Category: Life & Experiences

It is important to acknowledge that while interracial relationships may be becoming more common, there are still significant challenges that interracial couples face. Discrimination and negative reactions from others can take a toll on couples’ emotional well-being and have practical consequences such as difficulties finding housing or employment. Additionally, navigating cultural differences and managing family expectations can be complex and requires ongoing effort and communication.

Interracial marriage is a topic that has been widely debated over the years. While some people view it as a positive step towards racial integration, others see it as a threat to cultural identity and traditional family values. There has recently been a noticeable increase in interracial marriages as people have become more open-minded about dating and marrying outside their race.

According to a report by the Pew Research Center, the number of interracial marriages has been steadily increasing over the years. In 1980, only 3% of marriages in the United States were between people of different races (Rosen 12). By 2015, this number had increased to 17%, reflecting a significant shift in societal attitudes towards interracial relationships (Jones et al. 218). The increase in interracial marriages can also be attributed to the changing demographic landscape of the United States. As the country becomes more diverse, there are greater opportunities for people of different races to interact and form relationships. (Watanabe et al. 769) Additionally, the rise of online dating has made it easier for people to connect with others outside their racial or ethnic group. Hackenmueller (23) study found that online dating significantly increases the likelihood of interracial dating, especially among those with a preference for partners of a different race.

Despite the growing acceptance of interracial relationships, there are still challenges that interracial couples face. For example, research has shown that interracial couples experience more discrimination and negative reactions from others compared to same-race couples (Andersen 32). This discrimination can come from disapproving stares, derogatory comments, or even violence (Osuji 12). Interracial couples may also struggle with navigating cultural differences and managing family expectations. However, many couples can overcome these challenges and build strong, supportive relationships.

One of the factors driving this trend is changing attitudes toward race and ethnicity. As society becomes more diverse and multicultural, people are more likely to encounter individuals from different racial backgrounds and form relationships with them. A study by Osuji (18) found that exposure to interracial relationships through friends and acquaintances significantly predicted interracial dating among college students. However, not everyone is accepting of interracial relationships. Some people view them as threatening their cultural identity and traditional family values. In a study of white college students, Bonilla-Silva and Forman (2000) found that those who expressed negative attitudes towards interracial dating were likelier to endorse traditional gender roles and have conservative views on social issues.

Another factor influencing interracial relationships is socioeconomic status. Research has shown that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to be involved in interracial relationships. This may be because they are more exposed to diverse cultures through education, travel, and professional networks.

In conclusion, the rise of interracial marriages reflects changing attitudes towards race and ethnicity in society. While some people are still resistant to interracial relationships, the trend toward greater acceptance and tolerance will likely continue. As people become more exposed to diverse cultures and backgrounds, interracial relationships will likely become even more commonplace.

Works Cited

Andersen, Marisa. “Interracial Dating on Campus.” (2018).

Hackenmueller, Erin. The (Mis) Representation of Interracial Couples in Television Advertisements. The University of Alabama, 2020.

Jones, Shawn CT, and Enrique W. Neblett. “Black Parenting Couples’ Discussions of the Racial Socialization Process: Occurrence and Effectiveness.” Journal of Child and Family Studies 28 (2019): 218-232. Web.

Osuji, Chinyere K. Boundaries of Love: Interracial Marriage and the Meaning of Race. NYU Press, 2019.

Rosen, Jamie Elizabeth, and Geoffrey Greif. “The Voices of Interracial and Interethnic Couples Raising Biracial, Multiracial, and Bi-ethnic Children under 10 Years Old.” Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal (2021): 1-13. Web.

Watanabe, Shoko, and Sean M. Laurent. “Disgust Toward Interracial Couples: Mixed Feelings About Black–White Race Mixing.” Social Psychological and Personality Science 12.5 (2021): 769-779. Web.

There are various explanations for the prevalence of single-parent households in African American communities. Some suggestions follow that welfare programs designated for single mothers increase the livelihood of such families through government support. The most basic and stereotype-driven explanation argues for the low interest of black fathers in parenting, often leading them towards the abandonment of families. Both the reduction in low-skilled professions and the period of mass imprisonment have had a disproportionately negative impact on black communities, and black males in particular, perhaps leading towards disproportionate statistics of marriages in the US (Caucutt et al., 2019). Nevertheless, I find it plausible that for each case, there exists a real-life example of every possible explanation. Consequently, an argument could be constructed that the given statistics are the reflection of prolonged institutional racism in US history. African American households are often found in a single-parent environment due to the lack of socio-cultural bindings towards families and welfare problems related to the high poverty level among this group.

