Soc 119 turned out to be much different than I had expected. Before the semester, I thought the class would be very boring and dragged out. Sam had a great way of teaching about race relations, however. Although we talked about a lot of issues and topics, there are a few things that stand out to me. Sam drove home in his lectures to be open for discussion regardless of your opinions. No matter your views, beliefs, or ideologies, we need to be able to at least discuss the differences between us that challenge our society day in and day out. His goal was to get us to think, not necessarily change our minds. The best thing about Sam, he would say whatever what was on his mind without a filter. Coming from a small suburban white town, I am not used to a diverse environment. Sam was able to really open my eyes to the very diverse world amongst me. I think group lectures provided the most insight. I enjoyed hearing my fellow classmates opinions about issues that we may be afraid to address. That aspect of the class made it one of the most interesting semesters of my college career. Another thing, world in conversation is another great tool to hear voices from the classroom. Sometimes I read other submissions to see what others think about controversial topics. I liked the Skype with our Iranian friend. It was cool to here about his views on America and how we are in fact very similar. I really enjoyed how everyone was not afraid to speak into the microphone in front of seven hundred people and share their opinion. Everyone was not worried about offending or being judge. The title of the course helps us express our thoughts, because that is how we learn. If we never heard someone express a thought and Sam never got to challenge that person, how would we learn? Race is all about learning and evolving and not keeping these old stigmas that were present back in the day. As a country we need to grow when it comes to race, because like it or not we are a very diverse. Perhaps the best way to learn is to participate in Soc119! I feel like I have grown as a person because I know have a different perspective on race relations. Sometimes when someone jokes or makes a comment about I see my friends laugh or chime in. I usually would turn the other cheek, but now I think it is important to address issues regarded to race relations. I think we owe it to Sam to teach our friends about making a better world. I enjoyed taking this class and would recommend it to anyone here at Penn State.

In class on Thursday, we were fortunate enough to hear from Sam’s wife about the “needy penis.” This lecture was very engaging because Sam and Lori were able to provide both male and female perspectives. Something I didn’t know was the difference between arousal levels in males and females. Unlike males, females can be aroused for a significantly longer time with or without the use of sex. In regards to the question about why males hesitate to ask there female partner if there experience was as enjoyable can be seen from many different ideas or perspectives. I sometimes prefer to know if I satisfied her as much as she satisfied me. However, I usually refrain from posing the question. I would not be surprised if females lie about there experience. A lot of times girls think that by telling a man they didn’t orgasm that it will offend them or hurt their feelings. What stops a girl from telling a guy they weren’t satisfied is to protect them. Having sex is a truly intimate thing and I’ve noticed that guys, a lot more than girls, take a good amount of pride in their sex life. Females lie sometimes because they want to make their man feel like he did a good job. It’s kind of like an ego boost type of thing. It has definitely been embedded in our culture the male dominance and it has made its way into the bedroom. Faking it becomes a women’s way of salvaging their own egos. That might sound surprising but it’s really pretty easily explained. If your sexual ego doesn’t want to let you admit to awkwardness, discomfort with your body or that you don’t know what makes you climax, well, you could easily fake it. In the end, I think it depends on the relationship between you and your significant other. If you are in a serious relationship, it is a question that needs to be considered especially if you are sexually active. When it comes to “hook ups” or one nightstands, I would personally not pose the question. I would also be afraid of hurting the girl’s feelings. For females it is easy because when the man finishes, sex is over more times than not. They know if they have successfully satisfied their partner. Sometimes males are hesitant to ask because they are afraid they have failed or are bad at sex or pleasing their partner. I think this is largely due to the masculinity of males and the desire to be the best, especially in the bedroom. Like I said, depending upon the relationship it is something that should be asked to for the health of relationship. Talking about your sex life is advantageous for both partners.

In class on Thursday, we were fortunate enough to hear from Sam’s wife about the “needy penis.” This lecture was very engaging because Sam and Lori were able to provide both male and female perspectives. Something I didn’t know was the difference between arousal levels in males and females. Unlike males, females can be aroused for a significantly longer time with or without the use of sex. In regards to the question about why males hesitate to ask there female partner if there experience was as enjoyable can be seen from many different ideas or perspectives. I sometimes prefer to know if I satisfied her as much as she satisfied me. However, I usually refrain from posing the question. I would not be surprised if females lie about there experience. A lot of times girls think that by telling a man they didn’t orgasm that it will offend them or hurt their feelings. What stops a girl from telling a guy they weren’t satisfied is to protect them. Having sex is a truly intimate thing and I’ve noticed that guys, a lot more than girls, take a good amount of pride in their sex life. Females lie sometimes because they want to make their man feel like he did a good job. It’s kind of like an ego boost type of thing. It has definitely been embedded in our culture the male dominance and it has made its way into the bedroom. Faking it becomes a women’s way of salvaging their own egos. That might sound surprising but it’s really pretty easily explained. If your sexual ego doesn’t want to let you admit to awkwardness, discomfort with your body or that you don’t know what makes you climax, well, you could easily fake it. In the end, I think it depends on the relationship between you and your significant other. If you are in a serious relationship, it is a question that needs to be considered especially if you are sexually active. When it comes to “hook ups” or one nightstands, I would personally not pose the question. I would also be afraid of hurting the girl’s feelings. For females it is easy because when the man finishes, sex is over more times than not. They know if they have successfully satisfied their partner. Sometimes males are hesitant to ask because they are afraid they have failed or are bad at sex or pleasing their partner. I think this is largely due to the masculinity of males and the desire to be the best, especially in the bedroom. Like I said, depending upon the relationship it is something that should be asked to for the health of relationship. Talking about your sex life is an advantageous idea for both partners.

