Assignment 2: When I Was 12

I turned twelve years old in the year of 2005. Throughout this year some major events took place which helped shaped the society we live in today. During this time the United States had a fairly stable and good economy. Jobs were increasing more than enough to absorb the growing workforce, and the underemployment rate had declined. Although things were not perfect, the good economy allowed most to live free of the stress of not being able to get a job, or support a family. Jobs were abundant; contrasting greatly from what we have been dealing with in today’s world.

Beside from the good economic state of the U.S. during 2005, some very important events took place, which helped shape our culture, including the launching of the popular Internet site YouTube, the devastating blow of Hurricane Katrina to the Gulf Coast, and the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I will use my newly discovered sociological imagination to explore how these events have helped shape how people perceive and act upon today’s world. 

In February of 2005 the tremendously popular Internet site, YouTube, was launched and quickly opened up a new world of online video sharing. It is used for a wide array of things including entertainment, self-expression, documentation, news, research, music videos, television shows, movies, DIY videos, educational programs, autobiographies, mind-numbing pointlessness, and much more. YouTube makes it possible for people all around the world to share videos and connect with millions, allowing people to learn about different cultures, places, people, and ideas. News travels fast with YouTube, and videos can go ‘Viral’ in a matter of hours, making it home to a number of YouTube insta-stars such as Carly Rae Jepson and the Gangnam Style guy. These videos can have a major impact on pop culture and are important tools in starting fads and trends. The way people do things has been forever transformed, making virtually any sort of video instantly accessible in a click of a button. In addition, this site has a very strong potential to begin to take the place of televisions, since a lot of shows and movies are available to watch for free on computers and mobile devices.  In fact, according to 10 Fascinating YouTube Facts that may Surprise You, more video content is uploaded to YouTube in a 60 day period than the three major U.S. television networks created in 60 years. Before YouTube, people had to plan schedules around favorite television programs, record it via DVD or tape, or plan to sit down and watch it when it aired; but recent technology is beginning to pander to individual needs and schedules. I can’t tell you how many times I have watched shows that I have missed, looked up how to do something, or used YouTube for educational purposes in my life. YouTube has undoubtedly made a major societal impact on a global level and is truly reshaping the way we operate as a society.

Another major event in 2005 was natural disaster Hurricane Katrina that rocked much of the Gulf coast, from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle, leaving more than 1,836 dead and causing over $115 billion in damage. This was the most devastating and costly disaster to occur in the United States. When major disasters such as these occur, it immediately brings communities closer. Directly after Hurricane Katrina stuck on August 29^th of 2005, people rushed to help the victims of the storm.  I remember watching the news coverage of this event, and seeing footage of people stranded on their roofs waving for help and rescue boats going by looking for anyone they could find. People flooded to the area to help the thousands left homeless bringing with them drinking water, food, and clothing and helping to clean up and rebuild. This storm was eye opening for many in the United States. People tend to believe that they are invincible to disasters like this one, but this particular catastrophe struck fear in many. It made people feel grateful for what they had, and reminded them not to take anything for granted. From a sociological standpoint, this disaster had many impacts. The natural disaster undoubtedly changed the perspectives people had on their own lives. It gave many a sense of gratitude, set into motion prevention and safety plans for the future, and brought communities closer together. I remember thinking about how cool it was that so many people dropped everything they were doing in their busy lives to help others in need. Even though I was only twelve years old, I remember wishing I could help as well. Though the government and many others helped with the aftermath of this event, something that has impacted us even to this day is that many did not think that the government was doing enough to help. This is one of many events that has caused the American people to lose faith in our government and have distrust in our leaders.  For those directly affected by Hurricane Katrina, jobs were lost, homes were destroyed, family, friends, and neighbors were killed and injured and home as they knew it had been wiped out forcing them to have to restart and rebuild their lives. For them, the life they had before was shattered and many were left with nothing but the people surrounding them.  

Other events that were taking place during this time of my life were the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. By this time in 2005, I had grown accustomed to the constant stories on the news, and video footage of what was going on overseas. I remember the day that my mom told me that we were going to war in Iraq, and how fearful I became that everything as I knew it would change. I remember thinking about the movies and videos of war I had seen and imagined my own nation in ruins and constant fear. I did not quite grasp what exactly was going on at the time, but I watched the news often and remember being frightened that the chaos I was seeing on television was going to make it over to where I was and everything would turn to shambles. From a sociological standpoint, people were living in fear of future terrorist attacks, and the threat of war moving to American soil. Patriotism for the country seemed to be revived, and there were many campaigns supporting the U.S. troops. These wars, along with 9/11 also sparked racial profiling against Arabs and Muslims deeming them as terrorists. This blatant racism is still very prevalent today, and has caused many issues within our country. This is a direct example of how historical events can drastically change people’s perspectives of other people. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which are still going on today, will unquestionably affect society as a whole for many years to come.