en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2456135 Comments by Emoney623 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/what-do-you-think-of-the-291-statistic-and-what-number-would-you-pick-119-blog/#IDComment141157133 When starting the war in Iraq I had no idea it was going to last this long and didn’t know how many people were going to die. Innocent people die every day in Iraq just because. It is really unfortunate to think about this and it makes you wonder what if a country was to bring a war to our country. Would innocent lives such as you and me be taken? Would we be in the same danger as the Iraqis have been in? If something like this happened I am sure the majority would no be prepared for such a catastrophe. Imagine people dying for no reason at all by a war that you have no part of. Its scary to think about this, and it frightens me because anything can happen. I do think one day this can happen in our country and to think about this question is very disturbing. The statistic 29:1, twenty nine innocent people dead to one bad guy. They take the lives of these people, I don’t know how they can live after that. The scary part of this statistic is that the American soldiers are willing to do this. Knowing how dedicated and crazy some Iraqi soldiers are and armies of other countries, if a war was to ever come to America this statistic would probably even increase to something like 40:1. Imagine that. What goes through these soldiers minds sometimes. I mean I know the motive for war is to get the bad guy but is it necessary to kill innocent civilians who just want to live and be out of this war and mess? Seeing some of the videos during class and looking at what some of these soldiers do in this war is crazy. Why must they go out of there way to ruin some of these people lives. Just because the Iraqis are the enemies in the war doesn’t mean that every single person in the country is the enemy. You are just fighting a war against the people who are of the Iraqi army. Of course there are the civilians who fight back as well and this I can see why may a soldier feel the need to fight back and kill because they are being shot at. This is the only reason I can think of because this is self defense. But just seeing a person or civilian to just kill them, it is very wrong. These soldiers are honored and we honor them because they defend our country but when you think of a soldier and this statistic is makes you wonder what the heck is going through this person head! It is crazy and scary and I don’t really like discussing this because it gets me sad that all these innocent lives are being taken for a war that is just ongoing and sometimes does not make sense. Sat, 9 Apr 2011 03:34:29 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/what-do-you-think-of-the-291-statistic-and-what-number-would-you-pick-119-blog/#IDComment141157133 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139260067 This is a great question. Honestly I do sometimes envy the fact that men can just roll out of bed and can walk out the house and be fine, meanwhile most women have to make sure their hair looks good and their make-up and clothes are perfect and matching. Men can just shower and throw some clothes on or roll out of bed with the same clothes as last night and be fine while women go through all the extra stuff. I also am not saying I would want to be a guy I just think that a lot of things would be easier. I do enjoy getting ready on weekend nights and looking perfect from head to toe. It’s just who I am because I am a girl I knew that is what most all other girls do as well. Sam and his wife really made me look into this idea of girls dressing up a lot though. The one picture displayed with the nails digging into the girls feet imitating the type of shoes (heels) that women wear really made me think and feel what Sam and his wife were saying. Why do we put ourselves through the pain of wearing these 6 inch heels, just because it looks good? Just because we want to look attractive meaning to the opposite sex? It just all came out to this role that a man and woman play. We are two completely different not literally but species. We operate different and our bodies operate very differently. A lot of it comes from what we see and what we experience growing up. We grow up observing what other women do and wear and we see all the beautiful models and actresses on magazines and TV, so most minds just run on that and we imitate this. We are girls and I have just come to the conclusion that this is what we do. The lecture in class did open up my eyes and I enjoyed hearing what Sam and his wife had to say. I don’t think it is going to change the way I act, get ready, the way I dress, and feel when I go out but it just made me think a little differently. Going by the lecture in our class, I can only imagine if this was a female centered world. Everything would be so much nicer and prettier and perfect. Sat, 2 Apr 2011 01:55:37 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139260067 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139258476 This is a great question. Honestly I do sometimes envy the fact that men can just roll out of bed and can walk out the house and be fine, meanwhile most women have to make sure their hair looks good and their make-up and clothes are perfect and matching. Men can just shower and throw some clothes on or roll out of bed with the same clothes as last night and be fine while women go through all the extra stuff. I also am not