Top Artifacts
Artifact 5: Aggression Questionnaire
Aggression can be revealed in a number of ways, some more distinct than others. While completing this exercise I found that 11 of the statements were considered more aggressive than the others. The ones I believe that indicate the most aggression were the gang members attacking other gang members, a man kicking a cat, and the boy purposely inflicting injury. I decided on these because they were the ones who displayed violent acts towards living things, for invalid reasons. There are some examples out of the statements that have aggressive tendencies, but do not act out physically. There are others that act out aggression physically but have a valid reason behind it. For example, the spider eating a fly, the two men fighting over bread and the farmer beheading the chicken are acts of aggression, but are ones that are necessary for survival. Many of the statements display aggression, but are more so aggressive tendencies and not physical aggression.
Artifact 4: Are People Who Help Happier?
I found it difficult to pick out people for the unhappy and happy exercise. I know many people, but I wanted some variety in answers so it was hard to find those minorities. The greatest tally was obviously the happy and unselfish category. I feel that that is the norm throughout society. Even if you aren’t truly happy, you appear happy on the outside. I think that when a person is happy, they typically will help others in situations and be categorized as unselfish. My grandfather for instance is the happiest person I know. He never gets angry, and is tremendously unselfish. He lives in the Outer Banks and I swear will drive up to the area if I need a coffee, something so minor and petty. He says he loves to help out in any way that he can and will do just about anything if that means making me, or anyone else satisfied.
Artifact 3: Norm Violation Exercise (LO 8.1)
Society is so particular and judgmental when it comes to other people. I violated a social norm with elevator etiquette. At work, especially during change of shift, there are tons of employees going in and out of the elevators. Typically, if the elevator stops on my floor, I wait for people to get out and then proceed inside. Today, I walked right in and bumped into every single person trying to exit. I got many disgusted looks not only from those people, but from the people inside the elevator too. One lady even said “Oh, excuse you.” During this experiment I felt incredibly disgusted with myself since I am normally a very polite person. I have had this happen to me multiple times and have caught myself judging others and even commenting to them that they were in the wrong. Now, I usually like to give people the benefit of the doubt and tell myself that they are battling an issue and that’s the reason for their rudeness, but situations like this is different. Every individual should have basic etiquette. Whether it be, holding the door open for someone or waiting your turn at the elevator. Your life is not going to stop if you do not do these simple tasks. It is just being part of a community and being a decent human being. This picture is not of me, because I did not have a friend with me during this, however this is almost exactly how I felt.
Artifact 2: Stereotypes
I think stereotypes have changed over time, some groups more than others. For instance, the black stereotype has drastically changed in a negative way. I think the reason for that is due to the media and other peer groups. With the recent outbreaks from the black population, it has negatively impacted this racial group significantly. The black community already had bad reputations years ago by their way of life and involving themselves in criminal activity, more so than any other ethnic groups. Today, it has declined even more now that all their flaws are being exemplified and nationally broadcasted by the media and the way other people react. The world is more drastic then it used to be just by the media and the populations obsession over it.
Artifact 1: Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS)
I think happiness being satisfied with your life. A person is happy if they are in a career that they enjoy, surround themselves with people they love and are positive, and are in a mentally happy place. Although this exercise is helpful, I do not think it truly captures the idea of being “happy”. The questions asked could be answered based on different circumstances. Some people have a wonderful life with many things surrounding them that make them happy but biologically they are not quite there. I struggle with depression and anxiety and although I am in a job that I enjoy, have a boyfriend of seven years, a dog that I am grossly obsessed with, I will never fully be genuinely happy. I may be content with all aspects of my life, and will have periods where I am totally overjoyed and pleased with life, but I will always struggle with anxiety and depression. That in itself will keep me from consistently staying happy.
