What It Means to Love Ones Country - 774 Words

1 My View on What It Means to Love One’s Country Patriotism, according to Merriam Webster, is defined as â€Å"devotion or love for one’s country.† I believe this definition does not capture the true essence of the meaning of patriotism. This definition would be outstanding if there were no other conditions factored in this complex equation, but it seems that patriotism is a double-edged sword. The word patriotism strikes a lot of mixed emotions in people all over the United States. Some people describe themselves as involved patriots because they fly their American flag outside in their yards, when others see the word patriotism as disgusting and the seed of racism. Patriotism has spread like wildfire throughout the nation.†¦show more content†¦493). In other words, they tend to become close-minded toward other cultures. Patriotism to some people is a superstition that is artificially created and maintained through a network of lies and falsehoods, a superstition that robs a man of his self-respect an d dignity, and increases his arrogance and conceit. One example of having increased arrogance is being wealthy. Parenti states â€Å"even if it were easy to become a multi-millionaire, what is so great about that? Why should one’s ability to make large sums of money be reason to love one’s country?† (p. 497) Patriotism to me means to have love for our homeland, our country, to support, serve and defend, to be inspired by, to change for the better and to care deeply for fellow Americans. Patriots support the country’s authorities, laws, and interests. However, this does not mean that Americans should agree with whatever the President of the United States has to say and be blinded by what is really going on in America. I believe that true 3 patriotism does not have to be encouraged, but it is something that we feel. Patriotism is to be proud of where you are from, and to love everyone around you, whether he is a native of that country or not. As stated by Parenti, â€Å"what is there to love about the extermination of Native American nations?† (p. 495) Superpatriots believe that the patriotic individual is blinded by what government is telling us and that patriots will go along with any ideas theShow MoreRelatedresearch paper marriage tradition1355 Words   |  6 PagesOn the other hand, Americans believes that marriage is gift from God and means that couples are combined in one. However, no matter in what the culture, a wedding is always full of blessing and happiness. People in both countries regard marriage as one of the greatest event in ones life. They have similarity of base frameworks on the marriages. The first one is reasons why getting marry. 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Sociology of Sport Baseball Free Essays

According to Ashley Crossman, â€Å"Sociology of sports, also referred to as sports sociology, is the study of the relationship between sports and society. It examines how culture and values influence sports, how sports influences culture and values, and the relationship between sports and media, politics, economics, religion, race, gender, youth, etc. It also looks at the relationship between sports and social inequality and social mobility† (Crossman 2012). We will write a custom essay sample on Sociology of Sport: Baseball or any similar topic only for you Order Now Sports are a microcosm of real life; therefore anyone can embrace a sport, as we embrace real life. For example, in this summer Olympic Games, Olympic sports are supported by all races and genders. In the past history, women usually gravitated to gymnastics, swimming or track field and women’s tennis. However, in 2012, the gender and race involvement and viewership disparity has closed (Statista 2012). According to Statista, a Dow Jones Company, woman and non-white Olympic Games viewership has increased by 28%. In my opinion, these stats are attributed to minorities being more involved in the games, as well as the mainstream media have realized the marketing value of minority athletes. Baseball was the first organized sport I was introduced to as a child. Although I played professional football, my first love of competition and athletics was baseball. My love for the sport of baseball was passed on to me by my step-father. The history of the sport was intriguing, even at a young age. I was into numbers and statistics and having a mentor to explain the simple parts of the game made it even more interesting, especially being American’s Pastime. However, this can be debated, as stated by baseball historians Frank Ceresi and Carol McMains, â€Å"America’s Pastime’ has been traditionally thought to have been founded by Abner Doubleday in Cooperstown, NY in 1839. In truth, the game evolved over many decades, if not centuries, and its roots are, in reality, a tangled web of bat and ball games brought to this country by immigrants† (Ceresi 2012). Most players and fans of baseball have an undeniably appreciation for sports. Seeing that baseball is played on the amateur level, as well as the professional level, this sport can be enjoyed by most demographics. Baseball at times transcends both social and economic boundaries. However, being at the ballpark there seems to be social classes, as in real life, such as the wealthy fans sit in certain areas, while those with limited finances sits in less costly sections. It also imitates real life society in other ways, like those in the so-called ‘cheap’ seats seem to have more fun than those fans in the expensive seats. Even though most appreciate the sport, it