I too would normally generalize criminals who are behind bars, convicted of murder, to be bad people with bad intentions. But it is true that we do not know what his intentions were or what the details of the crime were. But, I guess it is not the point of this letter. It's beyond that, much deeper. And, I feel that one act should not define a person. But a lot of people tend to let one act define other people. Murder is a terrible crime but maybe it does not define who some criminals really are, deep inside. That is pretty natural though, to let a crime define a criminal. I do it too, but this opened up my eyes a little more, and expanded my mind. I know some people who are so close minded and would never even take the time to read this letter, after simply hearing that he had committed murder. And, again, this is pretty natural. But, I am happy that I am open minded and am happy that I had the opportunity to take the course Soc 119. This is because of the important life lessons that I have learned throughout the course, such as this one. This letter really makes me see the good in people. And that is great. I always try and hope to see the best in people, and this shows that in most people, even criminals, there is good. Maybe something went wrong. Maybe he was in a bad situation, maybe it was an act of defense. Who really knows? No one. Whichever the circumstance was, I should not judge, because I do not even know how or why it occurred in the first place. That would be wrong. But the least I can do is appreciate his realistic optimism, that he possesses, even after such a life changing event such as this one. It is very encouraging to get up, and live life, no matter how hard you have it. Even after a life changing event, you have to continue living life. Although these men are seen as bad people by most other people of society, and although they are stuck behind bars for life, they are continuing to live, and not letting the negative situation overtake their minds. That is so inspirational to me. If they can keep living, and change for the better, after such an event, that gives me hope that most anyone can. I know some people who find such little problems to be entirely overwhelming, and these people let these negative feelings overtake their minds. I wish these types of people could try to remain positive and keep living, and get past these hard situations, as some criminals can clearly do. It's extremely amazing to me that these men can remain stable, optimistic, and realistic after everything that happened.

A lot of us women are all beautiful inside. But, sadly, appearance does matter, a lot. And we are definitely not all the same. No one is the same as anybody else for that matter. Saying the size of boobs, or that general appearance does not matter seems ignorant to me. Yes, I certainly wish it did not have to matter, but it does. It matters in everyday life, whether one is applying for a job or simply talking to someone. My best friend notices every time her and her sister talk to people, the other person's eyes go straight to her sister. She knows it's natural, and these people sometimes do not even notice it until they are told, but it is there. Image makes a difference in this world today. And there are people who are classified as beautiful, even if they are voluptuous. This is true, but in our society and culture right now, in almost every magazine and every commercial you will see a skinny, tan white person. This is beauty right now. And it is insane how much girls care about appearance. Like stated in the response that I replied to, the one girl felt that her appearance, and need to fit in with the image of the other world, was greater or more important than saving a life. That is huge. That shows so much about how much appearance really does matter to certain people. I myself try not to care or judge anyone based on appearance but sometimes find it to be challenging, because of the fact that it is so natural to care what others think, and to look at appearance first. But, I try to look beyond it, see the deeper, inner part of a person. That defines beauty, for me. That is so cool that another culture covers their bodies. It makes it easier then to not judge so much based off of looks. But, then again, some people may just find their entire appearance different, and still judge. Someone in my discussion group told us she watched a show where you date in the dark, so things are not based off of looks. I find that to be so fascinating and intelligent. Although I know many people need the physical attraction, it would be a different experience, dating in the dark. I bet people would choose different partners! But, the power of appearance is huge today. Maybe one day it will not matter so much, and everyone would choose a partner, or a friend, for who they really are, not for what they look like. And, yes, that is just it. People are expected to wear tight clothes, because it is "hot" in today's society. Pressure and image are hard to get around today, sadly.

It was a very intense video. When I saw it, I was speechless for three minutes. I felt the need to show many of my friends the video afterward because of the impact that it had on me. I am white so I can not even begin to understand the impact it had on black and brown people. But seeing that girl raise her hand and tell us that it was exactly how she felt as a young girl made me realize the reality the video was portraying. It isn't only the little girls who think this way, it's many other little girls, and it is always going to be in those little girls when they grow up, deep down, as Sam said. And when the girl in class cried, expressing that she felt this exact way when she was a little kid, I couldn't even respond. Because I have never felt this way in my life. As stated above, media portrays white as beautiful. White barbies and dolls are what the majority of people play with because it is advertised much more than other race barbies or dolls. I have realized how lucky I am to be white and have become much more aware of the feelings of other people from different races. I never really thought about it a lot before and now I want to inform other people how lucky they are. People take it for granted. It's good to know and realize these things.
I think it's going to take a long time until the races are seen as equal, but we're getting there with Obama as president. We have come a long way but obviously there is still a long way to go. It would be nice if we could just snap our fingers and live in a perfect world, but perfect is boring. Change is necessary. Sometimes people fear change but it's actually a cool concept. Everything would always be the same without it. We need change to keep progressing.
Not only do we want to look like the white barbies, but it goes beyond that. More than being white, we also want to have the impossible figure of the barbie doll. People care so much about appearance and media reinforces the idea that being skinny and white is beautiful. Like stated above, everyone is beautiful in their own way. I hope that the little girls in the video and every girl who feels or felt this way comes to learn this sooner or later. Skin color should not matter. It's about who you are as a person. That's what makes you good or bad. It's hard to realize this sometimes, even for myself. But you have to keep reminding yourself because it is true. I am truly shocked when I meet someone who doesn't seem to care about appearance at all. I don't really know anyone like this besides Sam Richards, who doesn't seem to be phased by it. This is because he is so in touch with his inner self. It inspires me and I hope to be like that. It's hard though with media always there reinforcing beauty as being white and skinny.