However, these statistics puts children at varying healthcare and social risks. For example, in single-parent African American households with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is more likely that a child will not be able to or will have high challenges in terms of access to specialized care or facilities (Pearson & Meadan, 2018). Similarly, single-parent households increase the prevalence of obesity among children (Duriancik & Goff, 2019). The characteristics associated with this connection are especially frequent among females and children of colour (Duriancik & Golf, 2019). Possible reasons for this link include the increased time demands of single-parent homes as a result of the absence of shared household tasks (Duriancik & Golf, 2019).

Moreover, the younger generation is threatened in terms of the quality of education. Concern has been expressed by school authorities, policymakers, administrators, and colleges and institutions over the academic success of African American boys (Nelson, 2021). In schools and institutions throughout the United States, the graduation rates of African American men continue to fall (Nelson, 2021). This qualitative research examined the issue that African-American boys from single-parent families may be unable to receive a community college degree (Nelson, 2021). Thus, demonstrating continuing disparity in quality of life by race.

For parents, this could mean that their children may be unable to attain personal dreams, lack time for the proper upbringing and nurturing of their children, and have reduced lifestyle quality due to overworking from a lack of shared responsibilities. Consequently, in my opinion, this is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed in the strategic intervention towards embitterment of the community lifestyle and health.

References

Caucutt, E., Guner, N., & Rauh, C. (2019). Incarceration, unemployment, and the black–white marriage gap in the US. CEPR. Web.

Duriancik, D. M., & Goff, C. R. (2019). Children of single-parent households are at a higher risk of obesity: A systematic review. Journal of Child Health Care, 23(3), 358-369, Web.

Nelson, W. (2021). African American Males Who Come from Single Parent Households Described Their Persistence to Graduate from Community College: A Qualitative Descriptive Study [Doctoral dissertation, Northcentral University]

Pearson, J. N., & Meadan, H. (2018). African American parents’ perceptions of diagnosis and services for children with autism. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 53(1), 17-32, xWeb.

Introduction

Friendship and relationship building are essential concepts that determine a person’s ability to socialize and network with others. Throughout my childhood, I never learned how to make and keep friends and never appreciated the value of having good relationships with those around me. My parents were not actively involved in my upbringing, and I was forced to stay with my grandparents in the remote areas of Texas. My caregivers solely focused on the provision of basic needs and were never concerned about how I socialized with friends, neighbors, and other students in school. My social skills were not warm and in most cases, I shied away from making new friends and interacting in class. I was often referred to as an introvert due to my poor socialization skills. My life changed during my high school life when I met a friend who made me understand the meaning of friendships and relationships

The Life-Changing Process

My learning journey at the elementary level was characterized by withdrawal from other students, shyness, and inability to make friends. I would envy how other students would comfortably make friends and have solid connections with each other. My teacher would try to forcibly pair me up with the proactive class members, but I would always find a way to detach from them. While at home, my grandparents rarely asked who my friends were as they were busy with farm work. There was no need to worry about walking home or to school alone since the school bus ferried students daily. For such reasons, my grandparents never knew whether I had friends or not. During weekends and holidays, I would lock myself in my room to do my homework or play with marbles. Excitement and worry would often set in coupled with loneliness and nervousness. In most cases, I reassured myself that I would learn how to socialize when I got to secondary school. At times, I even thought that this was a topic to be taught at a higher education level.

Years passed and I soon enrolled for secondary education at Carnegie Vanguard High School. In the preliminary stages of high school, I tried to make a few friends but later lost interest after they realized that I had very little to talk about and how boring my previous life was. It did not take long before Chris came to my rescue and asked to be my friend. This was a huge relief since it lessened the burden of me trying to desperately make friends. Chris was vocal, and confident, and participated in most of the sporting activities. His top-notch socialization skills made him connect with virtually everyone and was the teachers’ favorite. On one occasion, he asked why I found it hard to relate with other students. I had no explanation for my condition, but I was happy that I had someone to call a friend. As time went by, our friendship grew fonder and without realizing it, we already knew each other’s favorite games, food, colors, and school interests. My friendship relationship with Chris piqued my interest in learning how to make friends and how to maintain such relationships.

