Personal Groups

As is the same with everyone else, I belong to many groups. I am female, caucasian, Canadian, an immigrant to the United States, a family member, a student, an artist, a swimmer, a water polo player, and much more. Though I belong to an extensive list of groups, there are certain roles in particular groups that affect my daily life more than others. At the moment, my role as an AP Art student and my role as a Canadian immigrant are currently shaping my time. 

I am constantly aware of my role as an artist. I spend the majority of my time drawing or doodling. I am asked by friends to draw their portrait or design a tattoo for them. I plan to go to art school in the fall, so it is a role that will have a large part in my future. 

As a foreigner to this country I am aware of not only the stereotypes attributed to Americans, but of their actual demeanors. America is such a diverse country, there is obviously no stereotype that applies to everyone. The general feeling of this country, however, is distinctly different from that of the other countries I've lived in. When I lived in Canada, we never locked our doors, we walked everywhere, we interacted constantly with neighbors, and we said "eh". Here, in the United States, everyone locks the doors every night (or even when they just step out of the house), sidewalks that actually extend to anywhere useful are hard to come by, and I haven't even met two of my closest neighbors in the 6 years. It is a much more protective environment. 

However, like Sal says, each of these observations I've made are due to my particular background, whereas someone from America who moved to Canada may find the atmosphere disturbingly friendly.       

The Awkwardness of Silence that I Seemed to Have Missed Out On

Silence? Why not? Give yourself some time to think.
Admittedly, some silences are awkward, but they are awkward anywhere in the world. The silence after a bad joke when the teller desperately wants you to laugh. Or that horrible atmosphere created by an inappropriate statement in the presence of an unhappy elder. I've found those silences to be uncomfortable in every place I've lived. But I find some silences to be greatly appreciated, almost comforting. They are silences that enhance atmospheres rather than destroy them. Silence between people that truly appreciate each others company can be enjoyable. 

When I first moved to this country I was shocked not only by the constant chatter of seemingly everyone around me, but also by the volume. I've never encountered so many loud, opinionated people, which is not necessarily a negative, though when I go to a restaurant I can undoubtedly hear the conversations of many surrounding tables. 

I have learned to, or been forced to, listen intently to the authority figure speaking at all times. We are trained from a young age to listen to our elders, and it is one lesson that has stuck.  This respect given to a certain appointed person has lead me, however, to be a secondary force in conversations. I find myself listening more than talking initially with most people I meet here, but once I spend more time in their company, I am more apt to share my thoughts. The amount of silence you can tolerate with a person is a measure of how comfortable you are in their presence. When first talking to a person, one is certainly interested in aspects of the others character, but is also nervous about first impressions. No one want to seem boring or lacking in personality, so they fill the air with incredible amounts of nonsense (depending on the chemistry between them).  

Anyways, I'm rambling and sort of going in circles. Any thoughts?

Me on Blogging

Blogging? Sure, I've heard of it. Even tried it every once in a while, commenting on different political sites. But I've never bothered to start my own. I tend to be more comfortable arguing other people's ideas then presenting my own for judgment. However, I see the positives along with the negatives of having my thoughts thrown out to the wolves, since wolves aren't always that mean (I mean, they are fluffy...). So I start my first post with mixed emotions.
The very fact that I am searching for any words to describe either myself or my opinions worries me somewhat, for what is sociology about if not self-discovery? So I hope through this process I am able to gain some form of personal knowledge.
My view on blogging in general is somewhat uncertain as well. People are becoming more and more dependent on the internet for information, but a large portion of it is just people's opinions. How can that be dependable? Sites like wikipedia are becoming more popular, when they are simply composed of articles written by whoever wants to. On the other hand, isn't a lot of the information concerning the humanities based on opinion? I am becoming more aware of the possibilities of recognizing the opinions of others and forming my own based on their ideas, as well as the facts involved.
And so for now I am slightly lost, slightly confused, and slightly worried about the responses coming from whoever feels the need to read this particular blog, but I am also excited for the same reason.
Bring it on fellow bloggers.