en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2402842 Comments by bhetzell http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145279864 Immigrants come to this country to take the low paying jobs that no one else wants. What is the problem with that? As Sam had mentioned, to completely stop illegal immigration, it would cost the entire federal budget. We just don’t have the money to do that. I know that France had tried a removal act where they took numbers of undocumented people and took them back to their countries of origin. It was a good idea and all but it was costing tens of thousands of dollars just to send one person back to their homeland. I think people that are strongly against illegal immigration should maybe do some research and find out how much what is going on is actually affecting them. Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:05:45 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145279864 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145279801 . If they aren’t bothering us, why does it matter? I honestly feel bad for them. I look at their lives back in their home country and they aren’t much to be desired. I don’t blame them for trying to come to our country. Actually, America should be flattered that so many people try to come here for a better life. I agree that they should try to come here legally. It is better for everyone if they just come the legal way but if the family or person is poor, it is a lot more difficult to obtain that legality. If they choose just to visit here, they have to get a passport and in some places it is a difficult and pricey process. If they are planning to come here to stay, it is also a pricey process. Not to mention, America seems to have this thing where they want to increase their number of families so if it is a single person, they are less likely to obtain that legal immigration statement. Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:05:21 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145279801 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145279757 Honestly, I never really had an opinion on illegal immigration before Tuesday’s class. I don’t pay attention to political issues. I know I should. Every American citizen should have knowledge about what is going on in the world. They should all have opinions on issues that are major topics in legislator. Coming to Penn State has really increased my knowledge of political subjects. Illegal immigration had never crossed my mind and I think that is partially because I figured it didn’t really affect me. I assumed they weren’t taking the jobs I wanted or anything like that. I also don’t know enough about social security and other benefits they might be getting that we are paying for. After Sam’s lecture on Tuesday, I felt more educated about these issues. The way he made it seem, was that it appeared like illegal immigrants don’t really impact American citizens that much in reality. My opinion now, after the lecture, is that I don’t see why so many people have an issue with illegal immigration. Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:05:04 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145279757 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/why-did-the-white-students-tell-the-story-differently-than-the-mixed-or-black-students-119-blog/#IDComment143168842 At the same time the issue is still there that it was a relatively long story and it is easy to forget a lot of it. It is easy to zone out while someone else is reading it which also causes a lot of misinformation. Regardless of what all we’ve been talking about in class all semester, I still think it was somewhat racist to say white people “sugar coat” things just from this one example. One thing Sam has been trying to instill in us all semester is that we should jump to conclusions or make judgments or generalizations. I think that is a good thing to stick to and live by. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:33:38 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/why-did-the-white-students-tell-the-story-differently-than-the-mixed-or-black-students-119-blog/#IDComment143168842 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/why-did-the-white-students-tell-the-story-differently-than-the-mixed-or-black-students-119-blog/#IDComment143168749 . I noticed that a lot of the reason why most of the story got lost was because it was the end of class, we were pressed for time, and it was probably nerve racking to be up there in front of the class doing this. The only thing I can really see bung “sugar coated” was that I think the first girl tried avoiding the use of the word “nigger” or maybe she just forgot it. With this game, it is very difficult to see what people try to avoid saying or if they just forgot because there was so much to remember. I don’t even think that the point of that exercise was to show that people with different races or backgrounds relay the story differently. I think the point of the exercise was to show that things get lost in communication. When someone starts saying something and the other person goes to tell the story again, the story changes. Terrell was talking about how we do things as traditions sometimes and no one ever knows why. I think that was his point. If the point was to see how different people relay the story, a more effective way to do that would be have them all read the initial story and then tell it back and see how the stories vary. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:33:15 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/why-did-the-white-students-tell-the-story-differently-than-the-mixed-or-black-students-119-blog/#IDComment143168749 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/why-did-the-white-students-tell-the-story-differently-than-the-mixed-or-black-students-119-blog/#IDComment143168684 Honestly, I didn’t notice the difference between who told the story and what race they were compared to someone else. I do not think the white people “sugar coated” it. They were told to pick their own order in stand in. When it comes to a game of telephone, you have to expect miscommunication. The story was a pretty long one and it’s hard to remember that much after just hearing it once. Why would white people need to “sugar coat” it, just because the story was about black people? It was just a story. I think it is kind of shallow and racist to think that just because the story was about black people that the white people would have to “sugar coat” it. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:32:50 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/why-did-the-white-students-tell-the-story-differently-than-the-mixed-or-black-students-119-blog/#IDComment143168684 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment141066557 They weren’t saying all Arabs or all Muslims should die. There is nothing wrong with having a hatred for terrorists. I don’t care if the terrorists are Muslim, American, Catholic, German, Canadian, or any other nationality or religion. I would still hate them. They can justify terrorism to themselves whichever way they please. They will have to face their god and deal with that but that doesn’t mean I have to agree and think what they did is justifiable in my terms. Fri, 8 Apr 2011 19:14:30 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment141066557 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment141066522 I will admit that there are a bunch of people that don’t understand that the terrorists on that day were extremists and were not your everyday Muslim, but it goes both ways because it’s also not fair if every Muslim thinks that every American thinks that about them. Even before Sam’s lecture, I never once grouped all Muslims into that group. That is just shallow thinking. To be honest, this question is kind of offensive to me. I am a very strong believer that nothing justifies terrorism. Yes, I agree that the shit they are going through thanks to our soldiers. I do not agree with everything that is going on over there and I’m not even going to pretend like I know what is actually going on over there. I’m sure there is a hell of a lot of stuff going on that we don’t know about because they don’t want us to know. Even though all this happens, terrorism is not justified, and yes, I can blame them. Everyone in class was saying that all the terrorists should die and whatever else. Fri, 8 Apr 2011 19:14:17 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment141066522 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment141066418 I think there is absolutely no excuse for terrorism. Nothing justifies the killing of innocent people and that is mostly what terrorism consists of. After Tuesday’s lecture, I can see why Muslims and Arabs would be upset but it still doesn’t give them any right to do what they do. Way too many people die in terrorist attacks. In fairness, their terrorist attacks on 9/11 were before we were even in their country. If that’s the case, how can you justify that? I’m not saying that the way we, as Americans, go about things is the correct or right way but it definitely is not a justification. I think there are a lot of misunderstandings in the world. Stereotypes are created and it’s not fair. After 9/11, Americans became afraid of anyone that had an Arab heritage, especially those who practice Islam but can you really blame them? No, it is not fair that anyone who looks Arab gets searched extra at an airport or has to deal with discrimination but it also wasn’t fair that thousands of innocent people lost their lives in the World Trade Centers, Pentagon, or in Somerset. Fri, 8 Apr 2011 19:13:47 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment141066418 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139173966 . I think that is what every relationship needs. The one person you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable with when it comes to a topic relating to sex is your partner. You really shouldn’t feel uncomfortable talking about anything with them. What was also nice about this lecture was how it was in such a relaxed setting. Everyone was open to hearing what Sam and Laurie had to say. No one was judging anyone which made it a more comfortable atmosphere. They weren’t preaching to us to not have sex like most adults do. They were simply giving us advice about the opposite sex. I think it was a great presentation and I think how they handled it made it the most comfortable for everyone in the room. Fri, 1 Apr 2011 18:54:55 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139173966 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139173875 Since Sam had suggested that we all bring people to the lecture, I asked my boyfriend to come and listen. To some people, that would have made the topic more uncomfortable to sit through. Talking about sex and genitalia don’t bother me much. I talk about it all the time. The only time it makes me uncomfortable is if the topic comes up when I’m talking to my parents. I might be really close to my mom but there are some things you just don’t say. Anyway, I found the lecture very educational and enjoyable. I was glad I asked my boyfriend to come because I think he learned as much as me. I am pretty sure he didn’t feel uncomfortable about any of it either. I don’t think anyone should feel that way. I took a survey earlier today for my psychology class that had to do with sexual relations. It asked many questions about whether or not you are open with your partner about your needs and wants. Fri, 1 Apr 2011 18:54:27 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139173875 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139173822 I’m not a person that feels uncomfortable easily. I don’t know why that is, but it’s just who I am and who I’ve always been. I have sat through Sam’s lectures and I don’t know if there was ever a time in his class that I have felt uncomfortable, well, so far. I find it difficult to feel uncomfortable in that class because there are about 700 people in that room. If it were a room of about 20, then yes, I would feel a lot more uncomfortable because it would be like everyone’s eyes were on me. I’ve felt it a few times in my discussion group, but I feel like the more I listen to Sam’s lectures, I loosen up a lot more. I realize we are all going to die so what does it matter. When I walked into class yesterday, I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was that the lecture was called the Needy Penis. I wasn’t sure if that was and analogy or if we were actually talking about penises. Fri, 1 Apr 2011 18:54:07 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139173822 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/would-you-date-someone-like-me-119-blog/#IDComment137623442 Personally, I wouldn’t mind dating a black guy. I never have but that is because there was a small black population where I grew up but there was one guy I had a major crush on. Unfortunately, he was never interested in me. I wouldn’t let any of the above things get to me but that’s just me. Not everyone is like me. Not to sound self-centered but I’m a very outgoing person and I do what I want and don’t give a shit what anyone else thinks. I have a racist grandma but if someday I decide to marry someone of a different race, and she does not agree with it, then too bad. It’s my life and I get to decide who I want to spend it with. Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:06:23 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/would-you-date-someone-like-me-119-blog/#IDComment137623442 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/would-you-date-someone-like-me-119-blog/#IDComment137623405 . Some people are willing to say they don’t give a shit what people think, but there are a lot of people out there that care a lot about what other people think. Another big imitation could be the girl’s friends, especially if she has predominantly black friends. The guy could be afraid that her friends might disapprove of her dating a white guy and might discourage her from talking to you. Another major reason could just be you two don’t have a lot in common. If you identify very closely to your black culture, and he identifies very closely with his white culture, it could clash. You both have to be willing to accept in another culture and let some of your traditions go. Some people aren’t willing to do that. These could be just some of the reasons why it seems like they don’t want to. But I guess this can go both ways. Black girls can feel the same way about white boys and not want to approach them for all of these same fears. Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:06:11 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/would-you-date-someone-like-me-119-blog/#IDComment137623405 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/would-you-date-someone-like-me-119-blog/#IDComment137623363 I think white guys don’t want to date black girls just because they are intimidated. There are many reasons why they might be intimidated. They could be afraid of their families not liking it. A lot of white families have issues with their grandparents being extremely racist and people get scared of what might happen if they bring someone of another race home. They also could be intimidated by their friends. It’s possible they don’t want to admit to their friends about it and they are afraid of getting ridiculed. They could be afraid of that even if it’s not true. They might just be afraid of how their friends will react to her. Another reason they might be hesitant is that they could be influenced by society. Sometimes people who don’t approve make comments or give you weird looks. It is a lot for some people to deal with. Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:05:55 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/would-you-date-someone-like-me-119-blog/#IDComment137623363 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/would-you-date-someone-like-me-119-blog/#IDComment137623139 I think white guys don’t want to date black girls just because they are intimidated. There are many reasons why they might be intimidated. They could be afraid of their families not liking it. A lot of white families have issues with their grandparents being extremely racist and people get scared of what might happen if they bring someone of another race home. They also could be intimidated by their friends. It’s possible they don’t want to admit to their friends about it and they are afraid of getting ridiculed. They could be afraid of that even if it’s not true. They might just be afraid of how their friends will react to her. Another reason they might be hesitant is that they could be influenced by society. Sometimes people who don’t approve make comments or give you weird looks. It is a lot for some people to deal with. Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:04:06 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/would-you-date-someone-like-me-119-blog/#IDComment137623139 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/where-do-the-messages-come-from-119-blog/#IDComment135961130 This is not helping the cause. The irony is that most white people in America want to be tanner. They don’t like the idea of being really pale. The major struggle is that no one is happy with what they look like. They are literally not happy in their own skin. When the rest of society is telling you that something other than what you are is beautiful, it’s hard to ignore that. When thoughts like this are instilled in your parents while they were growing because of what society believed back then, they are going to push it on you. They want you to be beautiful and not stand out and be ridiculed by people. They have created straighteners to make kinky hair straight to bridge the gap between appearances smaller. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:28:19 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/where-do-the-messages-come-from-119-blog/#IDComment135961130 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/where-do-the-messages-come-from-119-blog/#IDComment135961085 Our beliefs as children come from a lot of different sources. It is hard to pinpoint just one cause of what we might believe. One of the first things we are exposed to are the thoughts and beliefs of our parents and extended family, basically, the people who are around us the most in our dire developing years. We ease drop on the conversations they are having even when they might be way beyond our knowledge and understanding. If we hear our parents, or other people we look up to, talking about how one race is inferior to another then those things rub off on us naturally. Then, as we grow up, their beliefs are imposed on us even more. They tell us what we should think and that we should think exactly like them. Outside of the family, the media has some impact on our views on society and how we should be. A lot of kids have role models that are on TV and kids want to be just like them. If on TV, all they show is that white is beautiful, so if you aren’t white, you believe you aren’t beautiful. That’s not true but it has become a common belief in today’s society. A lot of other countries that have predominantly darker skin have come out with whitening creams of all kinds. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:27:58 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/where-do-the-messages-come-from-119-blog/#IDComment135961085 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/is-it-selfish-for-people-in-poverty-to-have-more-kids-because-of-their-lower-income-119-blog/#IDComment130678843 Also, there are a lot of farming families that have multiple kids so they can help the family out and all work on the farm. In non-farming families, the same might be true but just not with farms. Some families might have the kids so they can get jobs and help the family out a little bit. I guess that is pretty selfish. If a family is having kids just so they can have jobs to help make money, then they are forgetting about all the needs of those children other than that. Families should encourage an education over anything else but I guess that’s not the case for everyone. Basically, I think it depends on the situation. I would have to know the story before calling the family selfish or not. Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:36:51 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/is-it-selfish-for-people-in-poverty-to-have-more-kids-because-of-their-lower-income-119-blog/#IDComment130678843 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/is-it-selfish-for-people-in-poverty-to-have-more-kids-because-of-their-lower-income-119-blog/#IDComment130678806 The older kids will constantly have to be taking care of the younger ones or getting jobs as soon as they are able. The younger kids will have to suffer from everything they have being a hand-me-down of some sort. There are probably a lot of opportunities the kids miss out on because of the lack of money, especially the youngest ones. On the other hand, I can kind of see why some families in poverty might have a lot of kids. First of all, lack of resources. If a family is in poverty, chances are they don’t have the money to constantly spend on birth control, condoms, or other contraceptives. That’s not going to stop them from having sex. There is probably a good chance that some of their kids might be mistakes. Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:36:40 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/is-it-selfish-for-people-in-poverty-to-have-more-kids-because-of-their-lower-income-119-blog/#IDComment130678806