en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/764256 Comments by jmr5238 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment70007067 I also agree with a majority of what everyone else has said regarding whether or not this can be considered as racist- there is definitely a fine line that is drawn, but just because you, by chance, have better opportunities than other people in undeveloped countries does not constitute as something so negative. It is especially unracistlike to want to be able to put these opportunities to use and really help other people out. I originally thought this video, because of the title, was going to be asking if a certain comment or term was considered racist, but I’m really glad that it was asking this question in particular, because it is something so interesting to consider. Overall, I really think it’s how you portray yourself. If you’re going to go around and parade the fact that you’re better off than a lot of other people in different countries, then maybe racism will come into play. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:56:34 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment70007067 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment70005718 I can understand why there was a lot of outrage for what Sam discussed in class regarding the ‘Christian Invasion’, but I think people really need to start putting themselves in the shoes of other people. Because I think that with Sam’s whole argument and putting us in the shoes of the Muslims, it is really easy to understand their negative thoughts about us. It all works out in a way that we make our beliefs and judgments based off of the information that we know, and sometimes if we are not well informed enough then we are going to make assumptions. Of course this is a terrible thing, but I really think this is something that is absolutely inevitable. Therefore, as hard as it is to hear all of the negative things that the Muslims say about us and vice-versa, only better communication can potentially solve this problem in society. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:47:46 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment70005718 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment70003107 I am so glad that this man reached out to us through his letter. I kept reading it over and over again because I was so intrigued. To be perfectly honest, I had all of the preconceived judgments about people in prison that he was talking about. I just assumed that there was no way any good people could exist in prison. I never but too much thought into it, but if anyone would have asked me what I think about the people in prison, I probably would have just said something along the lines of the them being terrible people. That being said, I feel like the terrible person now for thinking that. It is so weird to actually sit down and really take a deeper look into what compassion really is. It is displayed so often, but no one really ever thinks about it. I think it’s such a cool thing that people are basically programmed to show empathy and feelings towards other people when they know that it is needed the most. I never really put much thought towards this either, but I feel like a lot of compassionate moments are really overlooked sometimes, and that’s really sad to me. From now on, I want to observe every moment of compassion as possible. I’m also going to really appreciate the compassion that other people show me. I also think it’s so cool that moments like these take place and are observed in prison. My preconceived and naive judgments about that kind of place also assumed that this never happened. I really needed to realize that just because some people have committed terrible crimes does not mean that they don’t have feelings and are not capable of showing compassion. I think that a lot of other students’ eyes will be opened by this letter too. Letters like this, and any other form of an eye opening experience, needs to occur more often. As upset as I am with myself, I’m really glad that I was able to take something away from this letter. This has taught me that I really need to take a deeper look into the lives of other people. I don’t think that I’m too big of a judgmental or critical person, but I know that I also need to stop making assumptions. It makes me so sad though that people like this man have obviously changed everything about himself, but still cannot be given a second chance at living his life. I know it would be too difficult to somehow test the lifers and see who can qualify to be released, because it would be way too hard to draw the line, but I just really wish there was something that could be done. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:39:23 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment70003107 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66445868 I really think this is a good question, and I am definitely going to read everyone else’s response after I post my own. To be honest, I don’t think I have necessarily changed my opinion about much… but it’s not because I don’t agree or that I’m stuck in my own ways of thinking. Sam has definitely opened my eyes to a lot of different opinions that I may potentially have, but in order to actually change my mind about my thoughts, I think that I have to do a lot of research on my own to really confirm my way of thinking. So, therefore, I don’t think Sam has changed my opinion, but he has definitely instilled in my head that there is always a different approach to every situation and I really have to explore all of the options for myself to see what I really believe and think. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 19:11:57 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66445868 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66444199 Watching this CNN video and just thinking about the concept of this game gave me the chills. Although some people may think of this game as an ‘escape’ from reality, I really do not think that pretend raping girls should ever be something that people want to escape and do. The object of a game is to be fun, so what I would like to know is since when is raping considered something that can be fun? Isn’t there something else that people can do when they want to escape? I just do not understand why people would want to be the ones in control of such a terrible (understatement) thing. It makes me sick to my stomach. Read a book about rape or something. Don’t actually take part in it. Also, just because genitalia is obscured means nothing. People can look at porn if that’s what they wanted to see. And the girls are cartoons, so I don’t really think anybody is looking to see that anyway. It’s all about the concept. I also agree with the woman speaking on behalf of the women’s rights