Final Reflection

Due to consciously observing Fairfield County for the first time, I was able to see it through a whole new set of eyes and learn so much in a short amount of time. For example, I learned that the cultural and physical places in Fairfield County are so dependent on one another. When children are in an adult physical space they are expected to behave with respect while amongst other children in a children physical space, they are beholden to little values and feel a little freer. Overall, I could see that talented children are very valued due to shows like glee, I Carly, Victorious, etc. At the same times bad behavior is rewarded with shows like Jersey Shore, Bad Girls Club and all of the different “Housewives”. Whether or not that’s because we like bad behavior or because we like to compare ourselves to them is another question. This is surprising because while bad behavior is such a huge focus, there are so many groups that get ignored and are practically invisible. Some would be Native Americans, the disabled, the lgbt community, etc. Although they are apparent in our communities they are hardly apparent on television. That’s a problem because television a lot of the time is the first way children learn about the other parts of society. Because of that I feel that people are very obligated to act in the interest of bettering society. While they don’t have to spend their days picketing at places considered to perpetuate inequalities, they do have the responsibility to call it out when they see it. If not for them, for their children who deserve to have an honest, fair, and unbiased look and chance of success in this world. So if society now doesn’t change us, nobody else will. Now that I have looked around me I will do what I have asked of society and try to change things that I have noticed that I consider to be unjust. Most importantly, I will continue to look around me and consciously think about what I participate in or allow to happen on a regular basis. The least I owe to society is the think before I act and consciously object if I disagree with it; or in other words follow in the footsteps of Thoreau.