seems to more of pleasure for those in the inexpensive seats, while those in the exclusive box seats treat as though it is an entitlement, instead of a privilege. On Thursday, July 26, 2012 I attended a professional minor league baseball game in San Bernardino, CA. This game pitted the San Bernardino 66er’s, a Los Angeles Angels minor league team, versus the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, a Los Angeles Dodgers minor league team. This is a small cozy stadium; however it has the same field dimensions as a major league stadium. I chose this venue because I believed it would show a more diverse sociological viewpoint, in a close and friendly setting. Being an intimate setting, fans are able to interact with other fans, as well as coaches and players. This setting allows for a fun, family friendly atmosphere and doesn’t have the pressures of major league parks. Although winning is the primary goal, this is a developmental league and victory is not paramount for success. Therefore, the ball club management makes the environment conducive for a positive, enjoyable experience. The fan base was made up of all ages, from infants to senior citizens. The gender make-up was probably 60% male and 40% female. The social economic status of the fan base ranged from lower income to middle class. Minor league baseball prides itself on being economical, with many price and food specials, such as $1. 00 hot dog night, $2. 00 admission night, Friday fireworks shows, etc. These prices are a major selling point to attract individuals that normally couldn’t afford to attend a major league baseball game; therefore minor league baseball is marketed to lower income fans. The ethnicity of this fan base was mostly white and Hispanic, with a few African Americans sprinkled in. The fans seem to be moderately educated, with few exceptions. Also, because baseball is a worldwide sport, there were many immigrants attending the game, primarily Mexican and Spanish Americans. Since most players are sent to particular minor league teams for development, many don’t meet the same demographics of the fan base. However, this team’s demographics were the same as the fan base, including White, Hispanic and African American players. The coaching staff was primarily white, with one African American. Since this is a single ‘A’ minor league club, many of these players haven’t signed major league contracts, therefore most of them are in the low income bracket, as with this particular fan base. Being a friendly and personable person, I was able to interact with various fans, however I noticed many fans sat with and interacted only with their own party or nationality. It is also evident that the season ticket holders and regular fans interact with each other by first name basis, regardless of their ethnicity. Most fans seem to be generally cheerful and interested in the game. Being a minor league park, the other marketing tactic is to have interaction with the fans, such as using mascots, cheerleaders, on-field games for the kids, etc. My final observations include that baseball has its own language and most regular fans are extremely knowledgeable of the lingo. Baseball, being historically a slow sport, allows the casual fan and regular fan to learn about the idiosyncrasies of the game by listening to coaches and other fans. Some little league coaches brought their players to educate them on the game. In most cases, most of the fans showed similar behavior, such as family and fan interacting, knowledge of the game and overall enjoyment of the entertainment offered. One thing that stood out was the older fans seem to be more into the actual game and not in the special attractions. However, my children, as well as most other children seem to be more interested in the sideshows and the food. Observing sports sociology at a baseball game, with methodology research in mind, was quite interesting. It allowed me to view the game from a different perspective, such as focusing on human behavior, in lieu of just watching the game. I thought watching a baseball game from a sociology aspect would be difficult, however I realized most people view things the same way, but don’t have a clinical definition supporting it. ‘People-watching’ is a basic human instinct, though watching a game with a clinical perspective makes it very interesting. â€Å"It is only since 1970 that sports sociology has gained significant attention as a serious area of study† (Brown 2012). It is presumed that professors did not consider how sports influenced the social order nor was it very significant or fundamental to sociology. According to Brown, â€Å"Sociology of sports poses critical and controversial issues. Because sports are considered a microcosm of society, the same social issues that exist in larger society also exist in sports†. Many of the same government policies and social persecutions demonstrated on minorities and women were also implemented in the society of sports. For example, women were not permitted to participate in many sports believed to be a manly sport, like baseball or car racing. Many minorities or certain religious groups were not allowed to compete in many professional sports and in many cases were not even permitted to observe the sport, except from an isolated viewing area. Once more, the concerns and arguments that sports sociology uncovers are the same concerns that are reflected in real life society. The sociology of sport has many similarities to real life, as evident in how sports affect one’s everyday life. As a result, it is imperative for a person to