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Ari Lawson
Sociology 1010
January 30, 2014
Assignment One
Social Location
Social location can be defined as the group memberships that people have because of
their location in history and society (Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, James
M. Henslin). My interpretation of this definition is people of a particular area, who share a
similar history, tend to group together in social cliques. In Utah, a large majority of the state
share similar beliefs regarding religion. Given Utah’s history with the great pioneer migration to
this state, a large number of Utah citizens share the Mormon faith. Given the vast numbers of
Mormons in Utah this can make those who do not share the same beliefs stand out even more
than they would in other places.
I am not of the Mormon religion. Many of my past friends, neighbors, and family
members share the great faith of this state. I have had multiple experiences with the Mormon
religion. Enough to understand the way the faith works. Although I may not believe in all of the
same theories as the Mormons, I have never once judged the religion or the holy people who
practice it. Growing up I have always had an open mind about different ideas about creation, life,
and death. Ideas that are both religious and scientific. Mormonism simply has not appealed to
me. 1I find myself lacking any particular religion because I can not conform to one main theory.
I am one of the several people who stand out socially in this location. Many people look
down on me for certain lifestyles I have chosen. I do not believe in going to church every
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Sunday, which would make some label me as a sinner. I believe in self expression. For example,
I believe it is alright to get tattoos and body piercings. Socially, some people of this magnificent
state would try to avoid me. The greatest memory I have from this would be when I was in
elementary school and my best friend told me her mommy didn’t want me talking to her because
I didn’t go to church. I think of the example given in a class one evening. If you have one “bad”
orange next to a perfectly good orange; the good orange may start to mold in the places touching
the “bad” orange. These harsh experiences have given me more courage to prove social location
wrong. I do not need to be excluded socially in this location because I am not of a certain faith.
Being socially different from the majority of people I am surrounded by has only made
me a stronger person. The more people avoid me, the more I try to show others how humble of a
person I can be. Also, being different from my social location has shown me the importance of
understanding one another. I have tried to gain friends who share my lifestyle, but I also befriend
people of the religious group of Utah. I always respect the beliefs of others. My significant
other’s family practices strongly with the Mormon religion. When in their presence I always
watch my language, dress modestly, keep my tattoos covered, attend their family church
activities, and listen to their ideas. I do so out of respect of their faith.
In conclusion, social location has taught me many things through out my life. Be humble
no matter what faith you are. Accept others because you never know what type of person they are
if you do not give them a chance. Have an open heart and an open mind despite your social
group or your social location. I have learned to love the social location of this beautiful state, and
I will always be grateful to have grown up here.