en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2390703 Comments by Jessie5925 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/would-you-help-someone-illegal-immigrate-into-the-country-why-or-why-not-119-blog/#IDComment145214913 I would not help someone illegally immigrate into the country. It is a crime and I would not want to put myself in harms way to help an individual break the law. There are laws put in place for a reason, I understand that many people who want to immigrate into the United States because it would give them the opportunity to find work and make money for their family, but you can’t help everyone in the world. And by helping that one individual into the country, that is one job that someone here legally is now not able to fill. Also, what about all the individuals who are trying to enter the country legally? I don’t care if like in class, the one helper’s dad wanted his family in the United States, if he wanted to be with his family so badly, have them enter legally -- or go back to where you’re from, and try to get by the right way. Not by breaking the law and cheating others out of jobs. I don’t believe the saying that immigrants do jobs that no one else would want to do, if someone needs the money, provide for their family, or eat, they are going to do whatever job is available to take care of their love ones... or just the growling of their stomach. Sam kept saying how we were all immigrants, and how we are ‘illegal‘ immigrants, and we stole the land from the Native Americans, but I do not agree. I mean, who did the American Indians ‘steal‘ the land from? And it was not illegal, there was no laws put into place, they migrated to the United States and invaded, yes. But that has not just happened here, it has happened all over the world, probably since the beginning of time. Humans are always stretching out and trying to leave their mark on what they find. I do not have anything personal against illegals, but I do not think it is right, that they be here and taken care of in the hospital, school system etc. They are essentially stealing from their ‘neighbors‘ and taking advantage of all the other taxpayers who are struggling to get by and pay their bills. It is hurting the economy because they are not only taking jobs from individuals here legally, and who are paying their taxes, but they are not paying their taxes, and if they are sending it out of country, they are not stimulating our economy at all. They are doing more harm then good, there will always be some highschool or college student who is willing to mow someones lawn or clean their house, etc. In short, no I would not break the law and help someone across the boarder. Fri, 22 Apr 2011 21:05:09 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/would-you-help-someone-illegal-immigrate-into-the-country-why-or-why-not-119-blog/#IDComment145214913 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/07/do-you-agree-with-foreign-aids-use-of-pictures-of-children-119-blog/#IDComment141077015 I personally don’t find a problem with foreign aid using pictures of little children during their campaigns. I didn’t fully understand the reasoning the Ernso was trying to get across, but I thought it was a little far fetched. An individual raised the opinion that foreign aid should take pictures of the landscapes, the beaches, the mountains... show how Haiti is more a vacation spot, then it is a poor country. I understand what they are trying to do, and I’m sure everyone would like to get a tourism boom in Haiti, but with the foreign aid, they’re trying to raise awareness of the need that these children, and their families have. Foreign aid is trying to raise awareness about the poverty, the need that for money for the children and their families... not get people to go and vacation in that country. Words can only say so much, but I am a firm believer in the fact that a picture tells a thousand words. I have a lot easier time identifying, or sympathizing may be a better word, with these individuals whose pictures are shared with us in these campaigns. I think that most people feel sympathy for children. After all, children are often the least capable of taking care of themselves, and it was not their actions that placed them in the environment and circumstances that they are in. I know I myself, when I see children in poverty, or even just hurt, my heart goes out to them. I have four younger siblings, 2 nephews, and a niece. I know that, that type of ‘advertising’ definitely catches my thoughts and makes me re-evaluate whether I need to go spend money every month on a something, why not instead sponsor a child? I think foreign aid programs are excellent, because it gives individuals such as myself a view into a world that is so much different than my own, and understand how truly spoiled and privileged I am to live and be where I am at. I think foreign aid also is good because it gives myself, and others, and opportunity to reach out and help change a life. I think it is more important for individuals to help those in need first, and then worry about starting the tourism, or saving face -- I think it’s time to put pride aside, and worry about the children who are not eating everyday, who aren’t able to be educated, who aren’t immunized, being able to be properly educated. I think if we build a foundation of strong, healthy, educated children in Haiti, the up and coming generation will turn the future and outlook of Haiti around for the better! Fri, 8 Apr 2011 20:06:14 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/07/do-you-agree-with-foreign-aids-use-of-pictures-of-children-119-blog/#IDComment141077015 