I find this very hard to relate to. It's hard to put myself in this man's shoes because I have never even been inside a prison, or known anyone who has been imprisoned for an extended period of time. It's a life I have never had contact with. However, although it is hard for me to envision, I still do appreciate it. The view that globally, as a society, views prisoners is one that views inmates as barbaric and almost animal-like. We neglect to realize that these people are in fact, also human. They are capable of compassion and emotions, as this inmate said. It's amazing that the man, in prison, who he told the story about, when putting his arm around the other man whose son had died, is capable of putting all hate aside and able to support and comfort. There is a girl who I have hated ever since high school. I live day to day life like a normal human being, not mor or less in a "cage" like these lifers do. Yet, I know that if something happened, I would be completely incapable of comforting her and unsympathetic towards her. Maybe it's because I have so many more people in my day to day life, that I don't need her and I don't need to feel "relief" and compassion by giving it to her. I have other people to do that for me. However, by reading this man's letter I was able to be amazed by how an environment that permits you of love and support from many, causes you to give and receive compassion from those around you, because you are so yearning for that compassion yourself. There is not much opportunity for this, as we have, and maybe that's why they do it. We take our opportunities and advantages for granted. We don't realize how much the simple things like support and comfort are important to us as humans. Maybe it takes a lack of these things, to realize what they really mean, and how much we really need them. I remember thinking, that one doesn't do a good deed just to do a good deed, but rather, the person needs to get something out of it. There is no such thing as "unselfish". What I mean by this is that by for example, giving someone compassion, relieves you. It makes YOU feel good about doing that for someone. And I think that this inmate realized this here. Not saying I'm as wise as he is, or have had the same experiences, but it definitely assures my thoughts. This was an amazing letter to me. It makes sense though. That a life of solitude enclosed in the same place all the time, can really make you think about life, and who we are as human beings. I think that's just what this man did in this letter. I thank him for sharing this with us.

During class when we talked about women's boobs and appearance, I actually got very fired up. Not once did anyone mention anything that's "beautiful" about a woman besides her boob size or what she looks like on the outside. Women, are so much more than what they look like, whether their skin is clear, their boobs are big, their stomachs are flat, or their asses are the perfect shape. Being a woman is beautiful in other ways than just appearance. As a woman myself, I am thankful that I am fortunate enough to have the characteristics that make me a woman. For instance, I am thankful that I have two ovaries, a vagina, a uterus and even more, the ability to give life!!! And under normal circumstances, all women have this. This is not to say that if you happen to get sick and have to remove an ovary, that you're less of a woman, because being a woman is even MORE than that. Women are natural care takers, natural providers, or at least we all hope so. A woman's nice ass or size of boobs does not make her more of a woman! Ok, I have small boobs, and I won't sit here and tell you that some days I don't wish to have bigger ones and get upset about how small mine are. However, then I realize that there are beautiful women who don't have big boobs, just like me. And then there are beautiful women who do have big boobs and who are heavy set, and other beautiful women who are skinny just like me. I believe that in Hollywood all types of women are in fact portrayed. Kiera Knightly is so skinny whereas Beyonce has a shape, she is voluptuous. Both women are viewed as beautiful women, although both have extremely different body types. And then there are women like Queen Latifah who is shown in Hollywood. I think she is beautiful. She is heavy set, yet she is smart, and confident and successful. To me, that's beautfiful. We need to realize that under normal circumstances, all we women are the same. We make look different on the outside but we still consist of the same things that make us women, and that in itself is what makes us all great. Women need to stop comparing themselves to what they see in Hollywood and in magazines, because not often are those airbrushed and not real anyway, but those women are just like you!!! We're all the same!!! This is can also be related to race relations. Appearance means nothing. My skin could be white, while the person next to me can be black or brown, but on the inside our blood is the same color. Even on the outside, we all have two eyes a nose a mouth, we're more similar than people think and each person is unique and great in their own way; and that's not just me talking bullshit, I truly believe that. Big boobs, small boobs, black, brown, orange, purple, yellow, green, who cares? Being a woman is about so much more than that, being a human is so much more than all of that, so much more than our APPEARANCE. We all need to embrace that about ourselves, and love ourselves for how we were created.