The human ability to socialize is informed and influenced by various sociological aspects. For instance, my childhood inability to make friends and inability to appreciate relationships can be best explained using the social learning theory. Proponents of this theory suggest that human beings learn their socialization skills by observing and interacting with those close to them (Chuang). I did not learn how to socialize in my early stages since I observed very little from my caregivers. In contrast, I learned how Chris made friends through my interactions with him and was able to make more friends of my own. The social environment I grew up in gave me very little exposure to how to relate with people. A change in environment made me hone my interaction skills and was able to make other friends of my own. Chris and I grew distance apart after he traveled overseas to pursue his medical career. His friendship taught me more than what my caregivers could.

The best lessons in life are those that are learned from life experiences. The sages would often say that experience is the best teacher. I learned from the gaps and mistakes of my childhood and purposed to help other people who struggle with making friends. To date, I have become a freelance trainer on how to make friends and how to maintain such relationships. While my relationship with Chris was interrupted by his relocation to overseas countries, I indirectly learned how to maintain friendships and replicated it in the now friends that I made. I have also widened my expertise in this field by enrolling in an online short course on human psychology focusing on friendships and relationship building. Last month, I helped my first client who had problems similar to mine make one friend. The client’s level of satisfaction made me proud of my efforts and milestones.

Each day I endeavor to teach anyone struggling with making friendships. Using my life experience, I can teach others that socialization and making friendships are important for a person’s well-being. Friends help in self-realization just as it was with my relationship with Chris. Such a relationship gives an individual a confidence boost and a sense of self-worth. My early childhood life was solitary and had no meaning. Making friends in high school is what changed my life perspective and made me realize that I could train others with a similar problem. In my wisdom which is based on my life experience, I would suggest that friendship improves one’s social relationships with others and makes life enjoyable. Life without friends would be toxic with very little interaction with other people’s likes and dislikes. Most importantly, it is a gradual but crucial step that needs to be taught at an early childhood development stage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, socialization and friendship-making are vital skills that every individual must have. However, these skills cannot be taught in schools like other disciplines. They require one’s ability to learn them from the surrounding environment. My inability to acquire social skills from my grandparents made me have a hard time in my junior education level. Luckily, I found solace in a friend who helped me learn how to make friends which opened me up to my self-realization journey. Today, my freelance coaching sessions are based on my life experience and the desire to help others make and maintain friends. The process is not a walk in the park as it takes time to materialize. Friendships make life more enjoyable and help people find sense in living.

Work Cited

Chuang, Szufang. “The Applications of Constructivist Learning Theory and Social Learning Theory on Adult Continuous Development.” Performance Improvement, vol. 60, no. 3, 2021, Web.

Introduction

The acceleration of modern life’s rhythm has led to a significant increase in the physical, mental, and emotional load on the person caused by domestic problems and interpersonal relationships. Probably each of us has repeatedly felt what stress is. Alarm bells, morning rush, traffic jams on the way to college, pressure from assignments, and other stressful situations happen daily. It may seem that stress is unavoidable and pointless to fight in city life. However, this is not the case; movement, fresh air, and social activity are the best medicine to combat stress.

Discussion

Have you ever wondered what makes you feel better? According to numerous studies and surveys, sporting activities are the most promising approach to increase happiness hormone endorphins (Gal & Irvine, 2019). During sporting activities, people forget about daytime irritants and concentrate only on body movements. Suppose you regularly combat everyday stress with physical activity. In that case, you will encounter that focusing on a single task is needed to help you keep your mind clear, calm, and centered in everything you accomplish. That said, it is crucial to understand that there has to be a balance in everything, and you should not take sports as a panacea and exercise for five hours every day. Allergies to sports do exist, and excessive activity can cost lives (Lattie et al., 2022). Therefore, sports must be balanced with other activities, among which social should be considered.

Such activities include interactions with friends, colleagues, family members, and loved ones. At the same time, scientists emphasize that social activity affects health, and it is vital to maintain healthy communication (Lim & Pranata, 2021). Thus, everyone should understand that not all relationships, which once were happy, but have ceased to be, must be maintained. Considering that, I ask everyone to consider the signs of a toxic relationship. Any relationship that no longer brings positive emotions can become toxic (Wirker et al., 2021). However, not all individuals recognize that they are in a toxic affinity, and researching the signs is crucial. Everyone who has ever been in such a situation will need help because it is the quality of social activity that determines moral health.

People who build a harmonious relationship with their surroundings, slower aging, sleep better and enjoy life. Loneliness can provoke hypertension, heart attacks, dementia, and other diseases. Scientists have found that loners have increased activity of genes involved in inflammatory responses and immune cells responsible for disease-causing bacteria (McGorry et al., 2022). In socially isolated people, the immune system, which is responsible for fighting bacterial infections and healing wounds, is in an extreme state. The socially active, on the contrary, have increased immune responses, which are responsible for fighting viruses transmitted through close contact.