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139198958 There is a lot of pressure on females when it comes to appearance. If there wasn’t, why would there be so many females obsessing about their weight? Why would (the majority) of females try so hard to fit into the stereotypical “American girl” by tanning and having fake blonde hair? Why would we obsess over the brands and money spent on clothing, and other material processions? Why are their so many females who are so uncomfortable in their natural state that they refuse to leave their rooms without being covered in make up. I think that many woman have become programed, by their mothers, the media, etc. that their value as a human, is based on whether or not another person, or in an ideal situation, MANY people, find you attractive, or “pretty”. Even though it is 2011, I still feel as though a lot of woman (and men) place more value on a woman’s appearance, then they do her brain and her goals and aspirations. I was fortunate enough to be raised by a strong, intelligent woman. My mother is a chemistry professor and a mother. She always stressed to be and my sisters the importance of school, and bettering oneself. Whenever I or my sisters would wear make up, my parents always made a point to tell us, that we looked beautiful, but always made it clear that we were just as beautiful and lovely without the make up on. I don’t really wear make up, and I am all for a natural look if I do. I want someone to like me for me, not because I’m “make up pretty”. I’ve been dating my boyfriend for over 8 months and I’ve known him for way longer -- during that period of time, I could probably name all the times that I’ve worn makeup. And I’m lucky enough that my man finds me attractive with or without makeup on, and he actually prefers me without makeup on. And to the clothing, I will admit it, I’m a shopaholic, and obsessed with certain brands. I love dressing up, and I absolutely love wearing dresses and skirts. I always thought I did it more for myself, because after all, if I’m not comfortable/confident, then I’ll be miserable the whole time, right? But after the lecture, I was thinking about it, and I know I wear certain dresses etc. for my man. I like knowing he finds me irresistible -- but I don’t care about other men finding me attractive. What I’m wondering, is if I really make the choice to wear them? Or is it some innate desire that was driven into me when I was young without realizing that I was being ‘programmed’ this way. Fri, 1 Apr 2011 21:13:07 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139198958 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/for-the-white-females-would-you-ever-date-a-black-guy-119-blog/#IDComment137414061 I would date a black male, yes. As of now I am happily taken by a full blooded Puerto Rican, and I’m planning on staying that way for quite a while. :P My sister is married to a black man and my brother married a Japanese woman. To me, it’s not race that I focus on, I will date outside of my race, but I will not date outside of my religion. When looking to date someone, I’m looking for the chemistry, that connection between the two of us. Race has nothing to do with my attraction for another individual. I’m looking for someone who is driven, and trying to better themselves, and the world around them. Someone who values the importance of things such as family. Thing like this aren’t secluded to a specific skin color. I think not dating outside of your race is often encouraged by the older generation. I know with my parents they do not like the ‘black/urban’ culture, and were very couscous of my sister dating a black man. It also has to do with the fact that no one in my family has ever dated and/or married outside of my race in my family (and extended family). Now, they are more open, but still hesitant about the whole thing. My father is not very fond with the mixing of races, and has said before that he wishes his children would all marry people within our race or people with a more European culture. Whether or not this is right? I don’t know, but I understand that my parents did grow up during the civil rights movement and their parents were not open to interracial dating. I think usually when there are individuals who are against biracial relationships, it’s because they’ve been socialized to believe that their race and culture is more superior than any other race or culture. I know that is what I have heard many times from my father. He associates poor and fatherless/husbandless families, where the father isn’t there. My father always has pointed out the prosperity and wealth of European countries compared to African countries etc. Even though I grew up hearing that over and over, I have not adopted my parents view on interracial relationships. As I stated earlier, I am open to dating outside of my race, as I currently have been for the past 10 months, but I am not open to dating someone who doesn’t share the same religious beliefs as I do. I think that as I value being able to share the same religious/world view with my significant other, I think other people value the color of their skin, and ‘preserving’ their culture -- because they somehow feel that their children will lose out on their own culture because they’re mixed, and now pulled between two different cultures. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 05:45:22 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/for-the-white-females-would-you-ever-date-a-black-guy-119-blog/#IDComment137414061 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-stage-are-you-in-119-blog/#IDComment135973824 . We were talking about enquality, and OF COURSE, how horrible and evil the white people are and how they oppress and steal all the good opportunities for themselves and their children, and a girl who happens to be a minority went from saying how oppressed and discriminated agasint she’s been her whole life etc etc, and then went from that to tell us all about how she decided that when she was applying to schools, she advertised the fact that she was a “stereo typical black female”. She said she advertised the fact that she was black, poor, and from the inner city so she could fill that ‘qouta’. She didn’t care about them accepting her on her own ACHIEVEMENTS, or grades. She said that she was using it to her advantage. So my question is, if you’re constantly telling me that you want to be seen as an individual and not discriminated against… why was she putting herself in that box?? Sat, 19 Mar 2011 03:58:13 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-stage-are-you-in-119-blog/#IDComment135973824 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-stage-are-you-in-119-blog/#IDComment135973722 we’re going to miss out on a lot of experiences!!! My father grew up in rural West Virginia, dirt poor, the child of a pastor, dropped out of high school and joined the military.. no one expected anything of my dad. He’s now graduated from college, successful in his line of work and in graduate school… what I’m trying to say is, he was the low of the low – a poor white person, he’s out working two jobs, taking care of his family, and getting the education he always wanted. He didn’t lay around and blame this or that on other, he made a choice to go out and change his life. My mother did the same thing. I feel like if someone wanted to change something in their life, they can. If they work at it, and keep working at it till they’re where they want to be.__I was trying to figure out why I’m at this stage… I was wondering because at the beginning of the semester I wasn’t at this stage… I think I was at the re-visioning stage. I think one of the big things that pushed me into this stage, and to have these feelings, the anger and annoyance about this subject, is because of something that happened in my discussion group. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 03:57:27 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-stage-are-you-in-119-blog/#IDComment135973722 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-stage-are-you-in-119-blog/#IDComment135973547 I would say I’m definitely in the reversal. I am at this point, interested in learning MORE about race, and I’m completely comfortable discussing race etc. I have a black brother, nephew, and a Japanese sister. Race is not taboo for me. I would say I’m in the reversal stage because I am completely sick and tired of everyone in my discussion group, and in lecture, and in the world complaining and blaming everything on the “white” race. I think if we all keep making excuses for why we’re not rich, or didn’t go to this school, or get opportunity Sat, 19 Mar 2011 03:56:03 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-stage-are-you-in-119-blog/#IDComment135973547 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/is-it-possible-for-affirmative-action-to-take-things-too-far-119-blog/#IDComment134305887 Affirmative action is designed to end discrimination and unfair treatment of employees/students based on color, but it in effect does the opposite. Whites who work harder and/or are more qualified can be passed over strictly because they are white. Contrary to many stereotypes, many minorities fall into the middle or upper class, and many whites live in poverty. Unfortunately, the way things are set up now, a poverty-stricken white student who uses discipline and hard work to become the best he can be can be passed over by a rich minority student who doesn't put in much effort at all. When you apply for a job or fill out a college application, how often are asked about things like your hair color, eye color, or height? Unless it's for a modeling or athletic position, probably never. Why? It's because hair & eye color or height don't have any effect on your ability to do a job or succeed at a school. There's no association between hair/eye color and intelligence, discipline, ambition, character, or other essentials. Thus, it's useless to even ask about the information. Conversely, there's no association between skin color and intelligence/discipline/etc. So why do we keep drawing attention to it? Wouldn't it be great if we one day lived in a society when skin color was ignored as much as hair & eye color? When you give preferential treatment to minorities in admission or hiring practices, you're in effect saying "You're too stupid or incapable of achieving on your own, so let me help you". It is condescending and insulting to imply that minorities cannot achieve their goals through hard work and ability. Ask Condi Rice or Colin Powell how they got to where they are -- hard work or affirmative action? Both were hired because they are bright, articulate, and well-suited for their positions. My guess is that both would be offended if you said they got to where they were strictly because of affirmative action. The same can be said of minority doctors, lawyers, business leaders, etc. Too often, their achievements are demeaned by people who believe preferential treatment got them to their current positions. Minorities must then work twice as hard to earn respect. Part of the education process is learning to interact with other races