This guy summed up exactly how I feel about everything we learned this semester. Sam showed us some pretty crazy stuff. One of my fellow peers pointed out that what we all learned was very depressing, and I can’t help but agree one hundred percent with him. Regardless, the student in this video said one key thing that I wish Sam would have mentioned at least once this semester, and that is that life isn’t fair. It is as simple as that. I am so much better off than those illegal immigrants that are trying to make a better life for themselves, and it’s not because of anything I have done. It is because life isn’t fair. People just need to see that. I am so thankful for everything I have, but I know plenty of other graduating seniors that are so much better off than me. Why are they better off than me? They are better off than me because life isn’t fair. I know a kid who is graduating this month, and his starting salary is a bit over one hundred thousand dollars. His mother works in the real estate sector, and she was able to give him a job. He will work minimal hours, and eventually be a millionaire. That’s not fair. I know I’m a harder worker and I know I am smarter than him. I just need to accept the fact that he was born into this good fortune, just as I was born into a much better situation than those Mexicans who are trying to enter the United States of America.
I also wanted to bring up Sam’s comparison of Mexicans entering the United States to Pilgrims entering. It makes no sense. The Pilgrims were much more superior than the Native Americans. They had guns, and killed the Native Americans with those guns. If the Mexicans were more powerful than us, then they could do to us what the pilgrims did to the Native Americans. But they aren’t more powerful than Americans, so it really doesn’t matter. We have the power, so we can dictate who we let in and out of this country. Some may say that’s not fair. I would definitely agree with them on that, but it doesn’t matter, because life’s not fair. If our immigration policy is dictated by big businesses; so be it. When we need workers, I say, “Come on into America.” When we don’t need workers, I say, “Get the hell out.”
I’ve worked with a man from Cuba, who came here legally. He is a great guy, and made life so much better for his family, but he wasn’t able to bring his relatives over to the United States. I feel for him and his situation, but there isn’t anything I can do about it. Life’s just not fair sometimes.

Sam has frequently mentioned how an author wrote a book about the most dangerous professor’s in America, and mentioned Sam as one of them. I now see why that Author included Sam in that book. At the very beginning of Sam’s lecture on Thursday, April 15th he mentioned patriotism. I’m not sure what the exact definition of patriotism was that he used so I decided to look it up in the online dictionary. According to dictionary.com, patriotism is devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty. That sounds exactly what I believed it to be. I consider myself an ardent patriot of America. So when a radical group decides to kill well over 3,000 innocent American civilian; I’m going to be pissed and upset beyond words. I thought that it was really convenient that Sam didn’t mention that infamous day. I will never put myself in the shoes of those people. In my opinion that is unpatriotic.
I thought it was funny how he decided to show a video of American soldiers shooting and destroying a civilian’s car. Was that supposed to make me feel sympathetic? It honestly did not. Why show any sympathy? Also, how could he even begin to compare radical Christians to radical Muslims? I really don’t understand how there is even a remote comparison there. It just sickens me how easily my peers were persuaded by his lecture. Civilians in the Middle East are going to die. That’s just a part of war. There’s a huge difference between inadvertently killing civilians in cross-fire and flying a plane into a building filled with civilians. Sam also showed a clip of a prominent American military leader saying that we needed to get them out of there caves, or something along those lines. What is wrong with that? Isn’t Osama Bin Laden believed to have been hiding in a cave? I am completely fine with oil being the main reason that America is fighting this war. They’re killing terrorists while they gain control of the oil, aren’t they? Sam obviously knows a great deal on the subject. I honestly do not, but I’d rather have innocent people on the other side of the world dyeing than Americans. I almost feel as if Sam forgot about what happened on September 11, 2001. I’ll never forget the feelings I felt that day, and still do now. What happened on that day affected every single American. It made us afraid, scared, worried, deeply saddened, etc. I think it is safe to say that every American never wants to feel those feelings again. So we should definitely take care of the problem, which is terrorism. If innocent civilians die in the process, so be it. Americans are safer, and that is all that matters to me, a patriot of America.

