en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/761260 Comments by sdk173 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment71550554 I will start up by saying that this is a very good and thoughtful question and I am glad that she brought this point out. Many American tend to treat illegal immigrants, especially Mexicans with no respect because they believe that these immigrants are harming their economic. Many Americans are concerned about the negative impact of illegal immigrants, especially in particular to jobs and wages. They claim that illegal immigrants take Americans’ jobs, threaten National security, and even change the nation’s culture by refusing to learn. If these are true, why have illegal border crossings been increasing when the United States spent billions of dollars on national security? I think the answer to this question is clear-because the United Sates need illegal immigrants to fill out unwanted jobs and small businesses will not function without them which can lead to a great harm on the economy. Americans filled to realize that illegal immigrant actually help boost up the American society. The reason for this is illegal immigrants fill the jobs that Americans refuse to take, are willing to labor for low wages and generally boost the United States economy. For example, illegal immigrants in the United States jobs include farming, constructions, repairs and installation, insulation, housekeeping and transportation services. These are all jobs that most poor and uneducated American refused to do for low wages. They also work twice as hard to be equal to average U.S. workers, and they are less likely to own properties (land, houses, stocks and business) due to the policies and restrictions placed on illegal immigrants. Therefore, Illegal immigrants are more beneficial than costly to the United State Economy. Going back to the question, many illegal immigrants will rather become legal immigrants but they cannot afford it due to lack of funding because of low wages. I am not saying that it is okay to encourage illegal immigrants because it not fair to other immigrants who suffers to come to this country legally. However, I do not think they should be look down upon because they are great help to the United State economy, most specifically the labor market. I think the government should create some form of policy that will be much easier and cheaper for illegal immigrant to become legal. This will help more illegal immigrants become legal because money is more important in becoming legal than hard work is. “If you work hard, you can achieve anything” this is what many people in the United States and in other countries believe the American dream is. This is a myth to me, because money rules everything, if you have money, you can achieve anything. Hard work may help, but it is not enough! Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:06:43 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment71550554 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69990027 First of all, I am impressed with how the writer composed his word in his note. If I wasn’t aware from the beginning that the inmate never graduated from high school, I would have never guessed so. I mean he write like a college student or even a college graduate. With that said, I never judge a people in prison as evil, stupid, heartless, slow or look down on them because they are convicts. I still consider them human and as a human we all make mistakes. I am glad that Laurie visited the” lifers” and share this experience with us. I am gladder that she posted an actual little up for a lifter inmate. This should be an eye opener to those who think that people in prison especially the once who are do life (i.e. murderers, rapists) are heartless or have no compassion. This was not surprising to me that mast inmates have compassion even though they might not get along all the time. I have visited and talking to inmate at federal prisons and I heard similar stories where other inmates help each other out. Going back to the story, I felt bad and was sorry for the inmate who wrote this letter. The reason for this is he sounded like a very wise person and I wish I could know more to his personal story. I will like to know the actual story as to how and why he committed a first degree murder. I hurt to know that most of did people who commits felony (i.e. murder) usually do really understand at the time of the murder what they were really doing and when they go to jail they realized and change, but then they have to spent the rest of their lives in prison. I think it is sucks, but I guess that’s how the judicial system works. I think people should try and visit these prisons and hear some of those inmates’ stories. You will be amazed of how it will change you thinking. It is a great experience and an educating one also. Every time I visit an inmate, specifically a lifter, I always learn something new. I also experienced what the inmate explained in his note about two inmate who does not like each other helping each other when in need. For example, on one of my visit, I saw one inmate comforting another inmate who lost his little brother. The comforting inmate gives the other inmate tissue and was telling him to stop crying and everything will be okay. He also offers the other inmate to use his call time. I learned that both of them hated each other once. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:57:34 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69990027 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68415052 Thursday class discussion was very interesting and educational. The topic, Christian Invaders Trailer, was thoughtful and it revealed very important points about what I called a POINTLESS WAR. I am glad that these issues were raised in class yesterday because most of the questions asked in class today are the same questions I continue to ask myself. The main question I keep asking and can’t get an answer is WHY ARE WE STAY FIGHTING THESE PEOPLE FOR THEIR OWN RESOURCES. I hope Americans can just put themselves in the Iraqis shoes for one day and maybe we will realize how unfair we are to them. What kills me the most is the remark Bush made on the video clip shown in class. He sounded so dumb saying that if the Iraqis can just make them TAKE THEIR OIL, then they would not have to sent their people out there to get kill. Pathetic! It is funny how Americans in general are selfish and only care about themselves. They refuse to take others into consideration. To me sound more like just give me your oil or I continue to kill your people and my people. We are going to somebody else’s country to fight them for their own oil and you do not expect them to fight back or defense what is theirs? I think Americans in general are just so greedy and will do whatever it takes to get what they want, even if it means killing others and themselves. They always want to show that they have more power and everybody should abide by their rules. It is so sad! Every day I picture what the innocent Iraqis are going through for something the Americans want, it hurt me. This is just another episode of the Americans trying to take over by using force because they are more powerful. This reminds me about them going to Africa and taking their resources and enslaving people to gain their wants. Americans needs to realize that they are not the “WORLD” and the world does not reverse around American. Just because you are more powerful does not mean you should suffer others to get what you want. You should learn how to accept NO, and not everything should have to go your way. I hope that one day (soon) that this war in Iraq will stop. I know that the Iraqis are tired and want to live regular lives like everybody in the world. Kids will love to go to school without the fear of war. People in Iraq will be able to live regular lives without the fear of war. Also, Americans solders won’t have to worry about their lives also. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:25:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68415052 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66698951 Wow! Just can’t believe he said that everything Sam had taught have brought no changes in his opinions. Like he said, I guess it is just him personally. It kills me to know that people are just stuck in their confront zone and refuses to look at life or things from different perspectives. This is the main reason why the world is so dysfunctional because people are so selfish and do not like to hear the truth. As they said “the truth hurts.” I believe in this saying because a person who always tells the truth is always the one consider “the full of shit guy” because people do not want to hear the truth. With that said everything that Sam discussed were all issues that are going on today, and I think everyone should take it into consideration. I was truly blind to most of the issues discussed in class so far such as modern day slavery, native Indian and today racism. The reason for this is society, especially the media, does not focus on these issues. Therefore, people are unaware of these issues. After sitting in this class for weeks, it did not change me as an individual but it has made a different in how I think and my opinion toward certain things. For example, I knew modern day slavery existed but I did not know how bad and how worldwide they were. For examples, how young girls in China are being use as sex slaves and how Africans are persuade into slavery in Brazil and families being enslaves in India. I am glad I was able to learn more about these issues because society and the media do not talk about these issues. The most interesting class to me (although I liked most of the classes) was the one that we discussed about stereotype with the video of the black kids and the dolls. This video and discussion was very interesting and touching. It changes my view about how society plays a role in racism and stereotype. The only way that people will stop stereotyping is when society and the media (especially movie and television) start to aware people more about these issues and stop encouraging these issues. For example, if Whites weren’t view as the best, most beautiful, riches and heroes in the media, then black’s people (especially kids) will start to appreciate themselves more. Today class changes my whole view about chocolate. This was an issue that was brand new to me and I am glad I was in class to see this video. It hurts to know that somebody’s pleasure is somebody else’s pain. We are paying for slavery and it’s so sad! Fri, 9 Apr 2010 01:46:15 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66698951 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65592661 My first reaction to the video was Wow!! Watching the video in class, I felt touched, sad, embarrassed, degraded, and hurt. What killed me the most is when the little black kid said the black Barbie doll was ugly and he also said this it was the one that he looks like--- That brought tears to my eyes. After watching this video, my prospective about parents having the biggest influence on children lives especially socially and cognitively has change. I’ve always thought that parent influence how their kids thinks but I have now realized that society have the biggest influence on children’s lives. I am an African, and when I first came to the United States, I used to get very angry and annoyed every time kids in my elementary and middle school use to make fun of Africa and ask me silly questions about Africa. Because I was a Kid and did not understand the real reasons why those other kids thought that way about Africa, I used to think they was the rude and ignorant. After leaning, and living in the American society for years, I now understand that society is the biggest reason to children ignorant and reactions to racism. Children learned exactly what society teaches them, and because the American society teaches them that the White is the better and “Hero” race, and black is the degrading and always in need for salvation race; therefore, children grow up with these ideas. It is sad that racism