en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2395816 Comments by G_Espy http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/would-you-hire-illegal-immigrants-over-legal-residents-for-less-pay-119-blog/#IDComment145276175 I think hiring illegal immigrants is a problem and the wrong thing to do, but I do see why and how someone would choose immigrants for less may than residents of the united states for more pay. I was brought up to fight for things and do things fair and of course the “right way”. There are laws int his country that were created and have been followed for years and for us to fight it and make more money the wrong way is terrible and unjust. Yeah we are helping out human beings that “should not” be in our country and that greats and fine with me but owners of companies and what not do it the wrong way and grimmy about it. There are good workers who were born and grew up in the United States so they deserve to legally be entitled to jobs and get them, they have busted their butts off too...well at least most of them. I just hate how people cut corners nd do things 'underground' just to make a buck or get ahead without be taxed and governed. Like I said I see why people do it, cause things and property/living are very expensive these days and people have to do what they can to survive and make it in our corrupt world. I have never owned a company or business though so if I were to be in the situation maybe my perception would change but I do not know what I would do. Morally as of now I would do the right things and higher proper and legal worker for the higher wage but that is because I know I would run legit business and make money anyway. When times are tough in regards to the economy, people make quick thinking and decide based on rash decisions. I know a lot of different businesses and restaurants that do pay illegally and minimum wage to people that do not belong in the workplace because they are here illegally. I think we need to figure out the legal/illegal dealings with humans or persons in the workplace in the united states. It creates to much stress and anger between people in our country and brings question to who eblongs in certain places, and we should all be free and have to choices to go wherever we want as long as we are qualified. Blame should be put on the top of government but I see how hard it is to change this problem in the world and I do not see this situation getting any better any time soon and thats the worst part about it. There are many things wrong ith our country and this is one of them, but I do know I am graduating this semester and fair game is good with me and I have a good chance of getting it to help me succeed in the harsh and fisty world. Sat, 23 Apr 2011 02:44:18 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/would-you-hire-illegal-immigrants-over-legal-residents-for-less-pay-119-blog/#IDComment145276175 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/what-does-it-say-about-our-society-if-schools-are-more-segregated-now-than-in-the-1970s-119-blog/#IDComment143278901 It says a lot about our current society and how we keep ‘Improving’ (or so they say). I feel like currently in our society everyone is more knowledgeable but that doesn’t mean we have changed for the better. We are all more aware of the past and how history played out especially racially. No one ever really works to better our society; it is just generation after generation hearing more things but still after the same goal of power, money, and fame. Or at least that how I feel about our country. No one to me will ever better our society to the maximum because then where do we go from there. Even with gender we see the everyday struggle or fight to become more powerful, but once every demographics hits its peak, we can only shoot downward and that would happen quite fast in our current society. So, maybe having more segregation is ridiculous and outrageous to think but should it not be expected? We always say I don’t see how it hasn’t improved, but at what time and place has it ever. Yes radical persons fight for what they believe, but as we know the majority always wins, especially the more powerful. Our government and corporations are sadly, predominantly white and they control the money flow, plus the decisions that would give freedom for every different race to be together in schooling. I feel if everyone mixes and mingles our society would be a better place, but the powerful fight regularly to stop that from happening. That’s for darn sure, and schooling is a big part of future success and knowledge. So by separating race and dividing in the place we learn to fend for ourselves and do good for our country; its already setup to keep us at some sort of clash so that our younger majority will never fight together as one to bring down the older generations. To me, that makes no sense but hey what does in the world today? We should all be able to decide what school we want to attend, that way we all live with consequences of what we think and choose. Not taking on consequences from a decision made by someone you do not even know or trust. Power in our country makes things messy and it pisses me off that the power never sways, and the same group of people (rich, corporate) takes on the big roles of changing up our society for the worse. I learned about that crap in comm405, and the power swing and structure makes no sense…it trickles from the government/corporations into the media and into daily every day lives (using the example of schooling in our country). Sat, 