ImRonBurgundy

ImRonBurgundy

17p

9 comments posted · 1 followers · following 0

13 years ago @ Race Relations Project - South Park...off the h... · 0 replies · +1 points

South Park is amazing because it says what everyone in society is thinking but is too afraid to say because its taboo. Don’t exclude anyone. They make fun of every group of people, including themselves. south Park makes social commentary in a subtle way, in that they are able to present the issues facing society without making a judgement. Similarly to Dave Chappele presents racism as an absurd thing, South Park presents society as an absurd thing, but doesn’t preach. In the Tiger Woods episode, they point out how absurd it is that rich, successful men should be monogamous. I feel that South Park features children. The children always get it. But the arents never do. The kids are the only people smart enough to et wats going on. It points out how ignorant adults can often be and how closed minded they can be. For example, the handicapped kid named timmy starts a band and cince hes retarded the music is “terrible.” The parents get mad because the music sucks, but the kids cheer just to support him and have a goo time. bottom line, the parents never get it...but the kids usually do. Despite the controversy and absurdity, there is often a lesson or morale tat comes with South Park. The lessons aren’t precahy in vibe, but they suggest new idea that should eb considered. they just want you to think outside the box, just like Sam Richards wants us to. It serves as a release from stress because its humor, but it also shows uncensored commentary that nooone else says. South Park is the most entertaining source of life lessons i’ve ever seen. Civilised societies have been in place for so long, but we still do give the knowledge to the next genertion. My parents have taught me alot, granted, but I feel like they hold back. We learn shit in school about math and english and whatnot and noone teaches us how to live in the real world. South Park actually does this. It tells us hen were being douches, and when were right. I may be exaggerating, but I really think we need to educate people on simply how to think. Because alot of us simply don’t think. south Park gives you access to things ou don’t always thnk about. South PArk probably isn’t the best source of life lessons, but they are the only people that really through their opinions out there. It can be too offensive for older and younger people. Nevertheless, at the end of the show they always learn something and more often then not their right. Not only is it funny, but its genius. Its such a scarce resource. Matt stone and Trey Parker are not just comedic geinuses but life geniuses.

13 years ago @ Race Relations Project - Christian Invaders - t... · 0 replies · +2 points

I don't think Sam is seriously suggesting that Christians are actually trying to take over the world. I think he's suggesting that, to the average Arab Muslim, it may seem like some Christians are trying to take over the world. That said, it's not so hard to see the rationale behind some terrorists actions against the U.S.

Basicaly, it seems as though each side is killing the other because they fear violence from the other. Each side believes they are defending their own people from terrorists. In my opionion at least.

13 years ago @ Race Relations Project - How Can We Ever "Win"? · 0 replies · +1 points

I think what the girl meant by how we “win” is at what point is a race relations class no longer needed. I think the answer is when we as a society have eliminated racism in all forms. Furthermore, when people stop stereotyping each other and feel equally comfortable with people of all races.
On an individual level, I think I’ll have “won” when I don’t stereotype anyone or make assumptions based on skin color. I think if I can appreciate my whiteness and also appreciate other culture then I have won.
As a society I don’t think we are going to “win” in any of our lifetimes. Racism is simply too deeply rooted to be 100% exterminated. That said, I think we can get pretty close to winning, say 95% of the way there, within the next few generations. I think as more and more people begin to marry outside their race and fewer and fewer people are 100% white or 100% black that will also force us to be less racist.
As far as the LL Bean catalog, I think people need to chill out about that. Sam was simply showing that some people look down on members of their own race, who in their opinions, don’t act like there race. Examples include black people who get annoyed when other black people “talk white” or white people who hate wiggers. I think when people feel comfortable with their own race, talking about race with others then they too, have won.
The first step towards winning is education. You have to be aware of the problem to be able to fix it. I think race relations classes should be taught in high school so that everyone can really have their minds opened at early age. I do however, she a problem arising if there aren’t enough crazy teachers like Sam who can actually teach this stuff in an unbiased way.
Furthermore, we as a society just need to simply talk about race more, like we do in our weekly discussion groups. Personally, I have really enjoyed the experience and know that people can really learn a lot and grow a lot as people by talking about race among a group of people who are very diverse.
In conclusion, I feel as though racism isn’t going to go away anytime soon. However, we have made some great strides in the past 100 years, heck a black man is President after all. I think we as a society just need to stay committed to equality and judging people by the content of their character. If we do that, the rest will take care of itself.