In class, we watched a video about the daily life of a mother and her 3 children who live in poverty. Their mother, Tammy, works as an environmental service provider at a burger king ten miles away from her isolated mobile home. Because she cant afford to fix her car or apply for license, she must walk the entire distance back and forth between shifts. Tammys kids are embarrassed for her mother. However, they recognize her hard work and dedication to them as a provider and mother. Tammy has lived on welfare for 18 years. Tammy is also one of 22 kids who have lived in poverty their entire life. If Tammy were Native American, I would feel the same way about her situation given similar circumstances. I would feel the same about anyone of any race living in Tammys position. In class, Sam asked African American students if they would empathize more if Tammy were black. After voting, the results suggested more empathy towards black Tammy. When Sam asked the white students if they would feel more empathy because she is white, the results were similar but not as strong. I personally felt bad about her situation and the relationship she had with her kids, regardless of her race. They refuse to bring friends over because they are afraid of what they will think about their home and mother. They also make fun of her for wearing Burger King attire out to dinner and around the house. Whether she was African American, Native American, or Italian, I would feel the same way given her condition. I do not think race plays a factor when it comes to the amount of empathy towards others. Although Tammy was born into poverty, she had the same opportunity to apply herself and go to school to become a teacher like she dreamed of. I also understand Tammy is one of many who live below the poverty line. There is also the whole idea of determinism vs. creationism. For those who would empathize more with Tammy if she were Native American, I assume you believe in determinism. In other words she was destined to live in poverty by factors and forces outside of her control. I recognize many other factors contributed to her current situation. I do not think it is fair to empathize more with Native Americans just data suggests a higher percentage live in poverty. I do believe Tammy is doing everything in her power to lead a better life and I respect her for that. As for her kids, they need to contribute also. They could help their mom afford to fix the car so she does not have to walk 20+ miles every day back and forth to work.

I would first like to thank artist and hip hop performer Jasiri X for attending class on Tuesday. He truly provided an insightful perspective about the world and the current problems within our society. After class, I decided Jasiri is not like an average hip hop artist. In modern hip hop, a lot of times people are drawn into a song by the hook or melody. Jasiri prefers a different approach within his work. He emphasizes the importance of dialogue and the meaning behind his rhymes. In his music, Jasiri creates messages that take hip hop to a higher level. For instance, the song “21 Forever” is a direct attack on the culture of refusing to grow up, think, or take responsibility. Jasiri has been called out, ridiculed and even criticized for his controversial ideology portrayed throughout songs such as 21 Forever. However, I support his work. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. I can empathize with Jasiri because music is a universal language. It is perhaps the best way to get a message across to a group of people. For those who disagree with his dialogue and or his delivery, I do not think there is a better way to go about approaching these nation wide dilemmas. Music is a powerful tool. Artists such as the Beatles, Elvis Presley, or The Rolling Stones had a tremendous cultural impact on society. For instance, The Beatles significantly influenced popular music in the sense that they revolutionized the music industry and touched the lives of all who heard them in deep and fundamental ways. In today’s culture, the younger generation wants to see more in music. We are coming around to real hip hop with consciousness in it. I like to call it music with meaning. There is a difference between Jasiri and popular rap artists such as Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa. Mainstream hip hop is about the cars, girls, drugs, clothes and money. This has been a current trend in contemporary American pop culture. A part of the problem is that diverse independent hip hop labels have been stripped away by a monopoly of a few labels, concert promoters and radio stations. Thankfully, underground artists are still flourishing. Although they appeal to the masses, they prefer dignity and self respect over fame and stardom. At the end of class, Jasiri stated the most important thing to take out of his lecture was the principle of his argument. Whether you agree or disagree, these issues exist within our society today. We need to be able to talk about certain things that challenge our beliefs or standards. That is the first step. Once we address these issues, we can take action to resolve our problems.