This is a very interesting question. I am very curious to know how other people respond to this question. However, in my case, what Sam says has not changed my opinions about much anymore. There are times, when what he presents, does make me think, as he intends. I walk out of class a lot and continue conversations with my friends about topics we've talked about in class and aspects of issues that Sam brings up. However, Sam often times intends to get us to think, yet I feel enforces his views upon us. As a student, sometimes, it makes me angry. I understand that it is difficult to teach the subject matter that Sam teaches without being biased, but sometimes I feel as if what he is saying is "right" and what everyone else believes in "wrong". Like for instance, when Sam was talking about how we're all to blame for taking Native American land, that really made me angry, because I do not feel that way at all, and I felt as if he was pressuring us to feel the way he felt about it. However, there are also certain issues that Sam talks about that I already hold the same opinion about. It makes me wonder though, that for those who do not hold the same opinion as him, how it makes them feel about those issues. I know for me, it makes me a little mad. Also, I think that when Sam does teach his lessons in a "biased" way, it doesn't change people's opinions, but rather makes them stick stronger to their own. Like when he was talking about LGBT issues there was much I agreed with. However, when we talked about it in discussion, there was a boy in my class who stood stronger to his viewpoint than before. I think also, that Sam educates though. Although I still hold the same views and opinions I did before on most subject matters, I do feel more educated about subjects. For instance, like affirmative action. When he explained that white women are the majority of people who receive the benefits of affirmative action, I learned something that I didn't before, because I always thought it was racial minorities. However, although I learned this, it did not change how I felt about the unfairness of affirmative action. Also, when he presents interesting statistics, I learn the extent of things, but it does not change my view of anything. A lot of the issues Sam presents, are ones that are already major in society. People already hold their own viewpoints, and have held these viewpoints, and have been raised with these views. It is difficult in one class, to change the way a person thinks about something, when they have been so strong-held on a belief for possibly their entire life. Sam does a good job in presenting information to those who are ignorant about issues, but when a belief is so engrained in someone, then it is very difficult to presents facts and just change the way they think. I enjoy Sam's class a lot, and I enjoy the topics we talk about. I become educated, but he does not change my opinion on a lot.

I also had an issue with the LL Bean catalog. I hardly saw any point to it. I know plenty black people who dress like the black people int he LL Bean catalog. I don't think the way you dress, in any way, determines whether you're "black enough" or "white enough". And also, you have to think of LL Bean from a business stand point. In order to sell to a wider range of races, they needed to be presented in the ads. LL Bean cannot just create a "black person" clothing line, and if they did, what would that consist of? Baggy jeans and oversized tee-shirts for black men? If that's not stereotypical, then I don't know what is. I guess then to clarify my point, I'm saying that not all black people dress in the way that black people are thought to be dressed, and not all white people dress like what's perceived in the LL Bean catalog, and more specifically, certain styles of clothing are not "limited" to certain races, which I believe is apparent.
Also, when she asks the question whether we could ever win or not, and what the point of the class is, I believe that's what the class actually is. It's meant to ask questions, and if there was an answer to the question, then this class wouldn't exist at all. In my discussion group, we talked about why we bring these topics up in the first place, because the controversy is still going to exist. I believe it's because it's important to talk about the issues and realize they exist, and realize what YOU can do on an individual level to solve the issues, although this may not solve the issue on a universal scale. One to change and acknowledge is one start. And to think about these issues and realize they exist is the first step in solving problems. It's not about winning in society, it's about realizing how you as a person can change. It's about thinking. That's the point of the class.

The word "bleeding" is interesting, and I took offense to it to, just as this girl did. "Bleeding" for some reason is more uncomfortable, at least for me, then "menstruation", or "period". I think it's because its the act of actually what is happening, and that is what people are uncomfortable about. Ok, let's be honest, the topic of periods is a pretty gross one. The idea of bleeding from a vagina is just pretty nasty, and that's the way we were socialized to think. On the other hand, if men bled from their penis' I think we'd all be just as grossed out and uncomfortable, I know I would be. I also agree with this girl about her happiness about having her period. Although it is annoying, uncomfortable, and often times a painful experience, I am grateful for my ability to one day give birth; I hope to one day become a mother. It is a natural process and it is beautiful, however Sam pushed this "natural process" argument a little too far. He compared it to hair growing, toe nails growing (which is gross too) and hunger. Bleeding from your vagina is not the same!
Although the issue of periods is a very uncomfortable one, it is one that men do have to be open to learn about though! Girls can share information about their periods with other girls without feeling ashamed. But to share this information and talk about periods with another guy, does not happen, because guys never want to hear about it. Guys make no effort to open up to it and understand it, which is understandable, however in order to understand women guys, you have to open up a little! In order to understand you girlfriend's, sister's, wife's, mother's mood swings, sicknesses, and weird symptoms (like the clumsiness and lack of vision I get during my period) guys need to make an effort and simply get over it. Support us guys, because without us, you would never have been born in the first place ;). We, as women, are the breeders and the care takers, you just help in the process. Open up to what made you and the sex who will continue your line and legacy. Bleeding, an uncomfortable subject? Most definitely. Needed to be talked about? Absolutely.

