The law is a very funny thing. Due to all the things I’ve heard about on the news and read in newspaper, it’s very easy to assume acts of racism and racial profiling has lead to the death of many people. Trayvon Martin is a hot topic right now but Sean Bell’s case always stood out to me. He was shot in Queens over ten times the day before his wedding. Now, it was assumed he had a weapon and the police shot his entire body up. As far as the Trayvon case is concerned, hoodies are linked to suspiciousness especially as a Black American. After reading “Stand your ground Marissa Alexander,” I am really appalled at the events occurring in today’s world that aren’t brought to the light. If her case isn’t an injustice than two plus two doesn’t equal four. Substantial evidence isn’t even enough to keep people out of jail. I’m surprised a judge would say she could have gone through a window to get away from her attacker. I know in the heat of the moment, an idea like that may not have been practical to think of. Considering her weapon was registered and in her name at that, I know getting in trouble for firing a gun would be the very last thing I would be worried about. I think the reasons why Blacks don’t trust the justice system is because the media has never given Blacks a reason to believe in justice. African American celebrities don’t count in these cases because we all know money speaks volumes. However, an average Joe doesn’t feel America is on their side. If I was Marissa, I wouldn’t even have the strength to tell my story. It must be very frustrating to know your abusive husband is seen as the victim in your court case. I know nothing is perfect but this is ridiculous. I’m not sure if it will ever change. This case also proves the media is very picky with the stories they chose to highlight. I’m not sure why some stories create a media frenzy while others, such as Marissa’s doesn’t. I know race shouldn’t matter this much in 2012, but let’s face it, it does! I see how raising awareness has worked marvelously in the past but I can’t help but feel because of the lack of media attention, Marissa’s case may be overlooked. Kony 2012 youtube sensation had so much buzz just a month or two ago. Now, I barely hear about it, the moral has diminished. Having momentum and keeping it is a hard task. I fear cases like Marissa or even Trayvon will be forgotten once the media has a new hot issue to address. Many times this happens before a case’s ruling has been finalized. The top story on the 5:00 news can easily become a story covered in three minutes.

The question on who you would save is not a new one. I can see how anyone would validate picking a significant other, mother or child. A mother is the woman who gave you life, nurtured you, wiped your tears, gave you band aids and made your favorite food when you got a good report card. Though this is the same woman who reprimanded you growing up, the love of a mother is very worthy of her life being saved. Your significant other also holds a special place in your life. According to my Christian principles, once your married you leave and cleave to your spouse. Putting your new families needs and wants above your own and tending to them. Naturally, you pick your wife or husband, especially if you feel that you can fill the void of a missing child by having another child. A child’s life is very precious regardless if they’re young or old. As a woman especially, I can imagine the bonds you build with your child. You would give up your own life in order to save theirs. As some of my peers stated in class, my mother would want me to choose to save my child and as painful as that decision would be I think I would save my child. A spouse isn’t replaceable, depending on the relationship, but I would chose my child because once I become pregnant and safely deliver a child, I take a vow to be a good mother above anything. Children, as many artists have said, are the future. On this earth we are here for a short time, yes seventy years can be considered short, and your suppose to make the most of each day. However, the younger generation has so much more to see and hear around them. That child could be the next judge in the Trayvon Martin case or the future doctor to save someone’s life on the street. Though any age can do this, there is more hope and optimism for younger people. This exercise made me wonder what my own mother would do since I have no significant other. I believe she would chose my sister or I, if posed with the same situation. I think the harder question is, if your two or three children were on board and you could only save one, who would you pick? I know my mother does her best to show equal love and affection to my sister and I. I really couldn’t imagine who to pick, mainly because the sibling who was saved may think the mother didn’t love their sibling as much. The repercussions of such a decision would have a more devastating effect than the significant other, mother, and child scenario.