especially the “White Messiah” is all over the media. For examples, you see the “White Messiah” in movies, in advertisements, video games and other entertainments. History also focuses on the whites and teaches less about Blacks history. Instead of teaching positive thing about Blacks history, they keep reminding them about slavery and negative things about their heritage. For example, they never show you the nicest things about Africa; instead they show people in salvation. There are so many things they could talk about like the beautiful cities in Africa, the natural resources etc. Because of the negativity and degrading, therefore, Blacks are ashamed of where they came from. Going back to the video, the Blacks kids saw that Whites are always view as the better race so they rather have a white doll because in society they are the most pretty and accepted race. Also, most of the Whites doll are made with prettier features such as long hair, prettier eyes, and have better clothes and shoes on. If you look at most Blacks Barbie dolls, they are always the less attractive dolls in stores. Also, you see more Whites dolls in stores than black dolls. This is so sad! Sat, 3 Apr 2010 03:44:46 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65592661 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65654001 My first reaction to the video was Wow!! Watching the video in class, I felt touched, sad, embarrassed, degraded, and hurt. What killed me the most is when the little black kid said the black Barbie doll was ugly and he also said this it was the one that he looks like--- That brought tears to my eyes. After watching this video, my prospective about parents having the biggest influence on children lives especially socially and cognitively has change. I’ve always thought that parent influence how their kids thinks but I have now realized that society have the biggest influence on children’s lives. I am an African, and when I first came to the United States, I used to get very angry and annoyed every time kids in my elementary and middle school use to make fun of Africa and ask me silly questions about Africa. Because I was a Kid and did not understand the real reasons why those other kids thought that way about Africa, I used to think they was the rude and ignorant. After leaning, and living in the American society for years, I now understand that society is the biggest reason to children ignorant and reactions to racism. Children learned exactly what society teaches them, and because the American society teaches them that the White is the better and “Hero” race, and black is the degrading and always in need for salvation race; therefore, children grow up with these ideas. It is sad that racism especially the “White Messiah” is all over the media. For examples, you see the “White Messiah” in movies, in advertisements, video games and other entertainments. History also focuses on the whites and teaches less about Blacks history. Instead of teaching positive thing about Blacks history, they keep reminding them about slavery and negative things about their heritage. For example, they never show you the nicest things about Africa; instead they show people in salvation. There are so many things they could talk about like the beautiful cities in Africa, the natural resources etc. Because of the negativity and degrading, therefore, Blacks are ashamed of where they came from. Going back to the video, the Blacks kids saw that Whites are always view as the better race so they rather have a white doll because in society they are the most pretty and accepted race. Also, most of the Whites doll are made with prettier features such as long hair, prettier eyes, and have better clothes and shoes on. If you look at most Blacks Barbie dolls, they are always the less attractive dolls in stores. Also, you see more Whites dolls in stores than black dolls. This is so sad! Fri, 2 Apr 2010 23:44:46 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65654001 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65592099 My first reaction to the video was Wow!! Watching the video in class, I felt touched, sad, embarrassed, degraded, and hurt. What killed me the most is when the little black kid said the black Barbie doll was ugly and he also said this it was the one that he looks like--- That brought tears to my eyes. After watching this video, my prospective about parents having the biggest influence on children lives especially socially and cognitively has change. I’ve always thought that parent influence how their kids thinks but I have now realized that society have the biggest influence on children’s lives. I am an African, and when I first came to the United States, I used to get very angry and annoyed every time kids in my elementary and middle school use to make fun of Africa and ask me silly questions about Africa. Because I was a Kid and did not understand the real reasons why those other kids thought that way about Africa, I used to think they was the rude and ignorant. After leaning, and living in the American society for years, I now understand that society is the biggest reason to children ignorant and reactions to racism. Children learned exactly what society teaches them, and because the American society teaches them that the White is the better and “Hero” race, and black is the degrading and always in need for salvation race; therefore, children grow up with these ideas. It is sad that racism especially the “White Messiah” is all over the media. For examples, you see the “White Messiah” in movies, in advertisements, video games and other entertainments. History also focuses on the whites and teaches less about Blacks history. Instead of teaching positive thing about Blacks history, they keep reminding them about slavery and negative things about their heritage. For example, they never show you the nicest things about Africa; instead they show people in salvation. There are so many things they could talk about like the beautiful cities in Africa, the natural resources etc. Because of the negativity and degrading, therefore, Blacks