en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2397021 Comments by JMG5677 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/what-does-it-say-about-our-society-if-schools-are-more-segregated-now-than-in-the-1970s-119-blog/#IDComment143257148 The second high school was also predominantly black so I never really noticed I was isolated. The school I graduated from was predominantly white. The majority of the white students were Jewish. At this school I felt like I was accepted although I was a part of the minority. I felt like the fact that many of these people knew what it was like to be a part of a minority group allowed them to relate to me and empathize with me. They understood how it felt so they didn’t treat me any different than they would anyone else. Unfortunately, many minority youths do not have any experience like mine. The continued segregation of schools is an alarming trend and one that defies our laws and our general definition of what is right. In reality, it is a manifestation of an obvious injustice towards the people of our nation who are not part of the majority group. Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:14:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/what-does-it-say-about-our-society-if-schools-are-more-segregated-now-than-in-the-1970s-119-blog/#IDComment143257148 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/what-does-it-say-about-our-society-if-schools-are-more-segregated-now-than-in-the-1970s-119-blog/#IDComment143256842 Throughout our lives we are constantly confronted with the issue of race. Up until the 1970s, racism was common and accepted with people showing little to no flexibility. After the civil rights movement schools across the country became less segregated. Our country has definitely come a long way. African Americans couldn’t even ride on the same bus as white people, let alone be the president of the United States. To me it is very surprising that schools are more segregated now than in the 60’s and 70’s. I must say I do understand how it is the way it is. Racism now is more subtle. This racism is institutionalized racism. Because whites normally make more than any minority, it is safe to assume that they also live in an area that is directly correlated to their salary. With this being said, the schools will be built and supplied accordingly. Schools reflect the socioeconomic status of the geographic region. And it has become evident that schools in African American communities have been suffering from the vast disparity in funds. Why is it that even after the legal prohibition of school segregation we still see it going on today? And how is it possible that the rate has actually accelerated? The answer cannot be explained through logic or by the law. Affirmative Action has been in place in America for some time now. By the law, people of all race, color, religion, gender, or national origin should be entitled to the same rights as any member of the majority. However, I believe there are societal pressures that communities face to uphold a certain standard or reputation. In doing so, these communities tend to exclude others and become exclusive. Personally, I went to several high schools and had unique social experiences at each school. The first school that I attended my freshman year was predominantly black. Obviously, the majority of the population in the community was equally black. There was maybe one white guy in the school who had a few friends that were black but also excluded from the social groups. Needless to say there was really no segregation by race in the school. Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:13:20 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/what-does-it-say-about-our-society-if-schools-are-more-segregated-now-than-in-the-1970s-119-blog/#IDComment143256842 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment141104763 Like the quote Sam showed in class, p.s I should find out that guys name and look it up, it is easier to defame your enemy, it is nearly impossible to put oneself in their shoes. This really hit home with me because I find so much truth in those words. If we just would take the time to try to understand other people, their culture, and beliefs we would definitely not feel this detachment were our soldiers could do some of the most malevolent things I’ve ever seen. Nor could some of our more high up officials have said those oblivious things. For instance, [their God is not a real God.] I can totally understand how foreign countries and nation could have a distorted perception of what it means to be firstly Christian and secondly American. I must say at the beginning of the lecture I was a little ashamed to say that I am American because to outsiders I am in some latent way connected to the horrible things happening in Iraq, in Pakistan. The video where the guy basically ejaculated at the prospect of coercing Iraq, one of the largest oil production fields in the world, to produce two million barrels a day. In turn for us Americans this means we may see lower gas prices and that’s all that matters unfortunately. Look in the mirror, you may be looking right at a terrorist. Fri, 8 Apr 2011 22:31:14 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment141104763 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment141104506 Honestly, I believe this class was one of the more perceptive classes of the semester. I was totally conscious of the fact that all Muslims were not terrorist and that there were only a few distinct extremist who had another agenda. I am also aware that we also have extremist like now infamous Christian preacher from Florida who soaked the Quran in kerosene before he torched it! If that isn’t a terrorist extremist then we clearly have a double standard for what a terrorist looks like. From an Arab Muslim’s perspective, Christian soldiers are the one’s causing the terror. They are the ones seen in the videos torturing, killing, and behaving condescendingly towards innocent people. Let