group; by turning something like rape into a game that people play, the whole concept of it is just being normalized, and rape is something that should NEVER be normalized. Most people with a right mind would never even consider doing this in real life because they know it is such a horrible thing to do, so why is it something that can be thought of lightly enough to make it into a game. Even the sounds effects coming from the girls who are having their skirts blown up in the game are just so sad. I don’t understand how anybody could play this game without having a guilty conscience. There are plenty of other options for an escape. These people need to look at porn or something- at least those girls want you to look at them. It’s funny to me that government officials would not make a statement about the game, and the one female who did would not release her name. That is how you know it’s a problem. It is absolutely absurd that this game has been exposed to the public as long as it has been, and I bet no one is releasing their names because they are ashamed, and that is exactly the way they should feel. But really… if they know it is something wrong and not good for society, I would think the government would want to publicize the fact that they do not agree with the game and what it stands for. Knowing that the game can have such harmful effects to society and not doing anything about it (when you are fully capable to do so) is just as bad as playing the game itself. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 18:59:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66444199 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65680865 Honestly? It is completely absurd. There is no reason for any of this. That is why I think that if everyone had the chance to waitress and really see how hard of a job it can be, no one would ever take their service for granted. Similarly, if everyone had the chance to be categorized as a minority, they would realize that it is just as stupid to take any single person for granted. This happens way too often in society, and it is such a scary thing to witness. Therefore, I really think that globalization can be one of the best things that will happen to our world today. People need more experiences (of any kind), and this is definitely one of the ways that this can happen. People need exposure. As typical as it may sound, everyone needs to realize what it is like to be placed in somebody else’s shoes. It is too easy of a concept, but it needs to happen. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 05:50:56 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65680865 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-if-we-got-rid-of-welfare__trashed/#IDComment65683450 I absolutely agree with this post, one hundred percent. There are so many ways that the welfare system of our country is being taken advantage of, and I just feel as though there are so many ways that these situations can be avoided. The system has not been thought through well enough, and for that reason it should not have been implemented when it was. There are WAY too many loopholes, and it makes it all the more frustrating because so many people are aware of all of the problems and issues that are being caused. It has become way too easy to defeat the welfare system of our government, and something needs to be done about it immediately. Obviously a welfare system needed to be implemented, but if government officials knew that there would be some ways to go around the rules (if they didn't, I'm sure they do now), then I just feel like they took the easy way out and implemented a 'temporary' system that has become an absolute joke. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 02:07:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-if-we-got-rid-of-welfare__trashed/#IDComment65683450 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65682157 I can almost guarantee you that if I were in this student's shoes I would be confused as well. That is the hard part about it though; even if he feels deep down that he belongs with one ethnic group, or there is one particular group of people that he feels he associates best with, there are people in today's society that constantly make him question how he feels. To be honest, it's really sad. I am sure he can find a part of himself that can identify with each different culture that he is a part of, but the confusion is absolutely understandable. This is when society becomes so frustrating; everybody is so critical and always trying to categorize people into one group or another, and it is really truly unfair. People need to make decisions like these for themselves, without the judgment or commentary from anybody else. Society needs to be more understanding, and maybe then people wouldn't be so confused about where they feel that they belong. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 01:58:46 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65682157 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65680853 I feel like in order for there to not be so much controversy in our world, people just need to have more experience. People need to have their eyes wide opened to society to really understand what people go through. Maybe this way, people will not be so hypocritical or ignorant. It may also be naïve to think that placing every single person in a minority group will cure all of the hatred that occurs in today’s society, but I definitely think it will have a huge impact. For example, I have been a waitress for the past four years, and I think this is also something that everybody needs to experience. If this happened, I really think a lot more people would be appreciative of the service that they receive when they are in a restaurant. To be honest, I really feel like I could be a minority when I am waitressing; people are rude and mean for absolutely no reason, and it is probably just because they think they have some sort of power over me. (cot'd in 3rd comment) Sat, 3 Apr 2010 01:50:50 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65680853 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65680797 It is such a weird thought to me that white people will someday (soon) be considered to be a minority. As a white person, I am not bothered by this whatsoever, but it is just a crazy thought. I have never known what it is like to be considered a minority, and I really think it will be an interesting experience. I think people can learn a lot by being put into this position, because being a minority is something that a lot of people should really experience. It may sound like a naïve thing to say, especially coming from someone who is white, but to me it makes complete and entire sense. (cot'd in 2nd comment) Sat, 3 Apr 2010 01:50:10 