Exploring Society, Exploring Ourselves

Exploring Society, Exploring Ourselves

Applying sociological theory to sports

The most dominant racial group in Major Baseball League, MLB, is the whites’ race. The most significant percentage of catchers, pitchers, infielders, and outfielders in the league are whites. Overall, whites form more than half of the players in MLB, and the rest racial groups, that is, the Asians, African Americans, and Latinos share the remainder.

The Asian race is the least represented in the league. Asians are the least significant race with an almost unidentifiable presence. African American racial group comes second with a slightly bigger representation than that of Asians.

In terms of playing positions, the African American race has a higher representation in the outfield position than in any other. Though still behind the white and the Latino racial representation in the post, the presence of African American race is better represented here than in the catcher, infield or pitcher playing positions..

The figure supports the claim that racial inequality is prevalent in MLB. From the figure, the most significant percentage of players in all playing positions are taken by the whites. Thus, in every game played in the league, more than half of the players are likely to be whites. The Latinos come second with a slightly lower racial representation than that of the whites but a higher one compared to African Americans and Asians. Therefore, this proves racial disparity and inequality in MLB.

The functionalism theoretical approach to race and racism points out that racial inequality must be serving an important function, and that is why it has been happening for so long. Functionalism argues that societies invest much time, money, and energy in maintaining race-related boundaries, which ends up causing dysfunctions since better talents could be left out (Henslin et al). For instance, associating MLB with the white race and investing everything in keeping that could ignore other races, which could be more talented than the whites. Such attitudes propagate racial disparity in sports, just like the one seen in the figure.

Body ritual among the Nacirema.

Nacirema presented as a group in North America occupying the region between Cree in Canada, Arawak and Carib of Antilles and Tarahumara, and Yaqui of Mexico. Although very little information is available concerning the Nacirema’s, tradition traces their origin from the east, and their mythology points to the root of their nation from a hero, Notgnihsaw (Miner and H,503-507). It is surprising to know about the Nacirema as I haven’t heard of the group before. Their culture and view of the human body are intriguing. Knowing about them is such a great addition to my knowledge breadth.

The body ritual among the Nacirema helps understand the fact that cultures are different, and only participants in that culture can fully fathom the rituals and practices held close to their hearts. The body ritual and especially the mouth rite whose aim is to prevent decay, could not make sense to us but is essential by the Nacirema community. Logically, there is no need to destroy a healthy tooth to create cavities for the mysterious powder, but the practice is still fully embraced. Again, the fact that tooth decay continues happening would prompt a rational being to seek alternative ways, but they still hold onto it and keep visiting the medicine men. This proves that it is difficult for individuals to accept and embrace other people’s cultures. What may make sense to us in terms of traditions could be unfathomable to others from different cultures.

Generally, we consider our cultures better and reasonable compared to others. We assume that ours is emulable, and others need to drop theirs. For instance, the African culture of consulting witch doctors and traditional healers sounds primitive and uncivilized. On the other hand, most Africans consider our dress code inappropriate and not worth emulation.

Gender and socialization.

Culturally appropriate behaviors are gender-based. There are behaviors acceptable for either boys or girls, which are taught early in life in most cultures and some at puberty. Mostly the socialization into culturally acceptable practices is done through involvement and inclusion into activities and talks on accepted code of behavior. Knowledge is impacted by responsible people in a society to enhance morality and avoid cultural erosion.

I learned culturally acceptable behaviors through socialization agents such as the church and family. Being a Christian, religious specifications and code of conduct was and still is strictly adhered to in my family. Respect for elders, love for oneself and neighbors and compassion, and kindness, just to mention a few, are to be exemplified by us. Gender roles such as doing dishes and kitchen work were introduced at an early age by my mother and the assistance of the nanny and perfected by the time teenage struck. Family comes first is still a slogan held onto strictly by every member of my family.

Religion, as an agent of socialization, contributed most to my learning of cultural norms and sense of self. Attending church school and catechism classes imparted strong morals such as abstinence, respect, value for human life, and compassion, which form a large part of who I am as a person. No matter how appealing some norms could be, these impartations will always be a part of me. They have played a significant role in shaping my character.

Works cited

Miner, H. (1956). Body ritual among the Nacirema. American anthropologist, 58(3), 503-507.

Henslin, James M., and Adie Nelson. “Essentials of sociology: A down-to-earth approach.”

(2000).