Conclusion

Thus, people who live a full social life, have good relationships with others, live longer and get sick less. Adding sports to life is no less important because physical activity raises the mood and provides harmony with oneself. That is why it is significant to stay socially and physically active. Remember that health is not related to the number of social contacts and hours of sports. If you have one or two good friends and do not lead a sedentary lifestyle, you can be sure that stress is not dangerous.

References

Gal, S., & Irvine, J. T. (2019). Signs of difference: Ideology in social life. Cambridge University Press.

Lattie, E. G., Stiles-Shields, C., & Graham, A. K. (2022). An overview of and recommendations for more accessible digital mental health services. Nature Reviews Psychology, 1(2), 87–100. Web.

Lim, M. A., & Pranata, R. (2021). Sports activities during any pandemic lockdown. Irish Journal of Medical Science, 190(1), 447-451. Web.

McGorry, P. D., Mei, C., Chanen, A., Hodges, C., Alvarez‐Jimenez, M., & Killackey, E. (2022). Designing and scaling up integrated youth mental health care. World Psychiatry, 21(1), 61–76. Web.

Wirkner, J., Christiansen, H., Knaevelsrud, C., Lüken, U., Wurm, S., Schneider, S., & Brakemeier, E.-L. (2021). Mental health in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. European Psychologist, 26(4), 310–322. Web.

Introduction

I would share a variety of life advice with the grads. I would start by explaining that everyone wants to have a wonderful life. To live a life that will make us happy and content, we do specific actions. We strive to achieve this objective by working hard and learning not just for ourselves but also for our loved ones and the rest of mankind. The good life might mean different things to different people, depending on the specifics. However, we generally acknowledge fundamental truths that transcend our differences.

Main body

One who has led a good life is seen by others as having moral qualities such as honesty, courage, selflessness, and loyalty, among others. He or she utilizes these rules not only to pursue personal pleasures but also those of others. For instance, a man would work long hours since the additional cash would make his family happy and allow him to purchase the automobile of his dreams. While another person could value time spent with loved ones and friends more than the items that over time earnings can be used to purchase.

The thrill of taking on difficulties related to work and other human efforts may also be used to express the idea of having a happy life. In this situation, emotion has nothing to do with the tangible results of the action. Instead, those who fall into this category of living a wonderful life are rewarded with the satisfaction of doing what they like. The traffic warden, who is enthusiastic about maintaining smooth traffic flow at peak hours despite the physical and mental demands of the work, is an example of this type of good living.

While some individuals define the good life as an experience marked by joy and delights, others see the quality of living indicated by the dictionary as the acquisition of luxury goods. In his category, having a fleet of automobiles, exotic mansions, and annual trips to various locations serve as representations of enjoying the high life. Therefore, when these people work to achieve their objectives, their main focus is on how to amass significant money and financial resources to fund and support this lifestyle. A good life can also be characterized as triumphing over difficulties. When seen in this light, people celebrate their accomplishments as a reflection of their journey and all the difficulties they overcame to realize their goals. The things that other people seem pricey are therefore a reminder of the time and money put into the procedures that made them successful. When they started carrying out their life’s ambitions, others made promises to them that they would keep.

Understanding the components of a happy existence has a philosophical component. No matter how much money and power a person has, according to eminent thinkers like Plato, a good life is full of inner harmony and tranquility as opposed to a terrible one that is empty of it. Furthermore, due to its extensive usage in defining the idea, the life of pleasure is a component of the good life that merits investigation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the morality of doing what is right and putting the interests of others above our own define the good life, which is a standard of living. The significance we take from our tangible belongings is intended to provide us the inner peace that eliminates the worries that prevent us from taking pleasure in them. No matter what characteristics or characteristics make a good life different for various individuals, a good life is nonetheless worth living. For me, happy life is characterized by tranquility, calm love, and a lack of conflict, whether or not there are worldly possessions present

A personal mission statement can be defined as a written declaration clarifying our unique direction or purpose. It is often just one sentence, but it can be as long as you want. As long as the statement makes it clear not just what you intend to do in this world but how you intend to do it, you are on the right track to creating an excellent personal mission statement. Many businesses have mission statements, but we are not our business. We have unique values, purposes, and desired directions (McIver et al., 2020). We, too, can benefit from having a mission statement that gives us clarity about how we want to move forward. It can serve as a map, preventing us from getting lost and ensuring we do the things that matter to us, ultimately leading to personal fulfillment and well-being.

