Friday, March 28, 2008
Blog #4: To "Binary" or not to "Binary" that is the question
In class, we discuss how our realities have been constructed by forces far beyond our control by politics, social norms and mores, gender roles, decorum, etc. When we fall into these binary constructs, how does that impact our identities? Is it possible to live outside of the binary and be socially accepted? How do we straddle the divide and also stay inwardly true to oursevles?
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When I think of "binary" I can't help but think of the life of celebrites. How many normal working class people all of a sudden become "blessed" with fame and fortune. They step into a world of spending millions of dollars on materialistic items from houses, cars and nice clothes, but often struggle with loosing themselves. They can't help the fact that they may forget what it's like to not be able to afford certain things because they enter a world where their constantly standing in front of the camera. However, without remembering where you came from you also doomed for mental distruction.
Two people that stick out to me as being in touch with both worlds are Angelina and Brad. I've read many articles on both of them constantly trying to contribute to the world. Yes they're constantly in the public eye and making millions of dollars, but doing these projects keeps them in touch with themselves and the less fortunate in the world. Brad actually started a housing project for Hurricane Katrina victims and donated a million dollars of his own money to the project.
In my own life I have been blessed with coming from a nice area and having parents that support me through my education. With coming from a wealthy area there are things you often get caught up in. It affects your identity because you start to think that everyone lives the way I do. Only when you step out of your world and see others who struggle with things you so easily get does it place you back into a reality.
When it comes to whether or not to live outside the binary and being socially accepted I think it comes down to having a good balance.
I believe that our identity is impacted because my identity is shaped to work around the norms of society. Therefore, because we are taught and disciplined to follow the rules of society, we are places in labels such as gender and class having to take on certain responsibilities because of our labels. In other words our identity is impacted greatly in regards to what the society believe to be acceptable.
Unfortunately, I do not believe that is possible to live outside of the binary and be accepted by society. My reason for this goes back to being classified as either with us "society" or against us. The problem with society is that they base all their judgment only on what the eye can see leaving out the most important details of a person. Therefore, if we don't talk like society or look, like society we are considered that black sheep. In other words, society makes it known that to be different is a problem therefore everyone should look and act the same for the "better' of our community.
We straddle to divide by wearing whatever we want to wear and doing our hair and crazy hair style. We straddle through out culture, the way that we talk, dance, communicate with other and etc. However, we stay true to ourselves by standing up for what we believe in through out actions and appearance.
I believe that our identities are definitely impacted by binary constructs. I think it is everyday that our realities are constructed by forces beyond our control. I think that we might not often realize it, but it's something that happens to just about everyone of us, myself included.
I think one particular aspect where realities are constructed past our control is in terms of education. It has long been constructed that female students are weaker in math and science related studies and male students weaker in english and language related subjects. I personally differ on these assumptions because I feel that the strengths of students rely on their indvidual selves and also their efforts.
I agree with what Sharlmaine said on the basis of society being the deciding factor as to how our identities are impacted. They have a huge influence on our actions, how we dress, etc. In order for one to overcome these binary constructs, we need to expose our individual characteristics and shine through our ability to create a uniqueness about ourselves and use our views/beliefs to separate ourselves from the crowd.
There is an inherent problem with the question here. When we ask a question the likes of "Is it possible to live outside of the binary?" we ask, in turn, "Is it possible to live outside of the real world?" We live in a universe of this or that scenarios, one or the other choices, and left or right mentalities.
Even the choice to live outside of these binary constructs is a binary decision in and of itself. When we choose between the normative and the non-normative, we make a binary decision.
As far as being socially accepted when we live "outside" of those norms, no, i don't believe that it is possible. One way or another, a binary decision will have been made in order to allow us to be accepted into one group or another. If we choose to be vegan rather than omnivorous, we make that choice with the prior assumption that we will be accepted by other vegans and rejected by the omnivores.
If we make the choice to be Christian, then we choose to be accepted by other Christians and rejected by Jews, Buddhists, and Atheists alike.
