From New England to Old England

Viewpoints

By Michael Morales

Sociology gives people the opportunity to view the world from many different perspectives. It decreases any ethnocentric views one may have and expands cultural and intellectual horizons. I believe that there is no better way to experience sociological study than to actually go out in the world and experience first hand encounters so that one may draw certain sociological questions or conclusions to further examine.

The United States and the United Kingdom share many similar cultural characteristics yet hold striking differences at the same time. Politically they are two monumental allies that influence the world precisely. Any sociology student should consider it a fascinating opportunity to measure any similarities or contrasts by having the opportunity to travel to England.

I have been presented with the opportunity to travel to Middlesex University and I plan to take two classes that may help my program of study. The first class is called Exploring London. This class is based on hands on research out in the city of London. It not only has sociological value by being exposed to English society, but it also serves many historical values. How else can one learn about American society without learning where it all began?

The second class I am interested in taking while at Middlesex University is called Mapping Spatial Data with GIS. This class could be considered to fall under the Sociological or Geographical realm. It could be considered Geographical because it is the study of place and location. Coincidingly, however, it could be considered Sociological because it also studies people within the place. This would be a great class to take because it allows the opportunity to have hands on experience and use advanced technology and resources efficiently.

I also believe that studying abroad would set the stones for a possible future career in law enforcement. Since I can remember, I have always been fascinated with law and policy enforcement and how people from different cultures or backgrounds respond to those enforcements. There is no doubt that the United States suffers from one of the largest violence rates in the world. I would hope to one day compare and contrast different societies and how those different social interactions deal with law enforcement.

When I first visited London in 2003, I noticed that the metropolitan police do not carry guns while on patrol. This is something that is strikingly alien to that of American culture. Why is that police officers in London feel more comfortable not carrying guns while on patrol and American police consider it an outrage?

I have been to several European cities including Paris, Rome, Florence, and Athens. Out of all the cities and past experiences I have had in Europe, London is a city I feel well connected to. Some people may say it is because there is no language barrier when traveling from the United States and United Kingdom, I disagree. I speak fluent Spanish and feel very comfortable tapping in to the similar language of Italian. While in Italy I could clearly navigate my way with little hesitation. To me the United Kingdom holds a fascinating history. Its days of expansionism stretched the empire to every corner of the Earth while spreading its culture and political ideals. It is a prime example of a benevolent country that has witnessed everything. Unlike other fallen empires in the past, the UK has been able to adapt to the changing world throughout its history.

I fundamentally believe there is something dangerously wrong with American society today. With one of the most important political elections oh the century occurring soon in the United States, I presume that there will be a shift in American politics. The question is how will American respond to it? It is my hope that while in the UK I can gain a better understanding for English culture and how they interact within their own society. I believe that from my research Middlesex University can offer me a tremendous educational experience I can take with me in the future.

mwalsh @ April 15, 2008