I agree with some of the people above who said that having a period is nothing to be embarrassed of. It is natural and one should be proud because of the advantages it does bring to girls. However, I was also completely shocked when hearing Sam make this connection in class. It definitely grabbed my attention immediately. It is not everyday you hear your teacher telling you that he would like to see his wife's blood in the toilet! But, the reactions that some people had were definitely a bit dramatic in my eyes. To feel the need to get up out of class and leave the room at the mention of blood is a bit ridiculous to me. Was that really necessary? They couldn't listen to what Sam was trying to say? Try to understand or listen to him at all? That's the problem with some people. We have to be able to open up to others and try to understand why they say or do the things they do or we will never get past that particular issue. To me, the word blood is not such a disgusting word. So, this is why I stayed and found certain reactions a bit bizarre. However, I am not saying that all people left because of what he said. As I read in a comment above, some people had places to be. But those who did leave the room solely because of what Sam said were probably just shocked that he mentioned wanting to see the blood. Since it is not something we hear everyday, of course some people will be extremely shocked or disturbed. That's expected and natural for some. When hearing something out of the norm, most people react in this way. But, I find it quite admirable that Sam appreciates life for what it is, and a lot of aspects of life, like blood for example. It's definitely different. Kind of refreshing. Not superficial at all. I actually find it pretty cool how accepting of a person Sam really is. I hope to gain such qualities from this class. About many different issues and aspects of life though. That would be cool. I'm already starting to open my eyes to a lot of things I never did before. That says a lot. Makes me happy. Shows me the world in a different light, a new perspective. I know that this is true for many other people who take his class. I, along with many of my friends, took the class because of a friend or relative who took it and became a much more accepting person from it. It's definitely working for me. Whatever he does works. Challenging our own beliefs gets us to think of things we never did before, to talk about things that aren't normally spoken about. It's great, and just writing this made me realize how much I enjoy his class.

I think the book was a page turner. This is because it seemed as if she was actually speaking to me. I could almost hear the words that were written inside my head, as if I was just having a conversation with her. It flowed so easily. It was most definitely not a waste of time. And, it did not take forever to read. The second I sat down to read it, I actually wanted to keep reading, keep listening to the intelligence and the messages being sent. I could not do the same with the first book. I had to read that throughout a long time period, take breaks, and come back to it. It was different for this book though. Maybe because I can relate to everything she was saying.
I too thought the fact that it was written down and not an actual coversation was very beneficial. It gave me a chance to really take it all in, to listen without defensively responding. It made such an impact on me. I definitely agree with the fact that emotion would take over instantly if Laurie said these messages out loud to the class, any of it. It wouldn't have been taken in the same way. It's sad but so true. It's human nature to talk, to defend, to argue. It would have such a different affect if it was read out loud in class. It's hard, in person, to control emotions when having a conversation about such issues. Emotions normally get the best of us. But the best way to have a conversation is to think logically, not emotionally. We came across this realization in my discussion group. Furthermore, I find that I think the best when I write, when I actually have time to think. This is because I am not going to be defensive, or feel attacked. I can just read it, take it in, and realize new things.
The book made a difference in the person's life who made this blog. And in the person whose comment I am responding to. And in mine. And it probably made a difference in a lot of other people's lives. That's incredible to me. Like a domino effect. Furthermore, it made me think in such a different way, making me see so many different perspectives of people. I opened my eyes in a new light, to a lot of the issues that were addressed in the book.
Peace between the colors. It's really great that this book made the girl who posted the blog realize new things and think about other perspectives. Realizations and change are what makes us grow. It's really great. And I think that was the purpose of her book, to get people to see the other side. To realize that it's you and me, not just one of us. We're in it together. In order to get along, we have to realize things of this nature. And after reading this book, it makes us much more aware of everything.