saying I would want to be a guy I just think that a lot of things would be easier. I do enjoy getting ready on weekend nights and looking perfect from head to toe. It’s just who I am because I am a girl I knew that is what most all other girls do as well. Sam and his wife really made me look into this idea of girls dressing up a lot though. The one picture displayed with the nails digging into the girls feet imitating the type of shoes (heels) that women wear really made me think and feel what Sam and his wife were saying. Why do we put ourselves through the pain of wearing these 6 inch heels, just because it looks good? Just because we want to look attractive meaning to the opposite sex? It just all came out to this role that a man and woman play. We are two completely different not literally but species. We operate different and our bodies operate very differently. A lot of it comes from what we see and what we experience growing up. We grow up observing what other women do and wear and we see all the beautiful models and actresses on magazines and TV, so most minds just run on that and we imitate this. We are girls and I have just come to the conclusion that this is what we do. The lecture in class did open up my eyes and I enjoyed hearing what Sam and his wife had to say. I don’t think it is going to change the way I act, get ready, the way I dress, and feel when I go out but it just made me think a little differently. Going by the lecture in our class, I can only imagine if this was a female centered world. Everything would be so much nicer and prettier and perfect. Sat, 2 Apr 2011 01:49:38 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139258476 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139257822 This is a great question. Honestly I do sometimes envy the fact that men can just roll out of bed and can walk out the house and be fine, meanwhile most women have to make sure their hair looks good and their make-up and clothes are perfect and matching. Men can just shower and throw some clothes on or roll out of bed with the same clothes as last night and be fine while women go through all the extra stuff. I also am not saying I would want to be a guy I just think that a lot of things would be easier. I do enjoy getting ready on weekend nights and looking perfect from head to toe. It’s just who I am because I am a girl I knew that is what most all other girls do as well. Sam and his wife really made me look into this idea of girls dressing up a lot though. The one picture displayed with the nails digging into the girls feet imitating the type of shoes (heels) that women wear really made me think and feel what Sam and his wife were saying. Why do we put ourselves through the pain of wearing these 6 inch heels, just because it looks good? Just because we want to look attractive meaning to the opposite sex? It just all came out to this role that a man and woman play. We are two completely different not literally but species. We operate different and our bodies operate very differently. A lot of it comes from what we see and what we experience growing up. We grow up observing what other women do and wear and we see all the beautiful models and actresses on magazines and TV, so most minds just run on that and we imitate this. We are girls and I have just come to the conclusion that this is what we do. The lecture in class did open up my eyes and I enjoyed hearing what Sam and his wife had to say. I don’t think it is going to change the way I act, get ready, the way I dress, and feel when I go out but it just made me think a little differently. Going by the lecture in our class, I can only imagine if this was a female centered world. Everything would be so much nicer and prettier and perfect. Sat, 2 Apr 2011 01:47:12 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139257822 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139257166 This is a great question. Honestly I do sometimes envy the fact that men can just roll out of bed and can walk out the house and be fine, meanwhile most women have to make sure their hair looks good and their make-up and clothes are perfect and matching. Men can just shower and throw some clothes on or roll out of bed with the same clothes as last night and be fine while women go through all the extra stuff. I also am not saying I would want to be a guy I just think that a lot of things would be easier. I do enjoy getting ready on weekend nights and looking perfect from head to toe. It’s just who I am because I am a girl I knew that is what most all other girls do as well. Sam and his wife really made me look into this idea of girls dressing up a lot though. The one picture displayed with the nails digging into the girls feet imitating the type of shoes (heels) that women wear really made me think and feel what Sam and his wife were saying. Why do we put ourselves through the pain of wearing these 6 inch heels, just because it looks good? Just because we want to look attractive meaning to the opposite sex? It just all came out to this role that a man and woman play. We are two completely different not literally but species. We operate different and our bodies operate very differently. A lot of it comes from what we see and what we experience growing up. We grow up observing what other women do and wear and we see all the beautiful models and actresses on magazines and TV, so most minds just run on that and we imitate this. We are girls and I have just come to the conclusion that this is what we do. The lecture in class