175 words each 

Discussion 1:

One folktale that deeply influenced the way I think and relate to others is The Girl with a Brave Heart: A Tale From Tehran by Rita Jahanforuz. This story had a powerful impact on me because of the way it illustrated the beauty of empathy and genuine kindness. When I first heard it, I was struck by how the main character, Shiraz, is rewarded not because she expected anything in return, but because she chose to help an elderly woman from her heart. She listened patiently, showed compassion, and offered help without expecting a reward. This story taught me that true kindness feeds our own soul first—it fills us with positivity, light, and purpose. It made me realize that when we act with empathy, even if we don’t receive a physical reward, we still win because we nurture our character and create ripple effects of goodness. On the other hand, her stepsister tried to mimic the same actions only to gain something, and her selfishness led to negative consequences. This reminded me that good deeds should come from the heart, not from a desire to gain something. Since then, I have carried this message with me and tried to show kindness not because of what I might get in return, but because it's the right thing to do.

A question I would love to explore through social psychology research is: How does the environment we grow up in shape our identity, and how much do the people around us during childhood influence who we become? To answer this, I would start by conducting a longitudinal study that follows individuals from different family backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic environments across different stages of their life. I would use interviews, self-report surveys, and observational methods to assess their attitudes, values, and behaviors over time. I would also compare groups raised in nurturing vs. more toxic or neglectful environments to explore the role of parental figures, peers, and community. Understanding this would give us deep insight into the social and psychological forces that shape identity from an early age.

discussion post 2

One story that had a major influence on how I thought and related to others while growing up was Star Wars. Though not a traditional folktale, Star Wars is a modern myth filled with themes that parallel classic tales. The original trilogy, especially Luke Skywalker’s journey, shaped my understanding of identity, morality, and social influence. As a child, I was captivated by Luke’s inner conflict between light and dark, which helped me reflect on the importance of self-control and ethical decision-making in my own life. For example, when Luke chooses not to kill Darth Vader out of anger in Return of the Jedi, I understood that resisting peer pressure or emotional impulses could be a sign of strength—not weakness. This helped me navigate social dynamics in adolescence, especially when making decisions about friends and values.

A question I would like to see researched through social psychology is: How does exposure to hero narratives in media (like Star Wars) influence moral decision-making in adolescents? To explore this, I would design a longitudinal study tracking adolescents over several months. One group would regularly view and discuss media featuring complex heroes like Luke Skywalker, while a control group would not. I’d use surveys and moral dilemma tasks to assess changes in empathy, decision-making, and conformity. This could help researchers understand the social and emotional impact of heroic storytelling on youth behavior.