Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
This Blog is for LBST 499- places, spaces and posers. It will serve as an asynchronous discussion for students to reflect on class readings, activities, cultural events, and discussions as it relates to your lives. As you contribute, you may raise questions, consider responses, and generate possibilities for follow-up activities in class. There is no maximum or minimum length.Feel free to add items or suggest ideas of interest to your classmates.
Midterm WIKIS
Course Wikis
Course links
Search This Blog
What do you intend to do after you graduate?
About Me
- sjMiller
- I am a funky, fresh, wheelin' dealin kind of PER-son who likes to hip-hop with my hippity hops and learn with the peeps. questions contact: sjmiller@iup.edu
I don't think there is any way to get outside of the binary because there are forces acting upon us that we don't even have knowledge of. I also think that if we were to get past the binary somehow, our only advantage would be that we WOULD be true to ourselves, but we would not be accepted into the social norm. An instance of this would be to live with no attachments to society. I read a book recently about a father and his daughter living in the woods in a makeshift tent because they didn't want to live in the constraints of our society. Eventually though, they had to start answering to the law and they became more civilized, so that is where living outside of the binary ended. I think it is possible to be true to ourselves if we don't give up any of our convictions and values. It is possible to live within the limitations of our society but still speak your mind and practice your freedom. Of course some things are off limits, which sucks, but I do think that you can be true to yourself under these circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the impact of these binary constructs test our identities as an individual. It challenges our ideologies, morals, values, etc as to whether something is black or white, right or wrong, and accepted or not accepted. These binary constructs force us either to accept something form one perspective, or to challenge it from another viewpoint. I believe it is possible to live outside of the binary, but I can’t see being socially accepted, at least not at first. Some examples that came to my mind are Mozart, Aristotle, and da Vinci. They all didn’t conform to the norms of society, so they weren’t at the time accepted, like they later became. I think the way we straddle the divide while staying true to ourselves is we gain knowledge from other perspectives while keeping our own dominate stance. I agree with Sara when she says there are “things that are off limits” and we can still be true to ourselves under these conditions. I believe that is extremely difficult to be completely true ourselves because as our life progresses we gain knowledge, and also experiences, that change our basic principles for better or for worse.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is any way to go outside of the binary. We were not only raised by our families, but we were raised throughout school. Our families taught us right from wrong, gender roles and norms. Our school also taught us similar things including politics and social norms. If we were to separate ouselves at any age, ignore our surroundings that would be considered unusual. I think an example would be a child being home schooled their whole lives. If they were to go to high school after being home schooled for so long, they would have different binaries. They would most likely believe in whatever thei parents taught them, and they would have minimal social structure. That's fine but it would be considered strange. We can be independent but it will always come down to why you believe certain things and who you agree with. It would be hard not to think or worry about politics, social norms, or reality.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a world full of binaries. From a young age we are taught that there is right and wrong, an up and down, an on and off, a here or there, a this or that. Our culture’s Christian foundation teaches us about the struggle between “Good” and “Evil”. As we grow up, we are socialized into our selected binary, either male or female, and the rest of our lives are constructed around these assumed (selected) binaries. We are taught not to see the grey, but only the black and white. The grey areas are full of uncertainties and questions. Yes, i do believe it’s possible to live outside these binaries, to exist within the grey areas, but it’s a place full of controversy, critics, and opinions, and usually marginalization. If one chooses to escape these constructs, they have defiantly chosen the “path less traveled”. It takes a brave person to attempt to go against the momentous direction our society chooses to go in. Binaries only give us two chooses, limiting the amount of freedom we have in really being ‘ourselves’. We are what society wants us to be.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a balance. I don't think that anyone truely lives outside of the binary constructs. Everyone in some way is effected by society. It is taught to us everyday since the day we were little. What we should do or what we are allowed to do and what we aren't allowed to do. I think there is just a balance to try to be yourself without letting society tell you if it's right or wrong. Like someone else already said there are limits to how far a person can take it but even in society there is a lot of free will to peacefully speak and be who you want with falling into the norm. It may not be accepted but I guess if you are purposely trying to live outside of the binary constructs then it wouldn't matter if it was accepted.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone when they say that there is no way to go outside the binary. The reason I think this is because our society teaches us what is considered normal and what is not like the social norms. Also family teaches us to follow those norms and not to question them. They also teach us what is right and wrong and specific gender roles starting from a young age this is taught to us. Not a lot of people decided to question these binary constructs because of being looked at as unusal or werid. For example with gender roles a lot of people would think it is unusal if a boy is more feminite and likes to play with barbies. The parents might try to "toughing" them up and tell them boys do not act like that. This is why I believe that we can not escape the binary construct because they are everywhere.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are pretty much in line with everyone else's. I believe that our identities are impacted by the binary every single day and that there really is no way to escape the binary. Our identities are impacted by so many things including politics, social norms, gender roles, and society that there really is no way of escaping. I believe that how we are socialized affects our identities. As someone else already stated, children are socialized at such a young age especially in regards to gender roles. Today, we have sort of “set” behaviors that are considered acceptable for males and females. As we grow older, these rules are reinforced and it becomes harder to escape this particular binary. If someone does live outside the binary, then they are viewed as being different and face a lot of criticism because it goes against society’s beliefs. I do think it may be possible to live outside the binary, but in doing so, I believe/think that the person is going to face a lot of criticism mainly because it is something that is so uncommon and far from the norm.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone. We grew up with a set of norms, values, and morals. We typically do not want to be an "outcast" so we tend to do what we can to fit in with everyone else thus following into a binary. We can chose to stay with this set of norms, values, and morals or go against them. I think even by going against what you know you are falling to yet another binary. Its like a never ending cycle and I don't think you can escape them.