I’m astonished to read this article. I know baggy jeans that sagged to the ground, jersey’s that reached your ankles and Jordan’s were all the rage at one point in hip hop culture. However, the 90’s were a long time ago and I can’t understand why these trends are even a concern anymore. I come from a large city, Queens, New York, and I know most of my peers have grown out of this phase. It is much more in style to wear fitted jeans than to wear saggy ones. However, it seems as if places like Alabama are behind in the fashion trends. I know saggy pants originated from jail prisoners. Since prisoners weren’t allowed to have belts, their pants sagged. I also have heard that it also signified the members who were homosexual, though I’m not sure how true that is. Prisoners would try to keep their pants up so they weren’t targeted by other inmates. As the hip hop culture rose, saggy pants symbolized knowing the streets and being a gangster. However, I feel most gangsters theses days are the most well put men and women of our time. I’ve never been down to Alabama but the fact that after all these years this trend isn’t progressing troubles me more than this actual bill. I think the government should be more concerned about other matters in the community. The way we wear clothes shouldn’t be something the government is taking an active part in. I know some of my friends from home have received fines for saggy pants and it is also disrespectful for the elderly to see but raising awareness is an effective way to combat this problem. Police officers can’t catch every man who runs a few errands with his pants sagging. Clothes represent an outward expression, regardless of your status. I think this bill is going a little overboard. I don’t know all the facts but how does this trend affect their community significantly. I agree with Sam when he says if this bill was passed by a white man this would be covered in the news. My parents are old school and I know every time we go out and they see a young man with baggy jeans I always hear “ You better not bring someone like that home.” As much as we like to say first perception doesn’t matter it really weighs heavily on life. Once as I was sitting on the bus, an elderly man, about 60 years old was sitting across from me. As a teenage boy attempted to sit next to him, the elderly man said “pull your pants up before you it next to me.” I was surprised when the boy obliged but I was happy to see the respect the teenager had for him. I think the baggy situation should be treated as such. I think eventually this trend will die out nationwide, or I at least hope so. I don’t believe a bill can change how people dress but awareness on it’s origin and the effects of social perception may just do the trick.

As long as I can remember people have always taken offense to comments that don’t relate to them. However, in my life I find everyone knows someone who can relate to rude comments. Though I am not obese, jokes about heavier set people offend me because that issue is a problem in my family. Laughing is essential to the soul but some matters are close to the heart. “Yo mama” jokes may be hilarious to some individuals while others are reminded of the passing of their best friends mother or family friend who was like a mother to them. I think the reason why comments offend others essentially lies in the emotions linked to the comment. I also believe by “acting offended” proves to outsiders that an individual isn’t racist, insensitive or inconsiderate of others. No one wants to look bad in front of others and nonchalantly responding to an offensive comment can say a lot about your own character. In regards to the watermelon and fried chicken comment, I take comments like those personally because it continues to put African Americans in stereotypical roles. I hate when people say things like that and it holds true for me as an African American. I’m not ashamed of who I am or where I come from but I hate for those perceptions to continually follow me. In one of my other classes I’m discussing the stereotypes of Black women and how they are affecting them in personal and professional settings. During this research, I’ve realized Black women especially are put down once for color and once for gender. So when people say things such as “you act like a Brooklyn bird” or White people tell their friends “stop acting black” I think of the ways ignorance is ruling the world. However, the setting in which comments are made are essential. I’m not sure why but comments about watermelon and fried chicken from Black people don’t offend me as much as if it’s from a White person. Maybe it’s because I feel Black people understand the term better but ignorance is ignorance. I also feel as if some people have no social etiquette, there is a time and place for everything and out of place comments bother me. It’s one of the things I’m working on but I think everyone should know to watch their words. Words are a powerful tool because they can’t be taken back and tone of voice can easily turn a light feeling into an awkward silence. One of my pet peeves is awkward silences while others seem to always end up in them. I know some things are said not to offend and censorship isn’t an ideal situation but it would be nice to talk about real race relations without someone being offended. Some people take every word to heart and this may be harder for them but for the majority of us who like addressing stereotypes, I feel it could be beneficial.