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65680797 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment64230421 I absolutely agree with this post. Of course it is understandable that people want to voice their opinions if an issue arises that they do not agree with, but is this really the right approach? I feel like there are so many more productive things that can be done with the time that is spent protesting. Even if one does not agree with the measures that our government or individual politics are taking, I just think that there has to be a better way of going about the situation and conducting your behavior in a more mature manner. Obviously people get their point across when they protest, but how many outsiders are going to take these people seriously? Not many, I would think. There are probably some circumstances when protesting may be necessary and get a lot accomplished, but I think people take it way too far sometimes, and get too out of control. By doing this, they lose sight of why they are really protesting in the first place. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:28:13 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment64230421 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment64229823 I definitely agree with the two posts above mine. Because white people are in the majority, I feel as though anybody who is not in this category of race is looked at as a whole, as opposed to an individual. It’s really sad to think about, and I’m sure a lot of people do not ever question it, but I think this is definitely what goes on. The more I think about it, the more I realize how unfair this circumstance really is. I know it probably differs in every country (i.e. white people would be categorized as a whole as opposed to being viewed individually in an Asian country), but why is this the case? As obvious as it is, we know that when we see an individual, no matter what color they are, they are their own person. There is nobody like them in the world, so why would we treat them as though there are thousands that are just like them? Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:23:02 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment64229823 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/in-her-own-words__trashed/#IDComment64228907 I really never thought of menstruating in this aspect, but I think that Laurie hit the nail on the head in this video; by not acknowledging the fact that we have our periods and by keeping it all on the DL, we are really truly pretending like we are not women. I never go too far out of my way to act like I do not have mine or that I am not ‘bleeding’, but I just never say anything about it because it always just seems to be something that is unacceptable to talk about. Why though? It’s so silly when you really sit down and think about it. Nobody really ever questions it either, and I am sure that I have not up until this point either, but I really wonder what it would be like if guys were the ones that bleed every month- would people be talking about it all the time? Would bleeding be normal? This definitely stems back to Sam’s point of ethnocentrism too. It’s funny though; I would have never thought that not talking about menstruating could have such a deep meaning like this. It is definitely the truth though, and Sam covers this issue in the post above this one. We do not talk about bleeding because that’s just the way it is, but really… why is this the case? Why can’t we talk about what is absolutely, without question, normal? Why does it have to be gross? I mean, I don’t really think bleeding is not gross, whether it be out of your elbow or your vagina, but I just feel like when people talk about menstruating, they think the concept of it is gross, as opposed to the bleeding itself. By not talking about our periods, females are completing downplaying our genders and what it really truly means to be a woman. Why should we have to pretend we’re something that we are not? It really isn’t fair. There really is no reason for any of this. To be honest, I do not think this situation is ever going to change, but I am really happy that Sam brought some awareness to it, because I know for a fact that I never questioned any of it before class this week. It all just seemed normal to me- to act like menstruation just doesn’t happen (besides with your close friends). Just because of the way that it is still thought of in society, I do not think I’ll ever feel totally comfortable talking about when I have mine with strangers, but I know that from now on I won’t try and conceal my box of tampons by other things when I am shopping. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:15:24 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/in-her-own-words__trashed/#IDComment64228907 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment63018568 Although I only heard Natalie Randolph speak for probably less than three minutes total, I can already presume that she is a woman of great character. The disheartening part of the story is that I am sure there are some parents (particularly fathers) who have boys on the football team that will not give her the chance to even prove herself before saying negative things about the situation. All they need to do is give her a chance. For all they know, Natalie Randolph may be the best football coach that Calvin Coolidge High School has ever seen. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:01:10 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment63018568 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment63018537 I think it was really cool to listen to Natalie Randolph speak about the high expectations that she has for herself. Although she has always been extremely athletic, I think if you take a closer listen to her words, you can tell that things have not always come easy to her. Maybe this is what caused her to create such high goals and standards, but I think it is so inspiring regardless of what started it. I thought it was so cool when she said that she does not set out to prove other people wrong because although Natalie Randolph does not make it seem like any controversy has been created, I think it is inevitable in a situation like this. Therefore, I think the only true way for Randolph to flourish and succeed as a coach at Calvin Coolidge, she must disregard what anybody else has to say besides her team and her own conscience. (continued in 3rd comment) Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:00:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment63018537 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment63018454 I think that it is incredibly exciting for Natalie Randolph to be the new football coach at Calvin Coolidge High School. Aside from being such a great opportunity, a female coach has rarely ever (if not never) been seen before. That being said, I think it is just as exciting that this woman was offered the position as coach based on her experience and love for the sport. Although it may be borderline naive to think, wouldn’t it be really nice if life always worked out this way? I love how self-deprecating Natalie Randolph was when she spoke of how she came about to be the new coach. Instead of saying things like, “I deserve this more than any other candidate for coach” or “They would have been stupid to not recognize my potential”, Randolph’s whole theory on the situation was “that’s the way the cookie crumbled”. Randolph seems to be a tough and strong-willed woman, and I do not think that Calvin Coolidge could ask for any better qualities out of a football coach. This woman is in it for the long haul, and it is clearly obvious that she wants to do right by both herself and her team. (continued in 2nd comment) Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:00:17 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment63018454 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment63017949 I did not even really realize that this was going on in class in the first place, and I’m really glad it was brought to my attention. I definitely agree with this post with regards to the fact it was all done anonymously and that is what made people feel more comfortable. It is actually kind of sad and pathetic to me though because Sam tries to create this environment of such open communication and he really wants to hear everybody’s thoughts, and people have to say such negative and rude things via text messages. I know that this is probably the whole purpose of the texting- to get people to say things that they may not stand up and say, but if people really thought that these kinds of comments would really enhance the conversations that we have in class, then I don't understand why they would not raise their hands to say it? Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:56:13 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment63017949 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-one__trashed/#IDComment58764472 I can definitely see both sides of this situation. Of course children should really be aware and have a broader complex of what a Native American really is, but it is so hard to instill something so serious into the mind of a child. I understand that it is so much easier to teach children new languages and everything along those lines when they are younger, but I feel like all of that stuff is just memorization. The history of a culture and the genocide that followed them is a lot deeper than what a child can understand. On the other hand, I am sure that if I was a Native American I would definitely want to be known for everything else about me besides the fact that my ancestors used to or still wear feathers as a part of their daily attire. There is so much more to these people that needs to be recognized, and I really do feel like children are capable are understanding that. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:41:47 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-one__trashed/#IDComment58764472 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58763980 I definitely agree with this post – it basically relates back to the quote that ‘ignorance is bliss’. With such a serious situation though, it is so hard to think how some people can choose to be ignorant about it. Of course a lot of people do not think anything of it because they did not have a first-hand part in the problem, but I just feel like nobody knows enough about it to give it any thought. Therefore, the more that I think about it though, I think it has a lot more to do with the fact that so many people are not well informed enough and completely uneducated when it comes to the whole situation. I feel that nobody is really aware of what happened, when in reality it should be on everyone’s radar. Therefore, I think the quote should be more along the lines of ‘education is bliss’. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:34:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58763980 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58763323 I absolutely agree with the above posts- I do not think I would have had any preconceived judgments about you. The only thing that I would have agreed with would have been the athlete thing, but that is definitely not a bad thing. Of course people make judgments about athletes, but I think it is basically inevitable at this point for people in society to not make judgments about anyone in the first place. Therefore, although judgments may be made, I do not think they have anything to do with the concerns that you originally voiced. I mean, I am sure that there definitely are people that that may have those specific stereotypes in mind when they see you, but I am thinking that it really is not as many people as you may have thought. What I think is really sad is the fact that people even have to be curious as to what everyone else thinks about them, like what first impressions and judgments are being made before anything is ever said. I know that I have wondered the same thing so many times, but it is just so frustrating that this even has to be a thought that crosses anybody’s mind. I feel like this is just the epitome of what makes everyone so self-conscious. Seriously though, imagine how many people’s lives would be absolutely and completely changed. I feel like this world would not even be the same place. It would be so nice if we could enter any situation with any crowd of people and not have to worry about what they thought of us. I feel like people would just be able to act so differently; maybe more like themselves? I really wonder what our world would be like if we lived in a society like this. Of course it will probably never happen, but it’s a nice thought. Stemming from this, that is what was so interesting in lecture today- the whole concept of the differences between people that are handing in resumes and what their appearances are. It is so crazy to think that one person can be picked over another due to their appearance and skin color when everything else is EXACTLY the same, down to the price of their old house and how much they made at a previous job. I guess it really is not that crazy, because it really is not unheard of, and we all know that it happens on a day to day basis, but I never really gave much thought to all of it before, and now that I have, I feel like it is something that I just can’t stop thinking about. I guess that is definitely a good thing though, because I feel like stuff like this should be on everyone’s radar on a consistent basis. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:25:34 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58763323