Writing a mission statement can help us clarify our values and better understand whether we are spending our time in the best ways. It can also provide a sense of inner stability even during times of change (McIver et al., 2020). Most people write a mission statement to clarify the type of work they want to do, decide on the types of companies they might like to work for, and highlight personal values or beliefs that might affect their experience in a workplace environment. Nevertheless, I propose that a personal mission statement focus on your truth, goals, and values and not be unnecessarily restricted by concentrating only on the job, career, or work you want to do.

If we take a broader view, a personal mission statement can guide our lives, help us make decisions that are good for us, and help us make an impact in the ways that matter to us. This type of mission statement is for more than our work. It is a tool to help us succeed in life, regardless of how we might define success. For most of us, creating a personal mission statement takes some work. We may need to think things over. Let it sit and come back to revise it later. Alternatively, we need to redo an old mission statement that is not getting us where we want to go. This process does not have to be “one and done.” It is common for personal mission statements to change and evolve, just as we do.

Reference

McIver, R. K., Hattingh, S. J., & Kilgour, P. W. (2020). Education as Preparation for Eternity: Teachers in Seventh-day Adventist Schools in Australia and the Solomon Islands, and Their Perceptions of Mission. Avondale Academic Press.

Introduction

A few days ago, I had a conversation with a therapist who specializes in child and adolescent matters. We discussed how adolescents deal with mental issues such as stress during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. The therapist shared the difficulties faced by these young minds when it comes to socialization and networking. The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly limited the ability to socialize among adolescents at a time when they need socialization. The imposition of lockdowns to contain the spread of the virus has caused significant body changes among adolescents. Most of them have become more insecure and sensitive about their bodies. Any remark about their appearance will spark a negative reaction of stress, anxiety, and even worse, depression.

Main body

The confinement and lack of socialization throughout the pandemic have killed how adolescents used to socialize. With lockdowns in place, it meant that adolescents and every person had to stay at home. They could only interact with their parents even if the least they wanted was to be around their parents. They had to watch screens for long and unhealthy hours as a way of passing time. The limited socialization of adolescents has caused them stress, depression, and disengagement. The therapist heeded that the adolescence stage is supposed to be a period when children identify what they like as they appreciate maturity and growth. Confining these little minds denied them the ability to express their body changes and emotions with their peers. Stress and depression become inevitable since they do not have a channel to vent their challenges and lack friends to connect and share with.

Currently, everyone who has been through the pandemic will attest to how difficult it is to reconnect with those we used to relate with. The slow resumption of normalcy has brought in a wave of excitement and hope to regain our social lives. Everyone wants to talk, meet, and connect with friends and family members. Everyone wants to talk in the open and live with no filters, photos and videos, calls, or texts. However, there is a sense of disconnect from some of the friends we made before the pandemic. Our interactions are disjointed and most friends have disengaged from public interactions. Working from home has limited the ability to meet and share experiences in working spaces. There are even fewer friends who are open to sharing what they went through during the pandemic. The reduced levels of interaction post-COVID-19 mean that most people still suffer in silence with stress and depression. If this is the case for adults, one is left to wonder how worse it can get for a precarious adolescent mind.

How to present ourselves back to the world is another component that has largely changed our social lives. Trying to regain footing in our social lives after being confined for three years is not a walk in the park. Meeting people has also been a huge source of stress especially if one has no idea what they will talk about. Questions such as how to share losses with people who have not been close to you for a long period become hard to answer. My therapist added that at times, people want to share how hard hit they were by the pandemic but are unable to. We no longer know who is empathetic enough to listen and we remain uncertain whether telling our friends such stories would amount to bothering them. The long period of confinement has completely taken away our socialization skills. It is as if we are learning this process for the first time. It gets worse for adolescents who at a time when they needed to learn how to interact, they were confined.

There are other social factors caused by the pandemic that have limited adolescents’ ability to freely interact. Lockdowns meant that everyone stayed indoors and very few got chances to play or exercise. As a result, they have significantly gained or lost weight. In a world that is keen on people’s weight, adolescents tend to become insecure about their gained or lost weight. Harsh comments such as “You have gained so much weight,” and “You look thin” have made adolescents shy away from interacting with others. What is more, some people would go ahead and make politically incorrect jokes about an individual’s body shape and weight. For most young ones and even adults, such comments are hard to stomach. The continuous and consistent exposure to abuse makes them vulnerable to depression and stress. With the current world valuing body weight and appearance, such adolescents feel like they do not belong and distance themselves. Adolescents are now haunted by thoughts of how others will perceive them. None of these children have been taught how to deal with losses, pain, rejection, and negative comments. The pandemic has forcefully made them skip an important social stage in life and equally forced them to adjust to a new world that requires the skills they missed.