16 Apr 2011 02:13:00 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/14/what-does-it-say-about-our-society-if-schools-are-more-segregated-now-than-in-the-1970s-119-blog/#IDComment143278901 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/07/do-you-agree-with-foreign-aids-use-of-pictures-of-children-119-blog/#IDComment141161293 I think the use of pictures taken in countries with impoverished children to be dead wrong. Not only is it messed up that they take this picture with nice, expensive camera while these children suffer...most of the time they use the pictures to make money in the long run. It is honestly none of our business of the problems in their countries and we need to stay out of it. For people to use pictures and even use videos of these children suffering is a cop out and I would not not tolerate it. We could be helping these troubled children with food, education, clothes, shelters but instead we see them suffer and decide its a good idea to watch them, takes pictures, then just leave like its okay. None of us in this country really grasp the difficulties in impoverished countries, just like me. I am not trying to say I know whats good with it all but I can say I would never sit there a take pictures of someone in a struggle..no matter what that struggle may be. Like ernso said its wrong and first off we should stay out of it cause we do not even understand it, let alone use it to our own advantages and ignore their pain and unfortunate lives. On the other hand, if its used for educational purposes than I believe its okay. Some people don't know or even understand these struggles they been through. So if its pictures in a lecture or for an important topic at hand..than its used as an important tool to show and have the audience feel the pain or at least think about how good our lives are in the country and other countries that are okay with economy and resources. I could not imagine living with nothing and having no way to better my life and that is why I just want to stay out of taking/using pics of the children. We do not even know them and we sit there and exploit there lives like we own them. Not many people fight this, but they always talk about it. I hate when people brainstorm and bs stuff just to talk, we need to stop crap like this from going down. We should focus on our country and the cruddy things here, then help others. Were not helpin by exploiting, setting up resources and oppurtunity for people with our counties connections is what we need to focus in one, that is for sure. Other people do not get this and some people are oblivious to it. I was in film for awhile and we even watched videos and films of children such as this being exploited and they were not for positive reasons other than making mass amounts of money and them never giving back to these children and/or people in need. It upsets me! Sat, 9 Apr 2011 03:58:02 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/07/do-you-agree-with-foreign-aids-use-of-pictures-of-children-119-blog/#IDComment141161293 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139239982 But if I was around all dude it prob would have been a joke and laughed about for sure. I wish I could have been there because whats better for a male to learn and understand how needy his penis is and what not. We all know guys think about girls and sex all the time, and it honestly crosses our minds out of nowhere. Males have needs a good looking, intelligent women I feel turn us on the most. I really like how Sam and his wife teamed up to do the lecture so it was not just one sex giving the lecture and taking sides. I give them props for taking on this topic without hesitation, because I mean its definitely a big essential part of our lives. On top of that, it was way more beneficial having everyone hear both sides of the sexual spectrum and arousal. I personally do not understand women and it irks me, and I feel and have had girl say they will never understand men. Sat, 2 Apr 2011 00:41:52 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139239982 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139239847 So yeah I probably, as well as others, do not fully understand, but a talk like this can give certain revelations that may help us out in the future. Overall, if I was there I probably would have been uncomfortable for some of the parts, but thats just my personality. Im quite shy and independent, but once you get to know me and I get to know them, I open up and they can see Im funny and a good dude. Id also feel weird during the lecture from the pictures shown and how many people are actually in the class everyday. So yeah alls I can say it it would have made me a bit uncomfortable but I would have been fine, I wish I was there but once again from the things I heard and how open Same and Laurie are how could it not be beneficial. This has been one of the most interesting, unsure, exciting course ive ever taken and I am a senior so Ive taken a lot of courses. I wish this class would not come to an end because everything shared has opened my eyes to the world and will most definitely help me for the better Sat, 2 Apr 2011 00:41:17 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139239847 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139239748 But if I was around all dude it prob would have been a joke and laughed about for sure. I wish I could have been there because whats better for a male to learn and understand how needy his penis is and what not. We all know guys think about girls and sex all the time, and