The fact that Abercrombie even has a "look policy" bothers me. People who are being hired or fired from jobs should be judged only upon the basis of their skills at the work place, not based on their skin color, or anything having to do with physical appearance. This is a clear example of discrimination. I know that I myself judge a lot of people on appearance and care a lot about my own, but I wish I didn't. If I saw a Muslim woman working at Abercrombie with a head scarf on I would probably notice because it's different. But, it wouldn't be a negative thing. It wouldn't make me want to stop shopping at the store. It would actually make me happy to see that they are actually following through with their statement of having more diversity at the store. The fact that she is receiving death threats is ridiculous. She deserves to be heard if she is going to be discriminated against. She is a human being who wears a head scarf for religious purposes. What's so wrong with that? American girls wear tight clothing that shows their bodies off, and that's wrong in so many other cultures. But do you see us getting in trouble for it? Or getting threatened for it? Why encourage such acts but discourage the dressing codes of the Muslim culture? Our society cares so much about appearance and what is considered to be "hot." If you look through any magazine you will get this message. Same with television shows and media. White, skinny girls are always advertising products. You rarely see bigger girls in these magazines. Also, you don't see a lot of diversity in the magazines unless those people are dressing like Americans. Maybe if we had more magazines of different clothing styles of people from other cultures, it would not be so wrong or different to us. This girl was already working there for a long time as a successful employee. I find it beyond unfair and I feel so lucky to be Caucasian as sad as that sounds. For reasons like this, I appreciate my white skin and wish everyone wouldn't be judged on physical characteristics. We could start slowly. Hopefully one day it won't matter as much. I know it's gotten a lot better but it is obviously still going on today. I hope this girl can find a better job or get her old job back if she still wants it. I hope she can win this battle of discrimination, not only for her, but for all the other Muslim woman. I hope she comes out stronger from all of this. In life, one must go through challenges to grow and improve.

I agree that accepting the wrongs is basically taking the blame for them as well. And, I also feel that I have not done anything wrong personally to African Americans. Taking the blame for something that another individual did to someone else seems wrong to me. I can certainly recognize the wrong doings that have occurred in the past. Reading Disposable People is helping me to become more aware of such events.
Furthermore, I recognize that things that have happened in the past, and that these similar things are still happening today. I am definitely aware of these facts. But, I do not think that it is fair that I am associated with the wrong doings of others. Even if my ancestors did partake in any wrong doings, I was born here, as an individual, as my own self. Born as an individual with my very own values, morals, beliefs, and ways of life. I am different from the next person. I am not saying that my ancestors did partake in any wrong doings, because I am not aware of anything of the sort. But, as far as blame goes, it should not be carried down, from generation to generation to generation, in my opinion.
Blame is a way to cope with the past. And as Sam said, this blame will stop once others stop putting the blame on us. Until then, as long as I know that I have not done anything wrong to African Americans personally, that will be enough for me. It has to be.
I think it is unfair that every white person, even today, is still blamed for such things. I feel sad when thinking about what has happened to African Americans in the past. I really do. And although I can never completely understand it, or the feelings associated with such events, I will not accept blame for these events or actions!
I believe myself to be a kind-hearted person with a good soul. Such acts or thoughts would never even cross my mind. When something horrible happens to my family members or friends, I feel very sad when thinking about the situation, but I am not blamed for it. So why should I or anyone else be blamed for something they have not ever done or said? Does that seem fair?
Blame tends to put guilt onto someone else. Someone should only feel guilty if they have done something wrong. And when one is blamed, whether or not they have done something wrong, negative feelings tend to fill the air. The person gets riled up and either accepts the blame or defends themselves. I would certainely defend myself if put in the situation and encourage all others in my position to do the same. It shows strong personality characteristics to stand up for yourself and your beliefs. So, if the blame does fall onto us, all we can do is explain how it makes us feel and hope that those doing it will stop someday soon!

Yes, I do feel that it seems a lot more natural for girls to link arms, go to the bathroom together, and display a greater overall affection for each other. However, if guys went to the bathroom together or linked arms while walking to class, people would certainly point it out and question it. It is just something that we do not see too often. It's something that is different and shocking to our eyes. And this could be one reason why people tend to be uncomfortable when they see something of the sort.
I think the reason that lesbians are much more accepted is because girls, in the United States, show affection a lot more than boys do. Not only do they show more affection to other girls, but they also show more affection towards other guys as well. For instance, when expressing emotions or talking, walking, or doing mostly anything with other people, girls tend to reach out both physically and mentally. It is almost a natural tendency for girls to connect with people in this way. Boys, however, do not really reach out in this same way. If they do, it is usually pretty rare.
Society has made it unacceptable or not "normal" for boys to express emotions or affection openly with others. Even when a guy expresses emotions to a girl, he is seen as "whipped" or "less manly." Likewise, when talking openly and expressing emotions with other guys, they are also seen as "less manly."
Furthermore, in an upsetting situation, people find it completely normal when girls cry and comfort each other. However, if boys cried while letting out their emotions, and comforted one another, this would be taken in the completely wrong way. In the world today, boys are almost forced to harden themselves and therefore, they have to toughen up in these types of situations, in order to be accepted in society as a "man."
Have you ever heard the phrase "grow some balls?" This phrase is used in situations when guys, or girls, are being "wimps." It means, be more courageous and "manly". Balls are traits of men, and so, this phrase then correlates with bravery, and not being a "wimp. " The phrase is mostly applied to men.
As previously stated, our society has molded these gender stereotypes to the point where it is weird if a guy just openly says how he feels. It is a pretty sad thing. I respect guys who can actually express themselves and break out of this gender stereotype that society places on them. I feel that this all plays into the reason why lesbians are more accepted than gay men. Not only is it unfair, but it is simply wrong.