The disjointed social interaction among adolescents can be explained by scientific theories. For instance, the social learning theory suggests that human beings learn how to socialize by learning from their surrounding environments (Chuang). During the pandemic, everyone was confined and there was little interaction with those around us. Teenagers only had access to their parents and other family members. As a result, they did not learn how to socialize with peers yet the outside world heavily demanded these skills soon after normalcy resumed. The mental health issues that current teenagers face can be attributed to the lack of socialization skills. It takes time to learn social skills and a three years socialization gap is detrimental to adolescents. Given that it is a stage in life where one starts to appreciate maturity, one must learn how to socialize and how to deal with mental health issues.

Conclusion

Leaning from the experience shared by the child and adolescent therapist, I picked a few life lessons to share with the world. The biggest lesson learned would be that social interactions affect our ability to cope with mental health issues. The pandemic has greatly distorted our social lives but has done nothing to help us gain what we have lost. Additionally, the pandemic has brought other side effects such as significant body changes. The modern world is ready to criticize and make incorrect jokes about our body appearances. Our inability to socialize and to understand how such conditions came to happen is what makes others joke about our bodies. Such harsh comments cause mental anguish, stress, and depression to a victim. It is therefore important to think twice before making body-shaming utterances. Being sensitive about those around us can help preserve their mental health and sanity. As I conclude, adolescents need to be exposed to socially interactive surroundings to enable them to learn how to make friends and how to share their emotions. If that is done, there will be a significant reduction in the number of adolescents going through mental health issues.

Work Cited

Chuang, Szufang. “The Applications of Constructivist Learning Theory and Social Learning Theory on Adult Continuous Development.” Performance Improvement, vol. 60, no. 3, Web.

Introduction

Change can be a difficult and challenging process, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By learning to embrace it, we can open up new pathways of growth, exploration and discovery. We each experience it in one way or another, and it is essential for our growth and development. However, human beings can be resistant to change, often resulting in feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. This essay will explore why we resist change and how we can embrace it.

Discussion

Humans have a natural tendency to resist change due to a fear of the unknown. We may be hesitant to take on something new because we are uncertain of the outcome and the potential risks. Additionally, change can bring with it a sense of insecurity, as it often requires us to leave our comfort zone and reassess our existing beliefs and values (Hadsell et al., 2020). We may also be resistant to change because it requires us to make sacrifices and adjustments to our daily routine.

In order to welcome changes, it is critical to recognize our own responses to it and to face our anxieties. Instead of fretting over the conceivable hazards, we should concentrate on the achievable advantages. We can also take small steps in order to become more familiar with change by beginning with controllable tasks and steadily progressing (Hadsell et al., 2020). Moreover, it is essential to remain open-minded and to be prepared to accept the obstacles that accompany variation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, change is an important part of life and it can be beneficial for our growth and development. Nevertheless, it is common to feel a sense of fear and discomfort when faced with an unfamiliar situation or an unexpected change. To embrace change, it is vital to comprehend our own sentiments towards it and to face our apprehensions. Additionally, we should focus on the potential benefits and take small steps in order to become more comfortable with change.

Reference

Hadsell, R., Rao, D., Rusu, A. A. & Pascanu, R. (2020). Embracing change: Continual learning in deep neural networks. Trends in Cognitive Sciences,24(12), 1028-1040. Web.

I breached social norms during a dinner party by beginning to eat with my hands instead of the proper utensils. Formal dining demands the use of the proper utensils, as dictated by table etiquette norms. People in my surroundings were appalled by my behavior and confronted me, saying they would never join me at another formal dinner party. I humiliated the host by interfering with her efforts to create a refined atmosphere. My behaviors were regarded as disrespectful, which could result in dire social implications like future exclusion from activities.

Using the book entitled sociological theory, social learning theory best describes the conduct of breaching social norms at a former dinner party. The theory proposes that individuals acquire certain behaviors through social interaction (Ritzer and Stepnisky 281). People in my surrounding were disgusted by my behavior and suggested I be thrown out of the dinner. People reacted aggressively because my behavior showed I lacked table etiquette, which disgusted them that they could not eat anymore.