This is the first time I’ve been able to view the other side of war. I was very surprised to see the mistreatment of innocent Iraqi’s. In my psychology class, I learned people in power whether their position is forced or not, feel they need to demonstrate whose boss. I feel the soldiers probably feel they have the power because they have the big tanks and guns. Its heart breaking to see soldiers laugh about crushing the livelihood of Iraqi’s, especially because money isn’t in abundance in their community. It only takes one person’s actions for everyone to hate a group of people. Despite all the good that is being done, I would hate for the perception of American soldiers to be tarnished due to people who see this task as a playful situation. I was particularly hurt to see the clip of the man being tortured for stealing wood to help his family. Morally I know it’s wrong to steal but considering the circumstances I feel the soldier took his job to extremes. The position of power is a very deadly thing. Think of other politicians and business owners. Many times embezzlement and fraud are happening in very prominent areas because the control these men and women have is almost unbreakable. You can do and say anything without any consequences.
The supposed “war on terror” seemed like such a great idea in 2001 but the more time progressed oil truly became the reason for our stay in Iraq. Though American does have oil, we barely use our own because we’re saving it for an emergency. Oil and petroleum are two big natural resources and in typical America fashion we put our noises into situations that we don’t belong in then cry when it backfires on us. Even the ‘good guys” can do bad things. We’re all human and make silly mistakes but as a child we’re taught for the most part morals and ethics. I’m not sure what training or testing soldiers must go through before being sent to Iraq but it seems as if some people are taking lives as a joke. The 29:1 ratio is pitiful. Every life is precious and no one wants to lose even one but killing 29 people in order to save one is a little ridiculous. I can’t see the logic in that. I’m hoping things can change but how can they really? As long as the country needs protecting, which it always will, America will have soldiers that misuse and abuse their position. It’s one or the other. Sadly, we choose protection of our country at the expense of others sometimes. This class taught me the world is unfair and America is no exception.

When I applied to Penn State, I’m not sure why but I assumed much like New York City, there would be an adequate mall and a place to do my hair and buy hair products. I was in for a rude awakening once I started asking friends how they did they’re hair. During one trip to Walmart, I found an entire aisle labeled ethnic hair care. I was shocked because at home the supplies are lined up with no distinction between the products by title. I believe State College does cater to White America more often. However, now that I’m here I realize catering to the majority of people is what business’ often do. We live in a money filled world and business’ are hoping and praying their business stays afloat, especially in this economy. The market has and always will pay more attention to the most consumers. In State College, the majority of women don’t have kinky or coarse hair. Many of the hairdressers aren’t sure how to relax, perm or treat women of color hair types. I think the biggest misconception is all hair is treated equally. Though too much heat and water typically equal disastrous outcome for hair, my hair in its natural form doesn’t need the same care as some White people.
I live in a predominately Black neighborhood so I find the supplies I need very easily. Though I feel the hair salons by my house cater to all textures and lengths, I wonder how White minorities feel. I’ve never actually seen a White person in the Dominican hair salon, only Spanish and Blacks with “nicer” hair textures. For all I know White people feel the same way I do when I’m at Penn State. I’m very particular with my hair and I probably will never get my hair done here. I plan to go home every time I need my hair done.
My family is Guyanese and Jamaican and food as well as music is a large part of our culture. I really miss curry and roti as well as jerk chicken while I’m here. Even macaroni and cheese doesn’t taste the same here. The seasoning isn’t what I’m use to and ordinary meals have a different effect on me. The days leading to any break, you can often find me talking to my mother negotiating which foods she should cook while I’m home. I’m more excited to have that taste of culture than anything. The restauraunts in State College really don’t reflect food of the Caribbean despite some advertisements I’ve seen. It’s actually quite disrespectful because people are eating the food assuming the food is an authentic representation of the Caribbean islands. Music here is even more nonexistent. Soca and dancehall music is something I hear regularly in my neighborhood but State College residents have probably never heard those terms before. I don’t think catering to the majority is a bad thing. I just know my children won’t be growing up in an environment that isn’t reflective of my culture.