Yes, I too feel that it is inevitable to talk about black and white when in a race relations discussion group. It's one of the most interesting topics to me, being that so many people have differing views on the subject. And being in an atmosphere as open as these groups are, why not talk about black and white? I learned so much about blacks and whites from just the first week of the discussion groups. I think its a subject that is always going to be on our minds. And isn't it good to talk about things running through your mind?
I will certainly never feel the same hurt as a black person may feel when talking about our history. But it gives me so much more insight to so many varying issues between blacks and whites. The other day, I learned something so interesting that I never would have understood otherwise. To me, that's just cool. These groups are there so we can speak our minds, without being held back at all. It's great. And because of this, the topic is bound to come up. The conversations on the topic can go on for hours. And this is because of the different views and opinions regarding the topic.
We as black and white people do have a history that should be talked about and that is a big reason why we all come back to the topic so often. Often times whites say they can understand, but they can't. You can see things in a better light, maybe, but a white person can never truly understand. I agree with Laurie, besides the history between blacks and whites, there are also other important reasons that we come back to black and white, such as the Civil Rights Movement.
As we have been reading about in these books for soc 119, slavery still has not ended. It's so horrible and reading these books makes me so much more aware that it really has not ended. You can not just expect the underlying tension between blacks and whites to disappear because slavery has "ended." There are still feelings there. We are only human. What does one expect? Slavery will never be forgotten. And if we are allowed to express these feelings that may be bottled up, why not express?
I think that it depends on where you grow up or where you are born, as to who is or isn't "fully accepted" as American. And, furthermore, definitions are only what WE make them. To you, American may mean something extremely different than it means to the next person. What does it mean to be black? To be white? To be American? These are discussions that could also go on for hours. Open discussions are what makes the class so great. And Sam ofcourse! But the fact that we can come and sit down to talk about these issues is amazing. Truly is. What better way is there to talk about the black and white issue, or any racial issues, than to actually sit down and talk with blacks and whites, or any other person, and just be able to speak your mind? I don't think it matters so much that it always comes back to black and white because there is so much out there. And because of that, people are still learning. Learning new things about these issues every week. Expanding the mind is what it's all about. Right? So why not talk about it? Besides, it's certainly not the only topic that we cover in our groups, so why not?

I was not going to see the movie at first either. I tend to normally watch chick flicks. But, despite this, everyone I knew who already watched the movie told me I had to go see it. They all said that it was great movie. I had never seen a movie in 3d and was in the mood for something new. I was very excited to see it. Recently, trying new things is something that I enjoy doing. So, I decided to check it out for myself.
Although it was different from the normal type of movie that I usually watch, it was pretty good. As Brooks stated in his article, often there is a young white male, as the main character, seeking out profits and such, in today’s movies. This was definitely the case in the beginning of Avatar.
The movie does send out the message that all Native Americans are spiritual, peaceful, or athletic. This is a huge generalization. I agree with Brooks when he says that these people are more tranquil because they do not have cell phones, movies, or anything of that sort. This definitely affects people greatly today. Cell phones take away from actually living life, and appreciating it for all that it is.
So, the people of the forest actually lived their lives, they took in everything they possibly could, and made the forest their entire world. To me, they were the real heroes of the movie. They were not caught up in materialistic things that take over so many peoples’ lives today. They were actually alive, in the forest.
The main character was not really living while he was in his human form. But, when he went to this other world, that is when he really became his true self. Furthermore, it is when he truly felt alive and like he belonged.
I do not think that these people needed him to rescue them. They were actually the ones who rescued him, in a sense. These people were a tribe, a family, a unit. If you look at it in this light, it is not the ‘White Messiah fable’ that it appears to be.
However, I do see what Brooks is saying. It does seem that these people needed this “hero” in the way the movie was set up. But, if you look at it from the perspective that I just looked at it from, the whole thing is turned around. Really, the Natives are the true heroes, rescuing a white person who was in search of himself. And because he met them and learned their ways, he was fortunately able to find himself and feel at peace in his own body and soul.