me be clear that as an American we believe and almost always want to see the best in people, especially public figures we leave ourselves vulnerable to trust. These soldiers that do cause terror and unnecessary “collateral damage” are an ill-disciplined select few. Surely if a higher up chief or commander caught wind of this the perpetrator would certainly be rebuked. What I see is two regions manipulating its people through filtered media and other mudslinging, propaganda tactics to create separation amongst a people in order to get them to hate and eventually kill one another for oil. I believe if we, the United States, were not so busy screwing with other peoples affairs we would have the time and resources to fund an effort to find another natural resources as a source of fuel. Fri, 8 Apr 2011 22:29:51 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment141104506 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/29/would-you-be-willing-to-learn-a-new-language-for-a-job-119-blog/#IDComment139262549 I would love to learn a new language for a job simply for the challenge. Speaking another language fluently would be tremendously gratifying. In order to get to a level of complete understanding of the language I feel like one would have to fully immerse themselves into the culture, ultimately networking, traveling, and affecting people’s lives in a positive manner. There are much more benefits of learning a language than there are cons. Not to mention the salary for the position that requires one to learn another language would probably exceed the salary of the average employee. On a much lighter note, language would also be useful outside of the business industry. Being able to cohesively put together sentences while having a conversation with indigenous people is enlightening. People appreciate seeing foreigners speak their language and embrace their culture because it shows that one put in the effort and actually is aware of the culture and its people. Connecting with people of all ethnicities no matter the race, region, or color is part of good humanity. I actually would like to become a sociologist just for these reasons. I am a very personable guy. I love to travel and meet people different from myself because it is such a rich, mind expanding experience. I recall going to the Caribbean Islands last winter break and the people there spoke like a sort of island style, broken English. Even with the language similarities I still learned so much from being around indigenous people from Cozumel and the Cayman Islands. I truly believe that the best way to learn is to travel. It is impossible to travel to an unfamiliar place and not have you mind unwrapped and introduced to a whole new world. Sat, 2 Apr 2011 02:04:58 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/29/would-you-be-willing-to-learn-a-new-language-for-a-job-119-blog/#IDComment139262549 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/29/would-you-be-willing-to-learn-a-new-language-for-a-job-119-blog/#IDComment139262386 Knowledge is power. The more one knows, the more advantageous the knowledge becomes. I would absolutely be willing to learn another language not only for a job, but also for my own personal gain. In order to really learn and comprehend a second language, one must become fully immersed in the culture and social norms of the society. Having the dexterity to fluently speak another language instantly transforms one into a hot commodity, instantly boosting ones marketability. Having the ability to speak numerous languages automatically separates one from the rest of the group. The more knowledge that one acquires, the more one is worth to a company. It is more advantageous to be well versed in multiple languages because one can apply for a job in any country in which the language is spoken. Americans are so often portrayed as close minded people because we are ignorant to most things outside of the our everyday lives. Flexibility comes along with knowledge as well. Business’ look to acquire competent and well-rounded individuals; which allows them to be more efficient and effective in any area of the business. Sat, 2 Apr 2011 02:04:22 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/29/would-you-be-willing-to-learn-a-new-language-for-a-job-119-blog/#IDComment139262386 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137591121 Rather than taking on the challenge of being teased or stared from being in an interracial couple, it’s a lot easier for most people to just date and interact with people of the same race and beliefs. Another major restraint is our pre-conceived misjudgments about people of a particular race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or region of the world. Instead of researching the validity of the information that receive, we as a society are lazy and therefore content with being mislead and receiving false information. The government tells us what they want us to believe in order to manipulate us into doing what Congress feels is best. A friend in my discussion group, Eissa, who is from Kuwait pointed out that there is no such thing as race and racism in Kuwait. This leads me to believe that our western scientist created race as ultimately as a way to classify or categorize people, however a latent function of creating these classifications is also the creating a divide between very similar people. Approximately only .01 percent of our genetic make-up is attributed to physical differences. When it comes down to it, we are all really the same. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:16:13 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137591121 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137591044 One of the hardest things to do would be to get everyone else to accept or become comfortable with the relationship. Normal events such as going out to dinner, walking down the street, even attending a parent teacher association meeting would be different. As much as people like to be politically correct and say that they don’t see color and that they treat everyone equally, this is not the case. If it were, we wouldn’t look twice at an interracial couple interlocking hands while walking down the sidewalk nor would we ask ignorant questions such as “why are all these white/black people here.” Our families, friends, schools, and communities overall make it difficult to date outside your race and feel comfortable; not make one feel ashamed or guilty of one’s actions. Schools are a prime example of these latent feelings. Remember being fourteen or fifteen again and how you cared about your reputation and what your friends thought of you. Do you remember seeing any interracial couples? No, because people want to live care-free. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:15:47 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137591044 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137590862 There are a number of things that I feel contribute to the difficulty of dating outside of ones race or ethnic background. First, it takes a deeply courageous and secure person to deal with the ridicule that would come along with the interracial relationship. For instance, when Sam showed the LL. Bean catalogue and made a point to enlighten us on the fact that in these kinds of magazines and catalogues there are no mixing of the couples by race throughout the pages. Images such as these leave latent ideas or feelings hidden deep within us that bind us to the norms or constraints of society. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:15:05 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137590862 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-is-your-opinion-of-the-video-119-blog/#IDComment135958849 When I saw the video I thought it was less about race and more about the culture of today. Little kids don’t tend to see race but instead just see everyone as just people. The culture of today portrays the color white as positive and times put a very negative spin on color. For example, when it comes to the colors of Christianity the color white is seen as positive while the color black is often seen as negative. When children see this they absorb it in even if they don’t understand what they are hearing. Also, in cartoons the color of the good characters are almost always white but the colors of the bad caretakers are always black. For example, in the movie star wars the protagonist Luke squealer wore an all while uniform while all the evil characters of the empire wore black. While children may not consuls understand the ideas involved in this it does may an impact on how they see colors? It could also depend on where these kids were raised and how they are thought perceive reality. If a black child grows up in all white community they might start to feel left out and therefore bad. The media of today could also be blamed for this because they always seem to put black people in a negative light. During the floods in New Orleans when a black person was trying to look for supplies they said they were looting but when a white person stole something they said they were trying to find food to live. I personally feel that all this very wrong and it makes us all look bad as a society. It should not matter what color your skin is when it comes to being seen positive by the media. The color black for years as seen as bad all the way back thousands of years ago. The yin gang yang in Chinese colure represents a mix of positive and negative to complete a person but the bad side of was seen as the black side. Toss sum it all up simply and easily it is more of the colure that drives whets children believe. They dot for the most part have brain capacity to think for them selves so it is up to culture to tell them what to believe and I don’t think they are doing a very good job of educating are youth. While the media might not understand that they are responsible for teaching are kids but theory are and therefore are responsible for their actions. I don’t see this changing anytime in the near future but this the way society has put things and it is what we all have to accept. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:12:39 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-is-your-opinion-of-the-video-119-blog/#IDComment135958849 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/is-it-possible-for-affirmative-action-to-take-things-too-far-119-blog/#IDComment134315994 Yes, when affirmative action hinders the ability to run a company efficiently it is going too far. Affirmative action is a policy created in order to level out the playing field and create more opportunities for the disadvantaged minorities. However, we must first sustain this country and its economy. Hiring inadequate employees is not the way to provide opportunity and equality. We must first have equal education so that we can be efficient in whatever career field we choose. Without sufficient education, affirmative action wouldn’t be affective because once affirmative action is received by one generation, it is solely up to the next generation to continue progressing, learning, and moving forward. Affirmative action is such a tough concept to go through with because naturally humans are jealous and if one group received such benefits as the G.I bill, that granted 67,000 G.I’s low interest mortgages, all groups that have ever been oppressed and discriminated against would want the exact same benefits. Sixty-seven thousand G.I’s received low-interest homes. Of the sixty-seven thousand G.I’s that received the bill, only one-hundred were of African descent. Where was the justice in that? That bill was a form of affirmative action that none of the recipients, mostly white G.Is, were opposed to. Years later we’re debating affirmative action mainly for African Americans and suddenly we’re undeserving, lazing individuals who just want shit handed to us. In fact, we’re the exact opposite. We want to work hard and earn what we deserve. You appreciate things