As far as staying inwardly true to ourselves, that part isn't so hard. The choices we make every day DO NOT, in any way, have to alter WHO WE TRULY ARE. We straddle the divide by making the choices that we wish to make and then letting whoever wants to accept us do so and forgetting about those who don't. Sure, our identities can change from day to day, but who's to say that we aren't on the path to some greater knowledge about who we are? I, for one, am not willing to rule out the possibility.
marissa had a really interesting comment about education. as an english ed major, i can tell you that there are no studies that prove that the male gender is inherently better at math or science, just as there are no studies proving that girls are inherently better at english. what has been studied and proven is that boys understand and can comprehend math at an earlier age, and the girls often get left behind in elementary school and it becomes imbedded in their minds that they just "can't get math" or science. this thinking often follows girls through high school and on into college. Me, for example, always had the thinking that i couldn't get math, even though i took honors calculus and trig and got a's. even with the grades staring me in the face, i dreaded taking math 100 and 101 as a requirement for an ed major. i will probably never get over the thinking that i can't do math, no matter how well i actually do do it.
To me, High schools are the breeding grounds for social norms. If a girl doesn't have the right hair style and the right brand clothes, she is immediately branded as an other by the rest of the female population. i specifically refer to girls only because since i've been there, i can relate to the experiences much more. I'm sure the male population of high school guys also has their hierarchy, but it's not so much based on outward appearance.
i think that the judgments have ceased alot since high school, and the college environment is very forgiving and welcoming. Now the constructs come into play with me when i enter a high school classroom as a student teacher. It's hard not to feel imposed upon by binary constructs when you're being graded and rated based on your appearance. these co-op teachers don't know me, and they don't see what a hard worker or how intelligent i am. they make their opinion based on how i carry and present myself in a mere 35 hour experience. all the while of that 35 hour experience of observing, i'm worried about covering up my visable tattoos and piercings, making sure my clothes are loose and conservative enough, remembering to untangle the hairwraps and cutting out the black tips from my hair, trying to squash my personal opinions and viewpoints and agree with the co-op teacher, and shutting my mouth on issues about politics and religions. It's a very destabalizing experience, but in order to get that high rating that i so desperately want requires alot of changes in my own personal identity.
When I first read the question, I completely made a link to the "life of celebrities" so therefore, I completely agree with Beckie's point of view of "binary"
Although, my natural instinct was the reality television show American Idol. No matter, if you win the competition, the contestants life turns completely around. Sometimes, I think this contestants aren't actual in this competition to follow what their "dreams" are, to become a singer. In fact, I believe some of this contestants are just "in it" for the fame and fortune.
Its hard to stay true to yourself when being taken outside of the "real world" because your identity is constructed and pulled in so many different directions, that you are developing a new identity that will take over the importance of staying in the real world.
I also believe, that our identity
Well I guess falling into different binary constructs our deeply impacted. In ways they change our identities completely. Which i agree with Bwalsh who mentioned celebrities lives. There are so many different binary constructs in this world that I don't really believe that anyone lives strictly withen them, if that makes sense. I guess what I'm saying is no matter what your going to be living outside the binary. What is a norm to one person is never to another. Whether its with religion, day to day activities, politics, etc. Democrats disagree with Republicans..vice versa. A certain group that thinks like you or follows the same thing as you may accept you but others might not. Basically to stay true to yourself, stay yourself and make your own decisions. But at the same time realize that there are differences and people won't always agree with you. Not sure if that makes sense, but i tried.
I think that a few things within our society have come from trying to converge binaries such as music, clothing styles and education. Ideas of opposing sides have met in the middle of the binary sides and created something new which could then become a new catagory all its own.
In other areas such as religion mixing the binaries of life is not an option. I have noticed that in church binaries are a must, either you believe in something or you don't. The inbetween area of thinking both sides could be appropriate at different times is not accepted. More often than not, sides have to been chosen. Where one idea may not be accepted in a conservative church, the idea may be encouraged at a political rally. Two discourses could be found to support different viewpoints in order to stabilize a person's identity but they would have to remain seperate in order to continue the stabilization. In simpler terms, a person would have to take on a different identity in different situations which is not remaining true to their identity. In order to be accepted in society, a person has to put on different identities to fit their environment whether it be work, school or home.