I don’t know if Sam has necessarily changed my opinion on anything, but he sure has opened my eyes to the problems around the globe. I didn’t know anything about the Native American people and the discrimination they face. I also had no idea about the different forms of slavery around the world. The video today really amazed me as well. When the slave said that we were eating his flesh, I was somewhat at a loss for words. But to be completely honest, what I’ve learned has in no way changed how I act.
The cocoa video was crazy. I felt horrible for the slaves. The life that they were thrown into was just unimaginable. After the video was over, I didn’t eat the chocolate, but as soon as I got back to my apartment my friend gave me some of her Easter candy. I immediately ate a piece of chocolate. Did I feel bad? No. Maybe I’m a bad person, but I just don’t see how me stopping eating chocolate will make a difference. Sure, if everyone in America stopped eating chocolate, then changes would be made, but that’ll never happen. Also, I’m going to continue to buy the items I want. If it saves me money, and I want it; I’m going to buy it. I know I may seem like an inconsiderate American. Actually, this has made me that I am an inconsiderate American. I care about my friends and family. I want to be successful, and I want to make money. I think slavery is horrible, but I’m not going to go out of my way and take up a cause. Drastic changes need to be made, but I’m not the one that is going to make those changes. I’m a college kid, with typical problems and issues that I need to take care of.
I’ve enjoyed Soc. 119. Sam has opened my eyes, but that is about it. I’m not going to change, and my opinions are still the same as the first day I walked in the door. I am open to hearing what other people have to say, but once something is said that bothers me I start to tune that person out. When Sam started talking about God today, I just started to roll my eyes. It wasn’t like I tuned him out because he was saying something that I knew was true and didn’t want to hear. I just simply don’t agree with his beliefs, and there is no way he can change my opinion on that. He’s done a great job by showing his students the injustices in the world, but the majority of us aren’t going to change our ways.

Even after attending Thursday’s lecture, I still think affirmative action sucks. Sam said that the majority of people that directly benefit from affirmative actions are white females. That means that many white men indirectly benefit from affirmative action, because their spouses have. Where did Sam get that information? I’m having a really hard time believe that to be true. Is he telling me that there is a possibility that my mother obtained her teaching job because she is a white female? Or am I completely wrong? The only thing I know about affirmative action is that there have been less qualified black people who have gotten a scholarship to Penn State because of the color of their skin. I am not paying for my college education. My parents are. But I would kill to have a full ride to Penn State. My grades were perfect in high school, and I did well on the SATs. Why was someone who was less qualified then I was given a scholarship to Penn State. I just think that is really a tough pill to swallow. I really wish Sam could explain to me or anyone who is white how they’ve benefited from affirmative action.
In my opinion, affirmative action and nepotism are so vastly different. Although they both are centered around giving someone an unfair advantage, they are two different playing fields. This is strictly all just my opinion, and how I view the entire situation. Affirmative action gives someone who is less qualified a scholarship to a great school just because of the color of their skin. Nepotism is all about giving friends and family members jobs that they might not completely deserve. There is a big difference between the education system and the business world. Schools should admit the students who are the most qualified. The business world is not fair. If management hires someone who is less qualified, and that person costs the company, then it is managements fault. That is simply a risk they are will to take. Someone who desires a good education should be given all of the chances to obtain that education. The business world does not work that way at all. Whoever is in charge of hiring employees at a company, has every right to hire someone that they are friends with. If that person that they hire does not do their job, then it is their neck on the line.
There is one example of nepotism that I think can help change the minds of those who are against nepotism. Let’s say an immigrant comes to the U.S. and starts his own company, and that company does extremely well. The immigrant did so much work to get where he is, why shouldn’t he be able to hire his friends, family, etc?

I really wish Sam would talk more about Asian people. I know he says, “brown” a lot, but whenever I hear “brown,” I think of Indian people, not Asian people. I’m a white male that is a senior at Penn State. I’ve been here for four years, and I can honestly say that I have only interacted with Asians (not Asian Americans) maybe three times. I just don’t understand them at all. Based on my four years at Penn State I have come to view them as a singular group of people, and every single person in that group acts exactly the same way. They only care about grades. They only speak their language, unless they are speaking with an American student or professor. They all drive nice cars. They all dress in their own different style. They never travel alone. They never tailgate. They use the library as their very own sleeping chamber. They never ever go out, and most importantly, they only care about grades.
I realize I may be generalizing, but I have never met an Asian at Penn State that has strayed from those observations. Let me give you an example. At the beginning of the semester my finance professor split up the class into groups. We had to work in groups and submit a project at the end of the semester. After class I logged onto my gmail account, and saw that I had an email from an Asian person regarding our group project. He had already planned out when we’d be meeting, how we’d be splitting up the work, and he emphasized that there would be “no free rides.” Who does that? I just thought it was a bit over the top.
So after reading what I just wrote, I do realize that it comes off as a bit racist, but then again there isn’t anything I wrote that was false. I just don’t understand why a large group of people, Asians, would come to the number one party school in America, and not take advantage of it. I realize there are whites, blacks, and browns that came to PSU, and don’t party, but it seems that there aren’t ANY Asians that ever go out. Also, I really don’t understand their style. Some of them have the craziest hair! I know there are different cultures all around the world, but it just blows my mind when I see someone with a buzz around their head and then foot long spikes on top. Ok, so maybe writing this blog has made me realize that I am an ignorant white American, but what I’m getting at is that I simply don’t understand this group of people. Maybe Sam could have a class devoted to Asians explaining to the class everything about who they are.