are ashamed of where they came from. Going back to the video, the Blacks kids saw that Whites are always view as the better race so they rather have a white doll because in society they are the most pretty and accepted race. Also, most of the Whites doll are made with prettier features such as long hair, prettier eyes, and have better clothes and shoes on. If you look at most Blacks Barbie dolls, they are always the less attractive dolls in stores. Also, you see more Whites dolls in stores than black dolls. This is so sad! Fri, 2 Apr 2010 19:15:27 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65592099 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64209064 Menstruation is a natural and normal thing that a woman’s should have monthly. But why is it so shameful, embarrassing and such a bad thing to most women around the world. Most women rather not discuss any conversation about menstruation, or are shame when people talk about it around them. What makes women even angrier is when somebody uses the word “BLEEDING”. This is the most awkward and disrespectful thing one can say ever. I think society play a major role as to why women are ashamed or embarrass about discussing menstruation and being comfortable to say they are bleeding. In traditional and modern societies, people and the media view menstruation as a way to bring a woman’s down or to keep them out of everything like religious, polities, (presidents, lawyers, ministers) and other leadership roles. Menstruation is view as nasty, emotional moment a woman goes through, stinks and bloody. Therefore, most women rather not to discuss this natural process “MENSTRUATION” and try all means to keep it as a secret when they are going through it. Going back to the question, I personally don’t not give a damn thing about how you refer to menstruation and damn sure do not mine talking about menstruation, period, bleeding or whatever way you want to call it. That is why I was one of the students that were very proud to raise their hands when Sam asked, who was bleeding? I am happy to be one of the women who have their period monthly because I am positive that I will be able to bear a child one day. There are plenty of women in the world that wish they could have a monthly period or BLEEDING but they can’t. So why should I be afraid or ashamed of something that is natural and out of my control? I find it funny when people make jokes about menstruation because I know there are ignorant people in the world that makes fun out of everything because they do not understand. I do not understand why is it such a big deal to use the word bleeding instead of menstruation or period? I mean menstruation is bleeding, so why can’t you say bleeding? People need to realize that it is natural for women to bleed one a month and that is the fact. I find it stupid that women are taking pills or going through other medical procedures for non-medical reason to stop them from bleeding monthly because they are embarrassed or ashamed. These women should be ashamed of themselves because there are many women in the world who will do whatever it takes to bleed ones a month. I’m proud to be bleeding! Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:30:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64209064 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment63026236 The whole idea about texting questions and answers on the broad in class is a fun and brilliant way to get the class involves and gets both white and Black people prospective on certain race issues. However, it is very sad to know that other people in the class are using this strategy as a way to be ignorant and rude to other races. It does not matter what color you are, I feel like one should not be disrespectful and ignorant to one race. It is not okay for black people to be disrespectful and be ignorant to white race, and it is not okay for Whites to be ignorant to the Black race. Going to the question, I am glad that he asked this question because this is something that lots of people don’t understand. I understand that in the past Whites were very evil and denied Blacks their freedom to live. Therefore most Black people are still hurt and hateful toward White people because of what happen in the past. However, I do not think it is okay for Blacks to disrespect the Whites race by being ignorant and calling them names and they do not want Whites to do the same. This is just my opinion because I feel respect should come from both ways, and the only way one can move forward is to forgive. With that said, in reality, this is not going to change because most Black people use this as a way to express their anger as to what their people when through in the past. They want Whites to know how it feels like to be called names, disrespected against and ignorant. White people need to be more understanding and sympathetic toward Blacks then B lacks should be toward Whites. I am not saying this is okay but it is what is expected in society. Going back to the Question that was asked in Class, “What does it mean to be white?” I feel like most of the answers that were texted were so……………… ridiculous, ignorant, and racist especially toward black people. Although some of the texts from the Blacks responses were also uncalled-for, however it was mostly stereotyped then racist toward White. The Whites responses were mostly racism and overboard. For example, somebody even when as far as using the Nigger word in their text. So wrong! I agree and it is true that many people need political correctness; however, we are all college students, so I think by now we all should be aware of racism. People just refused to learn and therefore feel like it is okay to be ignorant and rude to other races. SO, SO WRONG! Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:00:31 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment63026236 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/fired-for-a-scarf__trashed/#IDComment61246487 Wow!!!!! Was the first thing that came to my mind after watching this video. This is so wrong, sad and discriminating. It kills me when employers try to make all these stupid rules about appearance or dress codes on the jobs. I believe most of these dress codes rules are sneaky ways for employer to discriminate again religions and race legally or without being looked bad. While watching this video I thought about an incident that happens last week to one of my friend. My friend situation was similar to what happen to Hani at Hollister. I did one of my friend’s hairs last week and her hair had a little color in it. When she when to work she was asked to removed the color from her hair or she would be taken action against. She came back to me for me to remove the color from her hair because she was afraid she will get fired because of how her hair looks. We all found this to be very racist because it was okay for the white girls at work to wear their hair with unnatural colors (blond, brown, and black) but as soon as a black girl does it, her boss found it to be more attracting and disturbing. Once a person outfit is not disturbing the businesses operation or bothering the customers, I don’t think it should be a problem. If a person is a good worker and does what he/she suppose to do, why judge them on the looks? What makes Hani case even more sad and unethical is the fact that she was wearing her headscarf for religion reasons. If she was just wearing a headscarf because she wants to, then they could have had a more logical reason to fire her. Most businesses in the United States such as Hollister make stupid rules and regulations so that only white people will be able to work for them. For example, I was interviewed at Hollister before and they told me that you are only allowed to wear their clothes at the interview. If hire, you will only wear their clothes on the job site. If you’ve noticed, most black people or minorities do not shop at Hollister and the main reason for this is because their clothes prices are high and therefore most minorities cannot afford them. I believe this is a very clever way to discriminate against minorities. People who make these rules and regulations make them to support mostly white workers and keep minority out of their businesses. This is so sad and people give dead ears to these situations. They claim that racism was diminished but it is even worst today. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:06:10 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/fired-for-a-scarf__trashed/#IDComment61246487 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment58869827 I will start up by saying yesterday class was very interesting. Learning about how blacks and Native American are discriminated against had me very scare to enter the real word. It is sad to know that employers are more likely to call back 17% of Whites with criminal records whereas only 14% of blacks with no criminal record are call back. Sad! Very sad! I feel like even if a black person try to do all the right things such as: getting a degree, getting good credit, a clear criminal record, they are less like to be pick over a White person who is less qualified. Being Black is like a “SIN”, therefore they get punished! With that said, the comments made “it is not my place” are uncalled for. If Americans continue to think this way, changes will not be made. Just because you are not in a situation does not mean you should not help others if you have the power. The video we watched in class yesterday about the situation with the Muslim women was not surprising to me at all. Also, I wasn’t surprised either that most people in class agreed that they would have stand and watch there or do nothing to help. This is just a common example of how Americans in general act or behave other cultures and race. Americans tend to be very unresponsive to other problems until it gets worst or more damages are cause. Haiti is a typical example of American being a bystander. For example, all along the Haitian had been in disasters and other developing problems. However, with the United State having the power to help refused to help because it is a Country belongs to black people and the United State felt like it was not their place to act until the earthquake occurred. This behavior of Americans is wrong, self and inconsiderate! People need to start thinking outside of the box. They should start thinking and picturing, what if I was in this situation, what will I want others to do? If we start to think like that the world will be a better place. I don’t understand we people find it okay to stand and watch others suffer when you are in the position to help. I wonder what the benefits of being a bystander are. Also, I would like to know the benefits of discriminating against certain race and religions. Does ignorant pays? Me personally, I feel like we all are human and was created in God image and likeness therefore no one is better that another. If someone is in a situation where you can provide them with help, you should help them! Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:50:30 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment58869827 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57638542 I will start up by saying that was a thoughtful question. With that said, I ready do not understand why it is okay to judge one on their sexual choice. Everyone should be free to choose whoever they want to be with or how they want to live their life regardless. I am a Christian and I know that the bible says that God created women for men and it is a sin for one to have a relationship or sexually activities with the same sex. However, it is the same bible that said we should love our neighbors as you love yourself. Also, the bible said that at the end of the world, there will be judgment day and he will judge us. Therefore, if you decide to hate someone because of their sexual choice because the bible says it's wrong, you are sinning also because the bible said that we shouldn’t judge people. With that said, for those of us who are not Christians or religious and are being hateful, harmful and discriminating against Gay and lesbian