Archives for “Sociology”

Marco Brambilla

Tweet Kanye West POWER by Marco Brambilla (Director’s Cut) from ARTJAIL on Vimeo. Ghost by Marco Brambilla from ARTJAIL on Vimeo.


being on track with your life

Tweet (This is a cross post. Please comment on “being on track with your life” on the chron blog here.) From a post on CNN about an unemployed iReporter: “I’m still fortunate to have a roof over my head and make do with what I can but I miss having a decent job and being [...]


those who remain determined “mouse-avores” starve

Tweet “IV. At the same time, living systems adapt themselves to changes in their environment they learn, grow, develop, evolve. When the mouse population in a region suddenly declines because of an epidemic, the predators who adapt to a new prey survive; those who remain determined “mouse-avores” starve. Life events affect us and change us, [...]


Tweet When you encounter a millennial job applicant who is right out of school looking for the “perfect job”, as an older person, you think thoughts like “Hey kid, I was just served a $3 coffee by a 50 year old working a split shift of 5AM to 9AM and then 3PM to 7PM at [...]


Notes on Social Objects

Tweet If you haven’t read the story of the Microsoft Blue Monster, and Hugh’s thoughts on social objects, I highly recommend it. The full blue monster story is here on Hugh’s blog. I was just rereading it for an upcoming talk that discusses Social Objects. And of course I would be remiss if I did [...]


The sole object is to hold attention and satisfy an audience

Tweet “Those who manipulate the shadows that dominate our lives are the agents, publicists, marketing departments, promoters, script writers, television and movie producers, advertisers, video technicians, photographers, bodyguards, wardrobe consultants, fitness trainers, pollsters, public announcers, and television news personalities who create the vast stage for illusion. They are the puppet masters. No one achieves celebrity [...]


“NOT JUST A TOASTER WITH PICTURES”

Tweet “Since 1950 there has been a total of more than 3,500 research studies conducted in America on the effects of media violence on the population. One random analysis of almost 1,000 studies found to demonstrate there is a tangible correlation between violent entertainment and violent behavior.” “In the realm of media violence research scientists [...]


don’t seek happiness, seek meaning

Tweet ARCHIVE POST. PLEASE COMMENT ON THE ORIGINAL ON CHRON. Several friends of mine over the last few years have talked a lot about “seeking happiness” and the goal of “being happy”. Some even have “happiness projects.” I am reminded that America’s liberties include the right to “the pursuit of happiness.” Yet there is something about [...]


pseudo friendliness and overt joviality

Tweet “When one is acting under the rule of dissociated impulses, everybody except the individual himself knows and perceives what is happening. The individual who is stingy and mean in certain relationships will persist in perceiving himself as generous and kind. Similarly the individual who has trouble getting close to people may compensate for this [...]


Tweet “I once watched a highly intelligent Pueblo Indian engaged in intercultural education programs struggle and sweat to put into words a problem he and his people were having to cope with. Whenever a white man is put down in the middle of a pueblo, the Indians must cope with his narcissism as expressed by [...]


Tribal Citizenship Behavior

Tweet When a crisis occurs, like a hurricane hits your city or the country freaks out about the swine flu, part of a leaders job is to protect the tribe. To do that, the people have to be prepared. The first priority must then be to make sure every member of the tribe is prepared [...]


Tweet In recent talks I have found an anecdote that has worked well to explain the difference between formal and informal systems that most Americans can relate to. The book The Godfather opens with: Amerigo Bonasera sat in New York Criminal Court Number 3 and waited for justice; vengeance on the men who had so [...]


Geographic Determinism – Four Environmental Differences

Tweet From the book Guns, Steel, and Germs by Jared Diamond, there are four major geographic deterministic reasons for the disparity and cultural differences between people historically. (Again, a post mostly for my own notes.)  Specifically this is a follow up to my post on Yali’s question. From the book: “The striking differences between the [...]


Tweet Working with numerous association clients I try to study organizational structures and trends.  I was pointed to this association PPT presentation by a client with similar interests.  If you are a sociologist or are involved in associations I highly recommend a review of the Graham-Sarfati association super trends presentation deck (linked below). Mapping The [...]


Via Dina – Google – Countries are known for