I agree with what Emily-Elizabeth had to say about high school being the breeding grounds for social norms. Cliques are formed and identities are impacted by whom you hang around. Depending on how you are socially accepted depends on what clique you are in. Some will completely change their identity to belong to a certain clique. I think you can be true to yourself if you don’t change who you are, and hang around with people who like you for who you are. But I also think Sharlmaine had a good point about not being able to live outside of the binary because of how society impacts identities. Identities are still be influenced by others not matter what clique you are in.
To be “binary” or not to be binary, when I first read this question I immediately thought about if one is accepted by a popular group or if one leads a “normal” wealthy lifestyle falls into the binary. After reading the previous entries, I personally agree with many points that were previously stated. I completely agree with bwalsh’s analyze on the life of a celebrity. Celebrities play a huge factor on our identities. Many individuals want to dress and/or act like their favorite celebrity. Most people want to be like a celebrity because they are considered to be the binary and how life should be lived. I feel that every celebrity has to remember that their life was not always glamorous unless they came from generations of wealthy families. It is always important to remember where they have been to know where they are going. Everyone has their own “binary” identity. Whether you realize it or not, what you are accustomed to in your everyday life is what is binary to you. Not everyone has the same factors that make up their binary lifestyle. What is normal for me is not normal for the rest of the class. Every one of us falls into different cliques or a group of friends that affects our identities. I agree when Steph stated that some will completely change their identities to belong to a certain clique. I feel that it not only applies to cliques but also in the real world. Many people will change their own identity just to be accepted by others. It is always important to know who you are and to stay with it.
To start, I definately agree with all of the postings thus far especially Bwalsh's. Celebrities basically do live two different lifestyles, when the cameras are rolling and when they are not. I feel that the constant switching between these two lifestyles plays a major role in mental destruction. There comes a point where they do not even know who they are anymore.
As we all know, our individualism is greatly impacted by the culture to which we associate, our lifestyle, and friends. Translating this into binary and non-binary terms, we can easily see that to be accepted by culture, friends, etc, we must follow the social norms and values associated with each group. If we do not, we will most likely be unaccepted and stand out in the crowd. This is one reason, I feel, that friends have such a major impact on our lives. Good friends have the power to convince and shape your lifestyle in a positive or negative way. Each and every friend you have means something in a different way. His or her impact on your lifestyle may not be obvious to you but it exists.
One movie that comes to mind after reading everyone's posts is Mean Girls. The main character lived a double life for a while as she learned how the "Plastics" lived and ends up becoming “plastic” herself. Only after her friends point out that she had become someone else, did she remember who she was. It's sad that many stars turn “Hollywood” as they become so consumed with fame and fortune, forget their humble beginnings and years later end up in identity crisis.
For those of us without millions to throw away, I think we face a bit of identity crisis when we have to step into a new reality. When we change jobs, we like to see how our co-workers dress and act before we feel completely comfortable in a new atmosphere. We may fear rejection so much so that we loose our sense of self. We may live a double life, dressing and talking like everyone else to feel accepted. I have to wonder how many of our coworkers have done the same to fit in, instead of staying true to who they were when they first started. If someone chooses to stand out from their first day on the job, they may find more friends because of that decision. Maybe there are a group of others that hate living a double life at work and would love to express who they truly are by sharing their real opinions and dressing in a (work appropriate) outfit unlike the clones they work with.
Sadly, it seems that to be accepted by society, we have to change to fit in. Middle school was where you were "judged" by the "popular kids" in my school district. Once judged within the first week of middle school, you were placed in a social clique by the “popular” and would remain in that circle until graduation day. Very few (if any) people were able to go from “drab to fab” without a complete makeover before leaving high school.