did open up my eyes and I enjoyed hearing what Sam and his wife had to say. I don’t think it is going to change the way I act, get ready, the way I dress, and feel when I go out but it just made me think a little differently. Going by the lecture in our class, I can only imagine if this was a female centered world. Everything would be so much nicer and prettier and perfect. Sat, 2 Apr 2011 01:44:40 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139257166 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139256708 This is a great question. Honestly I do sometimes envy the fact that men can just roll out of bed and can walk out the house and be fine, meanwhile most women have to make sure their hair looks good and their make-up and clothes are perfect and matching. Men can just shower and throw some clothes on or roll out of bed with the same clothes as last night and be fine while women go through all the extra stuff. I also am not saying I would want to be a guy I just think that a lot of things would be easier. I do enjoy getting ready on weekend nights and looking perfect from head to toe. It’s just who I am because I am a girl I knew that is what most all other girls do as well. Sam and his wife really made me look into this idea of girls dressing up a lot though. The one picture displayed with the nails digging into the girls feet imitating the type of shoes (heels) that women wear really made me think and feel what Sam and his wife were saying. Why do we put ourselves through the pain of wearing these 6 inch heels, just because it looks good? Just because we want to look attractive meaning to the opposite sex? It just all came out to this role that a man and woman play. We are two completely different not literally but species. We operate different and our bodies operate very differently. A lot of it comes from what we see and what we experience growing up. We grow up observing what other women do and wear and we see all the beautiful models and actresses on magazines and TV, so most minds just run on that and we imitate this. We are girls and I have just come to the conclusion that this is what we do. The lecture in class did open up my eyes and I enjoyed hearing what Sam and his wife had to say. I don’t think it is going to change the way I act, get ready, the way I dress, and feel when I go out but it just made me think a little differently. Going by the lecture in our class, I can only imagine if this was a female centered world. Everything would be so much nicer and prettier and perfect. Sat, 2 Apr 2011 01:42:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139256708 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139214226 This is a great question. Honestly I do sometimes envy the fact that men can just roll out of bed and can walk out the house and be fine, meanwhile most women have to make sure their hair looks good and their make-up and clothes are perfect and matching. Men can just shower and throw some clothes on or roll out of bed with the same clothes as last night and be fine while women go through all the extra stuff. I also am not saying I would want to be a guy I just think that a lot of things would be easier. I do enjoy getting ready on weekend nights and looking perfect from head to toe. It’s just who I am because I am a girl I knew that is what most all other girls do as well. Sam and his wife really made me look into this idea of girls dressing up a lot though. The one picture displayed with the nails digging into the girls feet imitating the type of shoes (heels) that women wear really made me think and feel what Sam and his wife were saying. Why do we put ourselves through the pain of wearing these 6 inch heels, just because it looks good? Just because we want to look attractive meaning to the opposite sex? It just all came out to this role that a man and woman play. We are two completely different not literally but species. We operate different and our bodies operate very differently. A lot of it comes from what we see and what we experience growing up. We grow up observing what other women do and wear and we see all the beautiful models and actresses on magazines and TV, so most minds just run on that and we imitate this. We are girls and I have just come to the conclusion that this is what we do. The lecture in class did open up my eyes and I enjoyed hearing what Sam and his wife had to say. I don’t think it is going to change the way I act, get ready, the way I dress, and feel when I go out but it just made me think a little differently. Going by the lecture in our class, I can only imagine if this was a female centered world. Everything would be so much nicer and prettier and perfect. Fri, 1 Apr 2011 22:41:35 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139214226 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139201196 This is a great question. Honestly I do sometimes envy the fact that men can just roll out of bed and can walk out the house and be fine, meanwhile most women have to make sure their hair looks good and their make-up and clothes are perfect and matching. Men can just shower and throw some clothes on or roll out of bed with the same clothes as last night and be fine while women go through all the extra stuff. I also am not saying I would want to be a guy I just think that a lot of things would be easier. I do enjoy getting ready on weekend nights and looking perfect from head to toe. It’s just who I am because I am a girl I knew that is what most all other girls do as well. Sam and his