Monday, March 29, 2010

Why do drug dealers still live with their Moms?

Once again the authors ask another question that makes you go "Hmmm". I have spent at least 20 of my last 30 years working in urban communities in Michigan and Pennsylvania. I got to know a lot of the dealers, prostitutes, their pimps, their territories and had the opportunity to hear quite a few their life and/or death stories. Working in their world while different isn't all that different from corporate America, as the authors tell us.

The consumers, products and the clientele are different but the principals are similar. That being said however; being involved usually means when you fail you pay in jail time, violence and death rather than unemployment lines and job seeking web sites. I really loved the question asked and answers via real life analysis given the reader. I felt the authors really researched their subject and told the story in a meaningful and educational way. They were blunt, as life can be. Nice job, look forward to the next chapter.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Freakonomics; KluKluxKlan and Real Estate Agents

What an interesting correlation. The author's once again took an outside the box look at two old institutions. The section on the leaking of KKK information to "main stream", for the time, media and it's effect on membership, attendance and activity was eye opening to say the least. The fact that once the Klan's activities became public whether due to social pressure, fear factor or maybe just that if everybody knows it's not a secret anymore mentality drove members or prospective members away.

The second section was very good as well. How interesting that the same Real Estate agent that urges you to sell is the same one who will wait an additional 2 weeks for an extra 10 thousand dollars. Not surprising when the study puts things in black and white. When selling your house for an extra 10 thousand dollars the agent only makes $150. So when he/she advises you to sell what's the motivation. Is it; "I need to pay bills and I need the money now" or "$150 isn't enough to make me want to answer another 20 phone calls and do another 5 showings over the next 2 weeks". I have heard agents talk like that. One agent told me in conversation that she "probably could have gotten $20k more for a particular property" but at the time she hadn't sold anything in 4 weeks, her husband was laid off of his job and her mortgage was due. She rolled her eyes and said it hurt her to advise the sale. I never thought about the poor guy who just took her advice and didn't get the extra money to pay his bills.

Another great chapter. Am looking forward to the next one.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Freakonomics; Chapter 1, Reading assignment for 3/22

What an enlightening reading. Firstly, I found the authors' style refreshing and interesting. Secondly, I liked the way they looked at the subject matter. Teachers and Sumo wrestlers. A good "outside of the box" look at the subject matter.

I thought the analysis of cheating, whether it was daycare parents, school teachers, Sumo wrestlers or bagel eaters was an interesting way to evaluate a number of social and moral issues all in one cohesive chapter. The process was unique, the statistical analysis seemed sound and the summary was spot on. The authors, by virtue of the reading, found innovative methods and manners to analyze multiple social trends from multicultural and multi class view points, state the thesis, analyze the thesis and demonstrate the answers in a believable and interest sparking view.

Following this chapter, I am interested in finishing the book! Good reading.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Marked Women, Unmarked Men

What an interesting essay. The author went into great and thoughtful detail to denote to the reader why she felt the women at the conference were "marked". In an almost Sherlock Holmes style she took us step by step into the female marking process. While she did not leave the males out of her observations, she did use their dress and styling as a classic example of why she felt they remained "unmarked".

Lets start with women. I agree that women tend to be more suspect to "marking" than the male gender. Her reference to the surname battle is a prime example. In my career I have met many women who had difficulties in deciding whether or not to take the husband's surname at marriage. If they did, I would agree that it "marked" them as married when introduced with the hyphenated surname. I will agree that a woman's title of Miss, Ms. and Mrs. marks them as well as opposed to the man's Mr. title.

What I did agree with was how women's dress, hairstyle, makeup and the like marks them as well. I also realize that this form of marking can be deceiving as well in both men and women. While a woman's marking may tell us what they want us to think and feel, is it a true reflection of how they really feel? Could it be that a woman's dress is more cultural than personal. That the decision to wear high heels on a hiking excursion more lack of experience then personal expression? I wonder.

Regarding males, while I agree that cultural norms have given men more latitude in remaining somewhat less marked, I disagree that all men aren't marked. From hairstyles, presence or lack of facial hair, body build, clothing and accessories are just the tip of the ice burg. Just as women may be more perceptive to other women's marking, males might be more perceptive of other male markings. While males may not "mark" as women, they mark with mannerisms and positioning. My observation is that males are more apt to position themselves in meetings and classrooms depending on their personal position regarding the subject, other participants, especially other males. This takes place by room seating choices, folding of arms, positioning of their body towards others by displaying or not displaying their power side. The power side is which ever side is dominant for that individual.

While I don't agree completely with the author, I think her point is extremely valid. To say I haven't personally utilized those markings in my lifetime regarding personality, status, whether or not to approach, or other perceptional labelling would not be true. Just as I look for other signs of marking that she didn't touch on.

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