I also agree that college is a place accepting of all and inviting full expression of one's true self (if we remember who we are). I think if we can stay true to ourselves, we can and will meet others that accept us - at least I have with my group of close friends. I have met my closest friends here at IUP. I didn’t have to worry about being judged based on my social status I received from the “judges” on my first day of 6th grade. Who cares if we were “geeky” or didn’t dress a particular way at age 11? Within my social circle, we all have our own uniqueness as well as common interests that unite us and keep us close.
When people fall into binary constructs, they are becoming someone that they are not. What we hear and see on television forces us to change our image, the way we think, and the way we act just because it comes from the TV. It is hard to be accepted when you are outside what is the "norm." I believe that some people are so far out of their own identities that they can't indentify themselves from someone they look up to on TV.
I think today it is becoming more acceptable to look at people that are outside of what we consider popular or normal. More and more I see people that fit into the "punk" category, and they are accepted. It is still hard for many people to look at someone who is wearing outlandish attires and accept them, but I feel that it works both ways. Because people are different is one major reason that this society continues to evolve.
I think you can staddle the divide but stay true to yourself by living your life the way you want rather than how everyone else is. If your friends can't accept you for who you are, then they really aren't your friends. Where you live and who you hang out with really determines how true you are to yourself which many people have already mentioned. We all change, it's a part of life, but we should do that on our own not because someone else wants you to.
Wow, So far everything point I wanted to illustrate has been painted. I get a weird feeling when I read this question. I felt like I was back in high school to be honest. "Being accepted" ,"going against the norm or binary"...this sounds like high school stuff. As we mature I would hope that we would all see each other as equals and respect each others personal taste whether it be music, fashion, whatever...basically what I'm trying to say is that as we mature we shouldn't worry about being accepted by others because we shouldn't be in that position in the first place. And if we are ever caught in that position...then fuck whomever is putting us there, they obvious haven't mature higher then the level of privative ape, and we should feel reward in the fact that we as in ourself would never put another human being in that position to feel that need to be accepted
Binary constructs most definitely impact our identities. They play a key role in developing who we are as people and as individuals. I agree with taraj's point "there are so many different binary constructs in this world that no one lived strictly within them". This made a great deal of sense to me. Our identities are formed by binary constructs, but an individual twists and turns the construct to form their own version which could pertain solely to them or a group. Some people may "try out" a new aspect of politics or "social norms", which would most likely be destabilizing. Yet, from this exploration of a different aspect one can decipher either to leave it completely or mold it to comfort them, and above all stay true to you.
Another idea that ran thru my head was the first binary constructs we were introduced to, our parents. They each have their own binary views and this is displayed to the child. As the child grows to a young adult, the individual can start their own explorations with at least some sense of a start. I think that the most important moment one must keep is staying true to your inner feelings and thoughts, but to not be afraid to journey and at least try different aspects.
When I think of the word "binary" and think of how we all perceive how we are "suppose" to look, act, and live I think of how the media plays a huge roll in this.
When we sit in the check out line at the store and look at all the magazines and articles about how celebrities live their lives and for whatever reason most of us think we are supposed to look and act like them. It is perceived that girls are supposed to be tall and thin and have perfect bodies and hair. We just pop out of bed and look amazing. Guys are supposed to always be built and physically fit and have charm. So many people at every age go through so many obstacles to look like celebrities in magazines it’s ungodly. Surgeries and altering our bodies just to look what we think is how we are supposed to look.
Even starting early in life it is drilled in our minds that boys=blue and girls=pink. Boys wear pants girls wear dresses, etc. We go along with these stereotypical theories because that is what we are taught we are supposed to do. Boys play football and girls go to dance class. Hardly anyone sees it the other way around.
I think more and more people are starting to realize we can go either way, no matter what gender no matter how we look we can be socially accepted into some kind of society.