it honestly crosses our minds out of nowhere. Males have needs a good looking, intelligent women I feel turn us on the most. I really like how Sam and his wife teamed up to do the lecture so it was not just one sex giving the lecture and taking sides. I give them props for taking on this topic without hesitation, because I mean its definitely a big essential part of our lives. On top of that, it was way more beneficial having everyone hear both sides of the sexual spectrum and arousal. I personally do not understand women and it irks me, and I feel and have had girl say they will never understand men. Sat, 2 Apr 2011 00:41:00 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139239748 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139239675 A few of my buddies are in this course as well and they gave me a run through of what the lecture was about and how fun it actually was. I had emailed a TA to let them know I could not make it due to being assaulted outside the BJC after lil wayne, resulting in going to the hospital, etc. have a broken nose which stinks and some other scraps and bruises but Im fine. I did not know what comment to post my blog on so even though I was not there from what I heard the lecture seemed quite eyeopening and interesting. Id have to say the topic itself would not have made me uncomfortable but depending on where I was sitting and who was around me it may have been. My one buddy said he was surrounded by all girls so some of the things talked about made him feel out of place and uncomfortable. Sat, 2 Apr 2011 00:40:39 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139239675 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/how-have-you-acted-when-involved-in-racist-or-discriminating-events-119-blog/#IDComment137608686 In regards to witnessing a racist event, I personally want to say I am against any such thing. I just do not see why we have to act this way. But, I have seen some ridiculous things; from my high school, to being in Philadelphia, and going to psu berks, I have seen a lot. In my high school, it was mostly white and most of them were just immature jerks. In my high school there was a big fight where about fifteen African-Americans wanted to fight four of my friends. The reason for the fight was made up and rumors spread, just like most things did back in high school. The odd thing about this was our principal was black and this was around the time that he was a first black principal. I personally like it, because he was a great guy and up kept our high school to the best it ever was. But, things got out of context and these fifteen kids heard somethings they did not like, I mean I dont blame them for what went on and how it transpired. I mean, its not worth saying what words were thrown out to bring this epic fight about, but I will say that in the end fourteen of the African-American students walked away because the white kids explained what went on and how it was truly; to me from what ive seen most black students or kids would not of cared and swung, like I have seen before. But fourteen of the fifteen students understood and left but this left one kid who was distrought to battle these white kids. This made no sense to do, but the kid thought he was a hard ass. He ended up getting beaten up by the white kids off school property. Not only is this ridiculous but this caused more controversy then it started, since the black student was beaten up. But honestly, its hard to say I white, but who is wrong? How can fourteen of the fifteen kids walk way against four white kids, then turn around and have the silly one student stay strong and in the end lose; sparking controversy with racial tension as the aftermath. This just frustrated me, because the kids were my friends and I had their back but not because of color but because of how it all went down. So am I racist? I o not think so. Racial identity and tension is bad enough, but this to transpire made things worse, especially having a african american principal. But in the end, the white kids were suspended for awhile and I agreed even though they were my friends. No matter who is beaten up its wrong and thats fine, but in the end the one black kid got the worst. He looked like a fool for doing what he did, and thats how I feel. To have 1 out of 15 stay strong is good, but it was for the wrong reasons and what was said was not true either. This just makes me wish this tension would end, but as I think a lot about it. Is there a solution, does talking about it in circles and depressing emotions do anything...no, that is why actions need to be made because the majority of people can think and brainstorm, but following through with it is they key. To add to that, I have no solution but honestly I hope one is created soon enough to end this bs. Sat, 26 Mar 2011 01:16:35 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/how-have-you-acted-when-involved-in-racist-or-discriminating-events-119-blog/#IDComment137608686 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/have-you-ever-felt-guilt-from-being-of-a-certain-race-119-blog/#IDComment135943338 I never really grew up or thought about my race and the guilt it truly could bring to me. I think its a good thing though, to not think that way as a child; I mean you still need to have manners and morals, but that type of stuff does not cross the mind that early (at least not for me). As of recent, I guess the past two years, I have had my brain driven with the idea of racial problems and white privilege and the guilt it can bring upon anyone under