a lot more when you work hard for it. In a way affirmative action would make people more likely to settle and become complacent with life. With everyone starting at different starting lines, the people who are behind have that chip on their shoulder, that extra drive to accomplish ones goals. No one owes anything to anyone. We only get what we deserve and affirmative action would destroy our motivation and give people a false sense of security like someone owes us. For instance, say a hospital hired a surgeon to perform a intricate surgery on your mom; however, in order to comply with affirmative action they hire a less competent individual and as a result encounter problems due to a lack of experience. This would be pushing the envelope. Yes, technically there would be equality in the number of opportunities for individuals, but it would come at the expense of safety and professionalism. No matter what we believe we deserve we have to work hard and prove that we’re capable of the tasks required of a given career. Without a balance between affirmative action and righteous decisions, the situation would spiral out of control. So while I am for helping people who genuinely are in need of welfare or some type of aid, affirmative action should definitely be standardized in some way and controlled for maximum efficiency in order to prevent it from being perverted. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:52:27 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/is-it-possible-for-affirmative-action-to-take-things-too-far-119-blog/#IDComment134315994 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/why-are-black-and-brown-people-more-expressive-of-their-problems-than-white-people-119-blog/#IDComment130746342 Because of this, people of color have no problem or shame for voicing their opinions or problems. People of color are widely viewed as being aggressive anyway so there is no hesitation to express dissatisfaction. Also people are a little more sensitive to people of colors latent feelings. Poor white people are considered the lowest of the low, the only group of people that are ridiculed by every other socioeconomic group and it’s widely accepted. These people don’t have the privilege of receiving sympathy from outsiders because they are white and poor. Society feels like its easier to rationalize minorities impoverished conditions but it’s a lot harder to rationalize the situation of a poor white family. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 02:26:50 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/why-are-black-and-brown-people-more-expressive-of-their-problems-than-white-people-119-blog/#IDComment130746342 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/why-are-black-and-brown-people-more-expressive-of-their-problems-than-white-people-119-blog/#IDComment130746323 Another reason for the frank expressions of problems could be due to how oppressed and indigenous people socialize their families. The behaviors one express come from the culture one is nurtured in. Our ancestors, who had to be outspoken and assertive doing the civil rights era, raised their kids with the characteristics and behaviors that it took to make it day to day in their society. Parents and grandparents instilling their knowledge and characteristics in their children pass down the outspoken, assertive behavior. This behavior may have enhanced our ancestor’s chance of survival. Because they were assertive in demanding equality and peace, they were able to become free and achieve a better life for their children. On the other hand, white people have never been the minority or been the oppressed people in a society. They have never had significant issues that require extreme resistance or defiance. Lastly, there is a disparity in the level of shame yielded by each race. People of color have been dealing with discrimination, injustice, and prejudice. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 02:26:42 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/why-are-black-and-brown-people-more-expressive-of-their-problems-than-white-people-119-blog/#IDComment130746323 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/why-are-black-and-brown-people-more-expressive-of-their-problems-than-white-people-119-blog/#IDComment130746264 Black/brown people are more outspoken when it comes to their problems I believe for 3 reasons. The fact that minorities feel like they have a scapegoat or someone to point the figure to for why they’re in a particular situation or have a certain problem. It seems as if the frequency at which black/brown people is overshadowing the white people who do have problems and are vocal about it. However, there seems to be less white people publicly complaining because they have more shame for their circumstances. It’s like who do they shift the blame to. Perhaps white people feel like there is not much sympathy for poor white people because they’ve had such a head start when this country was founded. Minorities of color are more willing to complain because they feel like they have been oppressed, and their parents and grandparents were deprived. If you feel like you have a great injustice being committed against you, you will stop at no cost to defend yourself and see that justice is carried out with equity. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 02:26:19 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/why-are-black-and-brown-people-more-expressive-of-their-problems-than-white-people-119-blog/#IDComment130746264 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/10/what-did-you-get-out-of-king-of-the-mountain-119-blog/#IDComment127469694 I received a lot more than I ever could have imagined I would receive out of a “Race & Ethnic Relations” lecture that applies to almost every aspect of everyone’s life. Of course I knew there are inequalities still present. However, what I didn’t know was that my whole perspective on inequality and America would drop disgustingly further than I could have imagined. One thing that really sent shockwaves through me was not only the correlation between SAT scores and family income, but the fact that owners of a farm get subsidies for their farm. I will say right now I do not know enough about farming to have a confident argument about the matter. I just didn’t know people who own farms were paid for having a farm regardless if they sold to a corporate market or not. I’m willing to assume many farmers have more than just farming as an occupation. On the other side of the spectrum you have destitute and in many cases, indigenous people who are the victims of the institutions of society. What king of the hill did for me was it retold the history of America in a more hopeless sense like how could things ever change; how could there ever truly be equality when one race (not necessarily white) will always maintain absolute power. Whichever race “gets to the top of the mountain” wins, gets all of the resources , sets the standards for the entire population to follow, and elevates his, alike, race. What’s the most disheartening is that all of the undermining and deception actually worked. Many young impoverished children look up to their role models who are many times athletes or entertainers. The misconception for the oppressed youth is they’ll either see their grandparents and parents lifestyle and see no way out or they want to pursue dreams of becoming a famous entertainer or a star athlete. At age 8 children can’t evaluate their situation and understand that you can attend college and be that catalyst in your family that sparks a tradition. I believe that you nurture human beings. I believe that we are able to condition people to be certain ways especially a mother, whom nurtures her offspring from birth. On a lighter note, I actually thought it was funny that Sam said that if he asked everyone how they ended up in college they would say because I worked hard. In all actuality all signs point to family income, wealth. SAT classes are more readily available in affluent areas of the country, resources in the schools themselves show disparity. Its amazing how we ALL are institutionalized in the ways of the West but we never stopped living or knew how to look at life with the “sociological eye.” I’m just hoping for a change in a single person first and that’s a start before we can start conquering an entire world we have to start in Haiti and this campus respectively. Sat, 12 Feb 2011 04:02:02 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/10/what-did-you-get-out-of-king-of-the-mountain-119-blog/#IDComment127469694 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/26/why-do-we-associate-with-people-of-the-same-race-and-ethnicity-as-ourselves-119-blog/#IDComment124477941 I think we associate with people of the same race as us because there is a comfort level or commonness amongst one another. Also there is still separation in some areas of the world. The wealthy tend to hang with their circle of people, the middle-class mingles with their neighbors, and the poor kick it with the poor. There is something comforting about living next to someone and knowing they have what you have. Here you create your own sort of culture and expectations about how to conduct yourself and so on. My next point is that besides the cultural influence you have parental influences. Many people base their opinions of people by stories they here, things that are portrayed in the media, and the misconceptions of their grandparents or parents. Instead of experiencing the world for what it is and what it has to offer, people are afraid to step outside of their comfort zone. People are stubborn to change. We like our daily routines. Let me bring something out here for yall to ponder. How many of you like Elvis, The Beatles, or The Stones. For Hip-Hop fans what about Kool Herc. These guys were rebels. They didn’t listen to what their parents, teachers, Rabi, pastor, or dalai lam said. These people were instinctive. They pursued what they felt was right in there mind, heart, and soul. When their parents said, “Go outside but don’t go outside of the yard”, they always went outside of the yard. When their teachers said recess kids but don’t go outside of the blacktop, they always wandered astray. They all went on to do great things and become even better human beings. My point is that if you’re a closed minded, narrow-minded person that I feel sorry for you because you’re going to die a closed minded person, narrow-minded person not knowing what you’ve missed out on. There is an entire world outside of what we know people. We can’t be afraid to experience it bare, simply for what it is free of all the misconstrued, distortions that have been placed in our minds. Dare to be different. Do not let the constraints of society hold you back from being social. You never know which person will be the next person to have a powerful impact on you, black, white, or brown. Like Professor Richards said forget what your parent ever told you about race and come up with your own ideas and thoughts about people of other races or ethnicities. However it is almost too easy to stick to what you know in which this case many people grow up in neighborhoods with a dominant race which is most likely look like them. So if we’re all separated all ready at such a young age it is almost inevitable to grow comfortable or gain an understanding of different people of different races and ethnicities. Everyone has a story to tell we just have to take the time to listen. Sat, 29 Jan 2011 04:57:45 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/26/why-do-we-associate-with-people-of-the-same-race-and-ethnicity-as-ourselves-119-blog/#IDComment124477941 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9cg%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment123801542 SOC 119 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 03:58:57 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9cg%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment123801542