As others said above I too believe that our identities are definitely impacted by binary constructs. I think it is everyday that our realities are impacted by forces beyond our control and we may be completely oblivious to what’s occurring. Society has constructed a mold of how we should act and look to be socially accepted by the majority. I believe we are all programmed and taught to understand normal traits and behaviors and become carbon copies of these images. Those who decide to step out of the box and express their creativity are sometimes ridiculed and even called names such as "weird." People may even place this stereotype on these types of individuals without ever speaking to them. I find it sad that if we do not behave as everyone else, have nice bodies, buy the same clothes, and act the same way that we are not "socially accepted" by society. Everyday we are faced with decisions and opportunities. Most of us take the safe road. While the brave ones, express their individuality and stay true to their self.
I'm going to proceed from a perspective inspired by the Philosophy of Mind because I was just in the class for almost three hours last night and it's fresh in my brain.
To reduce a given situation or description to a binary is most likely an adaptive evolutionary trait. Because time is short and our ancestors' time was even shorter, individuals with mental modules for quickly processing information were more likely to survive. This is allegedly how a fine-tuned sense of intuition came to be. The current general consensus is that humans are born with an initial sense of intuition, but that our years of trial and error experience hone it to process our highly complex social situations.
To summarize that jargon: using binaries in reference is natural. It's built into the human system.
The question then becomes, is it right? Is it how we ought to behave?
I think that this is the blog question. My opinion is: yes and no. I say yes because I believe that the intuition should be considered, yet no because every initial, impulsive judgment should be open to criticism and revision.
Some things definitely need to be rethought, and to me, the most important ones have to do with people. Socially speaking, binaries render individuals at literally opposite ends of a spectrum. Even though there are going to be tangible differences between people: gender or talent, for example, referring to a binary structure is probably more harm than good. This is because a binary, by definition, boils something down to two exact opposites. We can reduce reality; we can up the contrast to the point where one is distinguished from another. But, when it comes to people, this differentiating might be a dangerous game. I'm not saying that it should never apply, just that it ought be open to criticism and revision.
I agree with Gary...I don't see how we can step outside of the binaries that are so deeply rooted in all aspects of our society. Our reality is filled with binaries to the point where stepping outside of those binaries is next to impossible. However, that doesn't mean we shouldn't make a conscience effort to recognize and deconstruct them. I think binaries can be dangerous when people don't acknowledge that they exisit, or if people don't see how they simplify a complex world.
Throughout history humans have been looking for answers. We crave clarity and order in our lives. Binaries are a simple solution to a chaotic world. Through binaries life is boxed into simple categories....good and bad, wrong and right, believers and non-believers, etc. If we were to free ourselves of these boxes, our lives would lack any real order but would contain more truth. Because even though we live in a binary-based reality, a more introspective look would reveal that we live in a foggy gray region that defies reason and logic. It seems as a species we are too stuborn to embrace this chaotic limbo of the space that we don't properly fit into.
When you think about it, it seems like the whole U.S. could be considered a "clique". The way that we push pop-culture and put movie stars, sports icons, and musicians up on a pedestal is part of the problem. It's really hard for me to add musicians into that group because someday hopefully I'll be in that small group, but some people take it too far.
MTV and VH1 were two of my favorite channels when I was younger. They were pretty much the only two that had music videos on and got music out there with a visual aesthetic too. Nowadays all thats ever on there is fuckin reality TV, dating shows, or even worse reality shows that stem from other bad reality shows. haha Even the other day when we had my friend Jess come in because she was on that MTV show seemed almost a little much. I don't mean that in a bad way necessarily because she is a totally leveled headed person and would never take that as her being the center of attention, but another person might think of it as their fifteen minutes paying off.
I believe in generalizations in the way that I believe a guy should open a door for a girl and other things such as that dealing with common manners, but even to this day I hold myself away from things just because other people that I don't like do them and it seems to change peoples attitudes.
I don't really lift to this day because so many people in my high school and here at college as such douche bags about lifting and being big. I guess if you think about it, I'm a weirdo in many guys eyes because I don't. But Im still the same person whether I do or not, and that's why it seems dick to me to judge someone totally on looks. Everyone I meet gets the benefit of the doubt. Like my teacher used to say, "You start with %100, what you do with it is your choice."
It's hard not to agree with what everyone has said here so I'll just give what came to mind when I first read the description.