Wow. This story is pretty amazing. I mean it seems like it is time to have a female coaching a high school football team. I’ll admit that at first I was a little pessimistic about the entire situation. I assumed that this coach had never played football before. Also, I wasn’t sure if this was just a publicity stunt created to get the school’s football team more attention. Although it could be a publicity stunt, it is evident that this woman knows a great deal about the game of football. Most coaches at least played football at the high school level, so it is good that she has that experience. It also appears that she is very passionate about the game of football. Her enthusiasm was contagious. I don’t believe they mentioned where the school was located. I feel as if this has to be a northern high school, because I don’t think a black female football coach would be welcomed with open arms in the South. It will be interesting to see if the team actually does well. If they are horrible then the supportive parents and players may mutiny, but if she is successful this could turn out to be a true Hollywood-type story.
I loved her attitude, as well, when she was asked if she had ever faced any type of discrimination. She seemed so laid back and almost accepting to the fact that she may face some sort of back lash from other coaches, parents, and even players. I’d really like to see how this story pans out. I think this could be a great bit of reality TV. Although, everyone acts differently when cameras are around, the public would still be able to get some insight as to how the coach and players react, how the parents treat the coach, and how the coach faces the problems she will most likely come across. This is the 21st century so players, parents, and other coaches have to be open to this sort of change. I wonder though if they are actually okay with it. To be completely honest, I would be somewhat freaked out to have a female coach. Can she even go into the locker room? Also, will she be forceful enough with the players? Will the players take her seriously? Like I said before, it will be extremely interesting to see if this is a success story or if it is a complete and utter failure. I’m open to the change, but then again, I’m not a player on the team. This female coach will definitely face a lot of obstacles. The question is; will she be able to overcome those obstacles and succeed?

This student’s questions were directed mainly towards white people. The first question she asked was in reference to why white people feel the need to throw a themed party instead of just a typical party. I believe the answer is pretty obvious, but being that I’m white maybe I just have a better idea on why a party would be themed. Themed parties can be a lot more fun than your typical college kegger. Keggers are a dime a dozen, but themed parties can be something different to look forward to. For example, someone could be having an “Anything but a cup party,” which can be a lot of fun. In my opinion it takes a lot of thought to come up with the best drinking apparatus at the party. I’ve seen boots, cones, and glasses shaped like boots used. Like I said before it is fun and different, but it can also be a good conversation starter with the ladies. Another theme I’d like to throw out there is anything dealing that involves “hoes,” such as “CEOs and corporate hoes” and “golf pros and tennis hoes.” These parties are the best, because guys get to see girls dress slutty, and confident/attractive women get to dress that way. It gives the girls a reason to dress slutty, and if some other girl calls them out on it, they have the excuse that it’s just a costume. I can understand why some girls aren’t as thrilled with the “hoes” parties, but I’m all for good-looking women showing some skin. I hope that clarifies why white people have themed parties.
The other question this student asked was, “Why these themes mainly revolve around making fun of racial stereotypes, and why it’s mostly generated towards black people?” I am a white guy, who has attended multiple themed parties, and my question for this student is, “What the hell are you talking about?” The only themed party I have heard of or been to that has been even close to racially themed is a “Jersey Shore” party. News flash; Guido isn’t a race. I really am curious as to what this student is talking about. Maybe she overheard someone talking about dressing up as something racist for Halloween, and then that led to her misconception. I have heard of white sorority girls dressing up as black pregnant girls, but as for racially-themed parties, I have not. This student's questions have intrigued me though. I’d like to ask her my own questions. Why do black people not have theme parties? What do black people do at parties? Do they drink alcohol? Do they dance? Do they discuss politics and literature? I would really like to know.

