Saturday, December 06, 2008

Unfounded, untested, and possibly wrong observations

We see something once and it is quickly dismissed. We see it again for the second or third time and you have to wonder if a pattern exists. Here are a few observations that might or might not be of any merit. Maybe a social scientist can test these casual hypotheses.
  • Jewish versus Mormon involvement in the advancement of members within their communities- I have worked with people within both communities and, for whatever reason, there is a greater sense of mentorship and inclusiveness within the Jewish community. It is worth noting that I have almost exclusively lived in areas with strong Mormon communities which might lead to a greater attempt to distance religion and work place advancement due to potential cries of favoritism and bias.
  • A more social lifestyle equals a more active life- People, when left to themselves, seem inherently lazy. It is a special person, such as my sisters Amy or Megan, who can motivate themselves to great athletic heights. The rest of us need devices like social pressures, gym memberships, and friends who also share a sense of guilt in order to consistently burn our calories. The more friends we have the greater the chance is that you will be involved in an activity that requires some physical exertion.
  • Drivers with vanity plates are more likely to cut me off on the freeway- Who is the typical vanity plate owner? Its mister type A personality who is out to prove how cool he is. These types are, by definition, more aggressive and more likely to swerve their heavily financed three series in front of me during rush hour.
  • I'm less likely to know my neighbors name if I live in a suburb as opposed to the city- For whatever reason there is a greater sense of anonymity out here as people keep themselves and there are fewer activities/establishments to bring the community together. Rural and Urban communities seem to have a greater sense of involvement and mutual ownership.
  • Mormons are less likely to have healthy views towards sex then other groups- We grow up learning about abstinence and morality. We then get married and what was once an anathema and a taboo is now vociferously encouraged. The problem is that there is little discussion when the green light is lit and most couples are left fumbling in the dark when it comes to intimacy. Strange and explicit blogs like this try and fill in the void and engender some kind of conversation on the matter.

3 comments:

the medeiros family said...

So I want to know how you even found that blog in the first place! lol Very strange to say the least!

Glynnjamin said...

Hahaha, makes me think of that scene in Forgetting Sarah Marshall where the guy from 30 Rock is on his honeymoon and he and his wife have no idea what they are doing...and then they get "jesus involved in the bedroom" and they go to town. LOL You kill me ryan.

You should read Robert Putnam's "Bowling Alone" and then Nicholas Lemann's "Kicking in Groups" to get a better understanding of why you are less likely to know your neighbors when you are divided by a concrete wall than when you share a thin drywall divider - besides the obvious reasons, that is.

Rick Otterstrom said...

Hey, Ryan... This is your cousin Rick. Just a few comments from some comments on your blog. First, the dudes with vanity plates who are more likely to cut you off... also easier to remember a vanity plate to turn them in! Often not worth the bother, with having to sign a citation and all, but still worth a consideration.

Second, on the Mormon view of sex. Dad (Uncle Bert) had a very newly married couple approach him in church when he was in the stake presidency. "President Price, can we talk to you?" He took them in a classroom. They asked if it was all right to have sex on Sunday. Dad told them it was; they were married and there was nothing wrong with sex on Sunday. They asked about having sex in the morning and he said it was fine. They said, "What about sex before church?" Dad told them, "It's all right as long as you don't block the aisles."

Just a laugh to share!!! Now, if I can get this to save....

Dude