and nationalities. Many students live very segregated lives up until the time they start college. Thus, opinions of other races and nationalities are based on stereotypes. Interaction allows students to learn that persons of the opposite race are people too, more or less just like themselves. The movie Remember the Titans, based on a true story, is an excellent illustration of this. In the beginning, the football players portrayed in the movie are heavily segregated and antagonistic to the other race. The coach forces them to room with a player of the opposite color as well as learn some essential facts about each other. To make a long story short, they become lifelong friends and accomplish an undefeated season. Since this diversity is desirable, we want to make sure colleges represent a wide range of backgrounds. Unfortunately, without affirmative action, this diversity is much less likely to occur. It's possible schools with become segregated like in past decades. Elite schools may become increasingly dominated by majority students. Diversity is so important; we can't leave it to chance.

 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:00:42 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/is-it-possible-for-affirmative-action-to-take-things-too-far-119-blog/#IDComment134305887 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/23/why-are-white-people-so-reluctant-to-admit-to-having-discriminations-119-blog/#IDComment130745895 “Most people know that most universities have programs of admittance that give less-qualified minorities preference over better-qualified Whites. Almost all of the Fortune 500 largest corporations have affirmative action and diversity programs that discriminate against white people, both male and female, in hiring. They also have programs of discrimination that favor non-Whites in promotions and advancement. This is true in the academic area as well. You can look at almost any academic department of any American university and you will see in place a strong racial bias for “minorities” in preface over Whites in hiring and advancement. Whether you are talking about a university History, English or Math department in almost any university these policies are in place and powerful. These racial discriminatory policies are real, and they can be easily be proven to exist. But, now we thanks to a government study, there is even a more powerful way to show their real impact on tens of millions of White Americans.” - Dr. David Duke But all that aside, I think the main reason that whites don’t complain about being discriminated against is because it’s not as encouraged in our culture. I know a lot of minorities encourage the whole idea of not getting opportunities, a good education, certain jobs and so on because of their race. But you as it was pointed out, the most looked down group of people are poor white americans. I know I personally feel as if being white has made it harder for me to get through school, there are many many different programs and grants for people of minorities, but none for a 19 year old female, who is working her way through school??? How does that make sense? Why aren’t the loans, grants, etc. based on individual need?! Going back to a discussion we had in lecture, when talking about poor white Americans and how they don’t make their plight known, and a lot of them are trying to make their way without receiving welfare or help from other: I think a lot of it goes back to pride. I know, my father is what might call a self made man -- he grew up in a dirt poor family from West Virginia, dropped out of high school, joined the Marines, he worked his ass off, finally graduated with his college degree last year at the age of 49, and is now in graduate school. My dad works for the airlines, has worked for them since he got out of the Marines, he didn’t let the fact that he came from a family that often times didn’t have the money to put food on the table because his father was a minister and was paid by what people tithed. He was looked down for being “poor, uneducated white trash”, but now he is upper middle class. He didn’t focus on the discrimination and hate, he took it, and used it to better himself. I think that’s what we all should do. I think it’s also important to realize, that life isn’t perfect, and never will be. Take your hard circumstances, and prove all those haters wrong -- Don’t just sit around bemoan your lot and how it’s everyone else’s fault you are where you are, take responsibility for yourself. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 02:23:52 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/23/why-are-white-people-so-reluctant-to-admit-to-having-discriminations-119-blog/#IDComment130745895 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment128902664 Speaking for myself, I think before I can start raising awareness about modern day slavery -- I need to become ‘aware’ myself. I know until this semester I had never spared a moment in my very spoiled, privileged life, to think about modern day slavery. In fact, I can almost say with 99.9% assurance, that I probably never had... in 19 years. And as I sit here writing this down --- I really do hope that it is a wake up call, for me! And I hope, that through my own self ‘awakening’, I will be able to raise awareness to others. I hope that this semester won’t end... and as summer progresses, that I won’t forget Sam’s lectures, and the meaning behind many of them. I think the first step in raising awareness for modern day slavery, is research! Use the internet! It’s a beautiful thing. Research the companies that