Research methodologies and applications

Sociology

Who Am I? An Asian Looks Inside Herself

Comparing all the six major elemental theories, which are (1) Phenomenology (2) symbolic interaction (3) Social Exchange/Rational Choices (4) Functionalism (5) Coflict theory and (6) Post-modern, and perspectives in sociology studied through class/outside readings, discussions, and films. How do the six theories jointly help me understand in a global context an important, still unresolved issue I face today, have faced in the past and/or will face in the future, including its nature, root causes and consequences, and how I can move towards its effective conclusion.

Three ideas I have of issues are body image (my Asian body vs. The "ideal" body image of American beauty. Today, society is becoming increasingly obese, and yet the ideal body image is still of a tall, leggy blonde with long hair, long legs, a tan, and a perfect body built for a bikini. My body is thin, but I am far from that American ideal, and so, does that mean I am ugly? When I look in the mirror I don't think so, but when I see the ideal flaunted on television, in magazines, and even here at UMass, my faith in myself is shaken. Even Trinity in "The Matrix" has a perfect body, shown off to perfection in skin tight black leather outfits that leave little to the imagination. In a modern world where thoughts are supposed to be more important than looks, "The Matrix" does not seem to practice what it preaches.

I have dark, shiny hair, almond-shaped eyes, and a short body on short, sturdy legs. I don't wear bikinis very often and wonder if that makes me less of a "woman" in some people's eyes. As young women struggle with their own body images, they struggle with their own self-esteem and feelings of worth. I struggle with those things too, and see that each of the six major elemental theories in sociology may help me understand myself, my body, and my image as it appears to others.

Another idea I have is about my interest in many "manly" sports. I enjoy baseball, the World Series (go Sox!) and the Super Bowl. I also enjoy ice hockey and figure skating. In a world where most of these sports are seen as decidedly masculine, I am often a rarity, a woman who enjoys watching sports (minus the beer, of course). In my own family I am an anomaly, too. I don't know where this enjoyment of sports came from, but I do enjoy many of these televised events, and it sets me apart from many of my friends and family. Looking at gender issues such as these can teach me more about life, about how we all relate to each other, and about our own prejudices and misunderstandings. A woman in a sports bar without a man is somewhat like a woman in a locker room - it happens, but a few eyebrows are still raised at the thought. I like sports, but don't like the negative connotations that sometimes go along with my liking sports.