wife really made me look into this idea of girls dressing up a lot though. The one picture displayed with the nails digging into the girls feet imitating the type of shoes (heels) that women wear really made me think and feel what Sam and his wife were saying. Why do we put ourselves through the pain of wearing these 6 inch heels, just because it looks good? Just because we want to look attractive meaning to the opposite sex? It just all came out to this role that a man and woman play. We are two completely different not literally but species. We operate different and our bodies operate very differently. A lot of it comes from what we see and what we experience growing up. We grow up observing what other women do and wear and we see all the beautiful models and actresses on magazines and TV, so most minds just run on that and we imitate this. We are girls and I have just come to the conclusion that this is what we do. The lecture in class did open up my eyes and I enjoyed hearing what Sam and his wife had to say. I don’t think it is going to change the way I act, get ready, the way I dress, and feel when I go out but it just made me think a little differently. Going by the lecture in our class, I can only imagine if this was a female centered world. Everything would be so much nicer and prettier and perfect. Fri, 1 Apr 2011 21:25:46 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139201196 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139201029 This is a great question. Honestly I do sometimes envy the fact that men can just roll out of bed and can walk out the house and be fine, meanwhile most women have to make sure their hair looks good and their make-up and clothes are perfect and matching. Men can just shower and throw some clothes on or roll out of bed with the same clothes as last night and be fine while women go through all the extra stuff. I also am not saying I would want to be a guy I just think that a lot of things would be easier. I do enjoy getting ready on weekend nights and looking perfect from head to toe. It’s just who I am because I am a girl I knew that is what most all other girls do as well. Sam and his wife really made me look into this idea of girls dressing up a lot though. The one picture displayed with the nails digging into the girls feet imitating the type of shoes (heels) that women wear really made me think and feel what Sam and his wife were saying. Why do we put ourselves through the pain of wearing these 6 inch heels, just because it looks good? Just because we want to look attractive meaning to the opposite sex? It just all came out to this role that a man and woman play. We are two completely different not literally but species. We operate different and our bodies operate very differently. A lot of it comes from what we see and what we experience growing up. We grow up observing what other women do and wear and we see all the beautiful models and actresses on magazines and TV, so most minds just run on that and we imitate this. We are girls and I have just come to the conclusion that this is what we do. The lecture in class did open up my eyes and I enjoyed hearing what Sam and his wife had to say. I don’t think it is going to change the way I act, get ready, the way I dress, and feel when I go out but it just made me think a little differently. Going by the lecture in our class, I can only imagine if this was a female centered world. Everything would be so much nicer and prettier and perfect. Fri, 1 Apr 2011 21:24:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/women-what-are-your-thoughts-on-dressing-up-while-men-dress-down-and-did-they-change-after-this-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment139201029 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137597056 Interracial relationships are seen a lot these past few years and it is only going to grow. I, from haven been with another race, don’t think it is a big deal. When you are attracted to someone its something your mind and body feels. It shouldn’t matter what color skin you have or where you’re from. This is why these relationships occur and shouldn’t have to deal with negative opinions. This is what makes you wonder where these people get these negative thoughts. It can be from numerous things such as experiences growing up, like if grown and raised where everyone is the same race some may feel that it a uncomfortable situation. There are many couples who deal with this hate from their families. I know even from my family if I was to bring home a black person home it would be accepted but I know everyone would talk about it and it would be a really big deal. I believe that in families such as mines where we are all Dominican it would be a shock to see something different. I think many strongly cultured families would feel this as well whether it be a highly religious Indian family, high upper class white family, or an Asian family. Having someone brought into the family from a completely different race is going to ruin the family blood or rude comments like that. This is very similar to discrimination. Why should anyone have an negative opinion if you’re dating another race. You are basically discriminating against the couple. It makes the couple have unnecessary stress and could lead to the couple to break up. It is sad but it happens a lot. Say you are in an interracial relationship, people in town or if seen around, may look at you different and you may get a couple stares if you’re in an area where this is not the norm. You start to hear the negative feedback from the family. This only will bring problems to the relationship. I think this is ludicrous and can’t believe people find this that big of a deal. I think it is completely fine and acceptable and totally support any type of interracial relationship. We all have the choice of who we want to be with. If we fall for someone of a different race it is because this is what we feel and want. Anyone who has any bad thoughts and comments can go mind their own business and ignore it if they don’t like it. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:55:58 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137597056 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/where-do-the-messages-come-from-119-blog/#IDComment135973127 When watching the video that introduced this topic in class I was like wow I can’t believe that such a young girl really felt some type of way about the dark skin and light skin baby doll. How could a girl at such a young age feel this way towards a light or a darker skinned person? Then when presented this question I too began to wonder what type of messages might these young children might experience to have them think this way. Is it the way they were brought up? Is it the experiences they’ve maybe experienced? I too wonder myself and this question makes you think a lot about society. With these children it can pertain to a lot of factors. Children grew up with all white and light skinned people on TV. You never really got to see darker colors until black television came to play. Many of the messages are given from the media. Almost all children grew up watching cartoons and movies. When was the last time you seen a black princess in a Disney movie. I think never. Many villains in animated television are displayed as darker gloomy looking characters. There are limited everything for blacks. TV shows, magazines, music stations. It was also based on how they grew up and that was with a primary white society unless they lived in areas where there are predominantly multi races. Either way in these areas they are grew up into thinking that the whites are better because they live in nicer areas and have more money. The white goes towards the lighter skinned because the lighter skinned look more like the whites compared to darker blacks. All in all it’s based on what the child has experienced and seen around them. These are the only messages I can think of that can make children at such a young age feel this way towards lighter and darker skinned baby dolls. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 03:53:27 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/where-do-the-messages-come-from-119-blog/#IDComment135973127 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/how-conscious-are-you-of-your-seat-in-class-before-and-after-todays-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment132320037 The lecture Sam had in class today did not affect me in a certain matter. I believe when I walk into any of my classes I always have the same routine. I am the student who likes the back seats because of the easy access of bathroom or leaving class right away. For all my classes, I walk into the room I look around and I see where ever there is room and I just sit. I don't really like climbing over people so I tend to sit on the sides of the rows as well. But my choice does not depend on whom is sitting in the chairs near the area or next to the seat that I want. I don’t think I can generalize a person just by how they appear. I am not going to lie though, every time I get in an airplane I feel some type of way about who i sit next too. I only worry based on if the person is bigger, smelly, funny looking etc. I guess I don't generalize people as much in school because we all study in the same university and take the same classes. I can see why this boy asked this question though. I can see people generalizing when choosing a seat somewhere in class or anywhere in that matter because Im sure Sam gave the class as an example. Across the world people sit where they feel and I’m sure many all have quick generalization whether they are on public transportation, class, church, eating out, etc. Many don’t feel comfortable sitting next to a black person but why? They don’t even know this person. They can turn out to be the nicest person in the world, but generalization are made every day based on how u brought up, what you are told, experienced etc. Going back to my airplane story, I remember getting on a plane the February after 9-11 and I also felt somewhat scared of any Arabic looking person. This is why I believe Sam brought this point out in class. Even sometimes when you don't notice you give self generalizations without even knowing the other person. I know I am not racist or discriminatory but because of an act like 9/11 it shouldn’t have given the right to feel that way. So was I acting in a discriminatory matter then because of my generalization? I know I am not the only one who encountered this type of feeling and it is kind of upsetting to think of it that way. Sam definitely brings out my eyes in a lot of things he points out in class and this was a great demonstration. Fri, 4 Mar 2011 07:29:39 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/how-conscious-are-you-of-your-seat-in-class-before-and-after-todays-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment132320037 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/23/do-you-think-his-lighter-skin-gets-him-ahead-in-society-119-blog/#IDComment130759874 