are using products made by slaves! And then find companies, such as Fair Trade companies, and buy their products instead of from the companies that are using slaves to produce their products. Another way to start raising awareness is by talking about it! The simplest way to start raising awareness, and hopefully starting a cascade reaction is simply by talking about it with friends and acquaintances while hanging out, or working! Look into organizations that are trying to help end the use of slave-made products!! There are many of them, get involved! Another way to help raise awareness not only with the general population, but also with the companies who are using these products: As stated earlier, change what you buy!! Buy a brand that is not using slave trade. I know it will be a challenge, and maybe nearly impossible at times, but I am definitely going to try and make a conscious decision to try and buy ‘fair trade’ products. When it comes to food -- buy local!! In class, Sam put up a list of everyday items that are often obtained in some way, and a lot of them were food items!! By buying local, not only is it healthier, but you are able to support local farmers, instead of giving money to big companies who are more concerned about profits, then they are about human life/freedom!! Also, for clothing, if you look online there are MANY MANY resources!! For example, there is a shoe company called Sams, and every pair of shoes that you buy, a pair is donated to someone in a third world country! My point is, there are many companies out there who are trying to make a difference, all you need to do is do a little googling! I realize that we can’t change the world in a short period of time, but as Sam said... don’t worry about saving the world, but focus on saving individuals!! Imagine how important ONE life is!! I know if I could die, and say that I was able to help someone in need -- how fulfilling and purposeful would that be?? Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:41:09 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment128902664 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment128900778 Speaking for myself, I think before I can start raising awareness about modern day slavery -- I need to become ‘aware’ myself. I know until this semester I had never spared a moment in my very spoiled, privileged life, to think about modern day slavery. In fact, I can almost say with 99.9% assurance, that I probably never had... in 19 years. And as I sit here writing this down --- I really do hope that it is a wake up call, for me! And I hope, that through my own self ‘awakening’, I will be able to raise awareness to others. I hope that this semester won’t end... and as summer progresses, that I won’t forget Sam’s lectures, and the meaning behind many of them. I think the first step in raising awareness for modern day slavery, is research! Use the internet! It’s a beautiful thing. Research the companies that are using products made by slaves! And then find companies, such as Fair Trade companies, and buy their products instead of from the companies that are using slaves to produce their products. Another way to start raising awareness is by talking about it! The simplest way to start raising awareness, and hopefully starting a cascade reaction is simply by talking about it with friends and acquaintances while hanging out, or working! Look into organizations that are trying to help end the use of slave-made products!! There are many of them, get involved! Another way to help raise awareness not only with the general population, but also with the companies who are using these products: As stated earlier, change what you buy!! Buy a brand that is not using slave trade. I know it will be a challenge, and maybe nearly impossible at times, but I am definitely going to try and make a conscious decision to try and buy ‘fair trade’ products. When it comes to food -- buy local!! In class, Sam put up a list of everyday items that are often obtained in some way, and a lot of them were food items!! By buying local, not only is it healthier, but you are able to support local farmers, instead of giving money to big companies who are more concerned about profits, then they are about human life/freedom!! Also, for clothing, if you look online there are MANY MANY resources!! For example, there is a shoe company called Sams, and every pair of shoes that you buy, a pair is donated to someone in a third world country! My point is, there are many companies out there who are trying to make a difference, all you need to do is do a little googling! I realize that we can’t change the world in a short period of time, but as Sam said... don’t worry about saving the world, but focus on saving individuals!! Imagine how important ONE life is!! I know if I could die, and say that I was able to help someone in need -- how fulfilling and purposeful would that be?? Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:30:49 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment128900778 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment128897895 Speaking for myself, I think before I can start raising awareness about modern day slavery -- I need to become ‘aware’ myself. I know until this semester I had never spared a moment in my very spoiled, privileged life, to think about modern day slavery. In fact, I can almost say with 99.9% assurance, that I probably never had... in 19 years. And as I sit here writing this down --- I really do hope that it is a wake up call, for me! And I hope, that through my own self ‘awakening’, I will be able to raise awareness to others. I hope that this semester won’t end... and as summer progresses, that I won’t forget Sam’s lectures, and the meaning behind many of them. I think the first step in raising awareness for modern day slavery, is research! Use the internet! It’s a beautiful thing. Research the companies that are using products made by slaves! And then find companies, such as Fair Trade companies, and buy their products instead of from the companies that are using slaves to produce their products. Another way to start raising awareness is by talking about it! The simplest way to start raising awareness, and hopefully starting a cascade reaction is simply by talking about it with friends and acquaintances while hanging out, or working! Look into organizations that are trying to help end the use of slave-made products!! There are many of them, get involved! Another way to help raise awareness not only with the general population, but also with the companies who are using these products: As stated earlier, change what you buy!! Buy a brand that is not using slave trade. I know it will be a challenge, and maybe nearly impossible at times, but I am definitely going to try and make a conscious decision to try and buy ‘fair trade’ products. When it comes to food -- buy local!! In class, Sam put up a list of everyday items that are often obtained in some way, and a lot of them were food items!! By buying local, not only is it healthier, but you are able to support local farmers, instead of giving money to big companies who are more concerned about profits, then they are about human life/freedom!! Also, for clothing, if you look online there are MANY MANY resources!! For example, there is a shoe company called Sams, and every pair of shoes that you buy, a pair is donated to someone in a third world country! My point is, there are many companies out there who are trying to make a difference, all you need to do is do a little googling! I realize that we can’t change the world in a short period of time, but as Sam said... don’t worry about saving the world, but focus on saving individuals!! Imagine how important ONE life is!! I know if I could die, and say that I was able to help someone in need -- how fulfilling and purposeful would that be?? Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:15:09 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment128897895 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/10/do-we-have-a-responsibility-to-fix-inequality-119-blog/#IDComment127411436 So what if people now had equal access to everything?? As Sam stated in the lecture, most likely: the advantage(s) would still go to those who had benefited the longest and most from past discrimination. Think of the King Of the Hill analogy. I may have equal access to get in the same boxing ring with Mike Tyson, but that is not a guarantee of an equal opportunity of winning. The odds are stacked in favor of failure. Therefore in order to correct for such inequities, especially in the areas of housing, education, and employment, steps were taken to ensure that those groups that historically had been excluded or given limited access to societal rewards, were now given an opportunity to catch up. Thinking along the lines of affirmative action -- which was mention in lecture: In my mind, it is, in a nutshell... a "race/gender solution" to a "race/gender problem," with middle class white women as the greatest beneficiaries. The latter have benefited most as a result of a "minority" status, which gives them a decided advantage over African-Americans and Latinos in obtaining contracts, entitlements, set asides and executive positions, when the concern of those in power is to keep access to privilege in the hands of "whites." To me, there is no such thing as a race/gender solution to a race/gender problem, since "race" and "gender " are not the problem. If they were then all one would need to do is to change one’s race and/or gender. Right? The problem is racism as the deliberate structuring of privilege by means of an objective, differential and unequal treatment of people, for the purpose of social advantage over scarce resources, resulting in an ideology of supremacy which justifies power of position by placing a negative meaning on perceived or actual biological/cultural differences. Socio-historical circumstances preclude equality. This is why in some track and field events, the starting blocks are staggered, so that everyone will have an equal opportunity. Affirmative action, then, is equitable measures‹short of restructuring society <= which seek to make for a level playing field. Why? Because as Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "There is no greater inequality than the equal treatment of unequals." Stanley Coren explains the concept this way: “People tend to feel that the world is, with a few bumps here and there, pretty much a fair place, where people generally get what they deserve and deserve what they get. This notion of a just world results from our training as children that good is rewarded and evil is punished. A natural conclusion can be drawn from that kind of reasoning: Those who are rewarded must be good, and those who suffer (even from our own discrimination and prejudice) must deserve their fate.” Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:34:47 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/10/do-we-have-a-responsibility-to-fix-inequality-119-blog/#IDComment127411436 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/03/do-you-think-race-can-stop-being-an-issue-in-the-future-119-blog/#IDComment125990362 "I don’t see color, I only see children.” What message does this statement send? That there is something wrong with black or brown, that it should not be noticed? I would like to suggest that if one does not see color, then one does not really see children. Children made “invisible” in this manner become hard- pressed to see themselves worthy of notice." - Lisa Delpit I want to argue, that race is not so much a lingering desire to cling to thoughts, or beliefs of racism -- I think that it is more society’s desire for us to celebrate difference, or “originality.” If we are all trying to become the same, and forget about each individuals unique background, I feel that we would be losing apart of who we are. Knowing where our ancestors come from, and the history behind it gives us a connection -- a belonging. I also would like to point out another area where race is important: Medicine. As I’m sure a lot of us know, a lot of diseases are “color-coded.” In the UK, diabetes is a huge concern for Asian males. In America, black males and females suffer from hypertension in unprecedented numbers! Tay-Sachs disease is found in Jews, and I believe it’s a specific sect of Jews. Another example, white and black individuals are often prescribed different amounts of Prozac, because according to Satel -- “[~40% of] African Americans seem to metabolise antidepressants more slowly than Caucasians.” “In practicing medicine, I am not colorblind. I always take note of my patient's race. So do many of my colleagues. We do it because certain diseases and treatment responses cluster by ethnicity... When it comes to practicing medicine, stereotyping often works.” - Sally Satel, MD In my opinion, I think today, race is a way to celebrate all of our differences. In the words of Kenan Malik “What race expresses today is a much vaguer belief about the importance of human differences, a sense that what matters are our particular identities, that these are in some sense fixed and inviolable, and that preserving and celebrating such differences and identities is essential to the healthy functioning of human societies.” What is necessary is respect for an individual, and ones self for uniqueness/difference. I also think that we still have race is because of the modern day society where many of us don’t have attachment to our ‘roots’, and by holding onto our race, and researching where our ancestors came from and their history and accomplishments, we are able to root ourselves, and ‘find’ our identity -- and maybe understand a little better, who we are, and where we came from. I think it’s a way to look to the past, and science, for an assurance or confidence that we can’t really find in todays society. Fri, 4 Feb 2011 21:05:18 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/03/do-you-think-race-can-stop-being-an-issue-in-the-future-119-blog/#IDComment125990362 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/27/what-does-the-confederate-flag-mean-to-you-119-blog/#IDComment124462838 I’m basing my opinion on historical facts. :) The confederate flag has been up for discussion since around 1861. It represents the Southern states who fought the North in the Civil war. The controversy over the Confederate flag runs so deep that candidates for Governor of South Carolina are having to weigh in over whether or not they would allow the Confederate flag to continue to fly beside a monument to Confederate soldiers. It's an issue because organizations like the NAACP and NCAA are boycotting the state over the use of the flag. I believe that signs and symbols have no intrinsic value but only carry that value which is assigned to them by people. In the words of McConnell, "in the hopelessness of the hospitals, the despair of defeat, and the short sharp agony of struggle, the South Carolinians who answered the call of their state did so in the consolation of the belief that here at home, they would not be forgotten." As Sam talked about in class: He reason, that the desire to honor symbols of the Confederacy is not racism. It instead stems from a regional identity and the noble notions of state sovereignty. These feelings of regional unity are only strengthened by the poor economic situation in many Southern states, and the sense they have that they suffer in poverty while the Northern states enjoy prosperity. It is understandable as well, only one Southern state makes the top ten ranks for average personal income, and then only comes in at 9th. Meanwhile, half of the states in the lowest ten ranks of personal income are in the South. Add to this economic stagnation and decay and you have a recipe for regional resentment. The false notion that the Battle Flag must be a racist symbol is born of the mistaken belief that the Civil War was about slavery. This bit of propaganda has been repeated ever since President Lincoln and his political allies decided to “free the slaves” (in actuality Lincoln only freed those slaves in the Confederacy, slaves in Union states such as Maryland and West Virginia remained slaves). The truth, however, is plain to anyone who wishes to delve into the history, and the proof lies in the proposed Corwin Amendment of 1861. The amendment went on to be ratified by Ohio, Maryland, and then Illinois before the outbreak of the Civil War halted the process of adopting the new amendment. Now ask yourself, if the Civil War was really about slavery why didn’t the Corwin Amendment, already passed by the Federal Legislature and well on its way to ratification (given the three free states which had ratified it, and the 15 slave states which would as well, only four more states would have needed to ratify it), end