people, are ignorant, selfish and are disgraces to the human race. I agree that gay men are more hated on than lesbian females in society. I believe one reason for this is the role of men in society. Society has high expectations for men than women. Men are expected to be powerful, stronger and leaders. Therefore, it is most accepted for a female to behave certain ways than man. Another reason is most straight men are attracted in having two females in bed than women are attracted in having two males in bed. Most straight men view two women having sex as the most fun, exciting and pleasurable moment. Another reason why lesbians are more accepted than gay men is because of the media. Most television shows and other entertaining programs make viewer believe that it is okay to be lesbian (two girls kissing, or having oral sex). For example, shows like Girls Gone Wild, and HBO. I don’t understand why it is okay for girls to have sexual activities with another girl but it is not okay for a guy to have sexual activities with another guy. Society need to realize that everyone is not the same. We made all be human but we choose to follow different paths in life. Also sin is sin regardless of the content. Lying is a sin, just as stealing is a sin, and fornicating is a sin. Therefore, we should allow God to judge us and stop being so judgmental to gay or lesbian people. Allow them to live their lives as they want and stop being so hateful and ignorant to them! Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:59:04 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57638542 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/all-that-is-solid-melts-into-air-including-our-words__trashed/#IDComment56422079 Language is very important to one culture and it should be passed on from generation to generation. It is one of the factors that distinct a group from other cultures. After reading this post and watching the video, I found it to be very sad and devastating that societies are leaving the ancient cultures goes down to drain, especially languages. What got me even more confused and had my thinking while watching the video clip is, why wasn’t the language past on? I know there should be more generations after Boa Sr. I believe language is something that takes efforts and thoughts to be put together; therefore, it should be something that should live on for a very longtime or better yet, forever! Losing a language in losing a very important part of a culture and when it is lost, not only do the group losses communication, they also loss identity, and unity. I feel like the leading cause of a loss of language comes from society or people not respecting or acknowledging that particular culture. Therefore, the young generations are ashamed or found it wasteful to practice that culture. For example, I have some African friends who are living in the United State that adapted to the American culture rather than their homeland culture because they are ashamed that people would not understand them or they will become more accepted. Therefore they refused to learn the language or engage with anything of their African culture. This occurs not only in America, but everywhere in the world. In most countries, there are certain good of people or tribes that people look down on or do not acknowledge. Therefore, it may have an effect on the language being passed down to future generation. For example, the younger generation may feel like there is no to adapt to that culture because they are afraid of discrimination. I think knowing or specking another language is a beautiful thing and one so not be deprived from it. I believe that language is one of the factors that distinct you from other people and it show who you are. With that said, if there are any descendants of this particular tribe that Boa Sr belong to, they should be very ashamed of themselves for not keep an important access left behind be their ancestors. I do think anyone should give up their culture and values because of society influence or anything else. It is very sad to know that something that people work so hard to create had been lost forever! Language is one of the things that are supposed to live forever. It should be passed on to generation! Rest in Peace Boa Sr. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:57:35 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/all-that-is-solid-melts-into-air-including-our-words__trashed/#IDComment56422079 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment55423081 Before Avatar came out, I had absolutely no interest of seen the movie. However, when it came out I was motivated to go and see the movie after hearing my friends and the media constantly taking about how great and interesting the movie is. I must confess; Avatar was the first movie in five years that I followed through without falling asleep. I loved and enjoyed the movie. When I first saw Avatar, my view and understanding of the movie was completely different from what Brooks is talking about. To my understanding Avatar was about love and betrayal. The plot in the story to me was more about these creatures that look like human who love living in nature trying to save nature from being destroy by humans ignorance; and they were helped by an ex- soldier and some avatar operators. After watching what Brooks had to say about the movie Avatar, my first reaction was Wow! This is very interesting and I never have thought of Avatar this way. I am glad that it was brought to my attention because it makes me to think differently. I agree with the Points that Brook is trying to make about the constant used of the “White Messiah”. However, I do not think that Avatar was racist. Although the Avatars in salvation were blacks and their hero was white, the hero became one of them. This indicates to me that whites are starting to respect and understand other cultures. In society, it is true that blacks are always rescued by whites when they are in salvation or devastation. It made seem messed up and sad, but it is how society works. (Haiti is a good example). I believe that