en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/764954 Comments by JessicaPSU https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69822987 I think the difference is, you are just thinking this. You think you have more to offer, and you may think you are better than someone else, but that does not mean you are against anyone proving you otherwise. That does not mean that when you meet someone you think you are better than, you do not hear what they have to say, and respect them for whom they are and what they believe. I think thinking this way is a natural part of being human. You have to have faith and confidence in yourself in order to get along in the world, and to be the best person you can be. A racist, however, would do whatever they could do, to make sure nobody proves you wrong. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:54:25 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69822987 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69822317 I think this is really important, but also I find myself not being that surprised. This leads me to think about second chances. Everyone messes up, but also everyone is also human. While some mistakes are more costly than others, that does not change the fact that people are multidimensional, and are capable of change. I think that understanding the ability to be compassionate and understanding is not a skill that everyone has. However, the fact that this man, a convicted felon, has this ability is really opposite of what you would think. It is sad to think, that we are the only ones that get the ability to learn from him, when he has a lot to give. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:49:45 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69822317 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/300000-whats-it-mean-to-us__trashed/#IDComment69820396 I have to disagree and say that I do not think the majority of people are not helping because they do not want to. I think a lot of people, if they could help, would want to. The thing is, life does not stop, even if we want it to. We take moments of silence to mourn the loss, but we still have to go on with our daily life. Not everyone has the luxury or the ability to help out as much as they want to or feel that they should. For me, I feel conflicted in a lot of ways. There is only so much I can do, and only so much I can give. I donate as much money as I can, but are a couple of dollars really enough to make a difference in these people’s lives after being confronted with utter devastation? I feel that it probably does not make that big of a difference, but I hope, and I think that it probably makes a small difference. If I could spend a month in Haiti helping out, and everything else could be put on hold, I would probably do so as well, and I think a lot of people feel the same way. I would love to go down there and offer my assistance, and view the issues first hand. I would love to talk to people, and try to understand their situation, and volunteer my time. The issue is, we cannot put our lives on hold, and Penn State is not going to allow us to pause our education. So we have to move on. Not because we choose too, because we really do not have a choice. I think moving on, and making myself a better person, is in fact helping others out in the long run. If I get a good education, graduate, and get a good job, then there may be a time in my life where I will be in a situation where I can donate an amount of money that really makes a difference. If I do everything I need to do now, hopefully one day I will be able to take some time out and help out in a way that is actually beneficial. I think for now as long as we are sympathetic to the situation and do as much as we can, we are doing the right thing. The right thing could even be talking about it to your friends and family. The right thing could be simply trying to understand, and being sympathetic and understanding in as many ways as possible. Some times this kind of support is just as important as any other kind. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:37:51 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/300000-whats-it-mean-to-us__trashed/#IDComment69820396 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68287948 Like she said on the video, all women are beautiful. But I have to also disagree that this IS a big part of being a woman; and a really really cool and empowering part at that! Are physically features, are what separates us from the male gender. Being amazing, smart, powerful, generous, caring, and wonderful is what makes us FANTASTIC women! Thankfully, it is all those things that really matter, but I think it is pretty fantastic that we can use our appearance to our advantage. I have to also disagree that I do not think Hollywood portrays all women. I think it has gotten better in terms of accepting people that look “different” (Mo’Nique winning an Oscar, for example), but generally I think pretty much all actresses look the same. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:24:57 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68287948 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68287907 When my government is basing reasons for war off of their religious pursuits, it has something to do with me, and it bothers me. This is my government, and my country, just as much as it is a Christian country. I understand how important having faith is, but when it affects my life, and the lives of my family and my friends, then I have to say I do not give a shit about your religion. When your religion impacts my government to the point where it bends the Constitution to almost the point of it breaking, it has something to do with me. When I walk to class everyday it really hurts me to hear the preachers at Willard and the HUB. I am Jewish, so therefore I will burn in hell? (By the way there is no hell in Judaism) I do not understand. Why this person is talking to me, and why is he judging me? Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:24:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68287907 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68287513 There is definitely a lot to think about after today’s class. This is simply my small and unimportant opinion, and I am not trying to offend anyone in any way. First of all, Christians terrify me. Yes, Muslim extremists are definitely frightening, and I definitely see what they do as threatening to my well being, but Christian extremists are a bigger part of my world. The video he showed today in class with the children at the Christian camp, really made me uncomfortable. These kids are so young, and pretty much anything you tell them is going to have a strong impact on them. So what I am wondering is why would you not give them the option to form their own opinions? To me, it just seems like they are spreading a lot of hatred into the world, and forming narrow-minded ideas into very young heads. Another question I have is for anyone that agrees with this war: After hearing what Sam said about it being “okay” for the United States military to kill 29 innocent civilians to get one bad person, how can you still agree? What if they are almost positive there is a bad person in a certain spot, they kill 29 others, and it turns out he is not there? What if he is there, but they kill 30 others in the process? What if they kill 31 people in the process, is it still okay and do you still agree? Again, this is just my opinion, but to kill just 10 bad guys, and almost 300 others in the process, just does not seem worth it. This recent class has definitely put me in a difficult spot. I have always been a person that does not agree with war in any way. I understand the need for it on certain occasions, but I will never agree with it. I completely support our troupes and always will, but I feel now, more than ever, that this war is so completely and totally wrong. I can see the other side, and I feel so horrible because these people are being attacked and they can basically not do anything about it. We are the strongest, so they cannot fight back, but they also cannot keep doing what they have been doing, because their country is so poor. I thought the United States was supposed to be the police, not the bully and definitely not the bad guys. I think the United States really needs to think of another option than oil. We have some of the smartest people in the World living in our country, and some of the most progressive thinkers and ideas, and we need a new one ASAP. We need to be on defense, and definitely stop killing innocent people. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:20:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68287513 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment66888253 After being aware that the issue exists I think there is a clear second step. I think the second step would be telling others about these issues. Explaining to your family and friends that this exists and hoping they tell someone about it too. Writing a blog response to the issue, or posting something about what you learned on facebook or twitter. Keeping these issues, and what you know inside is not helping anyone. Raising awareness happens fastest when it extends off a tree of communication. I feel the more people are aware, and the more they are educated, the more they can make educated decisions. Fri, 9 Apr 2010 22:38:07 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment66888253 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66887680 I understand the issue that people have the right to do what they want to do. In the United States especially, we have the right to say what we want to say and play the video games we want to play. However, I think the issue here is that it is normalizing rape and sexual assault. I really think the last thing we need as a country is for people to think doing these sorts of things to women is okay, because it certainly is not. Even if the people playing these games would never do it in real life, it still is completely offensive and crosses the line. I hope the Japanese government does something about this. Fri, 9 Apr 2010 22:34:06 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66887680 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66886652 I do not really think my opinion has changed all that much as a result of this class. A lot of the things we have talked about this semester I already knew a little bit about, and had discussed in other classes. Especially in terms of racial inequalities in the United States, I have learned and discussed this topic in a lot of my other classes. I was already well aware of these inequalities and their basis. I already knew that a lot of times these inequalities are just formed simply on the basis of racism, and that the only thing that can be done is allowing people to understand where this inequalities come from and raising awareness of their existence. For example, I knew about the differences in income and wealth that pertains between the races, and that some races have a much more difficult time getting ahead, simply on the base of their race. This class has allowed me to expand my ideas, figure out and formulate my views, and learn more about these topics. As much as I may have known before, I really think this class has stretched my ideas and my knowledge. More than anything I think this class has allowed my views to become more concrete, and I feel that if I were to debate my side of an issue, I would be able to do so confidently. This class has not changed my opinion because my mind was pretty much already made up on a lot of these issues. What has made a difference to me though, is that these ideas are being debated. I do not like the classes that only give me one side of the story. Even if I agree with the one side the class is presenting, which a lot of times I find myself doing, I feel that it allows me to understand more about why I agree when I hear the other side of the story. I like hearing people debate about theses issues, and hearing why they feel the way they do. I think that doing these blog entries has helped me learn a lot about this. This class has also made me feel more comfortable discussing uncomfortable topics, especially those pertaining racial issues. I always felt before the need to be somewhat politically