I think racism and nationalism involve completely different ideology and beliefs. Nationalism is loyalty and devotion to a nation. A nationalist contains national consciousness and exalts their nation above all others and places primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups. A nationalist takes pride in their country. On the other hand, racism is a belief or doctrine that recognizes inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement; usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others. However, dictionaries should be for defining precise language instead of fueling a political argument. In short, this type of belief or racist ideology usually involves hatred towards another group or minority for unknown reasons. On the contrary, nationalists in America are usually patriotic and enthusiastic people. They pick the nation “up” as opposed to putting it “down.” A nationalist is a man whose conducts proceed from goodwill and an acute sense of propriety, who does not make a poor man conscious of his poverty or an obscure man of his obscurity. These two are radically different. Nationalists form a society around a central idea or ideas that constitute a value standard. This standard is encoded in culture, stored in the genes through heritage and passed on through the centuries. In class we saw there was data that suggested that white names got the majority of callbacks from employers because their names sounded more Americanized as opposed to foreign. If an employer refuses to offer someone a position because their name does not sound like a genuine American name then it is a form of discrimination and a racist act. These acts are entirely illegal and should not be tolerated in the work environment.
A nationalist is motivated by a sense of self-responsibility. A nationalist would recognize prejudice acts directed against someone of a different race. They would not participate in this activity. I don’t believe one could be both a nationalist and a racist. If you are a nationalist, you recognize the problem with racism in America.
Furthermore, names are sometimes deceiving. Someone could be a born here in America, but may not have an Americanized name. The same applies vice versa. A foreigner could have an Americanized name. I have never seen someone be denied a job because of his or her name alone. There are stereotypes involved in this kind of behavior. If an employer thinks that someone may be incompetent for a position because of their ethnicity then they are stereotyping that individual. They should offer the position to the most qualified candidate who is most suitable for that particular job.

Before class on the Thursday, I didn't know the truth about the foreign aid sent to Haiti. However, I still believe it is in our best interest to provide Haiti relief because Americans are truly motivated by altruism. Sam mentioned in class that Haiti was once the center of rice and sugar exports until the mid 1990’s when corruption, poverty, and poor education crippled their economy. Over the past decade, Haiti has suffered from high unemployment and extreme inflation. To date, Haiti is considered the poorest country in the Americas. I believe it is our duty, not just as Americans, but as stewards of the world to provide the Haitian people a better quality of life. We have no right to exist for our own sake. I do not believe the United States provides relief solely because companies and corporations profit from the Haitian people in return. If so, we can continue to develop different fundraising approaches. In Soc119, we are participating in a fundraiser to collect money that will be delivered promptly to Haitian hospitals. It is not about the amount money they are receiving, but the lives we are helping. We have seen countless videos about the quality of life and the pressing need for food, water, and shelter in Haitian communities. For instance, the Haitian people are limited to the amount of food and water they can consume at a day’s time. The United States should provide foreign aid whenever we can do so. However, this must be done without hurting ourselves or depleting our own resources. Providing foreign aid is a form of reaching out to others who may be in need, and it is the humane thing to do. Also, helping others produces a reciprocal environment, perhaps one day a country we have helped might be able to help us when we are in need.
In 2010, Haiti was hit by the most powerful earthquake to strike the country in over 200 years. Our first response, sent aid to injured Haitians and other supplies to Port Au Prince, Haiti’s capital. Other countries poured millions of dollars in supplies and support for Haitian relief. The United States should continue to provide countries such as Haiti, who have suffered natural disasters, relief. The U.S. is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and has a duty to rescue countries in need. Some may argue providing foreign aid only hinders a countries road towards economic recovery and sustainability. However, our aid has improved the quality of Haitian life not only in the short term, but in the long term as well. We must continue to give aid to Haiti to help the country rebuild so they can prosper once again.

The fear of death is one of the most common fears but it can be healed. The fear of death is something that used to bother me especially as a child. When I would lay down at night before bed, I would wonder how or what my death would be like. Would it be painful? Would I suffer? When will be my last birthday? Sometimes it would send me into panic mode because I would be so concerned about my fate. The fear of death has also caused me to fear the death of loved ones. I am very close with my family. I have been fortunate enough that no one has suffered a serious illness. I have also been thankful enough that none of my immediate family has passed away so far in my lifetime. However, sometimes death and disease are unavoidable and inevitable. I tend to worry about my family when I am not with them. For instance when they travel long distances without me. I worry that something may happen to them while I am not in their presence. I do not like when situations are out of my control. I was raised in the Catholic Church, and I attended religious Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes in grade school. However, I only attend church twice a year for Easter and Christmas. One thing I have learned is that it is important to live every day to the fullest potential. That is why they call it the present. Today is a gift and we will never know what tomorrow may bring. No matter what happens, it is important to not take things for granted. Life is short but sweet for certain. You have to be able to cope with anything that may come your way. I have learned various ways to cope with this fear. We so easily become drawn into the future, especially when we experience a certain situation or event. Thinking of our mortality is a surefire way to stir negative emotions within us. Still, we do not have to become slaves to it. We can instead choose to focus on what we have now. I understand how difficult it may be and I can empathize with others who have lost someone dear to him or her. I am not always surprised at people who say they are afraid to die. However, I know that some people do because of their age or religion. When I die, I want to be able to look back on my life at memories full of love and happiness. Everyone’s time is limited. Like Sam said in class, death is a part of life. Although it is unavoidable, it is not worth dwelling over to that end.

The controversy surrounding evolution touches on our most central beliefs about the world and ourselves. Evolutionary theories have been used to answer questions about the origins of the universe, life, and man. These may be referred to as cosmological evolution, biological evolution, and human evolution. In class we talked about human evolution and creationism. I was surprised to learn that chimps not only resemble human characteristics, but also share with us some human like behaviors. However our tiny differences are sprinkled throughout the genome. Scientists figured out decades ago that chimps are our nearest evolutionary cousins, roughly 98% to 99% identical to humans at the genetic level. When it comes to DNA, a human is more closely related to a chimp than a mouse is to a rat. This evidence provides a strong argument on behalf of evolution theorists. Earth, a plentiful planet full of resources, provides perfect conditions in which life can survive. Sunlight and water are vital for life to sustain and grow. Some people believe the earliest forms of life grew from water and then eventually adapted to land. Evolution is the change in the inherited characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. But how exactly did life evolve on earth? Any open-minded reader will become convinced that evolution is the only persuasive scientific explanation of diversity on earth. In contrast religious advocates believe life developed from an external source also known as God. What I learned from class: Race is heavily influenced by climatic conditions. For instance, people near the equator require darker skin to protect themselves from violent heat and sunrays. However, people living near the poles endure cooler temperatures and their pigment must adapt accordingly. If this theory holds true, then we can apply it to evolution and creationism. Humans have become a perfect design in which they can thrive on earth. This theory can also be expressed through Social Darwinism. Social Darwinism states that certain groups, people, and race are subject to some form of natural selection. It is hard to ignore the science behind this theory. The earth is predicted to be 4.5 billion years old. Life has evolved over the course of this time to adapt accordingly. Our genetics have mutated, reproduced, and replicated to become todays “humans.” I believe that God was the creator of life and earth. However, I also believe evolution was in God’s plan, and that he guided this process as well. I was surprised to find out in class that the majority of students also believed in some form of creationism guided by an external force. I also agree with this theory. I think people are starting to believe in creationism because it has become a more accepted theory today.

I believe there is a lot of negativity today towards Muslims because of 9/11 and the war on terrorism. Many Americans believe the Muslim religion supports terrorism and terrorist attacks on America. After 9/11, many Americans blamed the Muslim religion for the loss of loved ones and the destruction of our major cities. Americans began to describe Muslims with a negative connotation. However, if you are Muslim, you are not necessarily a terrorist! I have many Muslim friends who are nice and very intelligent people. They are Americans and have contributed to society just like everyone else. They do not deserve to be treated differently or in a negative manner to that end. The problem surrounding this issue is the mere fact that we are a diverse group of people who vary from person to person. What I mean: America is a melting pot of various races, ethnicities, and religions. We are all different. For instance, Muslim women dress, pray and worship differently than Catholics, Protestants or Jews. This does not mean they are worse or dangerous people. Sometimes people ridicule Muslim women for wearing burkas or veils to cover their bodies. They believe it is a form of oppression against women by their male counterparts. However, most Muslim women wear the burka by choice and the fact that we can assimilate makes this country great. Making fun of Muslim Americans only hinders this process of assimilation. Americans need to accept people for who they are. That would potentially make things better in the Muslim community.
A couple years ago, there was a plan to build a mosque two blocks from the 9/11 site. (Also known as Park 51) Supporters believed it was a significant step in the Muslim community to counteract the hate and disgust they had been receiving. However, opponents called the plan an “insult” and “demeaning” to the families who lost loved ones on that tragic day. They were outraged that a place of worship would be erected in close proximity to where the deadly attacks occurred. Protestors even carried pictures of fallen loved ones as an attempt to persuade a decision in their favor. After considering both sides, the community board backed the project and gave their approval.
Events such as the Park 51 proposal are perfect examples of the hatred towards the Muslim religion. Muslims have the same right to practice their religion, as does anyone else in this country. Americans should recognize our commitment towards religious freedom. The 9/11 attacks have left a lasting and damaging image of Muslim Americans who are still fighting the stereotypes and discrimination to this day. I can empathize with the victims of 9/11. However, there needs to be some form of reconcile in order to end all the negativity towards Muslims.