ReplyDeleteSince a young age we all have been exposed to many different constructs. When we fall into the binary constructs, like politics and social norms, it drastically impacts our identities. Most of us never even realize that we fall into certain binary constructs. I never really thought about it, but there are so many that I fall into that I never realized until I started thinking about the question.
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard for anyone to live outside of their various constructs and be deemed socially acceptable. No one wants to feel like an outcast in a group of people so some people will even conform to what construct the group as a whole sees as acceptable.
Like what everyone has been saying I feel that it would be very hard to get outside of your binary. You grow up with specific morals and values that come from the culture you are in. Typically no one wants to be an outcast. You want to be like everyone else to fit in, thus you are in a binary. Even those who rebel against what their parents and others from their culture fall into a different binary. When it comes to gender roles one that comes to mind right away is Barbie dolls. You see young girls playing with their dolls all the time. Yet if you were to see a young boy playing with a doll they may get yelled at or there parents may even take the doll away from them and just tell them dolls are for girls and not boys.
ReplyDeleteHmm. Interesting. It seems we are all in accordance that we are shaped by the binary. I would tend to disagree just a bit. I feel Ive always done a pretty good job keeping true to my inner self. Going way back to kindergarden, I used to play checkers with my imaginary friend during playtime. Did this fit into binary constructs? Absolutely not. I would get laughed at, taunted, and sometimes when the teacher wasnt looking, given a swift backhand across the face from the class bully, Sarah. Years later, as I roamed the halls of my high school, I would often do so wearing Pokemon gear. The other boys thought I was quite lame, but hey, once again, I was being true to myself. I will always have a place in my heart for Pikachu. Point is, I believe that as long as you feel strongly enough about doing what you want to do and being who you want to be, there is no binary constraint that can keep you from it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is not way to live outside the binary. Since that is the case, our identities are challenged everyday. We can be true to ourselves by having good morals, values, etc but we still have to follow certain rules/laws. So, these binary constructs force us to either accept the way things are or to go outside the box and challenge them. Although, if we challenge them, we will not be accepted by society. Therefore, we can be true to ourselves by standing up for what we believe in to the degree that the society lets us...bummer!
ReplyDeleteThe binary to me is basically how media portrays the world or social status we live in today, how do we know if certain things are real or not, if we do not see them? The binary is our identity and the media in reality effects our identity through TV, advertising, etc. I dont believe we are ever goin to live outside the binary unless one totally secludes themselves from the public. True, we can do things in life that make us happy, but is what we think makes us happy really just something we have been programmed to believe? the binary in a way forces us to act certain ways, in ways that make us socially accetable to one another. In conclusion staying true to ourselves is really the main idea here, but is the so called "true" part of this subject true at all? this is what we need to think about when our identities are being influenced so heavily on these binary constructs. “In the end we are all separate: our stories, no matter how similar, come to a fork and diverge. We are drawn to each other because of our similarities, but it is our differences we must learn to respect.”
ReplyDeleteLike Sara said, I don’t think there’s any way we can escape the binary constructs that are present in our life. We face challenges that they put forth every day. Most conform to the trends of society because they don’t want to be seen as different. Nowadays, those who want to be different or stand out have to go to extremes. Tattoos, piercings and the way one dresses are just a few of the examples that come to mind. When the older generations see young and middle aged people dressed the way they are, they most like are going to frown down upon you because of the way you look. For some people, that may not affect them, but for most, it will make an impression, if even just for a minute or two.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Leah said that we can exist in the gray areas, but there are many struggles once you step outside of these binaries that are present in our lives. People are more quickly to judge and look down upon you because you have stepped outside of the norm. I think that our society is so used to conformity, that for those who step outside of those boundaries, the respect is lost. Society today is so quick to judge just by appearance and to use the very much used cliché, “you can’t judge a book by its cover” is so true. I think that it’s important to stick to your values and your beliefs. Be true to yourself and don’t lose sight of the goal you have in mind. I think that if you stick with that mindset, you can live outside the binary and still be socially accepted. I feel that you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. The way you choose to live your life is your business.