correct. And while I still feel that a little bit, I feel now that it is more important for me to be politically polite. I feel more confident discussing racial issues, and feel that I could defend or debate either side of an argument pertaining to these issues. I also feel like I know more where I stand in terms of these issues. Fri, 9 Apr 2010 22:26:38 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66886652 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65358886 I think that you should allow yourself to identify with whatever part of yourself you wish to identify with. And I do not think that you should have to choose to identify only with one side of yourself if you do not want to. If identifying yourself as a Hispanic person feels right to you, and is what you are comfortable and confident with, then you should definitely identify yourself as such. If you feel in some situations you can better identify yourself as a white person, you should do just that. If people come up to you and ask you or treat you as a “white person” and you more identify as Hispanic, simply explain to them that you do not identify yourself as a white person. People are not going to know what you are, and what you stand for, if you do not tell them. Simply assuming they should understand, or getting angry if they get it wrong will not help you in this situation. I think for the most part people will be open minded and interested that you are multiracial since there are so few people that actually are. One of my friends is half black and half white and he identifies himself as a black man. However, a lot of his friends are white and he grew up in a town that consisted of mostly white people. However, just because this is what he grew up in, he still does not see himself as a white person. In fact, a lot of times he sees himself as a half-black person, and this works for him. I think that is the really cool and interesting part of being multiracial; you are more than one thing! I think you should embrace this because it makes you special and unique, a quality that a lot of people (including myself) wish to have. I was wondering if there were experiences in particular that make you identify more with your Hispanic side than of your White side? Was this a conscious effort or did you always feel this way? I totally understand where you are coming from when you explain that people assume you are something you are not. A lot of times people mistake me for a lot of different ethnicities that I am not, as well. However, it really does not bother me. More than anything I think it is sort of cool that I am unidentifiable, and that maybe I look different than the “normal” person. I think that is how you should look at it as well. You explain on the video that you feel you are in conflict with yourself, and I am just wondering what kinds of experiences, besides general confusion from others, you have gone through? Do people think of you or speak to you differently when they think you are one hundred percent white, than when they figure out you are 50% Hispanic as well as white? Do your other Hispanic or black friends think of you differently when you say you are also part white? I genuinely hope that these conflicts have not been too traumatic or disheartening. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 23:47:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65358886 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/revisioning-the-revisioning-stage__trashed/#IDComment65274611 In my hometown, a good percentage of the population were of Asian decent. A lot of my closest friends were white when I was growing up, however, once I got into high school I became really close friends (and still am) with some Asian students. I do not know if anyone else agrees, but I still did not feel any different from these kids. I identified that they were Asian, because they obviously were, but they were just like me (which is why I assume we became friends in the first place). I have to comment on your comment about “The Lion King.” That was a fantastic movie, and I do not really understand why it upset you. I understand that we are in a class about race, and race is a very important part of life, but not EVERYTHING is about race, all the time. Why can you not accept it for what it is? Thu, 1 Apr 2010 19:27:07 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/revisioning-the-revisioning-stage__trashed/#IDComment65274611 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64108947 Thankfully, I grew up with a dad that is very open to girl “issues.” I do not have a brother, so I guess he really did not have a choice, but he grew up with no sisters so it is still pretty surprising to me. He never has a problem with getting my sister or me tampons when we needed them and would always ask us if we were feeling okay. Also, he often times would go with me if I needed a chocolate fix. As a result, he was never the blunt of my hormonal rage. If I was feeling grumpy, it was never about him, and he never had to hear about it unless he asked. Take note guys, being there for girls will work in your favor. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:46:12 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64108947 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64108732 I would not want men to have periods. I feel that it is hard enough with all the women having to deal with their periods, if men had theirs too I feel it could be almost catostropic. For example, I live with 7 girls, and being around 7 other people when they’re going through PMS, is hard enough. Can you imagine if everyone in the world got PMS? I think it would just be bad. On the other hand, it would be nicer if men understood what women went through a little more. It is not easy, and I do not think men understand, and they certainly do not sympathize nearly enough as they should. If tampons were free, however, I think I could deal with a few more grumpy people to have that! Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:44:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64108732 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64106867 I agree! As a woman, I really do not see what the big deal is about periods? I do not understand why men think it is something that is gross because it is a completely natural thing that happens to every woman. Periods are directly linked and controlled by our hormones. Without these hormones, and without our periods, we would not have boobs, a butt, or hips. Without our periods, we would not be able to have kids. Boys, if women did not get their periods, you would not be here today. So be thankful they exist. Also be thankful they exist because every time your girlfriend gets her period, it means you are not going to have to be a father before you have a job, a house, or before you are ready. Periods are quite amazing actually. So is everything about the female reproductive system. If you do not appreciate this, you should really read up on it, because you would be amazed how complex the female reproductive system is. It really is a miracle, because it seems the odds are against us, especially when it comes to having children. Also amazing; have you ever noticed that most women who live or spend a lot of time together get their periods at the same time? This is not by accident, but it really is a cool thing. Just like animals in the wild, the male knows when the female is fertile because she gives of pheromones that he can sense and smell. When he smells her pheromones, he knows that this female will be able to produce offspring. This same thing happens to female humans, only we cannot detect it. Unconsciously however, our bodies sense the pheromones around us, and that is why we tend to cycle around women we are within a close proximity with. Also, studies have shown that men think women smell better when they are ovulating. So do not worry ladies, even if he says it is gross, he really does like it. I did not always feel this way about my period, I must admit. I remember the first time it happened, I was so upset, I cried. Then every month I would cry again, mostly because they were painful and different and weird. I guess now it is not so bad, but still it is not a fun thing. I think men should really sympathize with the women they are around. Talk to them; ask them if there is anything you can do for them. They will appreciate your actions, and we will appreciate you a lot more if you do. Also, women are quite giving, so I am sure they will return the favor when you are having a bad day. Or, you can ignore us and tell us we are gross. Then when our hormones are flying, we will take all our anger and discomfort out on you! Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:27:57 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64106867 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62905493 This is so disgusting and concerning to me. First of all, I would just like to ask, who cares if she wears a tuxedo to the dance? Seriously why does that even matter? I am sure other people in her school will be attending the prom in short skirts and dresses, and low cut tops plunging just above their navel. That to me is offensive and inappropriate for a high school function. So if this girl wants to cover up and wear something different, really why should anyone care if it is not hurting anyone? Second of all, I thought school was a place where kids are supposed to feel safe and accepted. I thought school was a place where people were allowed to express their opinions and open their minds. I thought school was about learning, and part of learning was about accepting and understanding that not everyone is exactly the same as you. I guess I was wrong. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:25:55 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62905493 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62864991 This is so disgusting and concerning to me. First of all, I would just like to ask, who cares if she wears a tuxedo to the dance? Seriously why does that even matter? I am sure other people in her school will be attending the prom in short skirts and dresses, and low cut tops plunging just above their navel. That to me is offensive and inappropriate for a high school function. So if this girl wants to cover up and wear something different, really why should anyone care if it is not hurting anyone? Second of all, I thought school was a place where kids are supposed to feel safe and accepted. I thought school was a place where people were allowed to express their opinions and open their minds. I thought school was about learning, and part of learning was about accepting and understanding that not everyone is exactly the same as you. I guess I was wrong. Why do people think that they have right to set rules and boundaries that can discriminate against other people. What are they afraid these girls are going to do? A lot of times in high school, there were many girls, myself included, that did not want to go with a male date. A lot of times going to these school events were not as fun if you did not go with a big group of your friends, and there were no pressures to find a date. There were many occasions as well, where even if we did go with a male date, we ended up spending most of the evening dancing with our female friends, and ditching our dates anyway. How is this any different from that? If these girls want to go together, because that is what makes them happy, I do not think anyone should tell them that it is not allowed. It should not affect anyone else, and the fact that it does, does not make a lot of sense to me. The teacher’s comment that the girl needs to “remember where she is,” is also quite confusing and troubling to me. The girl should remember that she is in America, and that discrimination is against the law. She should remember that it is her right to be equal to everyone else. She should remember that in America, the Bible is not the doctrine that determines laws. The teacher needs to remember that she is a teacher, and has no place to judge anyone on the basis of anything except schoolwork and exams. So what exactly was the point in telling her to “remember where she is?” If anything, that was a contradictory argument in my eyes. Yes, perhaps Mississippi is more conservative in terms of its religious influence, but that still does not matter for all the reasons listed before. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:53:12 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62864991 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment62861760 I think as was said, multiracial people should identify however makes them most comfortable, or however they choose to identify. Even if you feel strongly towards one way, and you still feel disadvantaged or discriminated against due to another part of you, it is okay. I think not drawing lines, and it being sort of blurry and vague, is interesting and important. When Sam says “black or brown,” it does not matter if the situation does not specifically apply to you. For example, I am a white woman, but I am also a Jew. So sometimes when Sam talks about some sort of discrimination towards a group, I still feel that I can identify, even though I am clearly not in the “black or brown” group. Even if you are white person of another decent, but you have ever felt a certain way, it is important if you can identify. Even if the topic is not representative to your specific group or heritage. I think relating and understand is what makes us able to sympathize, understand and relate to each other. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:25:30 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment62861760 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment62860356 I think people may assume that because of the issues that put black people at a disadvantage, it is taboo to say anything or comment in a negative way. Possibly related to the fact that white people feel they need to be politically correct, perhaps people expect white people to be politically correct as well. I do not think it is right to say negative things to anyone in general and I do not think it should be happening from either side, no matter what race you are. I think this is especially important in the world of race relations to be respectful because a lot of issues that occur, especially today, are just plain out of disrespect for other people. I think to get respect you have to give it, and I totally agree with Sam that if you could not stand up in front of the class and say it, you should not be saying it at all. Posting these comments anonymously makes you look weak and stupid. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:13:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment62860356 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/a-long-long-way-indeed__trashed/#IDComment59810545 I totally agree with this comment; we have come a long way. I think if a slave owner could watch a rap music video, they would be pretty surprised for a number of reasons. First, they would probably be really surprised to see a black person so successful, confident, and powerful. I do not know if they would feel angry or upset, but above all I think they would be mostly shocked. They probably would have never expected a black person to be in that position, because a large part of their livelihood depended on keeping black people on a lower level. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 00:06:34 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/a-long-long-way-indeed__trashed/#IDComment59810545 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59809399 White people (and I am assuming anyone who has ever had/been to a theme party) have theme parties because they are fun! A lot of times it is really funny to see people all dressed up, and especially if you are meeting new people, it is a really easy way to break the ice. Theme parties bring people together, and it is a lot easier to not take yourself seriously when you and your friends look silly. All theme parties are steryeotyping someone or something, but the stereotypes are never a reflection of reality. For example, for a high school stereotypes party, people who dress up like the high school geek wear huge glasses, extremely high wasted pants, and sometimes suspenders. Nobody, not even the biggest “geek” wore anything like that to my high school. The geeks usually dressed just like everyone else. Another example would be State Patty’s day, in which everyone was stereotyping Irish people as drunks. We all know that this is simply a stereotype, but the whole point is it brings people together and allows them to have a good time. I am not Irish so I am unaware if this offended anyone who was, but that was never the intention. I think more than anything, if you got drunk on State Patty’s day it is more a reflection of yourself than anyone else. I think more than anything these theme parties are sexist and degrading towards women (golf pros and tennis hoes, anyone?). Although even in that situation, nobody is forcing you to dress scantily clad. You are allowed to choose what you wear, so that seems like a stretch to me as well. However, most girls can agree that sometimes it is fun to dress in something you normally would not wear, but that does not mean that you think female tennis players, or any woman, is a ho! The only thing I can think of that may seem racist is a “gangster” themed party. However, even still I would have to say that I really do not think anyone is trying to put a bad light on black people. Gangster themed parties consist mostly of people trying to dress up like rap artists do. Not because they do not like them, for the exact opposite reason, actually. A lot of time these artists, and a lot of other celebrities, dress in an extravagant way that expresses their personalities. A lot of “normal” people do not do this on a regular basis, so it is fun to live out that sort of fantasy. Not everyone can afford a “grill” with thousands of dollars worth of diamonds on them. So you get to take some aluminum foil, put it over your teeth, and pretend that you have the real thing. It is supposed to be fun, you take some funny pictures with your friends and laugh about it, and that is about it. Personally, I love rap music and I am even a hip-hop dancer, so I love when I get to really channel that side of my personality. Thu, 4 Mar 2010 23:56:25 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59809399