This was my favorite chapter of the entire book. I didn't get bored reading it because it was highly informative about things we experience all the time, like stereotyping, prejudice, etc.
A few points of interest were:
The theory that cruel acts shape the self. Our high school psychology teacher's motto is "Think Feel Act Become." This theory correlates with his motto perfectly. Act as though you like someone, and you eventually will. I agree with the book in that changing our behavior can change how we think about others and ourselves, boosting likeability and self-esteem.
I also thought the part in the book about things like sickness being PSYCHOLOGICALLY contagious. When we think we will get sick because a large amount of others are, we practically make ourselves sick! I have seen this at school and agree completely.
Finally, I agreed with the section int he text about strengthening conformity. Cliques at school DO seem to strengthen and grow when there are more than 3 people, they all dislike or like the same thing/person, and they have a popular status. Many groups with these characteristics are demeaning toward others. It is hard to find a "nice" group with a good reputation.
I never thought this day would come, but this is the end of my last chapter blog EVER!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
You know, when you just said that cliques are stronger when they are bigger, i agree with you totally because then there are more people to have your back, but then i also disagree with you.
ReplyDeleteIf you had like a close knit group with 3 people, then you can be open with eachother and know eachother inside and out, and be able to have that persons back moreso than if there were 7 girls that you had to look out for.
Do you get what i'm saying? Or do i not make any sense?
Interesting motto you have there, it is different but true. There were times in my life that I acted like I liked someone and eventually I did. Because this is a constantly occuring thing, it wont be that last time I make myself like someone.
ReplyDeleteThe cliques in my school are extreemly noticable. There are many times that people that aren't in the group don't stand up for themselves and what they think because they know their ideas and thoughts will get bashed down. The more people in that clique that are there, the more intimidating they seem.