This is a very interesting topic to bring up. It is true that Sam often refers to different races in terms of simply, "people of color" (black or brown people) and white people. But then everyone else gets lost in the middle. More and more people consider themselves multi-racial. And in American society, it is often true that if you are "mixed" you are more of the darker skinned side of you, than you are the lighter skin, regardless of if you look moree white or more black. However, it is difficult to say what can be done to change this. Speaking in general terms, if one is to talk about differences in races it is most simply to divide them into two; you are either x, or you are y. There are so many races out there that if when speaking about the topic, it would be impossible to adhere to all the races. His friend is an example. On forms when one is asked to fill out your racial background, they usually have hispanic or white (non-hispanic). If his friend is in fact Puerto Rican and white, yet looks more white, it is difficult and confusing for him to know which to fill out. I am pretty sure he is not the only one that feels this way. So what can be done? I am for sure not the one with the answer. Changes in society, and ignorance needs to be overcome about races, that people who are not white are automatically black and the falsehood of that statement. However, because our society has been built on this paradigm it will be extremely difficult to change, and unless exposed, those who are ignorant will never become free of the naivete. So for now, I feel bad for your friend for not knowing exactly where he fits within a "black and white" society. However, if he identifies strongly with his culture and who HE is as a person and his heritage, he should learn not to care how others identify him. As a Jew, I feel the same complications with identity because my ancestors come from all over the world, from Israel, Argentina, Eastern Europe; I'm lost too! I think most of us are. So don't sweat it dude, most of us are in the same boat! Be proud of who you are :)!

I completely disagree with this statement. She is saying that white people are the only ones that throw themed parties, when in actuality, I went to a themed party a couple weeks ago hosted by a black guy. These themed parties that I have been to have never been racist against anyone, except for maybe the parties that are the ones where you have to dress up as a "clique" in high school, such as a geek, or a jock or one of the other. However, never have I been to one that has been generated towards a color of any sort. What I have experienced is just that people throw these themed parties to make their party more than just an "average" one, to entice people to come, to experience something more fun. People should not make such assumptions when they don't know the whole deal. The only reason that I could see that she would say this and make such a generalization is because there are more white people at Penn State than there are black people, but that does not mean that white people are the only one's interested in throwing these kinds of parties. Like I said before, I went to one last weekend hosted by a black person.

I agree with this comment. I often, and no, I'm not lying, think about this topic of how horrible what was done to the Native Americans when Europeans came and settled in America. My mother is a kindergarten teacher and I often bring this topic up to her. Around Thanksgiving and even Columbus Day, she teaches her students about the pilgrims and how our country was founded. She never, at this young of an age, explains to the children how horrific the whole process was. Ok, maybe its due to the fact that the kids are 5 and 6 years old, and that's a little "heavy" of a topic to talk about with them, but in her classroom, its a celebratory topic. However, I know my mom and I both stand on the same page that what was done to the American Indians when the Europeans came to the Americas was horrific, and we often talk about it. However, I know that when she teaches these children she is not celebrating what was done to the Native Americans, but rather celebrating the foundation of our country as what it is today. And although we have days like Columbus Day and Thanksgiving, I don't think it's forgotten that these celebratory holidays came from the genocide of others. I think this because there are tons of movies and media on this topic. And although we celebrate the founding of our country, I do not think we should be "blamed". African Americans were forced to be in this country; I know that my relatives immigrated here after the country was established and they were being persecuted in Europe. And even if your ancestors did contribute to the take over of the Americas, this does not mean you, the person today, is to blame. It was hundreds of years ago. I am a white girl, and blaming us for the murder of American Indians, is like blaming me for slavery. Yes, education and knowledge needs to be given to everyone about the horrific events that took place in order to obtain this country, and the conditions in which American Indians live in today. But we're all to blame for that? I do not think so. Should we stop celebrating?

Race Relations is always spoken about as "black" and "white" because it makes everything simpler than talking about every single race since there are an infinite number of races. This "black" and "white" structure can be compared to "yes" and "no" and "maybe" and "I don't know". Answering a question as yes or no, simplifies an answer and it is clear as to what your answer is. However, when you say I don't know or maybe, a structure is broken and clarity is challenged. I hope this metaphor makes sense, because it's truly how I feel; people need structure.
In addition to the idea that using the black and white paradigm simplifies things, it's also the way it's been for hundreds of years. It's historically based. Back in the time of "slavery" in the United States, white people controlled black people. Mass immigration of other ethnicities and nationalities did not occur until after this time period, so there was solely the black and white paradigm; at least in the United States. Now, why this paradigm may occur in other countries then, I do not have an answer to other than structure, as I keep saying. To change this structure now, would be the change a people's way of thinking and acting, and change is never easy!

It is really interesting to me that Sam posted this because in my discussion group we were just talking about the words Negro and the other N-word which I even have trouble typing, being that I am a white girl. There are connotations associated with both these words. I have heard my black friends call each other both names, and often times Negro is seen as the "more polite" way to address someone. However, since this term originated in a time when there was inequality and civil rights issues between blacks and whites, it is interesting to me that this could be chosen as the more acceptable term among black people. As pointed out in the article, times are changing. As times change, society changes as well. In my opinion, even though society has changed, and this word may not be as "offensive" as it once was, it still, to me, is still a word with negative connotation. I do not have the answer to what the Census Bureau should provide as a person's race, but Negro is one that I believe should be an option because of the negative and uncomfortable feeling (maybe its just for me as a white girl) it brings. Maybe what we all need to realize is that it doesn't matter what race we are and there should not be any racial signifiers and maybe that is why the census bureau is having such a hard time picking one!!!!!!!!!