue the issue we now face is people generalize others. This isn’t necessarily bad as long as we all keep in our conscious not to use it in a discriminatory way. This is why one may feel comfortable with these little boxes which help identify themselves in more than one way. As long as we know that we don’t always need to fit in; that being different isn’t bad that we can belong to other “boxes.” We will always have that peace within ourselves.
I agree with Nick his father “wanted his son to follow in his footsteps.” When his son shot the rifle he believed it would signify that he was becoming a man. However his mother disagreed with her husband and believed her son wasn’t “ready.” In contrast his mother was right it was too soon and he couldn’t handle killing the rabbit. It soon became real to Steve that using a rifle is a weapon a power that can be pointed toward killing or hurting something. Steve felt so pressured into killing that rabbit it some way “traumatizes” him. Steve realizes he doesn’t want to follow the same path as his dad and doesn’t believe in violence. The film taught me that you can make your own choices and not follow everyone else; because you are your own individual.
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