that situation. Race always seems to be a big part or topic in our lives and society, and I truly wish it wasnt. But even if it was not race, I think we would be ridiculously grouped in some other silly form. It could be a dumb as hair color or height...our human race it just fit to find a way, any way, to succeed and have control or at least the mindset that you are the boss and bullying another around. It just our nature in life and race just happens to be that go to card and it hurts our society a lot. I do feel guilt sometimes for being a white male in this world and how easy it could make my life, if I were to follow down that easy path to try and maintain perfection. Will that actually happen, no one knows; not even me and that is the big thing here. Being white has its perks, but the daily badgering and yammering about how “lucky” we are to be that 'race' and how different things could be. Don't get me wrong, I understand the hardships other racial groups have gone through and still go through today; and obviously how I am set up with advantages for just being a certain gender, race, and class. I think its stupid that inequality is still 'bad', but we need to get out of just yacking back and forth about how it exists, whether it exists, whos wrong, whos who and just live. Things are always going to be rough for one group or another, because people picks sides, are competitive, and love winning; no matter what that may be. On the other hand, I have never lived through things other may have. So what I am saying might even be white bias, but is it wrong? I hate racial tension and the obstacles it puts up for people and their society. I just do not see an answer to stop it from running things into the grounds and causing epic controversy that we all really do not need in our daily lives. But to answer the guilt thing, taking cultural aspects courses and seeing the medias influence in race in society; its overall persuasion is insane and truly dominant in our media today. But not to rant, I see the guilt in me from knowing I am a white male, privileged as a certain percentage of our population to succeed and do it the easiest I guess you should say. To sum it up, I see guilt in my life maybe not that often and I think I shouldn't have to but overall as a person you kind of have to... Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:30:19 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/have-you-ever-felt-guilt-from-being-of-a-certain-race-119-blog/#IDComment135943338 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/09/the-r-word-and-the-oblivious-others/#IDComment134324965 The elimination of the “R” word should not and would not be a problem, at least that's how I see it. I mean when it comes to the real meaning and right usage, then the word should be allowed in everyday regular use. But when people change its true definition and make up meanings or refer the “R” word to other known words and disses; we need to exclude these for sure. Its bad enough many people use the word in everyday use without thinking of it, (I mean I admit to using it a lot even though I do not mean to offend the actual termed persons for that meaning and the root of the word). There are many persons who are considered to have mental retardation; where those and their families/friends disagree with the regular use of the “R” word and would like everyone to stop using it in a derogatory way as well as in silly, unnecessary ways. We all need to respect the wishes of the persons who live with mental retardation on a daily basis. It is not something that should be looked down upon either, many people live with it and do things anyone else can, if not better. So at the same time, maybe we should not have to actually ban the use of the “R” word since word are words, and what are meanings really? Also, I believe retard is also a word with others meanings that do not regard to the group of persons and their disease. So why go through all this trouble to ban a word that is solely about these people, which would also bring less negative and unnecessary focus off people with mental retardation. No matter what the outcome is, the attention drawn to such persons is oppressing them just as much as misusing the coined termed word is doing the same negative things and putting ones into a negative light. I guess you could say people are to sensitive to words and how they are used since, as long as no one is truly ragging on a group of persons than whats the harm? If I am referring to an object and not directing it at someone, there is no harm, no foul because one is not trying to be hateful or hurtful to anyone. But yes there are people that definitely use the “R” word a lot, and in the wrong way on purpose. These people are idiots and rude, and respect is really all that we need. As of recently I have stopped saying it as much as possible, even though when I use it I am not offending anyone or directing the word at anyone. Thats for sure, but then I think should I really have to worry so much about one word, six letters and how it somehow hurts everyone who suffers. Do not get me wrong I do understand why using it is silly and not worth it, but to have a whole ordeal and resolution to stopping a word may be a little ridiculous. So all in all, ridding everyone of the word would be helpful, since government officials and high ranking persons use it in the wrong way; its obviously not setting the right example for our country and our citizens. Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:41:19 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/09/the-r-word-and-the-oblivious-others/#IDComment134324965 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/is-it-selfish-for-people-in-poverty-to-have-more-kids-because-of-their-lower-income-119-blog/#IDComment130766163 I think that it is slfish of the lower class people to have more kids despite knowing that they will be un able to provide for their children. Many of them already have too many children for them to adaquaetly provide for, and yet they continue to produce more offspring. These children grow up in impoverished areas of the country, and many will not have the oppurtunity to leave the impoverished area and thus will likely follow in their parents foot steps. The parents already experienced growing up in a low income situation, and it is selfish on the parents part to concieve so many children that they know will have to grow up in the same terrible conditions they did. Its unethical to have a kid fully knowing that its needs will not be provided for, if you cannot support yourself how can you justify being able to raise a child and provide for it. The kid will grow up needing welfare and it increased the burden on our economy which is shoulodered by more capbable members of the tax base. Their healthcare and food will come out of the pockets of the tax payer that knew how to raise a kid in the right situation so why should they have to pay for the poor citizens mistakes. It also effects the community with having to deal with a bunch of children that did not have the oppurtunity oto be raised correctly. The =ir education will also be hindrered by the environment that they were born into. But in the end who wants to call someone selfish for what they may not have expected or meant to even take on. I am just speaking in en an external viewpoint on how it effects our society, as for me I would like to help anyone in need noo matter who and what for. But I think people in to think hard about what they are doing and the outcomes and results of stupidity. If i did it I wouldnt want help ikr pity either, I would man up for my actions and get the jobs i need to cover my amount of money it takes to raise good children for the best of both worlds and everyone wins big. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 05:00:31 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/is-it-selfish-for-people-in-poverty-to-have-more-kids-because-of-their-lower-income-119-blog/#IDComment130766163 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-much-can-a-person-use-the-ignorance-card-119-blog/#IDComment129048495 I believe the race card comes down tot hat indivudal, his understanding, as ell as the race card itself in a sense. you have to realize ad understand as an individual that you are obligating to act as a human being on a regular basis and stick to it to a certain extent based on history and sub parts of succeeding in life. I believe since e all attend penn state tat we fully and truthfully understand the right way to act and that race and gender as well as class all affect or overall statures a s well as careers, which in turn lead to much more success than the regular guy. When the kid broguht up in class, i give him props overall for speaking out especialty in front of 800 people. but i mean are stereotypes fake or made up, if so many people can see it or notice it does not that make it real and happen multiple times. Im obviously white and im admitting my advantages to things, but speaking out an acting oblivious to obvious things is silly. We all need all understand what sam says, and I respect him for laying it all out on the table no matter the situation. I mean the kid came at sam like he knew what he was confident in his answers, but did he really tin. dot speak out or voice my opinions allt he time o really ever, because I think its all a matter of individual answers and ideas and comparing results is a waste of time. It ultimately come down to what your dealt ad how your understand it as well as how others maybtae it. Anyone can say what they want about me cause I now who I am, ho I respect , and who I want to be around. Im open to people but judgement and questioning makes me question someoen, and the race card itself is questioning a lot, this is what the course is about and I like the thinking we do in each class. People need to be open and nudging off what same sams is silly and not necassery thats for sure. Sat, 19 Feb 2011 05:00:11 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-much-can-a-person-use-the-ignorance-card-119-blog/#IDComment129048495 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/10/how-can-we-make-major-decisions-so-quickly-119-blog/#IDComment127468954 I personally think how quick we as people can change our views drastically to be crazy. I think it really comes down to personal satisfaction with your own decision, ultimately believing yourself that the decision you mad is the best possible even though it may not be. But one does not think like that obviously or more people would make so many drastic and ridiculous decisions all the time. These days, it seems as if not as many people really think before the act, and especially speak. Our minds work quickly and sometimes is triggered by minimal thought to actually put it in motion. I personally stayed true to my decision in the example and did not switch so quickly, as so many students in the class did. Whether it was through following and just not caring, I never would have thought as many would have switched their choice. Maybe it has to do with age and thought