Like everyone else, I don’t think that you can live outside of the binary. Everything around us tells us how we should act and what things we can and cannot do, therefore, our identities are made up for us in that small way. I agree with Brittany that you are able to make yourself individual in your own way, but there are things in society that you cannot prevent that affect your identity such as politics and gender roles. I don’t think anyone could live outside of the binary because there are so many rules that we have to follow.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is difficult to live outside of the binary, but I don't think that it's impossible. Since birth, we have been given a set of rules and norms to follow and, while not following these rules may lead to social suicide, it can also help you to discover your true identity. It's true that most of us center our lives around the binary. Maybe it's because that's how we want to act, or maybe we're just too afraid to act otherwise. However, there are some people that are able to live outside the binary and lead happy lives. Some people in society might look at them a little funny, but in the end, what does it really matter?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I find it difficult to live outside of the binaries and it's something that I often struggle with when choosing whether I want to fit in or be myself. If I were a stronger person, I think I would be able to let go of the binaries forever. I agree with Javier and I think it's all about how you look at it. If you don't want to live your life according to the binary, you'll find a way out.
I think that it's difficult to live outside the binary. As everyone has said we are all raised by our families and taught what is acceptable behavior in society. We all know the laws and were enforced to follow them from our parents and in school. When we reach the age of attending school, many young people begin to socialize and meet other children their age. Many children who have low self esteem or aren't close to their family tend to try to fit in more and be like their friends. Many people also like to stand out, but I don't know what really qualifies someone into standing out. People used to do the tattos and piercing, but not many of us are shocked by that because we see it so much that now we are desensitized by that. Living outside the binary can cause a person to possibly be called "socially awkward" or harassed. It wouldn't be an easy life, but I do believe that anything's possible. There are times when you may find yourself living outside the binary and then in other instances you do. I don't think it's possible though to live your life completely out of it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is nearly impossible to live outside the binary. We are shaped by gender roles, family, friends, and culture. Although we have the freedom to our own individuality, it is very hard to not be shaped by the binary in some way or another. I agree with Peppermint Patty with how people used to get tattoos and peircings to stand out and show their individuality, but today it is becoming more and more accepted. I feel that no matter how hard people try to live outside the binary, you are almost always going to be shaped by it in at least one aspect of your life, whether it be something as simple as your gender, or something more complex like your group of friends. I think that we wouldn't even really know our true selves without all of the realities that construct our identity. If it weren't for all of these outside things, such as our career choices, friends, family, and morals, what are we really?
ReplyDeleteI believe that constructed binaries witin society definitely takes a toll on an individuals identity. It all starts from your upbringing. Your taught right from wrong, morals and vaules from your parents in which affects who you are to become as an adult.I believe that it is possible for an individual to go agaisnt constructed binaries within society. However, it will be a struggle for one's identity to fit in with what is common within society. It is a shame that society limits the individuals freedom of choice into two options what is considered right and wrong...there is no room for in between.
ReplyDeleteFrom a young age you are taught by your parents a basic set of beliefs, values, morals and the difference of right & wrong. Most people follow these but at the same time I believe that binary constructs can impact us both positively and negatively. It impact you positively by learning more of you are as an individual and help you to grow and mature. It can affect you negatively because your beliefs, values and morals could be changed by someone or something. If they are changed that could be the because of something in society which is outside of our control.
ReplyDeleteIt is impossible for myself to live outside of the binary but their are many individuals in the world I am sure that live outside of it. I could not see myself being accepted by my peers if I did but for others it would depend on the personalities of their peers.
It is important to just be yourself and that will gain you more respect then trying to have society.
Society does try to change the way we live our life but it comes down to an individual using their best judgment to how it will impact their lives.
I believe it is impossible to live outside of the binary. Unless you are raised by a pack of wolves who are obviously seperated from the social norms of human society, you are born into them. Your parents teach you their morals and basically create your identity before you have the chance to rebel and create an identity for yourself. If you are born and raised into a society like ours, how can you escape it? This blog reminded me of the story/book/movie "Into The Wild" where after graduating from Emory University as a top student and athlete, Christopher McCandless gave up everything that he had worked for to hitchhike to Alaska. He lived among the wilderness with a goal to escape the modern world we know and live in. He survived for 20 months before he died of starvation. That story has led me to believe that one born into a society like ours, would not be able to survive outside of the binary.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is really difficult to live outside the binary, especially since our realities have been shaped by someone else. I think that it impacts our abilities and sense of self by making us deny certain things about ourselves and how we really feel about things. I feel that there are a lot of people out there who do straddle the divide of binaries, but there is an internal fight between what they believe and what they were taught. The people who are able to successfully change from the binary to something else will become the hero for someone else who doesn't quite have the courage to do what the other seems to do so easily.
ReplyDelete