How do we really change social discrimination? This is a very good question, one that requires more than one simple answer. If we are to rectify this problem that looms large in our society then like any other problem, we have to tackle the source. The source can be defined in many different ways but it is basically the reason why said problem exists. How did this social discrimination come about? Why is it here and what factors contributed to it still affecting our society today? These are all very difficult and somewhat complex questions but they must be answered if we are going to even attempt to put an end to social discrimination.
I believe that most of the discrimination that occurs today is because of the culture which we grew up in. Some of these acts of prejudice go unnoticed because it just seem like it is the norm. For example, I have always assumed that Asians are smart. I cannot pin point where I first developed this notion but it was supported by many factors around me. My friends and family shared the same view and they would even sometimes joke that I should cheat of an Asian if I want to get a good grade. In a case like this I believe that education could be the ideal tool necessary to inflict a positive change. If people come to the realization that not all Asians are math inclined, then maybe they wouldn’t be so confident in making such a statement. However this would be hard because people naturally resist change and also most stereotypes come about because there was some truth to it despite how small it may be. If people want to hang on to their old ways and beliefs then such minute facts that support a particular stereotype might be the fuel they need.
Another solution could simply be exposure. Many people develop animosity and hatred for another group of people based on hearsay. I personally know a lady who is always talking badly about Haitian people. I am assuming that she just listened to what other people has said and or bad reports on the news to develop such an opinion. I say this because she has never met anybody from Haiti. How can you form opinions about people whom you have never come into contact with? I believe that if she met a couple people from Haiti who were very nice people (which I believe most to be through personal experience) then it would put a dent in her theory that all Haitians are bad people.
In essence, changing social discriminations is very possible but like most other problems in this world, it will take a great deal of time and even more patience.

The racial divide among sports is very obvious, especially here in the United States. Prior to taking this class, i never actually sat down and thought about the reason for this. I just accepted it as a norm. Sports such as basketball were accepted as black sports while hockey or golf etc were for white people. When Sam brought up the issue in class, it really got me thinking. I felt oblivious and self centered because this never seemed like a problem or even as something strange to me. If we do live in a world where we are equals, then no one race should have such a distinct advantage in any sport. It is said that race accounts for only 0.01% of our DNA, therefore all humans are built up 99.9% the same way. If that is the case, where does this separation of race in sports come from? I agree 100% that apart of the reason can be attributed to the economic status of each race. It is a fact that the average white person is generally more affluent than the average black person. Therefore they can afford to support a child who might be interested in sports such as hockey or golf. These sports tend to require a huge financial commitment, because of the cost of the equipment necessary to play them. On the contrary, a sport like basketball requires very little money to play. One really just needs a ball and a court to play. The inner-city population is majority black and so a black teenager can easily access a local park, which tends to be equipped with numerous basketball courts. In addition, most inner city students are exposed to only a few sports. I know that for me going to a school in the city, i only played basketball, track and football in gym. Sports such as hockey were only seen on television, Even if i was interested in playing, i would not know how to go about getting involved. I am by no way saying that the opportunity is not available to black people living in the inner city but they would have to go out of their way to find it. This is why the majority of them stick with the traditionally 'black' sports, the ones that are easily accessible. Speaking of tradition, i think this coupled with culture could be another reason for the disparity in race and sports. When i observe i see that most Hispanics tend to gravitate towards baseball Africans to track and soccer. When i think about it, soccer nor baseball are not particularly sports that affluent people play, so why don't we more black Americans playing those sports? I have heard many stories of how famous soccer players were so poor that they started out playing soccer with no shoes on a dirt field. These stories sound similar to a black American who goes to the park by himself with a busted pair of sneakers. Yet we see very little Africans playing basketball and even fewer black Americans playing soccer. I am then lead to believe that economic status is not the only reason. Tradition and culture also plays a big role. While growing up, kids tend to gravitate to what they see happening around them. If they grow up seeing soccer played then chances are they are going to start playing soccer.