process or maybe the majority real loves split second decisions and do not realize the greater impact of what the choose and how it could affect their life as well as another. The determinism v. free will aspect really had me thinking about how I act and my ultimate thought process towards life. I guess you could say I do have some free will in my life but my overall deterministic stature definitely shows and m drive for success will not be stopped. Whether any of us are right or wrong about things in this course, thinking about hard and important topics is key to better understanding life so you can live it to the fullest. Thinking long and hard can never hurt, the more thought you put into something the more options that are weighed and decisions are ultimately made. Its funny how even as adults, the littlest thing or something said can persuade us in 2 secs all the way to the other side of that particular argument, whatever that may be. So In the end, I think the fast, quick trigger actions made on important life decisions come from false truth and the individuals ultimate understanding that they are right. I believe this because most things people believe come from other sources and not truly from that individuals mind or heart. On top of that people are followers and never think or decide for themselves, at least thats the way it seems tome Lastly, in regards to class I did get wrong whether Sam was conservative or liberal. Sometimes trying to figure out stuff of that sorts, I over think the question. It does in fact make more sense that he does lean more towards the conservative side and I agree with his backing to why that is. Sat, 12 Feb 2011 03:55:33 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/10/how-can-we-make-major-decisions-so-quickly-119-blog/#IDComment127468954 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ce%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment127465883 soc119 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 03:31:49 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ce%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment127465883 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ce%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment124461842 Soc119 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 03:00:47 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ce%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment124461842 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ce%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment124461633 I thought the whole 4.0 GPA students having to organize that particular group of persons in the front of the classroom to be very interesting. This particular example was a great way to see how stereotypical and silly we are about grouping people based on shades of skin and looks. I also liked how Sam picked the two “smartest” students in the class just based off some other random grading system that again classifies or ranks us. Overall I thought the two students who had the task did a very good job and the experiment was very interesting/exciting. I agree that this experiment was quite thought provoking just like the class setup, which I like. I also do believe the results of the in-class experiment did show us a greater conclusion and rally shed light on how wrong our cultural classifications really can be. In regards to the lecture on certain physical features and how many typical stereotypes are false; I found it to be very eye opening. I just never really thought about or talked about how wrong a lot of the class and ethnic divisions really are in the world today. None of what was created in regards to racial grouping makes enough sense to still stick today but it does... Another aspect of this topic in class that really helps me think would be the clicker surveys you do, where we have to guess where each person is from. I find it to be tough and very important in actually seeing it for yourself. In regards to class effectiveness, I love the way class is run. The straight forward teaching used is great and really aids in the learning and social understanding of our cultures and how we all really think. Not only that the daily outrageous activities including tasks that no one would ever have to face livens the class for sure. I thought it was awesome having the kid have to find the biggest redneck in the room, while the other two girls had the task of finding the preppiest girl in the class. These two tasks were not only ridiculous, they broke most students out of their shell while showing us a better perspective of how absurd racial and cultural grouping is, but how prominent it still is in our country today for example. Without these type of far reaching examples and outlandish style of getting across concepts and ideas, this course would not be as effective as I think it will be to all of us by the end of the semester. One might say they are aware of the social problems in our current society,but it takes a class such as this to actually bring them out onto the table and get talked about in depth. That is one major problem with our culture and society today...we never follow through on things and properly analyze things to ultimately understand them. Instead we rely the internet and other to give as the answers but that does not help us live and experience such absurdities like racial structure and misleading stereotypes. Sat, 29 Jan 2011 02:59:51 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ce%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment124461633