14 years ago @ Race Relations Project - Flip the Script for a ... · 0 replies · +1 points

With regards to whether or not there are questions that “just shouldn’t be asked”, I think that we should be able, in the right situation ask any question. However, some questions are sensitive and cover topics that quite frankly people don’t want to listen to. A topic like bleeding for example would be better suited for a medical class or a women’s studies class.
I think the menstrual cycle thing was hilarious and possibly brilliant. I completely agree that this “mans world” has shaped women to believe that their periods are gross and shameful. However, maybe they are gross? We don’t talk about our shits all the time, so why should we talk about menstruation.
However, at the same time, I understand why people like Sam want EVERY topic to be fair game for debate 100% of the time. Such extreme open-mindedness is healthy and great if you are comfortable with it. But not everyone is comfortable with it and you shouldn’t be forced to listen to topics you are uncomfortable with.
Sam, I agree 100%. I had my own “awakening” about 6 months ago when I realized that I actually enjoyed questioning life and learning was no longer a pain in the ass, but a thirst that constantly needs quenching.
Some questions I feel have been left unanswered are: Why don’t we talk about the extermination of the Native Americans? And why do we only have two parties?
First off, the Native American thing bothers me more than any other social issue. We have black history month, we’ve embraced a lot of black culture like hip hop and such, and we acknowledge that slavery was a horrible crime. However we have not REALLY acknowledged the tremendous crimes we committed against the Native Americans. We don’t have Native American history month, we don’t celebrate their culture at all. They are simply forgotten.
How can this be? Personally, I think the government can accept acknowledging that this “nation of freedom” was founded by eliminating an entire race of people. Furthermore, I think far too many Americans are content with saying “Well it’s a shame but it’s too late to do anything about it…so stop talking about.” My father has that attitude and it absolutely infuriates me. Sam is right this is RED LAND.
I’m not asking for reparations or anything like that. I simply want 1) a formal, written government apology and 2) more discussion about what really happened to the Native Americans, especially in schools.
As far as the two party thing I mentioned earlier, I think the two parties are conspiring to prevent third parties from breaking into a mainstream and increase competition. If we had more legitimate parties we could actually have diversity in our Congress.

14 years ago @ Race Relations Project - Fired for a Scarf · 0 replies · +1 points

What Abercrombie did to that poor girl was most definitely racist. She should sue the hell out of them because they HIRED her knowing that she was going to wear that scarf.
What Abercrombie should have done is NOT having hired her in the first place. Some jobs should be able to hire specific people to their specific niche. (Flight attendants have height requirements; Personal Trainers should have to be in good shape etc) Abercrombie has very specific, rice, preppy, yacht club kind of look and the scarf doesn’t fit it. In fact, if they had told her in the first place that she couldn’t be hired if she was going to wear that scarf I might have been okay with that.
But that is what happened. They DID hire her, knowing she would be wearing that scarf. They then later FIRED that girl for wearing that scarf. That’s flat out inexcusable. Its serious racism and should be dealt with accordingly.
I am going to back track to the statement I made about how some jobs need to hire people of a certain look. Within reason, I think that sort of discrimination is ok. For example if a pizza shop only wants to hire Italians that’s fine because personally, (and I think most people would agree) I would prefer my pizza made by Italians as opposed to Irish, Russian, or Asian people. Similarly, I do not have a problem with Abercrombie telling people what they can and can’t wear even if it’s their “religious beliefs”. Religious beliefs are chosen. If you choose to wear religious articles of clothing in an Abercrombie, a Hot Topic (goth store) or something like that they should be allowed to NOT hire you. But once you’re hired, if they knew about your religious requirements, they should be able to change their minds and fire you for it.
Furthermore, I think we need to be weary of “over equalizing” everything. Certainly discrimination is most often wrong and a bad thing in general, but political correctness and over sensitivity towards peoples differences. I don’t want to live in a world where anyone who is different can blame the fact that you didn’t hire them on some superficial fact about how they look. Because lets be real here: LOOKS MATTER. They do. They just do and it’s a fact. You shouldn’t sue a modeling agency if they don’t hire you because you’re fat and have poor facial symmetry. The fact of the matter is that some peoples looks CAN and WILL cause you to have fewer customers and/or lose revenue. I don’t think we should necessarily force jobs to hire everyone. That said, I know modeling agencies don’t hire fat people, and although that was probably a poor comparison it made my point that if we let political correctness and diversity apply to too much of our daily lives, it will cripple us and have a negative impact on society.
In conclusion, Abercrombie was wrong, give the girl some money, but be careful in the future.

