Social Stratification in the United States

Really enjoying my sociology class.  I thought the following quote from, Sociology Matters (pg 138) worth sharing. 

 "One way for the powerful to maintain the status quo is to define society's dominant ideology - the set of cultural beliefs and practices that supports powerful social, economic, and political interests.  From a conflict perspective, society's most powerful groups and institutions control not only wealth and property but the means of influencing people's cultural beliefs through religion, education, and the media" (Abercrombie et al, 1980, 1990; Robertson 1988).

 

Sarah Palin on the Oprah Show!

This is big news.....

Sarah Palin and Oprah Winfrey are meeting. Or, I should say, Sarah's doing "Oprah."
Just announced. The details:

"In a world exclusive, Oprah Winfrey will interview former Alaska governor Sarah Palin for an episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to air Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. Winfrey and Palin will meet for the very first time on the episode, which will mark Palin's first interview to discuss her upcoming book, "Going Rogue: An American Life" and her first-ever appearance on the "Oprah" show.

Read Entire Story.....

Farewell Michael Joe!

Once again time stopped as the world turned it's attention to the The Great Michael Jackson. I remember watching an interview of Michael years ago. This was when he was in his early twenties. Michael actually sang all the parts to a song that he was currently working on. It was amazing to watch and hear. He literally sang all the parts at one time. I'd never seen or heard anyone do something so impossible.

I remember when he first was introduced. Even then we kids could tell that he was special and a real music prodigy. The quarter parties didn't start til Michael's 45's were on the turn table. It was the same time we were listening to Marvin sing that he was too busy thinking about his baby and Stevie was singing about My Cherie Amour. Smokey was singing Baby, Baby Don't Cry and James was singing Mother Popcorn. Then along comes this youngster with all the pipes, licks and moves as seasoned professionals. It made us feel like anything in life was possible. We were like "Gone Mike!" "Way to go! Far Out!" It was a special time full of hope and magic.

I remember when I first heard the news that Michael wasn't breathing and that attempts were being made to resuscitate him. I thought to myself.....he's going to get a glimpse of heaven and decide not to descend back into the confinement of the earthen vessel again.

Michael possessed a special gift. He world was full of magic yet troubled with extreme pressures. While watching the memorial today, I noticed many who spoke at Michael's memorial were close friends who really loved him indeed. A few profiteers slipped in and filled their commentaries with I this, I that, When I, I, After I, I, I, I, I........

Michael's biggest foe was that he had become a world commodity. He demanded world attention and world attention is a very expensive commodity. Many felt that his money was theirs and his unmatched talent was an opportunity to gain instant wealth. We live in a world where it's the natural order to battle over resources. Michael was indeed a human resource and I'm sure the truth about the manipulation of him and his monies will never fully come to light.

Rest In Peace Mike....you're free!