en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/767176 Comments by Brittany729 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69852275 I think this whole tent cities thing is amazing. People are so resilient to instead of being upset about all they have been through and having to live in a tent they are making the most of it to do what they can to get by and support their families. Instead of just crime increasing and people stealing things from others they are helping out each other by buying things from each other. It is important that they are still doing things to add relaxation or enjoyment to their lives by watching movies or getting their nails done. I could not imagine living in a tent with the only money being the money they had on them on the day of the earthquake. That is an extremely scary thought, but it is amazing that they are doing the best they can to support their families and enjoy their lives. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:37:12 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69852275 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69851872 This letter from the impact really opened my eyes and made me think. I'll admit that when I typically thought of someone in prison I would usually instantly think of a scary criminal with tattoos and huge muscles that was always looking to start trouble. However, after reading this letter I defiantly have a whole new perception on prison inmates. Yeah at one point that did something that was horribly wrong, however everyone makes mistakes and it does not mean that they are a bad person. Unfortunately they do not have another chance out side of the prison but at least they are making the most of the rest of their lives. Instead of being resentful and angry I think it is amazing that they comfort each other in times of need and help to do whatever they can to help out others from inside the prison like donating blood and sending donation letters. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:33:27 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69851872 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69851415 This brings up a really good point that I have never really thought about before. When saying that you think you can do more to contribute to the world you technically are saying that you think you better than other people. However, I do not think that you are being racist. There is a very fine line between thinking you are better than other people and being racist. I think that if you were racist you would be saying that you are better than other people and can accomplish more than them and contribute more to the world because you have a different skin color than them or something to that sort. However, I honestly think that this guy is just being honest. I think that people in developing countries can contribute a lot to the world and have a lot to offer. I just think that sometimes people in developing countries do not have the opportunity or resources to contribute their great fortune to the world, and this is extremely unfortunate. I think that this student was trying to say that compared to people in developing countries he has a greater chance to go to college, further his career, and more access to resources that can help him contribute to the world. For most people in developing countries they are more concerned with working and trying to get enough money to support their families, therefore they do not have enough money to go to school or do things that would get them noticed enough to be able to contribute to the rest of the world. I think that people in say the United States are just more fortunate to be able to get to the sources that they need to help and contribute to the world. I think that this is very unfortunate because I think there are so many creative, intelligent people in developing countries that if they had the time, recourses, and access to the things they need then they could do amazing things that would help out the entire world. So I think that the better way to state this would not to say that he thinks he is better than the people in the developing countries but to say that he is fortunate enough to have the access and resources to and opportunity to accomplish great things and help our others. If it is stated somewhere along those lines I think it would be far away from the racism line. Also maybe he should say that he can affect the world in a greater way because that does seem a bit conceited or getting close to the racism line. Instead he should say that he has a better chance at making and impact on the world. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:29:06 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69851415 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-are-we-doing-here-really__trashed/#IDComment68142592 This student brings up a good point. I think that the end result of all of this is for all of us to get along. The whole point of race relations is so that people of all different races no matter what skin color you have or where your ancestors are from. If race relations solved all of the problems then we would not have to worry about people being racist or judging other people. The whole point of this is for people to move past the idea of people having different skin color and on to seeing people for who they really are and what their true personalities are. Because in the end what is on the inside matters unlike what is on the outside. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:07:05 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-are-we-doing-here-really__trashed/#IDComment68142592 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68139651 This post really brings up a good point. Coming from a female's point of view I think that most males try to conform to society, that it is not only females who do this. Although females may do this more often males defiantly do it as well. Especially guys who are in high school or college. They typically want to fit into the "norm" and have nice bodies or wear nice clothing. A good example of this can be seen around campus. Many of the different fraternities on campus has a certain "stereotype" and the males that want to be in that fraternity might conform themselves to try and fit into that stereotype. This may mean tanning, or working out more, wearing their hair a certain way, or buying certain clothes. Although they may not take it to the extremes