Many elements, including economic, psychological, and social restrictions, contribute to crime and deviance in society. These variables cause a lack of social control, inequality, racial discrimination, and poverty. Societies are afflicted with deviant conduct because vices such as racism, injustice, and poverty prevent individuals from obtaining their goals legally (Ritzer and Stepnisky 532). In order to address deviant behavior in society, it is necessary to comprehend its contributing factors and underlying causes.

I was invited to a dinner gathering, during which I violated social norms by eating with my hands. According to formal dining and table etiquette, using the correct eating utensils is appropriate. My event was deviant because I violated a social norm requiring respect for others, especially on important occasions such as hosting a dinner party. It is improper to inflict discomfort that disrupts the party’s operations. People around me were disgusted by my behavior and confronted me, declaring they would never attend another formal dinner party. My actions were deemed disrespectful, which could have negative social consequences, such as future exclusion from events.

Using social learning theory, which dedicates that people learn through observation. According to the theory, a person may lack awareness of certain social norms. For example, I eat without using the necessary utensils at dinner parties. My need contributed to the awareness of social norms related to eating with utensils at the dinner party. Considering my situation was unethical, if there is something that I could change is consulting on the right utensils to use while taking dinner parties. This could help me minimize disgusting people while taking their dinner parties. From the attached theories of deviance, the theory that competes with my unethical table manners behavior of eating with my hands is the differential association theory. The theory states that people learn from forming social interactions (Ritzer and Stepnisky 532). The need to use the differential association theory to complete the deviant act can be explained by my interaction with individuals who did not recognize the importance of adhering to societal norms.

From the context of unrealistic jokers, the act of deviation has been practiced, resulting in repeated interruptions of the speaker. This prompts the audience to shift attention and the speaker to alter his tone. The behavior observed in the episode “Lower Body Hazing” can be well described by the Functionalist Theory of Deviance (truTV). Disruption during speech delivery encourages deviant behavior that breaches ethical standards, impedes effective operation, and perpetuates poor outcomes (Ritzer and Stepnisky 781). Consequently, preventing interruptions during discourse and adhering to social conventions is essential.

In conclusion, observing social norms contributes to preserving social order and standards. The violation of social conventions demonstrates disrespect. The violation of social norms jeopardizes social order and standards. Theories such as social learning theory and differential association accurately characterize social norms. These theories enable people to learn from one another and observe social norms. Following social norms in all activities is necessary to promote social order in the community.

Works Cited

“Impractical Jokers-Lower Body Hazing (Punishment)| truTV.” YouTube, uploaded by truTV, Web.

Ritzer, G., and J. Stepnisky. “Sociological Theory (10. utg.).” (2018).

Introduction

A person’s health and life expectancy depend on the heart’s condition, a vital organ in our body. Heart disease can be prevented by staying active, eating a nutritious diet, walking outside, getting adequate sleep, and giving up unhealthy habits. However, having a pet significantly impacts heart health and is another important aspect of cardiac care. So keeping a pet is an excellent method of maintaining good heart health. Owning a dog has been linked to lower cardiovascular risk, and is frequently related to decreased blood pressure, an improved lipid profile, and reduced sympathetic responses to stress. There are conflicting findings in the evidence connecting dog ownership and mortality. Although the relationship between dog ownership and mortality has been studied, an improvement in survival has been shown when a dog is a part of the household.

Benefits of Pet Ownership

Since the American Heart Association recommends that people exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, five days a week, the increase in exercise or physical activity is the most likely explanation for the low prevalence of high blood pressure among pet owners. With pets around, much physical work was involved, such as bathing, feeding, walking the animals, and cleaning their cages and aquariums. Regular exercise helps a pet owner’s heart function better and pump blood to the body. A healthy heart pumps blood more efficiently, lessening the arteries’ strain and lowering blood pressure. It is believed that having pets indirectly motivates pet owners to work out more, improving their cardiovascular health.

According to estimations by Maugeri et al., 42% of the participants had a pet of some kind, with 24.3% having a dog and 17.9% having another animal (2019). Pet owners, specifically dog owners, were more likely to report optimum levels of physical activity, diet, blood glucose, and smoking than non-pet owners (median, 10; interquartile range, 3 vs. median, 9; interquartile range, 3; P=0.006). This led to higher CVH scores. Dog owners were more likely to report engaging in recommended levels of physical activity and diet than owners of other pets. Similar findings were seen when comparing dog owners vs. non-dog owners. After adjusting for confounders, dog owners had higher CVH scores than non-pet owners, other pet owners, and non-dog owners (=0.342; SE=0.122; P=0.005, =0.309; SE=0.151; P=0.041).