I have four exams next week, and I have a business proposal do. I am actively involved in a couple of groups associated with Penn State. We meet about once a week on average. I need to find a summer internship. I want to go out a lot, while I’m still a college student. I have a girl studying abroad that I try and skype on a daily basis. What I’m trying to say is that I’m a busy college student, and I’m sure the majority of Penn State students have these same priorities. So if Sam proposes things for me to do, in terms of helping others, I don’t think I would have the time to be fully committed to those causes. Maybe, I could make time, but then I would be neglecting my other needs and wants. Maybe that makes me a selfish person, but in my opinion I have enough going on, and don’t want to take the time to take up a hopeless cause.
This class has been great in terms of opening my eyes to the injustices around the world. It really has, but I don’t think there have been any realistic options presented in terms of helping the less fortunate. Like I said, I am just a college student with a lot going on, so is it really my responsibility to take up a cause for others? It may seem harsh, but life’s not fair, and I’m not obligated to help others. I have before though, such as going to feed the homeless, building housing for the poor, etc., but at this point in my life I just have a lot going on.
I just finished Disposable People, and that author told us that we should learn, join, and then act. Let’s say I did join one of his groups, and then helped out as much as I could, then I’d be neglecting my own wants and needs. Also, if I’m out there fighting for slaves all over the world, then what about the Native Americans or the other minorities in America that are treated unfairly on a daily basis. It just seems that we are getting so much thrown at us at once, and are being asked to make the changes that are necessary. I am just a college student, who is trying to get good grades, have a good time at Penn State, and eventually obtain a well-paying job. Does it make me a bad person, because I choose not to act on these problems? I’m sure some of you would say it does. I’m focused on myself at the moment, but maybe down the road I will make the time to do whatever it is that needs to be done to help others.

It is hard for me to see how anyone could rationally be against gay marriage. If you are in love with someone, no one should be able to stand in your way. I may have felt differently about gay marriage, up until I entered college. I went to Catholic school my entire life, and even in high school I never came across any act of homosexuality. There were always gay jokes, and thing like that, but I never witnessed any act of homosexuality. I never had an opinion on the subject mainly because it had just never been addressed at home, in school, with my friends, etc. That all changed however, when my roommate in college came out to me. We had been friends in high school, and decided to room together freshmen year. He had a relatively serious girlfriend throughout his senior year, so any thought of him being gay never really crossed my mind. I just thought he was a some-what flamboyant straight dude. After they broke up and I started living with him, his sexual preference became kind of clear. He never hooked up with any girls, and it seemed like women were always just friends with him. Needless to say, it wasn’t a surprised when he told me that he was gay. It honestly did not change our relationship at all, but I do believe that our friendship has positively shaped who I am. If we had never become friends, and never had lived together then I might think differently than I do now about gay marriage. I want him to be happy. That’s all that matters to me, so it honestly is upsetting to me when I think about other people trying to prevent him from being with the person he loves.
He is going to face enough problems in his lifetime, so for that one other issue (gay marriage), to actually be an issue is a major hurdle for him to overcome. He is with a serious boyfriend at the moment. This is actually their second stint together. I like his boyfriend. He’s a cool dude, but regardless all that matters is what my friend thinks of him. My roommate and I are actually close enough to talk about our issues, even though I am straight and he is gay. I talk freely about my feelings towards women, and he sometimes opens up about his relationship problems. The kid is going to face enough trials and tribulations throughout his life, so why does being with the one he loves have to be another one of them? His new year’s resolution is to tell his parents that he is gay. I can’t even imagine how tough that is going to be for him. Then again, I also can’t imagine all of the negativity he may face when trying to be with the one he loves.

I realize that this class is all about thinking outside of the box. We should at least hear what others have to say, and take their thoughts and ideas into consideration. I’ve believe I have done that so far this semester. Classes and the small group recitations have been eye-opening. Although at times, I’ve thought that others might not agree with what I’ve had to say, I spoke my mind freely without repercussions. Therefore, I don’t have a problem in admitting that I agree with what the South Carolinian politician, Andre Bauer, had to say. He said, “My grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she told me as a small child to quit feeding stray animals. You know why? Because they breed! You’re facilitating the problem if you give an animal or a person ample food supply. They will reproduce, especially ones that don’t think too much further than that.” How does that not make sense to anyone else? Sure, many people need and deserve extra help, but when they continue to have more and more children, they aren’t necessarily making the situation any better. That just creates more mouths to feed, which means more tax dollars to pay. The children of men and women on welfare probably have a better chance of ending up on welfare when they are adults compared to other children whose parents aren’t on welfare. Would it be asking too much to make sure that these men and women on welfare stop reproducing until they no longer need government assistance? My mother and father work extremely hard, and to think that their tax dollars are going to help people who are making no effort whatsoever to better their lives is very disheartening.
I just started reviewing all of my peers’ comments, and it appears that I am most definitely in the minority when it comes to my viewpoint on Senator Bauer’s comments. I did not realize that welfare subsidies go to the wealthy. That really doesn’t make sense to me, but I’d like to learn more and find out what Sam is referring to. I also wanted to make the point that he never referred to poor people on welfare as animals. He simply made an observation, and likened these people to animals by using a metaphor. It seems that everyone is overlooking what had to say at the end of the article. According to the document, Bauer noted he feels welfare recipients should be required to submit to drug tests and attend parent-teacher conferences if they have kids in school. This is a great idea. I assumed this was already in place. To think that parents on welfare are spending that money on drugs is seriously messed up. I’m sorry, but I can’t help but agree with Bauer.