14 years ago @ Race Relations Project - LGBT Class: Question Six · 0 replies · +1 points

Why are lesbians more accepted than gay men?
Because most men love lesbians while fearing the social repercussions of being a gay man/associating with gay men.
In my 21 years of life experience I have never met a man who disapproved of two hot women having sexual relations. In fact most guys I know, including myself, LOVE lesbians. Why?
1.What’s more arousing than one superhot naked female body…that’s right…TWO superhot naked female bodies.
2.The novelty factor. Watching two chicks make out at a party makes guys cheer. Why? Because it’s not normal. At parties it’s often a sign of drunkenness and promiscuity…two things the average college guys can’t get enough of.
3.This one’s a longshot, but I’ll mention it anyway. Why else are two hot girls who aren’t afraid to mess around with each other hot? Because it leads to the thought that, ”wow if I can seduce one of these lesbian/bisexuals…perhaps I can fulfill my ultimate guy fantasy…a threesome with two hot girls! Giggity goo!
Being gay is social suicide in most male friendship groups, especially in middle school/high school and usually into adulthood
1. Being gay, is often interpreted as being the antithesis of manly. Gays are often shunned in high school by the rest of the “heterosexual” male population. They usually just end up having a shitload of female friends.
2. That said, if you are friends with gays/support gays, you will be interested as being gay yourself by many guys and this will often result in being shunned from the heterosexual male community.
I think part of the reason homophobia runs rampant in male circles is in part because traditional masculinity is based almost entirely on the goal of seducing as many beautiful women as possible. Why do guys go to the gym, pick up a guitar, or play high school football. Yes, its partially because they love those activities, but a lot of it has to do with the perceived increase in seduction abilities by people who are really good at those things. Furthermore, being attracted to females is such a core factor in the construction of traditionally male personality that to NOT be attracted to women makes it very difficult to assimilate with the rest of the heterosexual male population. It would be like an avid anime player who hates sports trying to befriend the meatheads at the gym. They simply have very little in common. For better or for worse, liking big titties and wanting to fuck hot bitches is so important in a heterosexual males life, especially if they think about sex every 10 seconds or whatever the myth is. For gay men, this means they have a much harder time finding personality traits in common with most heterosexual men and that’s why I believe its very hard to them to integrate in the heterosexual male community.

