Describe how you have respectfully defied social norms in an authentic life example.

A socio-psychological theory to describe the way norms work in our society is symbolic interactionism. Symbolic interactionism says that values and norms are social constructions that may vary over time and in different contexts (Ferris & Stein, 2022). Tattoos are a great example of this. Once taboo and only for ‘thugs’, tattoos are now extremely popular in mainstream society. I live in a small religious town and have more tattoos than most people that reside here. This town, contrary to mainstream popularity, still holds the belief that tattoos are improper and a sign of rebellion. One way I have respectfully defied my hometown’s societal norms is by tattooing the phrase “sinful” above my eyebrow. This usually opens the door for conversation as people ask, “why on earth would you do that to yourself?!” To this, I respectfully explain that we all do things in life others may find weird, immoral, or downright deplorable. However, the fact that I can confidently be myself, while also being polite and kind to others proves that we shouldn’t judge one another on our own life terms. I accept you for all that you are and if you can’t accept me for all that I am, I hope this tattoo deters you from trying.

Describe how you have successfully collaborated with others in a diverse and inclusive group setting in an authentic life example.

Growing up, I came from a poor family. My parents left when I was young, and my grandfather raised me. He was set in his ways, exhibited underlying racism and sexism, and had strict expectations that I excel in school. These things made me see the world a little differently from my peers, but also led me to Business Professionals of America in middle school. In this group, I had to work alongside children from other schools that came from different social class brackets, different family structures, and even some from different cultures. The socio-psychological theory of social facilitation maintains that being in the presence of others improves individual task performance (Meyers & Twenge, 2022). This was true in the group I was a part of. We were qualified by each of our individual efforts to gain a spot in nations for our entire group. Learning to work alongside and collaborate with such a diverse group of peers was initially intimidating, but we became very close, learned to work through obstacles, and eventually went to the state championship together.

Describe how you have helped, shared, or provided comfort to those in need in an authentic life example.

Brené Brown (2013) describes a situation where someone is stuck in a hole, and they shout for help. The socio-psychological concept of sympathy says we would shout to them that their situation looks rough and offer them a sandwich. However, the socio-psychological concept of empathy says we would climb down into the hole with them, tell them we know what it’s like, and let them know they are not alone. In a very real and striking event, I once found a kid alone on the playground. I was supposed to be getting to class, but I noticed he looked visibly upset, so I decided to stick around and watch. What I witnessed next was something I would’ve never even guessed, I had no prior experience with the concept, and I will never forget it. That 11-year-old boy tried ending his life with a jumping rope on the monkey bars instead of going inside after recess. I ran over, begging him to stop, as he shouted at me that I didn’t really care- I couldn’t, because I didn’t even know him. I explained to him that I might not know him, but I know what it’s like to not want to continue life and sometimes I just need someone to tell me its worth it. We spent twenty minutes crying as I listened to his traumatic life story before a teacher came out and found us. He hated me for betraying him when I told the teacher the truth about what had transpired. CPS was called and I didn’t see him again. I often wondered if he was okay, what had happened, and regretted my decision to tell- until last year. I saw him at Wal-Mart with a wife and a child that looked just like him, holding his hand and giggling as they walked out the doors. I knew then that I had made the right decision. I may never know the rest of his story, but I will forever believe empathy is the reason he still has one to tell.

Describe how you have applied a different lens to understand another person’s worldview in an authentic life example.

Before taking a social psychology course, I didn’t really understand the racial divide in America. I was certain that racism isn’t as prevalent as people believe it is and that many normal situations get misconstrued to seem like racism. The theory of confirmation bias made me seek out information that confirmed these notions I had on the topic. However, learning about the socio-psychological concepts of implicit bias and microaggressions has changed my outlook entirely. Implicit biases are biases that occur automatically and unintentionally (Meyers & Twenge, 2022). Microaggressions are indirect, subtle, or unintentional discriminations against members of a group (Meyers & Twenge, 2022). Now that I have a better understanding, I’ve been able to look at the issue of racism through a new lens. I see the hurtful things that not only occur daily but are also woven into the institutions of our society. I see how the struggles of ancestors trickle down into many generations following atrocities. I can now appreciate how difficult daily life may be for those affected by racism. Socio-psychological theories have improved my understanding, empathy, and goals for the future. Change starts with people that care enough to make changes and I will be using these theories to make as many positive changes as I can throughout my lifetime.

References

Brown, B. (2013, December 10). Brené Brown on Empathy. RSA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw

Ferris, K., & Stein, J. (2022). The Real World, 8th ed. W. W. Norton. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780393887311

Meyers, D., & Twenge, J. (2022). Social Psychology, 14th ed. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781260888522