In “Quiet Rage: The Stanford Prison Experiment” video the idea of power and its effects are explored (1992). “Wasteland” is a documentary revolving those who work at a landfill in Brazil, and Vik Muniz’s journey of making their stories of stigmatization known (2010). “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” is a video based on studying the habits of humans and how spaces are utilized (Whyte 1979). These three videos all have one thing in common, which is they revolve around pattern. Many of us follow patterns without noticing, whether it is behavioral or bodily patterns. We sit where there is shade, we participate in movements when needed, we only exert power if given to us etc. These patterns show that humans do not try to stray far from routine, and power is something that is applicable to one place and time (Lachtman 4). For two of these media pieces we see the pattern of participation for the pursuit of money. In “Wasteland” they work to support their family, and in the Stanford experiment the experimented men agreed to do so for money. Meanwhile, the third video shows the pattern of usage of space (Whyte 1988). Repetition exists in everything we do. These are tendencies that make social structures our future generations follow. I have learned that by studying the common patterns in our society we can obtain a better understanding of our problems and solutions. All three media pieces reflected the pattern theme that is at the center of all sociological …show more content…
Richard Hodes and his journey to help children in need in Ethiopia (2008). The remarkable short documentary shows us how easy it is to save a life, and how not enough people try to help. The documentary reminded me of Peter Singer’s article that used a vivid example of Bob’s dilemma of saving his car or a child (1999:p.3). We all have the ability to help by merely sending small bits of money to organizations, yet we do not. It is like we are killing the children from the perspective of Singer (1993). I do not agree with him, but I understand his frustration. Additionally, we can relate the video to Putnam’s article on social capital (1993). Dr. Hodes used his power and social capital not only to begin the journey of helping children in Ethiopia but continues to use it to obtain necessary generic medications. His networking and connections allowed him to get resources not available in the country. “Stop Trying to Save the World” brings up the paradox of how improving something will change it in ways you did not expect (Hobbes 2014:p.14). Similarly, Dr. Hodes improves the lives of many children with spine issues, however it does not mean the children will stay out of trouble or will live a normal life after (2008). Unexpectedly, in the documentary we get a glimpse of Hodes’s life with the kids he has taken into his home. They practice the Shabbat religion together because it gives them a sense of unity, friendship