14 years ago @ Race Relations Project - All That is Solid Melt... · 0 replies · +1 points

The loss of language is truly tragic. One of the problems with todays globalizations is the dying of cultures. We humans seem to be moving towards a melting pot world, but some cultural identities are not holding on. For example, even though they have some reservations and other means of living. The native Americans of the united states have been losing their culture for generations. What was once hundred of proud cultures and languages is now down to just a few hundred the wast majority of which are not very well known. The native Americans a re restricted to these reservations that are surrounded by normal united states cities. The children of these cultures have been losing theoir language and cultural identitiys The have been too integrated in that they have lost touch with their native American roots in favor of a white and Christianized society. This is tragic because the native Americans used to be one of the prouydest and most unique cultures on the planet. It is also important not to lump native Americans together as if they are a single race when infatc that represent hundreds of different cultures and ethnoic identities. Unfortunately there is not much we can do to prevent language loss and culture loss in the united tastes and in the rest of the world. WE could form laws to write down these languages but if no one speaks it then who cares it’s a dead langiage like latin. Similarly white America is losing ots culture as well. It used to be that whites weren’t one category either. There were irish, german, English, whatever. Now everyone is just white.
To play devils advocate, maybe this is actually a good thing. Individual cultures have led to tons of war and violence. Perhaps if we keep integrated as we are, some day their will only be one culture and that’s ok with me. In fact I think that may solve many of our problems. I’m running out of time two minutes, oh my god, I gotta type faster, but I suck at typing. Heres 350.

14 years ago @ Race Relations Project - Avatar and the White M... · 0 replies · +1 points

I saw the movie Avatar and it tells a story we have heard before. Their is a group of aliens that live a very different lifestyle than the humans. The aliens love nature, shoot bow and arrows, and do not care for money or power. (aka The Native Americans) The aliens live on a planet with a plethora of valuable resources.(aka North America) and the humans (aka white people) decided to violently attack the aliens (aka Native Americans), steal their land, and ruin their lives...all in the name of resources and profit. The hero is a human (white guy), yes, BUT, he is a hero because he turns his back on white people and becomes a member of the alien (native american culture). So what is the message here? White people are bad? Or The White Messiah theory. Perhaps its both? That way the non-whites in the audience enjoy the movie AND the whites love it too. Maybe its just a movie and the meaning dosen't matter? I don't know if Brooks is right or not but his ideas are certainly plausible. I also agree with Sam's statement about not being able to fully understand your culture without the input of someone outside your culture.

14 years ago @ Race Relations Project - Clubbing the "Bejesus"... · 0 replies · +1 points

Being raised a Christian, it frustrates me to see Pat Robertson setting Christians further back than when Kanye West set black people back when he shit on Taylor Swift’s video of the year award.
While I do agree that you shouldn’t always view the world in moral black and whites, I feel that occasionally it can be acceptable.
Pat Roberson is a douche. However, Keith Olbermann is also a douche. Pat Robertson is a douche because he scares people into listening to him and giving him money. Keith Olbermann is a douche because he thinks anyone who is religious or conservative is stupid and close-minded.
The honest truth about this religion is that we have no fucking clue. And when someone makes a really good guess, millions and millions of people follow them. It becomes dangerous when people start hating and killing each other over these “guesses”.
God should have sent her son (if she had one) today, not 2000 years ago. That way we could watch his sermons and miracles on youtube instead of killing each other differing interpretations of a 2000 year old book with no proper citations.
Both Robertson and Olbermann are prime examples of people who use media to impose their (often insane) views on the masses. People need to realize that you listen to other people to shape you views. You need to research the issues for yourself and learn from your experiences in order to gain true knowledge and wisdom.
We spend so much time working on our careers we never stop to really question and think critically about why we believe what we believe.
That’s why people who are brought up racist often stay racist. That’s why people who were brought up to worship the flying spaghetti monster stay Italian.
While we’re on the topic…how the hell did Italians come up with such good food? I wish I was Italian sometimes. My Irish ancestors spent so much time drinking beer that they couldn’t come up with any good cuisine except potatoes. Actually that’s historically false. I think.
I need to write a hundred more words? Shit! Well it’s a race class so I’ll talk about black people. I love black people. Although I was often frustrated by their domination of my high school in most of the sports I played. Except hockey. I only saw one black ice hockey player in my whole high school hockey career. He was the best player on their team. It’s just a matter of time until black people take over hockey too. But that’s ok with me. I love black people. Lil Jon is my hero.