Although it is 2011 and I want to say that this man’s skin tone doesn't matter about getting ahead in society but unfortunately I can't because racism and discrimination still is very relevant in today's society, I come from a country where there are light skinned Dominicans and dark skinned and even though we all are from the same country some still fill the need to say things to the darker skinned. It is sad to say but in America it is the same. Say a darker black person and lighter skinned black person both go on an interview statistics and most say that the lighter skin will get the job. Discrimination it is everywhere. Why do you think there are so many laws against this, most importantly being the Civil Rights Act Title Four that prohibits discrimination of any kind because of race, sex, national origin, religion, color? Several other laws were made to protect people with disabilities, pregnancy, age, etc. These laws were made to lessen discrimination but it still occurs every day. I go to school and thought that my peer individuals were mature and not ever act discriminatory. My friend just told me an incident that happened with her at a bar at my college. She went to the bathroom and a girl compliments her hair following that remark she says “I know you’re not in a sorority. You’re a spic. Get the fuck out.” When my friend told me this I couldn’t believe it. There are still millions of people out there who act in this manner. And getting back to the picture I have to agree and say I do believe he will rise higher in society because of the discrimination that still exists. The class I am currently taking involves racism and it really brightens my eyes and it appalls me to see some of the things my professor shows to the class. The different statistics and acts that happen across the world that I didn’t even know existed are still happening. Racism is everywhere and, not to be pessimistic, I don’t think there will ever be a day where everyone accepts all races and colors no matter what. Although in 2011 anti-discrimination has decreased it is still everywhere and you can’t really stop it completely. This was a great question and I enjoyed reading the different views on this post. Most are more or less around the same reasoning as myself. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 04:09:05 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/23/do-you-think-his-lighter-skin-gets-him-ahead-in-society-119-blog/#IDComment130759874 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/01/do-you-describe-yourself-differently-in-other-countries/#IDComment127030561 I believe this girl came up with a very good question. Although I am Dominican and have lived/ go there all the time I, also, do the same thing as the girl commented on. When someone asks me where I am from when I am in the Dominican Republic I say I'm American because I am. I was born here and I know and live in this country. They respond to this normally even knowing that I am Dominican. I feel as if they have a sense of tracking Americans with different things such as the way I dress, my skin color is very light, and I speak perfect English. Also, when traveling abroad to France I said I was American. I can't really say I'm Dominican there because I live in the states so I don't really bother. But then when I am here in America, when someone asks me what I am, I will respond to them saying I'm Dominican. I think this is because of the huge diversity America has. There are all races in this country and it is interesting to ask to find out where someone comes from. I believe that the response that someone has when asking what they are depends where they are. Amore general answer is expected when visiting a different country because it is farther and they are not in their home land. This also goes for states around here. If you speak with a certain accent or have a different style a person may ask where you’re from and they respond with Jersey or Cali or wherever they live. I think it depends on the person and how they react to the question. It also depends who they are speaking with. Someone who is not as familiar with the language and custom you are used to will probably understand a more general answer anyway. I think this does majorly take part of where you live at the time being but I feel that what if I lived in France. I would not say I’m from France because I grew up in New Jersey. I believe it breaks down to where and how you grow up. I am Dominican at heart because it is a huge part of my culture and who I am but I am American because I live and was born in this country. It is kind of confusing to completely answer this question and I can see why she wants to see everyone’s views on the subject. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:06:11 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/01/do-you-describe-yourself-differently-in-other-countries/#IDComment127030561 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/26/why-do-we-associate-with-people-of-the-same-race-and-ethnicity-as-ourselves-119-blog/#IDComment124429714 I believe that most people tend to associate themselves with their same ethnicity and race because they share similar qualities and are used to the same culture. For example, I am Hispanic from the Dominican Republic and I hang out with mostly Spanish and Dominicans. Don’t get me wrong I do have white friends and friends of other races, but the majority of them are of Latin descent. We can relate to similar things and I feel a sense of comfort when engaging in conversation or just simply going out. I can talk with them about our country, I can talk fluently with them in Spanish, and I just in general feel comfortable. I see this around campus with a lot of other ethnicities and races as well. Asians stick together, blacks, Indians, etc. all tend to group themselves with the same kinds of people. They probably feel the same way as I do. They have more things in common with each other and can engage in conversation about similar likes. Most have grown up with the same culture and want to be around people who do the same thing. I love my Spanish food, Spanish music, and Spanish shows. I can’t really share these likes with white or black people because they don’t understand this culture. In regards to Penn State, many students come from different countries not knowing much English. It is harder to communicate with these people and that is why they go to their comfort zone with those who speak the same language. These students have a language barrier with others of different races and they don’t want to feel unwelcomed and unaccepted so they stick to their familiarity. I personally like to meet new people from different backgrounds and have also met some people who try and learn my culture. It is nice to educate them in the different things Dominicans are used to, that they are not familiar with. Sometimes I try the different restaurants in the area, like Indian Pavilion or Fuji Jade Garden to experience a different atmosphere and get to know what their food tastes like. I wish more people were open to this and were willing to learn more about other ethnicities. All my white and black friends love my cooking style and the music we listen to. They want to go with me to the Dominican Republic to learn even more. I think if people just stepped out of their tight circle and open their arms to new things they will appreciate a diverse group more than just solely white or black. When in class it is nice to hear different views and the way Sam speaks about culture and race. This class hopefully will open a lot more eyes!! Fri, 28 Jan 2011 23:12:16 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/26/why-do-we-associate-with-people-of-the-same-race-and-ethnicity-as-ourselves-119-blog/#IDComment124429714 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2010/03/11/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together/#IDComment122905714 After reading this article I was appalled. I can't believe this high school canceled prom because a student asked to attend with a date of the same sex. It is 2011 already and I thought this type of behavior was old news. I see some people do not change and continue to discriminate against gays and lesbians. Then they wonder why they categorize the south for such hate. What if this student merely wanted to bring a friend of the same sex? A prom is for dancing and having fun with the people u went to high school with. Why can't you have fun with someone of the same sex as your date? I go out with my girlfriends all the time. It is not different. And to think this was done by a high school. How can you make the whole class suffer for ones right to bring whomever she wants? It is her choice and it should not have been taken to this extent. Certain individuals look at homosexuals and categorize them as a different person than other people. This should not influence someone as a person, like I stated earlier it is a choice just like I choose to like the opposite sex. I have seen this type of discrimination a lot around certain homophobic and it’s sad that they must persist on going out there way to have such hate toward homosexuals. It is injustice. Yes, this country gives you the freedom to say and feel whatever you choose but is it right to say something to a completely harmless person just because they are gay. This student had the right to choose whomever she wanted to take to the prom and this will be looked down upon by many. Why must a school care about what a student chooses to do with their personal life. Gays are who they are and it doesn’t make them a different student and shouldn’t cause such a rut cuss. The administration then tried and cover up their reasoning by saying it was a distraction to the educational process. I can’t believe they even said that. “What a good reason” in my sarcastic voice. Like as if the students who attend high school haven’t seen a show or movie with a couple of the same sex. They are not little children and it should not be a distraction. Although I find this article shocking I can see certain schools like this condoning this type of behavior. A lot of towns, especially in the South are known to be anti-gay. These areas bring up their children and everything around to know the same. So I’m sure that this student attends a high school in a small town of Mississippi where the people are still country and don’t accept or want nothing to do with homosexuals. It’s a shame that these places still exist and I would hate to live in that kind of area. You have the right to be gay! Sat, 22 Jan 2011 03:02:48 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2010/03/11/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together/#IDComment122905714 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ch%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment122895768 >Soc 119< Sat, 22 Jan 2011 01:52:50 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ch%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment122895768