Memoirs of a man of Morehouse IV: Materialism

 

Memoirs of a man of Morehouse: A Scribe on Materialism

Sub-topic: Material Girl has birth a Material Culture

Ethan Brisby

Sociology 101

Dr. Kimberly N.  Sutton

Text: Sociology in our times: “The Essentials” 6^th Edition   

Characteristics of a Material Culture include a looking-glass self syndrome, population growth, and hierarchy. This is a piece that discusses the topic of materialism as it relates to an 18^th century revolution. The opinions shared are derived from observations beginning Sept. 1, 2008 and concluding Sept. 26, 2008 in Dr. Sutton’s Introduction to Sociology Course at Morehouse College.

Charles Cooley coined the phrase “looking-glass self,” a term for a way a person’s sense of self is derived from the perceptions of others. Materialism plays a tedious role in a man’s perceptions. Consider the matriarchic behavior within this particular classroom; young men mandate their manufactured clothing preference in relations to urban place experiences.  

Outside the classroom, these same young men interact in environments conducive to growth. Beyond the ethnic denominator, a number of these males share an interest in a specific idea pertaining to material culture, including swagger perception and industrial region similarities. A counter-material culture is occurring among African American males too, and it is bringing about evolution of non verbal communication.

Call it a chain of command if you will, materialism has brought about hierarchy. A pecking order where all positions are rewarded based on people’s ability and credentials. The question that comes to mind is, “What abilities and credentials weight the most?” Is it service, which creates a stronger under class?

Then again, recent online reports suggest zero population growth in urban areas is a long term solution to poverty, a short term result of materialism’s acquisitive behaviors. However, the classroom apprenticeship at 326 Wheeler on the campus of Morehouse College Monday, Wednesday, and Friday creates a prolific micro-classroom example of materialism. Double conscious or not these students have one common goal, and it involves completing all coursework to graduate, and likely join the working world’s material culture.