critically think about how we deal with life, as inspired by our sports influence. By doing that we can see how sports can enhance our real life social skills. Many people participate or watch sports to relieve stress, get exercise or just to have fun. Businesses at times develop sport teams to build camaraderie amongst their employees, allowing them to interact outside of the workplace. Sports can satisfy the human need for competition and human interaction. Sports are a microcosm of real life, having a hierarchy, such as players, coaches, referees and spectators. In real life we have employees, bosses, human relations and customers, for example. Consequently, people gravitate to sports for different reasons; however they get the same passionate effect. Sport fans and actual sport participants have similar ambitions, whether it is winning games, winning as a team or rooting for your team to victory. Sport sociology encompasses a true spectrum of goals and inspiration, just as real life. Keeping true to one’s sociological views and embracing other’s views can definitely allow a person to see life through a basic viewpoint, as well as a broad sociological viewpoint. Sports have a place in everyone’s ife, whether it’s physical sport or mental sport, such as board games, playing cards or playing mental games with one’s significant other. Competition builds character; Competition is â€Å"the act of competing, as for profit or a prize. † (D’Angelo 2006) It is a test of skill or ability between players with the prize of some kind being victory, where one can only be achieved by out-c ompeting your competition. These sports concepts transcend to business, family, friendship, etc. Again, sports is a microcosm of real life, therefore it intertwines society’s real life sociology and sport’s sociology. In conclusion, sports have played an important part of my life, as both a participant and just having fan. Having a love for sports has allowed me to interact with people of all races and genders. Networking with individuals, while playing sports, even at the amateur level, offers venues for business opportunities, meeting new friends and cultivating existing personal relationships. Given the opportunity everyone should engage in some type of competition, as it stimulates the mind and body. How to cite Sociology of Sport: Baseball, Papers

Gossip in the Workplace free essay sample

Gossip in the work place Charlie Brown Peanuts University Prof. Writing in the Disciplines Business Communications EN306B Judy Brown July 18, 2010 Abstract In every work place environment gossip is very common and almost every working individual has been involved in it in some form or another. Although gossip is often derogatory most working individuals have either engaged in it or have been a victim of it. I t can also be referred to as a form of work place bullying and have a detrimental affect on an organization because it can cause a great deal of harm to the people involved and the organization it self. The gossip mill is a workplace problem that is very easy to get involved and also almost very hard to resist and it is a problem that needs to be addressed. The effects of gossip will be analyzed through this report. Gossip in the work place INTRODUCTION The main focus of this report is to examine the existence of gossip in the work place. Gossiping as a whole will be defined and it repercussions in the work place environment will be analyzed. Although, gossip is often associated with work place bullying this report will only examine the concerns of gossiping at the financial services department for CHATEX Co. This organization is a transportation company with over 500 employees and the financial services department is the support department that employs thirty para-professionals who handle everything from book keeping, contracts and payroll. The CHATEX’s financial services department will be the central focus for this report since; it has had a high volume of employee turn over within the last two years. CHATEX’s management team has recognized that gossip in the work place could be the issue that has contributed to low employee morale and high employee turn over. CHATEX prides itself in customer service and feels that employee loyalty and longevity are essential to its success, so they have requested an analysis of gossip and its ramifications in the work place. Therefore, the office environment at CHATEX was examined where a confidential survey was conducted and the data was collected as well as research from other sources was analyzed. GOSSIP THE PROBLEM In order to understand its ramifications gossip needs to be defined. In their article Gossip’s Toll On The Workplace, Smerd and Jeremy define gossip as â€Å"idle chit chat but reputational warfare† where rumors, non factual stories are spread that can hurt the reputation of the person being talked about. Work place gossip can cause a great deal of harm to an organization in his employee newsletter Hennessey claims that there are several ways in which gossip can hurt a company. The ways are listed as follows: * Lost productivity and wasted time * Morale and trust are eroded * Increased anxiety among employees as rumors circulate without any clear information as to what is fact and what isn’t * Divisiveness tends to grow among employees as people may â€Å"take sides† * Feelings and reputations are hurt, sometimes causing severe damage. * The â€Å"gossipers† may jeopardize changes for their own advancement because they are perceived as unprofessional. * Good employees may leave the company due to an unhealthy work