white people always feel like it is their responsibility to help black people from salvation or devastation because they owe it to them. I believe that whites do these things as a way of paying for what they did to blacks in history. Whites had always had a jump start in wealth and blacks were denied the opportunities to build their wealth. Therefore, there will always be a gap between blacks and whites wealth. As horrible it may sound, blacks will always be in need of help from whites in times of disasters because they are the ones that have the upper hands. However, it is completely wrong for society to continue using the “White Messiah” story line in movie and media because it is degrading and ignorant to the black race. Giving help to other people who cannot help themselves because of circumstances does not make you a hero or a leader, especially, when you are the leading cause of the problems. Fri, 5 Feb 2010 01:44:44 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment55423081 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54401518 Sad very sad! I am so shocked. What makes this video even more interesting is the fact that such racism is going on around the world and many are unaware of such cruel acts. It is funny how when it comes to racism, people have the belief that it occurs only in the United States. Whereas, racism still exist everywhere; especially, in European countries and the United State and Asia. However, the world tends to pretend that this issue doesn’t exist and give racism blind eyes. Why does race and skin color maters so much? It seem like being darker is a sin! Why should one be abused just because of their skin color? Soccer is just a game, and players should not be judge on their color. Rather, they should be judge on their skills and talents. These players work so hard, put in so much energy, stress and time; so why can’t they just have the freedom to play what they love and be treated with the same respect as others players? What make these ignorant fans looked even more stupid, is the fact that they are racists against their best teams players. It is funny how the players they are calling monkeys are the ones who make the country’s team popular, they are ones that are bringing money to their country’s economy, and they are the same ones that you paid to go and see play soccer. The FIFA governing body should be very ashamed of themselves for not addressing this issue earlier and allowing it to go on for so long in the game of soccer. This is a good example of how the world tends to ignore certain situation that are going on around the world until is get even more worst before action is taken. (Haiti is also a good example). It is better to take immediate action on things that are affecting others or other ridiculous things that are going on around the world before it become more damage. With that said, the FIFA could have taken a more drastic action against coach Aragones for his commits made about Henry. $5,000 was a very weak punishment or fines for such act, especially for a person who has so much money. They could have at least suspended him from coaching any team. This would have set a good example for racism against color players. If such racism continues to go on around the world, especially in European countries, why is it that people don’t speak about it? Instead, they focused more on racism in the United State. I believe that racisms against color people are worst in other countries compared to the United States. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:44:28 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54401518 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-k__trashed/#IDComment53973019 Yes Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:11:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-k__trashed/#IDComment53973019 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/haitis-calamity__trashed/#IDComment53500909 I grew up in Church listening to the words of God. I believe that God has his reason for everything. He also knows how to turn evil to Good. With that said, I am not saying that it was a good thing for the earthquake to destroyed Haiti, However, it takes such a horrible, devastating ,deadly disaster to happen before the world realized that Haiti really needs help. When you look at the history of Haiti, you will see that they have been through series of devastating rebellions; including civil wars, poverty, and instabilities. However, there have been only little help given to them until now. After watching the news for the past weeks and seeing how the world, especially America, is working toward helping Haiti, it make me believe even more with what my pastor always used to say “Every Disappoint is A Blessing” As I write the paper, I am also watching “Hope For Haiti Now” on CNN; and I am amazed of how many American’s entertainers are involved with programs and activities to help raise money for Haiti. Just because an earthquake is a natural disaster, do not mean that God, nor Jesus Christ want the Haitian to suffer. Suffering is not a direct cause from God, we as human beings sometime leave to other and our own suffering. For example, we cause global warming, and other activities that led to natural disaster. It is sad that so many lives have to be taken away, but I believe that if the Haitians trust God, this may be their blessing for everyone to work together and built a better Haiti. I was born in West Africa, Liberia; and I grew up with civil war in my backyard for ten years. I know how it feels like when all you have is “hope”. I know how it feels like to wake up in the morning and you have no food or water. I know how it feels like to lose love ones. I know how it feels like when you cry for help and no one is there to help you. Everyone need to help Haiti! You never know when you will be in a situation like the Haitians. Remember the Haitian did not ask for this! Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:52:26 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/haitis-calamity__trashed/#IDComment53500909