It has been demonstrated that owning a dog lowers blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association (2019), dog owners are 54% more likely to meet the recommended levels of physical activity than the average person without a pet. As a result, pets make their owners more physically active, which lowers the likelihood that they may develop hypertension. Maugeri et al. (2019) reported that blood pressure in hypertensive individuals with dogs recovered to normal in many cases without using antihypertensive medications. To promote physical activity and lower blood pressure, dog owners are encouraged to move around more outside.

Being a dog owner is an excellent method to enhance mental health, as poor mental health is a significant risk factor for heart attacks. The hormones endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, known as natural antidepressants, rise when people communicate with animals, and the stress hormone cortisol is also reduced. Additionally, having a pet requires constant attention, which diverts attention from issues and lonely thoughts and prevents depression-inducing emotions like hopelessness and indifference. As a result, having pets makes people’s life happier, more satisfying, and prosperous, where stress is reduced. Additionally, having a pet gives a person with a mental illness a strong sense of ontological stability, dramatically speeding up the progression of diseases, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Having a dog is frequently linked to better mental health, which is vital for cardiac treatment.

Fewer health issues over time are associated with increased physical activity. Owning a dog can significantly improve a person’s physical health because dogs need to be walked daily. Health professionals claim that moderate exercise for at least 20 minutes daily is required to prevent various chronic ailments, including heart disease and high blood pressure (Mein & Grant, 2018). People who own dogs are less likely to get cardiovascular disease than non-dog owners because most dogs spend at least ten minutes a day walking and playing with their pets. A dog can give people the inspiration they need to go for a walk if they are too lazy to go to the gym or find it challenging to keep to a demanding fitness schedule. The best part is that dog owners do not consider walking a workout because they know that their pets require daily walks for mental and physical stimulation.

Even those who did not own dogs, including those who did not acknowledge other pets, displayed better cardiovascular health (CVH), an association mediated by increased physical activity and a healthier diet. Although the beneficial relationship between owning a dog and engaging in physical activity has been highlighted, more research needs to be done on the relationship between pet ownership and eating habits. It is yet to be determined how having a pet may help with eating healthily.

Dog ownership, in particular, is linked to higher levels of physical activity, social support, and better recovery from catastrophic cardiovascular events. Pet ownership is connected to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in the general US population, according to a theory put out by Krittanawong et al. (2020). The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, is inversely correlated with dog ownership in those without CVD. Ownership of a dog is linked to a higher survival rate in people with coronary artery disease.

Lastly, having a pet can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which is also good for the heart. Being in charge of feeding your pet encourages you to develop a regular eating schedule for yourself, which can help prevent insulin resistance and excessive triglyceride levels. According to Maugeri et al. (2019), altering one’s diet and upping physical activity can result in weight loss, which is one of the best strategies to keep cholesterol levels under control. Dog owners then alter their diets in favor of healthy options, whether consciously or unconsciously, which benefits them on both levels. Therefore, having pets improves nutrition and lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improving heart health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pet owners claim that pets eventually transform from being amusing creatures into actual family members who, like other family members, impact people’s physical and mental well-being. Getting a dog is a terrific way to improve your heart health and lower your blood pressure, stress, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Numerous pieces of research back up the notion that getting a pet may be an excellent way to boost cardiovascular health. The advantages of owning a pet exceed the potential added responsibilities by a wide margin. Having a pet may lower one’s risk of dying from any cause, but heart disease is hazardous. Additionally, some research findings suggest that owning a pet may reduce the chance of getting hypertension and enhance blood pressure control in people who already have the condition. Additionally, evidence indicates that owning a pet may improve a patient’s prognosis following a myocardial infarction or stroke. Ownership of pets is one of the most significant cardioprotective methods because it reduces sympathetic nervous system activity.

References

American Heart Association. (2019). Can your pet help you be healthier? American Heart Association. Web.

Krittanawong, C., Kumar, A., Wang, Z., Jneid, H., Virani, S. S., & Levine, G. N. (2020). Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Health in the US General Population. The American Journal of Cardiology, 125(8), 1158–1161. Web.

Maugeri, A., Medina-Inojosa, J. R., Kunzova, S., Barchitta, M., Agodi, A., Vinciguerra, M., & Lopez-Jimenez, F. (2019). Dog Ownership and Cardiovascular Health: Results From the Kardiovize 2030 Project. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 3(3), 268–275. Web.

Mein, G., & Grant, R. (2018). A cross-sectional exploratory analysis between pet ownership, sleep, exercise, health and neighborhood perceptions: the Whitehall II cohort study. BMC Geriatrics, 18(1). Web.