Section 1 :: Who/What is Deviant?

For the first two weeks of class (January 10 - January 19), we will be discussing who and what is considered deviant in society. While we will discuss how definitions of what is "normal" and "deviant" varies widely by geographic area, for this course, we will primarily be focused on the United States.

Remember, you are expected to have read, watched and digested all of the assigned items, and be ready to discuss them in class on the date listed. There will be times when we do not discuss those concepts on the exact date, but we will eventually, and you are expected to keep up, and contribute mindfully.

For January 12 you will be exploring the topic of privilege. This is a difficult topic for many, and puts a lot of people on the defensive. Right out of the gate, you are going to find out you need to have an open mind to enjoy this class. The concept of privilege refers to the "unearned advantages" some people get, and some people do not, just because of their race, class, gender, ability, size and so forth. This concept will be fundamental to our future explorations in this class, so make sure you have a good grasp, and come to class with questions.

These articles will also begin to touch on the concept of master status. Our master status is the first thing people notice about us, and use to determine who we are. When you are 18-22 and walking around campus with a backpack, people think "student" and from there, they assume attributes that go along with the role of "student" such as busy, tired, or party animal (well, hopefully not). When you are something that is considered "deviant" by society, that often becomes your master status, or your defining attribute. When you are in a wheelchair, that is the first thing people see about you, and they will make a host of assumptions based on your status as a person with disability. Maybe they will feel sorry for you. Maybe they will think you must be SO brave. When you say something, they will filter your words through "well, he or she is saying that as a person in a wheelchair." We will talk about this much more in class. You will see that these concepts are connected. When you are labeled "deviant" in our society, you are seen in terms of your master status. When you are seen as "normal" you are not--and that is a privilege. In your assigned items, you will see two "privilege checklists." These were inspired by this article: White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh.

Required

• Read "Privilege, Power, Difference and Us" by Dr. Allan Johnson. It is available on Angel.
• Read "My Gay Lifestyle" by Domenick Scudera.
• Read the "Thin Privilege Checklist" on the blog hey, fat chick!
• Read the "Cisgender Privilege Checklist" on the blog queers united.

What is cisgender? It is someone who identifies with the gender assigned to them at birth. Learn more here.

Optional:

• White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh
• The Male Privilege Checklist

On January 17 we will start discussing how what we consider "deviant" is really just a social construction. For example, what we consider to be "deviant" changes greatly over time. It used to be considered deviant for women to wear pants. Now it is "normal." Cocaine used to be a popular medical remedy, now it is illegal. We will discuss many more examples in class, and I would also love for you to think of your own to share with us. We will talk about social constructions in general, how "deviance" is one, and what the consequences are of being labeled deviant. We will also be discussing who gets to decide who and/or what is considered deviant.

Required:

• Read "Images of Deviance" by Stephen Pfohl in your textbook.
• Read "Defining Deviance Down" by Daniel Patrick Moynihan in your textbook.
• Read "Outsiders: Defining Deviance" by Howard Becker, available on Angel.
• Read "Stigma of Having Obese Friends" on BBC News.

On January 19 we will complete this section, talking about WHO we consider deviant in our culture and HOW we know they are. Come prepared to talk about the following items:

Required:

• Read "The Saints and the Roughnecks" by Williams Chambliss, available on Angel.
• Peruse the blog Microagressions. The posts change frequently, so consider looking back a few times. Come to class prepared to talk about the ones you found most interesting, disturbing and/or confusing.
  
• Listen to the clip "Spinal Muscular Atrophy 'Doesn't Define Me'" on NPR (transcript available on the same page).
• Read the article "Media Binge" from the sociological journal Contexts.
• Watch both of the following clips from ABC's "What Would You Do?"

Part 1:

Part 2: