Chapter 6 of Johnson

The social norm in today’s society was discussed in Chapter 6 of Johnson. What is the social norm? Many believe that being a straight, white, male is the norm because we have supposedly done the most in this world. But what really is the social norm in today’s society? Does if have to be a straight, white, male? Chapter 6 of Johnson discusses these questions.
In Chapter 6 of Johnson it is said that as we participate in social systems, we are shaped as individual people. Through socialization we learn to participate in life, whether it is in school, religion, or our family. We learn by examples set for us by coaches, teachers, and peers. Examples that teach us what is right and what is wrong, value this over that, and what is considered accepted and what is not. Through all of that we develop a sense of identity and how that identity positions itself with other people of gender, race, and ethnic background. Our identity has developed though out our life since we were little. We know that there are other alternatives but we are too scared to believe in anything else but the norm. We are too scared to go against what we were taught our whole lives and to go against what today’s society believes is correct.
Is socialization the reason why I believe in what believe in today? I agree with what Chapter 6 of Johnson said. For as early as I can remember I have been surrounded by people telling me their experiences and what the feel is right. The foundation of socialization comes for out parents. If our parents brought us up the way they did then there is a good chance that we both believe in the same type of things. From coaches to teachers they all try to lecture us with what the think is the norm. I was brought up Roman Catholic. My parents took me to church every Sunday and put me through Catholic grade school and Catholic high school. Because of that upbringing, I believe is the reason why I am a devout believer in the Roman Catholic Church today.
In Chapter 6 of Johnson I realized that I am who I am today because of those around me. Thank God I was surrounded with people with good values and morals. People who cared for me and my overall look on life. Others are not that fortunate. Others are brought up with racist parents and are brought up with wrong values and morals. Today, I believe our society does not have overall healthy morals and values but if my generation brings our children up with what is the right norm then our society will change for the better.