Sociology

No one can deny the fact that each individual operates from wants and desires.  It is human nature to aspire for power, authority and wealth.  Thus, everyone wanted to possess at least one of these, if not all.  In this past-pace society, every need is equated with a replacement- and that exchange in this modern time is called money.  Wealth can be a form of knowledge, property or money.  Most of us, admit it or not, dream of having lots of money instantly so that a day would passed harmoniously even if we do not rushed into the office for a day of tedious work. This explains why many of our fellowmen play lotto.  They bet on the chance of winning million dollars disregarding the very low probability of winning.  According to Durkheim, anomie is expressed by the breakdown of social norms.  This condition therefore no longer controls the activities of members of the society.  In case of lotto win which happens in a split of time, this sudden change of condition may lead to deviance, conflict and dissatisfaction.  We can refer to the case of Shefik Tallmadge, an ordinary employee who won 6 million dollars in Arizona lottery.  After winning, he fulfilled his whims and desires but eventually, he was almost left with nothing.  Why this happened The abrupt change in his life made him uneasy to adapt.

In Durheims viewpoint of anomie, it is called acute domestic anomie.  He buys cars and other properties impulsively and invests in business without taking some time of consideration.  He was overwhelmed by the materials that would profess his social status.  In the end, he aspires everything but satisfied with nothing.  The question is how can we avoid the state of anomie upon winning the lottery.  The case of Milt Laird of Paso Robles who also won from the lottery is a good example for this.  Although, Laird did not come from an extreme case of having nothing to everything, how he handled 27 million jackpot is quite to salute.  Being a certified financial planner he spent his winnings wisely and planned.  Personally like Laird, I believe, that one can avoid the state of anomie if careful planning and proper appropriation of the winnings will be made.  I think since prior to the lotto win, one has survived, there is no need to change ones lifestyle tremendously.  Yes, a change can be made but only to improve the current state for a more convenient living, not to the point of lavishly enjoying all the money can buy. Upon winning, one must also save a portion of hisher money in the bank to ensure that there would be left for the future.  When joining a business venture or establishing your own business, one should ask the authority. A business planner or perhaps a financial analyst may suits so that if you are not that knowledgeable with that business idea, you can weigh the pros and cons before burning your money.  Most of all, one should not be overwhelmed by the attention of the people around.  One should be wary of the bees that suddenly wanted to suck the honey.  A friend is a friend who stays whether you have a cent in your pocket or none.

As for the Christians, I think their fatalistic view of religion explains how they manage sudden wealth or winnings.  Given that they believe, that God determinestheir fate, that good events or bad events are ways of the Almighty to test their faith they will accept their winnings as Gods blessings and Gods form of reward to their call.  Christianity also operates in sharing especially to those who were less fortunate and also giving even the least you have for others for the benefit of helping and brotherhood thus, often youll see a lotto winner doing charitable works and giving money to different institutions.  They believe that the more you give and share, the more you will be rewarded by God.

As for my own social class, I do not believe in luck and risking to a very thin chance like betting in lotto to uplift my current status.  I am studying because I want the sure way of ascending.  I will finish my studies, I will work hard afterwards and grab every opportunities to express my full potential so that I can be everything I want.