Project Reflection:

In this project, we were asked to reflect on how we were socialized (more on this later). And then make a mask that represents either our true self or a mask that we put on of others. At the start of this project, it was mainly just information intake. Tread the article or the reading or watch the video, and either take notes or answer some questions. Just take in the information Stephen gave us. Some of the main things that we read were The Cycle of Socialization and The Cycle of Liberation (both by bobby harrow), and the book American Born Chinese. Then we went into analyzing the movie, Mean Girls, for different sociology concepts and how certain parts of it followed the cycle of socialization. We then went on to analyze gender stereotypes and, by watching a series that was Aired on MTV. after we had been fed all the information that we needed, we were asked to write an essay on some aspect of socialization, it could connect to our mask or it could be totally separate as long as it tied into some aspect of sociology that we learned. We were also asked to smooth and decorate a mask that we had made out of plaster to connect to our socialization and either be who we really were, or what mask you put on for other people. Then we presented at an exhibition where I lost my voice because I was yelling over everyone else for 2 hours, but that’s ok.

 

In this project, I felt that I was fairly responsible, I got stuff done, and I did good work, but, being the first project of the year, I didn’t really stretch myself all that much. I worked within the requirements but did not go above and beyond the necessary with my essay. I tried to make it A+ work of course, but unlike some, I didn’t write 9 paragraphs or anything. I settled for the minimum that was necessary to get across what I needed to. The essay was not my best work by far, but I felt I did rather well when I put in the effort. I had trouble adapting in this project, like always, I find it difficult to approach people no matter how easy they make it. I managed to approach Stephen for help at lunch one day, but only because my mom bugged me to do it. Otherwise, I would have suffered in silence. I didn’t necessarily have much difficulty to work through in this project. In the end, I felt that my project was pretty refined. I worked through each paragraph after talking to Stephen and having him go through one with me.

 

In this project, I thought that I grew and learned a lot through this project. As I think was the point of this project, I learned a lot about my self and about mainly my insecurities. It takes a lot to be able to put your insecurities out there and write them down for anyone to read takes a lot, and in just thinking about them you learn a lot about yourself. Then you have to out them out there for someone to read. That really helps you release them to become a better person through that process. For example, I wrote a lot about economic class, and how I had to act like I was rich and privileged for people to like me. Just admitting that I am not has taken a weight off of my shoulders, letting people know that, and they still like me is a huge step toward the removing of the mask. I think that is the most profound change a person can go through, is learning that people like them even if they are not wearing a mask. It really takes a huge weight off of your shoulders. It is really amazing.