After taking an array of classes here at Longwood in the Sociology department, I have taken classes that have discussed topics of race, disability, sexuality, class, and gender. After taking such classes, my views on these topics have changed in many ways. In my career after undergrad I will be working with those of different races, disabilities, sexuality, class, and genders. Due to this I believe Longwood has prepared me to communicate respectfully to those I will be helping.
Race is a topic no one likes to talk about. The class that I took at Longwood helped everyone in that class open up and talk more comfortably about racial difficulties that are current and past. Disability is something that no one has talked about until recently. Those who have disabilities can be very open about them if asked about in the correct way. This class was helpful due to us learning about the many different ADA regulations that institutions set in place to help those with disabilities function in everyday life. Sexuality has also become a very hot topic of discussion in American society. This is helpful because many people in America are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and when talking with people you don’t know, it is best to not bring up topics that would make them uncomfortable or make them feel unsafe in the environment. Class is something that is not often talked about verbally, but is something that people will show by objects that they simply own. Due to this it is also hard to tell what class someone is a part of. From my classes at Longwood, I have learned that it is best to not make assumptions about someone’s class status due to their appearance. Finally gender, which is another hot topic in today’s American society. From multiple classes that I have taken at Longwood, I have learned to not assume someone’s gender based off how what they wear or how they look on the outside. Someone can identify as the opposite gender then what they were originally given at birth.