like getting plastic surgery they are still conforming to society. I believe that there is not as much pressure for males as there is for some females to conform to society and what everyone else looks like. I think that part of this reason is because of the most males personality. For the most part males are more relaxed and easy going. Where as some girls are more caddy and based around material things. But of course there are some males that do care a lot about their personal appearance. From a personal opinion, I have noticed that my male friend who is gay and his friends are always trying to be the skinniest and best dressed. I am not sure if they are trying to conform to society or doing it for them selves, or trying to impress others. I think that males have some pressure in society however not nearly as much as females. With all of the model shows, magazines, and just caddy other girls around them girls are always surrounded by the competitions to be skinner, have the best clothes, have the biggest boobs, or be the tannest. I think this is a shame because Sam is right that most girls are conforming to society and doing these things to their bodies to impress other girls and boost their self confidence, not to impress other guys. Of course if you had big boobs guys may be attracted to you more, however if your personality sucks then big boobs mean nothing because it will not become anything more that maybe just a one night stand. It is a shame that both girls and guys have to conform their bodies to fit in. People should go to the gym to make themselves feel good, stay in shape, and stay healthy, not to be the skinniest person or have the biggest muscles, it should not be a competition. People should be able to be proud of how they were born, whether it was with really big boobs or really small boobs. Because appearance really is not everything. Eventually we are all going to get old and wrinkly and saggy and none of this conforming to society is going to matter. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 04:33:42 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68139651 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66513311 I do not understand why video games like these were created in the first place. Who has a sick enough mind to take the time and make these things. Personally when I used to play video games I would play games like Mario Brothers or like race car ones and those were fun. I do not understand why people feel the need to play such violent and grotesque games. It is inappropriate, especially for younger children. Of course they put ratings on these games. But it not like they are going to a public place to play them. There is no one really to regulate what they play especially if their parents are not playing close attention. A younger kid could easily get a hold of their older brother's game and be exposed to violent and nasty things that they should not be exposed to. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 04:08:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66513311 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66512723 This is an interesting question. I have defiantly learned a lot of interesting facts this semester and have enjoyed the class. However, I do not think that there is anything that was a like a huge life changing moment. I am not sure if it is because I am a pretty open person and did not have a very strong opinion to be changed. I do think that the things that I have read in all three of the books that were assigned this semester and also what I heard people say during my race relations group has made a difference to me. I learned a lot through Disposable People about slavery in different countries that I had no idea still existed. Also, during my race relations group I heard stories from other students that really made a difference to me because I was hearing them in first person rather then reading them from a book. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 04:03:22 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66512723 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65676887 This post brings up a good point. And it made me realize that I do not like the whole "team" thing. I understand that is makes things easier for things like the text voting and quick classroom discussion. However I do not think people should be categorized like that. We always talk about how we want everyone to be equal, so then shouldn't we all be on the same "team"? I feel bad for this student because it kind of seems like he has to take sides. And if I was him I am not sure what "team" I would pick. I think it depends on how he was raised. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 01:19:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65676887 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/revisioning-the-revisioning-stage__trashed/#IDComment65676508 I do believe that this video post brings up a really good point. I believe that how and when people come about the re visioning stage is dependent upon the person's environment as well as personality. If someone grows up in a diverse community and it surrounded by colored people then they will probably go through he re visioning stage before others who grow up in a predominantly white community and rarely interact with people of other races. I also think that is depends on the person's personality. If someone is a very open person that is open to talking and interacting with all different people then they will probably go through the re visioning stage sooner than those people who are close minded or maybe just shy and do not like interacting with people that are different than themselves. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 01:16:24 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/revisioning-the-revisioning-stage__trashed/#IDComment65676508 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-if-we-got-rid-of-welfare__trashed/#IDComment65675685 As it was talked about in lecture, welfare does cause some problems in today's society. Of course there is the option of shutting down welfare all together however, I think that if the government was to shut down welfare completely this would cause major problems. I believe that there are ways we can maybe alter welfare or change it a bit to try and decrease some of the problems that coming from welfare, but I do not think tit would be smart to completely get rid of it. Welfare is a really great opportunity for some people to get back on their feet, find a job, and take care of their family. And it should only be used for those that really need it. Sometimes illness or other really unfair circumstances happen to people and they need a little boost to get back and continue on with their lives, this is where welfare can help out a great deal. If the government was to get rid of welfare completely then it would mean that the people that need a little extra boost just to get back on their feet would not have that opportunity anymore. I think that this is not fair. If some of the people that tend to take advantage of the welfare system just got jobs and did not need welfare, then this would solve of the problems that are being caused from welfare today. One of the problems I think that we have with the welfare system is that there are so many people that cheat and lie and get away with it. If the people that are on welfare are watched and screened more closely before they go on welfare as well as while they are on welfare maybe we would not have as many problems. There are some people that are on welfare and they find new jobs that are off of the books so to the government it seems like they still need assistance however in reality they no longer need welfare assistance. This is not fair because they are cheating everyone else. Welfare should be strictly for the people that truly do need it and it should only be for a very brief amount of time. Some people become so dependent on welfare that they forget the point of it, that is it meant to get you back into the working world and find a home of their own for them and their families. For most people welfare is something they do not want to have to deal with and are embarrassed to tell people that they are on it. Sadly in a way if everyone felt like this then this would get rid of the problem of having people abuse their welfare assistance. However, welfare for the people that truly do need it should not be something that they should be ashamed about, because everyone needs assistance at one point or another. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 01:10:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-if-we-got-rid-of-welfare__trashed/#IDComment65675685 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment63934514 This video post really made me think. I never really thought about how I would categorize Asians. Normally I would probably just say Asians, however if I had to choose either white or colored to put them in, I am torn. I do not think that I would put them in the "white" category. But I am not sure if I would put them in the colored category because I think that Asians have different race issues. Unfortunately Asians are discriminated against sometimes but I think it is different than the racial issues between the African Americans and Caucasians. I think it also depends on the Asians. Some Asians are darker than others and there is quite a difference between Asians and Asian Americans. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:51:49 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment63934514 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment63933203 I agree with the video post. I really do not understand why people are so embarrassed and do not like talking about the topic of having their period. The menstrual cycle is something that every women goes through. So why do people get uncomfortable when the topic comes up? The women in the video brings up a really good point. Having your period is not something you should be ashamed of. It means that you are able to have become pregnant and give birth to your own children. This is something that women should be proud of and not be ashamed of. Sam is right that when you are bleeding it is a bodily function just like sweat and people should not be embarrassed about it. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:46:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment63933203 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-to-do-about-white-guilt__trashed/#IDComment63929195 This video post brings up a really good point. I do believe that one of the reasons why some Caucasians do not completely understand why colored people think that Caucasians should should feel guilty about the pasts is because they do not understand the full story. This whole race issues and the events that have happened in the past are a huge part of our United States history. Therefore it should be stressed and explained a little bit more especially in text books. This year, being in this Sociology class and participating in the race relations project I learned a lot more about these race issues than I have ever learned in my past twelve years of schooling, and that is including two years of a United States history course. When I took part in the race relations project I really learned a lot from a fellow student because it was true stories that he was telling that were passed down from his father, grandfather, and uncles. It really opened my eyes and for the first time I genuinely began feeling the "white guilt". Up until then of course I felt bad and thought that it was not fair that colored people used to have to go to separate schools, use separate bathroom and water fountains, and sit in the back of bus, but I guess it never truly hit home until this semester. I think that if history classes were more open about these issues and told the whole story then students would really begin to understand. In my school, it was at least sixty five percent colored people, therefore if our history classes were more open about the topic, I am sure all of my peers and I could have learned a lot from the other colored students because they are full of true stories, and that is better than learning from an old boring text book. However, in stead all of my teachers seemed to just brush over the topic and never went into full detail. I think these are important details that all students should know, and if did then maybe they would begin to really understand why colored people think that white people should feel the "white guilt". I understand why some of these topics are a little brushed over or sugar coated in elementary school and maybe even middle school but high schoolers especially in Advanced placement courses are able to handle it and really understand if they are taught it. I think that if the text books explained the blunt truth then it would be easier for teachers to be open about it and discuss it freely in their classrooms. Also I think if teachers used real life stories from guest speakers or other students then they would be able to get students to really understand. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:11:38 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-to-do-about-white-guilt__trashed/#IDComment63929195 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment62719890 I do not know how I feel about this video. I think that it is awesome that this lady is making a change and becoming a football coach. But I am on the fence about how I feel about it. I see that she is making history especially because she is a woman of color, however I do not know if it is really that big of a deal. I feel like this is happening at other schools around the country that we just have not heard about. Another thing I am unsure of is how I feel about a woman being a men's football team coach. From knowing the guys that were on my high school football team, I wonder how much guys would listen and really respect a female coach compared to a male one. But, who knows she could end up have a lot of respect and control from the team and I think that it is awesome that she is doing this. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:38:24 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment62719890 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment62708555 I was thinking the same thing especially during the last class while we were doing the whole text messaging thing. I noticed that while the white students were texting, if they said something rude the students of color were very defensive. However, when the students of color were texting and something rude was said then the white students just sat there. I know that the white students wanted to be defensive but no one really verbally expressed it. I think this kind of goes along the lines of what Sam was talking about where at the race relation groups, white students won't really step up to the plate they kind of just sit back and absorb it all. I don't know if it is because they are intimidated or they feel guilty or bad or what. But Sam said that colored of people are more open about expressing their feelings especially when it is on a topic that related to race. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:57:58 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment62708555 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62705797 I was really shocked when I first read this article. Maybe if I was reading this forty or fifty years ago I maybe would not have been as shocked, but I thought we have come a long way and were finally coming to terms with allowing same sex relationships. I do not understand the reasonings that this high school administration had. I give the girl credit for coming out, asking permission, and wanting to bring her girlfriend for prom for all of her peers and teachers to see. I think that it shows a lot of courage and that she is a role model of all of the other students in her school that are still in the closet and afraid to come out with it. By canceling the prom it is showing the rest of the students that if they are gay they will not be accepted and supported by their own administration. I also do not understand why she had to as permission if it was okay if she brought her girlfriend and if she wore a tuxedo. At my high school prom there were many girls that went with other girls just as friends; who knew if they were a couple or just friends, but that did not really matter. And who cares what they wore as long as it was appropriate for a high school prom, and tuxedos are much more modest then some of the prom dresses that girls wear these days. At my high school prom there was a lesbian couple that attended. I sure they received some stares or second glances from some students that are not completely comfortable with the idea. However, they were still respected and treated like everyone else. As long as everyone is behaving and not causing trouble, why does it matter what the sex of someone's date it. It is a shame that this is happening at schools and I believe this is one of the reasons why there are so many people that are afraid of coming out of the closet. School is a place where you should feel comfortable and safe and a place where you can learn and grow. How can teenagers do that in a place where they know that their administration and so judgmental. I do believe that at least the community or some of the citizens in the community are doing something to help out the high school students. If I had attended that high school I would be extremely disappointed. Prom is suppose to be a amazing and memorable experience that every high school student should have the chance to experience. I would be so upset if my prom was canceled just because a student wanted to bring her girlfriend. It is not fair to the other students that have nothing to with the situation as well as the lesbian couple that is just trying to enjoy their high school years. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:34:23 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62705797 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment59845930 This post really made me think and opened my mind because I really never realized that all of the past bachelors and bacherolettes throughout the past six years have been all Caucasian. It makes me wonder if ABC is racist against who they pick to be on the show or if people of color are just not interested in being on these types of shows like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Maybe people of color are not desperate enough to have to be randomly set up with twenty and random people and somehow magically find their true love in front of all of The United States to see. I would really love to find out the answer to this question. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 06:14:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment59845930 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/fired-for-a-scarf__trashed/#IDComment59845408 I was pretty appalled after watching this video. During middle school and high school I used to be love these stores like Hollister and Abercrombie and Fitch. However, I began to realize how overpriced some of the things were, because you were basically paying for the label. I figured out that you could find the same quality of clothing for a much cheaper price, just with out the little moose or eagle symbol. I defiantly began to notice that they only hire the prettiest skinniest males or females that wear all of their clothes, have their hair the right way, and just fir their "look". I think that part of that is because many of the time they will hand select their employees by personally asking males and females that fit their exact style, that are customers in their store if they would like a job. I do not understand why they would fire this girl for wearing a scarf, especially because it is for religious purposes. I think by doing this they are loosing out on a lot of customers. Why would anyone want to buy from a store where they only see the same type of people working there and modeling their clothes. It is important for a store to show diversity and that their clothes can work well on a wide variety of people. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 06:08:45 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/fired-for-a-scarf__trashed/#IDComment59845408 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59844263 I am not sure if I completely understand where this student is coming from. Maybe I had talked to her and heard a little more of her explanation and where she is coming from I would have a better understanding. However, in my opinion I do not think that it is correct to overgeneralize and say that themed parties are only held by Caucasians. I believe that if you were to categorize a group of people that have themed parties you would have to say all college students, not just Caucasians. I think that in general it is a popular thing for college students to have themed parties. As a way to change it up a little bit, add variety, and just have fun. Personally, I really enjoy themed parties because it is a fun way to express our creativity and have fun coming up with different and unusual outfits for these themed parties. I know many groups that participate and host themed parties including sororities and fraternities as well as different organizations like the different Thon committees. Neither of these types of groups are all Caucasian. Coming from someone that is in a sorority that has people of color in it and attends themed parties at fraternities with people of color in it, I know for a fact that people of color take place in themed parties as well. I do not believe that themed parties are geared towards making fun of racial stereotypes. I think that themed parties just make fun of stereotypes in general, not just racial ones. And I think it partly what makes themed parties so fun. I went to one themed party this last fall that was a Catalina Wine Mixer theme. At this theme party everyone dressed up at preppy, upper class males and females; in a way we were sort of making fun of them. Other themes mock the stereotypes of "jersey shore" people, which is not really a race but more of a type of culture or lifestyle. And other themes include stereotyping business men. Not all themed parties have to be about stereotypes at all. I have attended ABC themed parties or different themes that have to do with decades like the eighties, or cities, like vegas, or even channels like Nickelodeon. Those themes do not really have anything to even do with stereotype. They are just a fun way to switch it up from the typical every weekend party. I would not say that themed parties are only hosted and attended by Caucasians. I think that themed parties are just a popular thing in all college environments. So personally I do not completely agree with this student's opinion. However, maybe she has a better reasoning to her opinion or examples that support her that would better help me understand her reasoning. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 05:54:28 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59844263 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment58761946 I completely agree with both of these students in the videos. I understand where the student who said that they do not know if they would say something because it is not their place. Personally, I have never been in a situation like this, so I do not know how I would react. Knowing my personally I think I would be hesitant to say something usually I am not a very outgoing person. However, I would hope that I would have the guts to say something. Today's class about discrimination was extremely thought provoking. The part that really hit home for me was watching the video about the Muslim women at the store and the worker not wanting to serve her just because of the way she was dressed and her religion. I could not believe that some people are actually treated this way. In my eyes if you were born in American and grew up in American, then you are American, no matter what religion or race you are. I thought it was awesome that those other customers stood up for the Muslim women like that. I think that everyone needs to stick up for people when they see them being discriminated against. This is the only way that we can work towards abolishing discrimination. Hopefully the guy working at the store in the video learned something from that and will think twice and denying other people that are different from him service. I do not know what else we can do to stop discrimination. So for now this is or best bet. I think it is important that everyone sticks up for people when they see discrimination like the people in the video did. We are all Americans and we need to defend each other no matter our skin color, our religion, or how we dress. I really do not understand why the man in the store wanted to deny the Muslim women service. She is the same as everyone else even though she may dress a little different. It truly is a shame that there are people out there that are that ignorant to deny people service just because they are different from them. If I was a situation like the one in the video I would hope that I would say something. I do see where that student was coming from saying he was raised a certain way and he does not know when it is his place to say something. However, I think it is pretty obvious when it is or is not your place to say something. In this situation, obviously anyone should say something because Americans need to stick together and defend each other in hopes of getting rid of discrimination. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:15:36 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment58761946