Social Microcosm - revisited

FurBaby_Mom · Post by **FurBaby_Mom** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:47 pm

This topic was deleted before, but it needs to be revisited, as it's been over a year. Fortunately I saved it Here we go:What is a Social Microcosm?When I was in graduate school, each student had to participate in group therapy (it was a social work program). We did this for a couple reasons. Number one: everyone has crap to deal with and it was a support network while we interned. Number two: a group is a social microcosm of the larger social world. I learned some very important things about peer interactions.Why am I telling you this? Because this board is a social microcosm of the larger social world; and the interactions that take place here are much like group therapy. How so? It's a setting for personal relationships; support; feedback; a sense of community; a forum for solving problems. Most importantly, it's a social interaction. Here are the textbook goals for group therapy: forum for people to disclose their feelings; enhance empathy as others express their feelings; social exchange; foster a sense of security and community; learn the difference between socially appropriate and unacceptable behavior; increase tolerance; provide a link to others.So what's my point? This board is like group therapy and it does represent a social microcosm of life outside the MB. My opinion is that ultimately your "true" personality surfaces regardless of the fact that these MB interactions aren't face to face. Like I said, this board is a social microcosm of the larger society - the way you act on the board is probably much like the way that you act in the larger society. Consequently, the way that people respond to you is probably much like the way that they respond to you in the larger society. My hunch is that those that stir up controversy on the board probably stir up controversy in larger society. My hunch is that those who constantly complain and feel like the scapegoat probably complain and feel scapegoated in larger society. My hunch is that those who aren't happy here probably aren't happy in their life outside of the MB. My hunch is also that people who triangulate and try to win favor from others by triangulating probably have troubled social interactions both on and off the MB. The way that you deal with others and the way that others deal with you on this MB is probably a fairly accurate depiction of your life in society. Please take the opportunity for self-reflection - that's what the board is all about.I'm not trying to be a therapist or a preacher or anything of the sort. It's just disappointing to me that the board has changed its tone due to the recent "unfriendly allegations" and "attacking." About a month ago, the board was entertaining and even hilarious. I have met some incredible people here - people who have, in such a short time, made an impact on me! This board is great for social interaction and it's great for self-reflection. Please use it as such. And those who aren't happy here...Is it JUST this board that makes you that unhappy?! If you answered yes, why do you return time and time again?!

Art_Teacher · Post by **Art_Teacher** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:49 pm

I love you, Amy!

MaBuglet · Post by **MaBuglet** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:49 pm

I am so hearting you right now!

FurBaby_Mom · Post by **FurBaby_Mom** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:50 pm

I am feeling the love.

Stormy_Cat · Post by **Stormy_Cat** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:50 pm

I *heart* you Amy

Deirdra · Post by **Deirdra** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:51 pm

People should know what a social microcosm is, since Stephen referenced it.No one's hearting you more than me right now. ;o)

ElsieB · Post by **ElsieB** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:52 pm

Oh, Amy...I love you SO much. It was this speech that made me fall in love with you in the first place!

flutistmom · Post by **flutistmom** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:53 pm

Thank you, Professor! Say, do you remember the first time you posted the Social Microcosm speech? (I'm reluctant to abbreviate it to SM for obvious reasons!)

mykidsmom · Post by **mykidsmom** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:53 pm

Scrap Goddess · Post by **Scrap Goddess** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:54 pm

Wow, nicely said. Thanks!

Deirdra · Post by **Deirdra** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:55 pm

You had me at graduate school.

FurBaby_Mom · Post by **FurBaby_Mom** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:57 pm

Robin.....I just looked up my old threads and it was on March 17, 2004!!!D, you kill me.

MamaK321 · Post by **MamaK321** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:57 pm

you know I never had the patience to read this before...and still don't now. I jsut know it's the fodder of greater discussions...er, what we like to call drama.

Gypsymonkey · Post by **Gypsymonkey** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:59 pm

Here...we have a place to voice ourselves!

moodyonceamth · Post by **moodyonceamth** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:06 pm

LOVING the backhanded compliments that go flying around here.....especially when a smiley is attached. SO cool! Furry....you complete us.

LoveMyBella · Post by **LoveMyBella** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:09 pm

No one hearts Furry more than me! No one!

Deirdra · Post by **Deirdra** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:11 pm

OMG, Moody! I feel that!

Deirdra · Post by **Deirdra** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:15 pm

Hey, MamaK, if you took the time to read it, I bet you'd agree with it whole heartedly.

moodyonceamth · Post by **moodyonceamth** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:22 pm

ok, Veruca, we get it. She's YOURS! ALL YOURS!!!

FurBaby_Mom · Post by **FurBaby_Mom** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:24 pm

Moody....rule number 9 about starting a picture war.....Make sure it shows up!!!