At the end of bell hooks’ essay “Eating the Other” she stresses the importance of refraining from “accept[ing] these new images uncritically.” The “new images” to which she refers are cu

Here is the plan for the canceled class.  As you may have heard we cannot simply cancel class and deny you the course content that you have paid for.  Here is the plan if you would like the participation credit (in other words if you would like to avoid what adds up to an absence) complete the activity below.       

  1. I Know you are a student.  That means you are part of Fisher College an educational institution.  Write a minimum of 50 words on some things you do not really have a choice about doing because you are a student.   

  2. I know you are someone’s child.  This means you are part of a family which is a social institution. Write a minimum of 50 words on some things you do not really have a choice about doing because you are part of a family.  

  3. You likely have, had, or someday will have a job.  That means you are, were or will be part of an economic institution.  Write a minimum of 50 words on some things you do not really have a choice about doing when a person has a job.

  4. You cruelty live in the U.S., more specifically in the state of Massachusetts.  That means you are subject to the rules and laws enforced by the government, which is a social institution.  Write a minimum of 50 words on some things you do not really have a choice about doing because you are subject to government laws.

  5. You are exposed to media messages all day long.  The media is a social institution.   Write a minimum of 50 words on messages or ideas that you received from some (any) form of media. 

Congratulations you are now aware of one of the most important ideas related to the social structure.  The social institutions we interact with or are part of influence what we do whether we want them to or not.  In other words, the social institutions that make up the social structure place pressure on us to act in ways that we otherwise may not.      

  1. Read and study what the book says about organic solidarity and mechanical solidarity.  In 150 words (minimum) state their definitions, discuss them, and state which one you feel best describes American society today and why you feel this is the case.