His passion is sociology...?

Question

My friend and I agree on pretty much every social issue. While I enjoy studying sociology, it is his passion. He is very socially conscious, but, like everyone, has prejudices. For example, he will lump a group based on a shady city where there is a lot of rundown places and maybe not the most sophisticated people...yet, he always stipulates that he is talking about people who CHOSE to live there, not those who have to b/c of low rent.

My question? I don't know. I guess I'm just a little confused. He grew up poor...has compassion for poor, but make fun of those who have poor taste...almost as if to say, "why are you chosing to have poor taste?" He tends to lump people together. For example, we went to a beach town and he and his siblings are basically saying, "yuck, so uncultured. People come here for fun, why don't they like culture?" Almost a snotty attitude. Any opinions would be appreciated...

Answer 1

I think you might want to take a step back and realize that just because someone is passionate about sociology doesn't mean that they are also empathic social WORKERS, who by nature are protective and empathetic for the less fortunate.

Sociology is just the STUDY of different cultures and their systems of function. I think your friend really loves learning about different kinds of people and places, but the job description has nothing to do with his opinion of the lower class.

If it really bothers you, just ask him not to make comments about "unsophisticated" people or towns in front of you because he doesn't know the facts about them or why they must live in that condition. Not everyone has the same taste in culture, and he should understand that above anyone else!

I hope this sheds some light on your problem. Good luck!