atmosphere. Since, gossiping was defined gossiping as a serious work place problem that affects both the employee and the organization it also needs to be analyzed and recommendations to a solution need to be implemented to prevent it from happening. SOLUTION/RECOMMENDATION(S) Since, gossip was defined as the underlying reason affecting low employee morale and a high employee turn over the Human Resources department were given the results of the survey conducted at CHATEX Co. and were given a set of recommendations. These recommendations included a change in policy and procedures section in the employee handbook. These changes include a strong policy against harassment in any form that includes bullying/gossiping in any form. The policy stresses no tolerance to rumors or gossip in any form and implemented an open door policy in which any one come drop in and express any discomfort or inform the H. R. dept that they are victims of gossip. The H. R. dept. will pursue an investigation and if the investigation finds that the allegations are true then the parties involved will be counseled and given an oral reprimand. If parties being reprimanded continue to partake in office gossip they will be written up and depending on the severity of the gossip they will be suspended a full day with out pay. In his news letter Hennessy recommends ways in which gossip can be avoided and lists questions that a person might ask themselves if they find themselves in a situation where they might be tempted to participate in gossip. The questions are as follows: * Is what I am about to say true? * Is it harmless? * How would I feel if someone said something similar about me? How would I feel if I saw my words quoted in the daily paper? * How am I going to feel later if I say this (or listen to this)? * Does gossiping honor my own personal values? Hennessey also included a quote in the newsletter that has a powerful message about gossip that reads: â€Å"The real art of conversation is not to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment†. -Dorothy Nevil RES ULTS AND ANALYSIS OF SURVEY The survey was an anonymous survey given to the support staff at CHATEX Co. t was an online survey where the results collected were to be collected and interpreted to analyze and come up with recommendations for the company. The survey questions were all yes or no questions and were as follows: 1. Do you believe gossip exists in the workplace/office environment? 2. Have you ever participated in gossip in the workplace? 3. Have you ever gossiped about a fellow co-worker? 4. Have you ever gossiped spread rumors about a fellow co-worker because you are jealous of him or her? 5. Have you ever gossiped about someone purposely to harm that person? . Have you ever been a victim of gossip in the workplace? 7. Do you believe that gossip in the workplace can hinder/prevent a person from succeeding in the workplace? 8. If yes to question six did you confront the person or people who were gossiping about you? 9. Can office gossip hurt employee morale? 10. Do you beli eve that management is sometimes involved in workplace gossip or rumors? It was analyzed that out of thirty para-professionals only twenty-eight participated and all are full time employees working in the financial services department of CHATEX Co. Their ages range from twenty-one to fifty-two years and the findings do support the before mentioned research that gossip is a problem in the work place environment. * 100% do believe that gossip exists in the workplace environment * 70. 4 % admitted that they have participated in some sort of gossip or another * 67. 9 % stated that they have been a victim of gossip in the workplace * 85. 7% believe that gossip in the workplace can hinder/prevent a person from being successful in the workplace. * 100% agree that gossip can hurt employee morale * 92. % believe that management is sometimes involved in workplace gossip Since, low employee morale leads to poor employee production and effectiveness the following is a chart that indicates how many people admitted to being a victim of gossip in the workplace: CONCLUSION In order to promote workplace harmony and increase employee morale and stop the high employee turn over in the financial services department of CHATEX Co. a new employee pol icy needs to be implemented. After implementation of this new policy employees must respect and adhere to its rules or serious consequences or even termination may ensue for non-compliance. Mandatory employee training for all employees of CHATEX Co. will be done to discuss the changes of the employee handbook and the implementation of the â€Å"no gossiping â€Å" policy will be discussed along with its repercussions. Every year once a year a survey will be conducted to analyze and evaluate if the problem has improved and the results will be reviewed and discussed in annual employee grass roots seminar. References 1. Hennessy, k. (n. d. ). Workplace gossip. Employee Newsletter, Retrieved from http://www. healthsystem. virginia. du/internet/feap/newsletters Gossip. pdf 2. Holland, Margaret G. â€Å"What’s wrong with telling the truth? An analysis of gossip† Academic Onefile. Web. 17 July 2010. (Document ID:A18478474 3. Nefer, B. , (2009, April). Neutralizing the power of workplace gossip. SuperVision, 70(4), 14-16. Retrieved July 17, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global (Document ID: 1749569611). 4. Smerd, J.. (2010, March). GOSSIP’S TOLL ON THE WORKPLACE. Workforce Management, 89(3),3. Retrieved July 17, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID:1980892741