en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/764566 Comments by Cxmaddox96 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/were-being-educated-for-stupidity-and-conformity-really__trashed/#IDComment69789631 Wow, I am really glad you were able to share your experience in London with us. I have known that the education system in America wasn't the greatest but I always wanted to know what other places where like. It is cool to hear about the education system in other places. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:03:22 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/were-being-educated-for-stupidity-and-conformity-really__trashed/#IDComment69789631 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/were-being-educated-for-stupidity-and-conformity-really__trashed/#IDComment69788718 First of all, calling a guy stupid because you don't like his opinion won't get you anywhere. Second of all, don't get so offended. You obviously are not an education major or you would have heard this argument long ago. To be honest he is right. Our education system is not perfect and you seem to be the only one not realizing/accepting it. It is such an issue, actually, that there is an entire class dedicated to talking about educational theories and policies. In the class they talk about schools that don't allow students to use their mind creatively they just have to follow the rules. There is a lot to learn about the educational issues in America and maybe you should take the class to open up your mind to see that. EDTHP 115...you should look into it. :-) Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:57:38 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/were-being-educated-for-stupidity-and-conformity-really__trashed/#IDComment69788718 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69785270 I think this blog is great. It is a perfect way to see things in a different perspective. I have always found it easy to "put myself in someone else's shoes". I never really thought that it would be hard for someone else to do the same until I read this blog. The comments I glanced over were of people saying they were shocked at the letter and how compassionate and real these prisoners actually are. I personally have never met a prisoner but I had just assumed that they were only human...that they actually were human. People have feelings of all kinds no matter whom or where you are. No matter innocent or guilty, young or old. I am not judging anyone for thinking prisoners are bad people. Actually, the other day, I was flipping through channels and saw a special on the Vegas holding facilities. They were showing gang fight, how people had to be sent into isolation and put into a chair that restricted their movement. And how even some of the nicest inmates get out of hand and attack each other. One man walked in and decided to stab a random man sitting in the waiting area three times in the back. So I can understand why people would assume the “prisoner stereotype” is actually who it is. But, automatically assuming someone is a horrible person because they are in prison or they hate you because they are Arab hinders you from getting to know a person. It hinders you from learning the culture and their way of life. Reading this letter only proves that stereotypes affect all people. Once stereotypes are broke we can, then, truly create friendships. We can learn what other cultures have to offer without preconceived notions. I am so glad that Sam put this on here so that people can really open up their eye to the world, "broaden their horizons". When Sam mentioned in class that he and his wife, along with some students, went to the prison I thought that it was a great idea. I actually want to go to, not by myself of course, because although some prisoners maybe nice, prison is still a scary place to go to alone. Anyway, as I was reading the letter I was finding myself wondering what he did to be in prison. I know he said he was in prison for murder but I was hoping he would elaborate. I want to hear the stories of these men. I want to get to know why they killed...what drove them to do such a thing? These men have such a different life experience than I do. They have so much to teach and I have so much to learn in my life yet. Visiting these men would be such an educational experience and one I wouldn't take lightly. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:28:43 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69785270 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68238346 Haha, well said. I like the example of the frat and Smirnoff Ice, it's a funny thing to picture. I think the reason women feel as though they are conforming more than men is because woman talk about it more. It is an issue for both men and women but women are the ones to openly talk about it. Some times we just assume that guys just work out because that's what they do, but it is much deeper than that and I am glad that someone on here had the guts to admit it. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:43:38 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68238346 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68237363 Let me first say, just so I can get this out of the way, that I am a female. Wow, I feel better already. Now, I think....well I pretty much know, that guys do feel the urge and pressure to conform all the time. I actually remember when I was a freshman in high school I like this boy and I know he liked me back but he never did anything to pursue the relationship. It wasn't because he didn't know I liked him, I made that quite obvious, and it wasn't because he didn't think we would make a good couple, I know this because he liked me. It was because he was afraid of what other people would think of us. I am not at all skinny and hott but I do have a great personality. He on the other had was gorgeous with shaped muscles and a fun personality. He was also white and I am black. Now, I am not sure exactly which of these things he was afraid to be judged by, but I do know that he was so afraid to be made fun of that he never gave "us" a chance. I read that some of you think that women feel the need to conform more than men but I am here to disagree. Men feel the pressure just like women. There are an equal amount of expectations and stereotypes for both men and women, I just think that women feel more comfortable expressing their feelings about it. But it's not just sexes is it? It is races too. The fact is that most human beings just want to fit in. People don't generally want to be looked at as "the weird kid in the class". Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:35:15 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68237363 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68235269 I think that the play is class was actually pretty accurate. People were saying in class that it is the opposite here in America, that women actually want bigger boobs rather than smaller boobs. I have to disagree. I think that a lot of girls who have smaller boobs do want to bigger one but at the same time girls with bigger boobs want smaller ones. This may be hard to understand but that is how it is. Bigger boobs are incontinent in many ways, like the guy said in class on Tuesday big boobs cause back problems. Also, there are guys who do not favor bigger breasted girls. Do I think that girls should get a breast implant or reduction though? My answer is no, of course not. Girls will get surgery for many different reasons. In class we were talking about girls changing the way they look for guys and girls changing the way they look for girls. Many people took one side or the other on what they believed exactly why girls got the surgery but I think that people were missing the point. It doesn't matter why girls changed, that fact it that they did and they did it because of what other people thought. I think that this is ridiculous. My personal opinion is that the grass will always be greener on the other side no matter what size boobs a girl has. I completely agree with you when you said that all women are beautiful, this is so true. It doesn't matter what color skin you have or when background you come from. It doesn't matter what size jeans you wear or what brand of jeans it is. People can be so wrapped up in the media and others opinions that they stop to smell the roses. Girls forget that we are all just women; we will never win if we are constantly worrying about the next look and what’s what and who's who. All people, men and women alike, can be small minded. They think about the now rather than later. You can go and get a breast implant now but later you will come to regret it for many different reasons. Girls may want smaller boobs and then down the road realize that they actually like their boobs the way they were before. Like I said before the grass is and will always be greener on the other side. You always want the next best thing and once you get it you realize that it's not all hyped up to be what it was. It is time to face the facts, people want what they can't have, if they do have it they don't want it anymore. To those people I say take time to appreciate what you do have. I just feel bad for those people who actually do like what they are given, whether it is the size of their boobs or the food on their plate. These people really do like what they have but are looked down on because of it, they are considered vein or conceded. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:17:20 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68235269 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66684245 Wow, I don't know what these people where thinking when they created a game like this. I have to honestly say that this video is so appalling it is funny. It makes me laugh at the thought of someone actually playing this game, not because I think playing it is a good idea but because just the thought of someone thinking this game is okay is...well funny. How can someone play a game like this and not feel some kind of nasty way about it later. I don't even know how this is legal. Perhaps it is a cultural thing, don't most Asians treat their women like crap? I am guessing this has a huge part to play with the creation of the game. People say that marijuana is the gate way drug to everything else. If this is so then this game is by far a gateway "drug" to actual rape and other horrible things. I suppose, in some sick twisted way, I could maybe...perhaps...understand why men would want to play this game, maybe for the thrill or whatever but it is not right. Children, young adults, and adults should not be playing a game like this. The maker is just pretty much condoning rape, I guarantee it wasn't a women who created that shit. I want to punch whoever made that game right in the dome. What is even more sickening though is that people would actually buy this. The person that actually made this game may have his reasons, for example money, perhaps he knew a game like this would sell. I just can’t believe that people would send their money on this game. It makes me wonder about what people are really capable of. It is surprising that the UK couple actually approved of this game. It is quite disturbing. She said that she played the game, she saw for herself what was going on and yet she still thinks it is okay. There is something wrong with people. There is nothing right bout. Sure the game sensors private parts but nonetheless it is the thought that counts. The whole idea of the game is rape and it is not right by any means. I actually went on YouTube to see exactly what the reporter was talking about and to see exactly what the game consisted of and I still do not approve of it at all. Honestly, watching the video proved to me how wrong the game actually is. How would these people feel if their children got a hold of this game? This is teaching children that rape is okay. I honestly cannot believe that this is legal and something needs to be seriously done about this issue. Fri, 9 Apr 2010 00:19:24 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66684245 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66663583 First I'd like to say that agree with you when you said a lot of the things Sam talked about it just facts, interesting, but still facts. Second, I would like to say don't be quick to judge people about their opinions not changing. People have a reason for thinking the way they think whether is be right or wrong. I, for example, have not have my opinion changed in class at all. This is because I agree with everything Sam has said in class. I have thought the way he does for quite sometime now so therefore I do not need any change of mind/thought. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 22:14:42 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66663583 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66662776 This is actually a great question. I was wondering the say thing myself. I personally do not thing that he has changed my mind about any one thing. Not because I do not agree with what he is saying but it is actually opposite. I agree with everything that he is saying but I have been thinking this way for a while now, before Soc. 119. I do have to say that I love the topics he brings up and I am glad he addresses issues the way he does. Like I said though, I agree with everything he has said so if anything it just verified what I was wondering/thinking before Soc 119. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 22:10:00 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66662776 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/revisioning-the-revisioning-stage__trashed/#IDComment65278227 I am glad this question came up. I am black and I have lived in a white community ever since I was in the third grade. So obviously my school experience, from elementary through college, has been a bit different for me. I was forced to confront race at a very young age. I was always insecure with myself and had a really hard time liking the color of my skin, I just wanted to fit in and look like everyone else. Let me put it this way, I would have been one of those your girls to pick the white doll instead of the black one. It took me a long time, actually college, to finally accept that it was okay to not have liked my skin color at one point. I felt ashamed that I once thought black was ugly and white was beautiful. It makes perfect sense now that I think back on it why I would have thought that way. I actually didn’t know until Soc 119 that other black people had the same feelings I once had; I thought that it was just me. It was also hard for me to not have anyone to relate to or talk about my feeling when it came to race, when I say “all white school” that’s what I mean. I haven’t ever had a black friend, unless you count my older brother. It was hard and stressful at times to grow up and constantly try to stick up for myself and black people in general. I was comforted with racism all the time and I had no one to help me out. For me it was white all day everyday all the time. My best friends where, and still are, white, my crushes where white, my teachers where all white, and the people I fought with were white. I think it would have been nice to have people, or at least one person around, who looked like me. Friends told me that Penn State had a bunch of black people, so I came with high hope that maybe I could make some black friends, I now realize this school is almost just like my old one except with a bit more pepper in the mix. Nonetheless, I believe growing up in a place where so many people looked like me really helped open my eyes to certain issues. I am a very open-minded person, whether it is race relations or gay marriage and I think a lot of it had to do with me growing up in the white community. I think that if people would get out of their “comfort bubble” and put themselves in other people's shoes, like I had to, they wouldn't be racist or hate gays. People would be so much more open-minded about things if they had to opportunity to live with people who were different than them, whether it is race, culture, gays, etc. Although I was forced to live with people who didn't look like me, I know it shaped who I am today. Sometimes people need to be put in a different environment to be able to truly see that we are not all that different after all. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 19:39:10 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/revisioning-the-revisioning-stage__trashed/#IDComment65278227 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/revisioning-the-revisioning-stage__trashed/#IDComment65270520 First of all, it seems that you don't know what you are talking about. I am thinking that you grew up in an environment that where almost everyone looked like you? Don't automatically jump to conclusions about a person, she could be here at Penn State many different reasons. She could have black and white friends. Remember she grew up in a community with all black people so maybe she is just trying to be around people who look like her so she can truly find her place. This doesn't mean she hasn't "stayed true" to anything. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 19:12:42 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/revisioning-the-revisioning-stage__trashed/#IDComment65270520 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/flip-the-script-for-a-moment__trashed/#IDComment64219710 I agree, some people are just so damn stubborn. If people would just listen and take in other cultures or opinions they maybe able to see things a bit more clearly. It is okay to have a strong point of view about something but its not okay to just ignore the other side. People need to be more open-minded about things because if they were they, perhaps, wouldn't say, "It is what it is and lets not talk about it." I find it is quite eye opening when I look at another person's point of view. It helps me be able to relate to other people better, once you try and understand a different side of the argument that is really when an argument can begin. Ignorance isn't a very good thing to bring into an issue and if you put yourself in someone else's place the gap between ignorance and enlightenment gets smaller. That is why, for example, men need to really think about what it means for a women to get her period and go through a dreadful body change once a month. Then they can really decide for themselves if they feel comfortable enough talking about periods and why that is they are or are not comfortable. That is why people need to put themselves in the postion of the Native Americans and then decide whether or not they should feel guilty for living on red land. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:57:35 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/flip-the-script-for-a-moment__trashed/#IDComment64219710 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment64072351 "Fox News tells them that it is bad, so instead of thinking for themselves, they instead make signs to oppose it and threaten our congressmen. We put up with eight years of the Bush/Cheney administration, and as a result we are involved in two ill-advised wars and are over a trillion dollars in debt." I like how romagnic said this, because it is very true. What is Obama doing wrong people!??! Nothing, he is just trying to help the country, what makes him any different than any other president besides the obvious color. But this is not about me or what I believe or even about you and what you believe. This is about that fact that people are legally able to express their feels, thoughts, and like or dislikes in public, which is great. But, there is a line between expressing your thoughts and feelings and being aggressive and angry. When I disagree with someone I do not go straight for a low blow. If I want to eat at BK and my friend wants to eat at McDonald's I am not going to spit in his face and call him the worst name I can think of. People are immature and need to grow up. The protesters would actually be better heard and listen to with a level head, not shouting and name calling. I remember when Sam put up the post about the soccer games over in Europe. It said that fan would yell at the black players and call them moneys. I have to admit that I felt a kind of guilty joy over the fact that America wasn't like that and wouldn't put up with hate like that, but I obviously am mistaken. I have a great shame for the people who express themselves the way they do in this so called Tea Party. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:07:02 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment64072351 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64064990 I think that reason men are not more educated about the menstrual cycle is quite obvious, they don't get them. They feel as though it doesn't affect the directly so there is really no need to know about it. Because men don't get there period, I also feel as though they look down on it. A woman having her period only affects a man if he is either living with women, and so therefore has to put up with her mood swings, or is trying to have sex with a woman and cannot because it is that time of the month. I do honestly believe that because only have of the human race, women, get a monthly period it is not "okay" to talk about. If, though, both men and women got their period it would be more openly talked about because everyone has to experience the cycle. As Sam has said before, the country has been mainly dominated by white men. As he pointed out, the history books and country make up is, and always has been, male dominated. If I remember correctly, and I know that I do, women were not respect for quite some time, in the past. Women were looked down upon and treat unfairly. Women, to put it more plainly, were treated like slaves at times. They were raped and beaten by their husbands and it was looked at as okay. Because of this, women were meant to feel ashamed that they got their period. Men didn’t go through the cycle so, of course, it was used to shame women. But, women are finally, after so long, able to find their own place in there world, which is not beside their husbands. Women are now becoming the strong and intelligent creatures that they are. Sure it is not “okay” to talk about a menstrual cycle in public now, but one day it will be. One day women will feel comfortable raising their hands in class in front of the men and say “Yeah, I have my period. So what?” As for the question about whether tampons would be free if men had their period, I say no. That would be ridiculous. That is like asking is tampons are not free because women only used them, as if it is some kind of decimation again women. Men and women have to both pay for things that they both use like; toilet paper, clothes, food water, gas, cigarettes, ext. Now, I do think that the price for tampons might go up a little if everyone needed to use them, that way they could make even more money off of us for something that we need. But, we all know, that will never happen. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:09:43 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64064990 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment62815384 It is a fact that blacks, on average, face more racism than whites, they have in the past and they still do. This being said I think that it is obvious that blacks will take offense to comments easier than whites do. Whites may laugh off an inappropriate comment and not say anything where as blacks feel as though they need to stick up for themselves. I feel as though blacks don't take inappropriate comments lightly because of everything that has happened in the past and all of the proof of racism towards blacks. I also feel a reason why some whites do not say anything when something rude is said it because of how people would personally look at them. People may think something like, "You're white what are you complaining about?" or "You think this is racism? Look at what I have been through." Anyway, I'm not saying that it is right, I just think that it is something we are all used to by now, blacks complain about racism and whites, usually, don't. I'm not saying its right, but that's how it is. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:25:25 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment62815384 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment62814006 I think that when Sam address the black/brown students in class he is simply doing it because blacks and browns are minority and he wants to know their opinion, feelings, est. When he addresses white students he wants to know the opinion of the majority. So, there for anyone who is of a mixed race is obviously of the minority group and should there for consider themselves "black/brown". Now, I am not saying that your mixed friend cannot answer or consider himself white, clearly he is..so therefore he can do just that, all I am saying is that he is part something else and so therefore he is apart of the minority. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:14:08 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment62814006 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/fired-for-a-scarf__trashed/#IDComment59930749 Wow, I can't believe this is still happening. It makes me want to cry just watching it. This is ridiculous! People need to get with the times and stop discriminating against minorities. I hope that girl can stay strong while she is going through this. I only wish that more people would support her rather than threaten to hurt her. She is just sticking up for herself and to be honest I would and will do the same damn thing if I have to! You go girl!! Fri, 5 Mar 2010 19:53:52 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/fired-for-a-scarf__trashed/#IDComment59930749 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment59927279 I think that this is a great observation. I am actually surprised by a lot of the comments. Most people are saying that they have never noticed that not a lot of black people are on certain shows. I, being black, have noticed. My parents, siblings and I joke about it a lot and I figured that it was just obvious to everyone. What I want to know is why it seems that people of color seem to be noticing this more than whites? Do white people just notice or do they not care? Or is it that people of color are just paranoid and notice everything? Lol. :-) Fri, 5 Mar 2010 19:21:13 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment59927279 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment59926264 "This one made me a laugh a little bit – I never noticed the overwhelming whiteness of 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette' before."<< This is interesting to me. Mainly because, I am black, when I watch these show on television it becomes obvious right away to me that there are, not only no black people but minorities in general. I am not racist in anyway shape or form, being that my mom is half white, but I still notice when no one of color is on a show like this. Actually...now that I think about it, I notice it more when a person of color actually IS on the show. I'll be watching and think to myself "Hey! There's a black guy on here!" I am just used to there not being one. I agree with what you said early on. MTV and VH1 do pertain to the younger crowd so I don't think they are worried so much about losing ratings or something like that, by upsetting their viewers. I also think though, that perhaps these dating shows are also about the "main charterer's" preference. I wouldn't want to go on a dating show and have a bunch of guys I know I won't be interested in because, let’s say, they’re 50 years older than me. I think that-that might be the case here. I'm not trying to sound like a black paranoid person when I say this but maybe he/she just doesn't want to date a minority. Sure it might be wrong or whatever but that is a different topic. Now, you asked if people of color feel a moral obligation to positively represent their race. I, being a black female, am here to answer. When I was in second grade I moved from Harrisburg to Centre County. I was about 6 or 7 then. I have lived here ever since. I don't know if you have noticed but, there are not a lot of black people around here. I went to an "all white" school and yes, I did feel an obligation to my race represent them and break down the stereotypes. I had to make sure I acted "right", walked "right", talked "right", and not do or say anything that I thought white people would expect a black person to do or say. A lot of this just meant keeping my head down and agreeing with everyone. I pretty much trained myself to be a walking "black" icon for my white classmates. Now I am not saying that I am perfect by any means, I am just saying that if someone asked me where I wanted to go out to eat I wasn't quick to say KFC, if you know what I mean. It is stressful and hard. I am almost 20 now and although I did mature and grow up, I still find myself at times trying to just agree with what white people say because I think if I don't they will think it is because I am black, not because I just genuinely think something different. Actually, at this very moment I am making sure that nothing is spelled wrong and punctuation is correct so that I am not perceived as an ignorant black person. It is a habit that I have fallen into over the years and something that I am trying to get away from. I just want to add that I think it is great that you, being white, were able to be put in my shoes, if even for a week or so. I appreciate that you have an understanding of where I am coming from because most of my best friends, who are all white, do not. Thank you for sharing you experience as a minority and thanks for wanting to hear my point of view. Just never forget that when you meet a person of color, let's say, on campus that maybe that are feeling the way you once felt in Europe...and don't put too much pressure on them. :-) Fri, 5 Mar 2010 19:11:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment59926264 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58724688 I completely agree with you. I think that people here the information and they take it in but they are detached from it. This kind of thing can be taken quite a few different ways and everyone has a different reaction. I have to personally say that yeah, I do feel bad for the Native Americans but there is nothing I can do now to take it back. To be quite honest, my people weren't even apart of this. I am black and my ancestors were slave, they had no choice, they were forced over here and so therefore I get some kind of out. Nonetheless, I still do feel bad that they have horrible living conditions and here I am getting prepared for State Patties Day. But as I said before, there is nothing we can really do now. This happened hundreds of years ago. That is why I think some people do not feel bad about the living conditions of some of the Native Americas. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:54:18 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58724688