the conflict? The Northern states had already compromised on slavery. The truth is that the Civil War was not about slavery, it just became popular to create propaganda to make it seem so because it gave the Union an image of moral superiority. Sat, 29 Jan 2011 03:07:51 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/27/what-does-the-confederate-flag-mean-to-you-119-blog/#IDComment124462838 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/14/why-do-we-still-have-stereotypes-blog-1/#IDComment122881881 My definition of stereotyping is this: "A generalization about a group of people whereby we attribute a defined set of characteristics to this group based on their appearance or our assumptions." I think there are a few reasons for why we still have stereotypes: - Social Inequality - Prejudice - Racism - Sexism - Socialization Social inequality occurs when “ideology and power combine in such a way as to make one group superior or inferior to another group." I think a big reason there are, and most likely always will be stereotypes, is because of the inequality that exists in organized society. In organized society there are different classes of people. The “upper” or “ruling” class have a need to have power, money, and influence over the rest of society. As Sam mentioned in class when talking about slavery, those who want to control others need to be able to differentiate themselves from those “beneath” them -- because if the other classes realized they are just as capable of ‘ruling’ as the upper class, why would society allow themselves to be controlled and/or exploited by someone who is their equal? Thus, the ruling group of individuals have attempted to set themselves apart, show they are better and more fit to be in power. They do this by using things such as skin color, education, religion, and family heritage to put themselves “above” those in what they view, as the lower classes. Basically, those in power need to have reasons for why the rest of society should allow them to be able to control them. For example, in a book I am reading called “Discourse On Colonialism” by Aime’ Ce’saire pointed out how Europeans believed one of the reasons they were superior and had the right to control group and enslave groups of people such as Indians, Africans, etc. was this: “Christianity = civilization, paganism = savagery.” Thus, if indecent or violent acts were acted out against these groups, they were basically doing a favor to “Christian” society because they were “pagans” anyways and could corrupt their children and their morals. Ce’saire describes it almost as if they thought they were doing “God’s work”, because they were ridding the world of unbelievers in a sense. Prejudice is any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable. Stereotyping exist because of the fact that we all, throughout life, will have negative experiences either with a specific, race, age, religion, etc. and will form negative opinions about that group of people. We often will generalize for the entire group, and implement the negative feelings we experienced onto the group as a whole -- thus, affecting how we interact and think of the group. Racism “is the belief that race is a primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.” Racism has been around for ages, it isn’t just a problem in the US it is a world wide phenomenon. I think racism is what often comes to mind when stereotypes are brought up, and it’s something we have all encountered at one point or another in our lives. In the US until recently -- there were separate counters, bathrooms, water fountains, etc. for black Americans. In WW II there were the Japanese interment camps. In Germany the Jews were persecuted and killed for their heritage. A few examples of modern racism: “The mindset that certain races are better or worse with specific abilities. For example, black athletes are regarded as naturally athletic and white athletes cannot jump. Asians are seen as intelligent, while Hispanics are regarded as 
unintelligent.” Sexism is “discrimination or devaluation based on a person's sex, as in restricted job opportunities.” Wether we are talking about sexism toward woman in the workplace or men who cross-dress -- even today in 2011, we still have discrimination against woman being in charge, or transgenders, and gays. There are people who still believe that the place of a woman is to be at home and to be totally dependent on her husband. Woman are criticized for being masculine or males or criticized against because they are too feminine. Sexism is also very prevalent in language in many crude/slang words that are not only used to describe woman but slang/crude words for woman’s body parts are often used in derogatory ways to describe individuals of both sexes. Where as when male’s body parts are used --- they often have a more positive meaning! Socialization “a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position.” We aren’t born with stereotypes, we learn them from our parents, teachers, friends etc. If we as individuals start changing the way we think and talk -- we can impact the next generation!! Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:21:30 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/14/why-do-we-still-have-stereotypes-blog-1/#IDComment122881881 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ch%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment120993138 SOC 119 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 04:33:43 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ch%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment120993138