When I think of the word Binary I always associate it with on and off sequences that computers. When I compare that to the world that we live in and the everything that bombards us from the time we are old enough to start remembering, it's almost impossible for me to imagine a world where I'm not affected by social constructs. Children especially are vulnerable since a part of their life is spent watching commercials on television. Commercials show children what makes other children happy whether it be Kool Aid, toys, clothes (BAH! what kid wants these) or even fast food such as McDonalds.
Even adults are hit up with these images that alter their lives and make them want things because the images shown display happiness. And who doesn't want to be happy? (I think that that Axe bodyspray commercial is a great example of this)
I'd like to think that I'm fairly open minded and generally don't care if my friends or other people really like something and I don't. I like what I like, if you don't like, then I'm fine that. I also don't alter things I like because of others around me. I like 80's music and 3 of my friends hate it....I still listen to it when they are around though.
No matter which way you shake it though, you are always a by-product of either the world of advertising or you are affected by your parents, grandparents, etc. I think it's basically impossible for people to individuals because of the effects of everything around us.
So far everyone I agree with the points everyone has made on the blog thus far. When I think of "binary" I too think of high school and celebrities lifestyles.
In high school you either strive to be apart of the binary constructs and be in what we call "cliques" or you rebel against them to make yourself stand out and be different (which I think is basically putting yourself in a binary because every high school has these types of people which makes this normal) . I agreed with everyone that had something to say about the binaries of high school because the majority of students do try to conform to that stereotypical lifestyle.
I also agreed with whats being said about the lifestyles of celebrities and how they really are living such different lifestyles that it is sometime impossible to stay normal. Some celebrities lives are so impacted that there is no possible way they can lead normal lives unless they disappear to a place nobody knows them. When i think of celebrities like this the first one that comes to mind is Britney spears. With everything she does being criticized and made a big deal of how can she possibly make her life become anything near normal.
Everyone that has posted before me has made extremely valid and convincing points on what the term "binary" means to them. I too would have to agree with the points made about celebrities and they lifestyles they have adopted. Becoming famous over night is something I think most of us "regular" people strive for. However, most individuals wouldn't be able to handle the transition from a leading a regular life to leading a famous life. Even with gaining fame and fortune it's important to remember where you came from. I feel that some celebrities have forgotten where they've come from because they've reached superstar status. Going back to the first post in this blog I feel that bwalsh made some important points in regards to Brad and Angelina. They continue to amaze me in the ways they contribute back to society. The housing projects that Brad Pitt is undertaking is wonderful. It's amazing to see a celebrity of his nature giving back to the community in their time of dire need. Living a life that is always in the media's eyes is tough and most of them never have the option of living a "normal" life. Dana made a good post prior to mine regarding Britney Spears. How can her life possibly be back to normal with all the controversy surrounding her and her actions? It's unfortunate that some celebrities are hounded in this way and actually makes me feel bad that just because of their fame their lives will never be the same again.
Falling into these social constructs often categorizes people and labels them. Instead of being identified for who people are and for more defining characteristics, we are identified by ethnicity, gender and other labels.
Unfortunately, acceptance is commonly granted to those who conform. However, people who try too hard very seldom pass the test.
On the other hand, I have watched people go against the grain and gain acceptance and respect even more for their boldness. I, personally, have more respect for that person who steps out of the box or even finds their own stabilizing niche but not so much when they do it to stand out.
People can live outside of the box and gain acceptance by doing one thing: being true to themselves and others.
When first reading this question, honestly I was a little stumped but by reading other classmates responses it got me in on the drift of things. I agree with a lot of the students on how celebrities play a huge role on our lives. With me saying that I can’t only say it’s the celebrity in itself but the media that backs them up. Most people want to be like a certain person on the movie screen because they are binary and have this life where they tell us everyone should live. Everything in our lives makes us who we are, so we have to understand that first before we can get promoted to anything new. I say this because this is where cliques start to form and this affects our identity. So with me saying this its important to know who we are and just live our own life and not worry about anyone else’s
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