I would identify myself with the Christian faith. My entire family is rooted in Christian belief’s and I’ve always recognized my faith. When I was younger, I wasn’t the confident person I am today. I use to wonder why God gave me darker skin or a wider nose. I especially disliked that he made me so short. However, as I grew up I learned to take the characteristics I was given and make them work for me. Essentially you could say I was “cursing God” but as a child I thought as a child. As an adult I wouldn’t ask God to give me any other feature. I’ve come into my own as a Black woman and though everyone will not appreciate the physical features I have to offer, I know I have much to offer anyone, whether it be from a platonic or romantic aspect. God didn’t create humans to constantly complain. In God’s eyes his creation is beautiful. Society and God will never have the same standards. While some people look at me and are turned off by my black hair or my round face, there are other individuals who will look at me and see no flaws. I believe there is no such thing as physical perfection. One person’s trash is certainly another person’s treasure. Instead of blaming God for all the things wrong with your face, I believe we should thank him for all the positive things we have going for us. I may not be five foot seven with a twenty five inch waist but I shower and I have nice teeth. I think people blame God for their physical ( and personal) mishaps because it’s much easier to blame someone we can’t see or hear physically. We live in a society that glorifies the quick and easy. God gives us free will to do as we please but it will often come with a consequence. I also believe God is a forgiving person and God knows his creation. If you believe in Christian principles, it is very simple to come to God and ask for forgiveness. In regards to Sam’s comment about finding God’s creation imperfect, that’s fine. We are all born essentially the same. Some of us have been born into different socioeconomic status’, cultures, generations, and even with disabilities but God see’s the heart. In order to understand Christian beliefs, it’s important to grasp the idea that we are not born knowing every single answer to every single question. I think once we accept that we are only human and no amount of science or thinking will make us privy to all information, the world would be a better place. It’s easy to become flustered and question why God? However, take the physical features that have been brought together to create you. I want to be around people who can look past my outer appearance and see the beauty I possess within me. The physical is important but great looks can only get you so far in life.

As a Communication Sciences and Disorders major, I know language mastery is hard once a certain age is surpassed. The trouble with simply learning Spanish is that many Americans haven’t been taught the language until late middle school or even high school. In order for full mastery to occur, Spanish would have to be embraced and spoken in the home and in school settings. Though some people are against learning Spanish because they’re against immigrants “taking over the country,” I believe Spanish should be embraced by the country because bilingualism will only help this country excel in fields worldwide. Currently, Asian countries seem to be dominating the market because of their ability to speak many languages and connect with consumers and big business’ on a larger scale. For a smart country, America constantly allows her pride to get in the way of her progression. I also believe it is not possible for America to kick out all the undocumented aliens in the area. Taxpayers do have a right to be outraged and Americans should be concerned about the job market. However, I must admit many immigrants do jobs natives aren’t interested in working in. No job is should go undone because of a stubborn worker. This goes back to the idea of whose reaching for the “American Dream.” As Americans, should we be disrupting a man’s earnest effort to provide stability for his family?
Many people forget every immigrant is not illegal. No one should move from one country to another and feel out of place. While some adjust to new surroundings, older adults don’t have the same sense of community as younger kids. School helps tremendously in the assimilation of immigrant children. Those children get the best of both worlds. They’re able to fit in American culture and come home to the culture they were raised and most familiar with. Most times people will settle down in an environment where the church is the same race and native tongue as their family. Understandably, we draw near to environments that we find most comfortable. The feeling of being out of place can be one of the most awkward feelings, especially if the individuals around you are unwelcoming . Instead of pointing the finger at immigrants and immigration laws, focus on welcoming people who are new to the land. It would also be useful to accept the fact that America is big enough to accommodate different cultures. If everyone spoke English or Spanish, what could we learn from each other? Whether we realize it or not it’s the differences that make these country so beautiful. As a New Yorker, I love seeing the difference between Times Square and Chinatown, each part of the city presents something new. It only hurts you to exclude others. The wise saying goes “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” American culture simply isn’t enough to keep this country moving as rapidly as it should.