This lecture was really cool because I think its something that most people do; you look at someone and I guess by the vibe that you get from them you sort of make your own judgments as to what they might be into. Granted you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but lets all be honest, people can’t really help it. I am a Latina and I personally like to interact with all sorts of people, black, brown, white, yellow- skin tone is not really an issue for me. However, at the end of the day, I do surround myself more with brown people because those are the ones I am most comfortable with. With the majority of brown people I can say that I never have to worry about being uncomfortable with them, I know they wont judge me because of my skin color. I am not trying to say that all white people are racist, but most do tend to discriminate, or choose their own kind over others.
I feel like a really big factor that makes people choose one side over the other, or interact with both sides, is the way the person is raised. For example, I live in a very diverse area, and the high school that I attended was mixed with all types of races, however, there were a little bit more Spanish people than others. So I learned to socially interact with many different cultures, but I did get more comfortable with being around those who are of my own race simply because we had more in common. We listened to the same type of music, for the most part we were bilingual so we understood each other’s second language, and we also understood each other’s culture. Another example would be one of the students in class who Dara thought seemed to be “down with the brown”. He said how he’s from Boston and that he went to a school that had a lot of black students, so he has always been comfortable around them, which of course makes him “down with the brown’.
You can really tell at social interactions, who is down with what. Here in Penn State, the little times I have seen white or Asian people at a Spanish or black party, the ones that are “down with the brown” are usually more social, dancing and just enjoying themselves. The ones that really aren’t, look super awkward and out of place. It works the same way with being “right with the white”. I also feel like the more someone’s down with the brown or white, the more they tend to act or look like them, so that would also explain why someone can sometimes tell by someone’s appearance who they are comfortable interacting with.

I feel like this is one of those questions that people do not ask simply because its so awkward. I personally wouldn't tell a guy if I didn't have an orgasm because I feel like I would be insulting his whole manhood. From society’s perspective, if a girl did not have an orgasm, the male didn't do his “job” right or it’s seen as “he doesn't know how to please a women,” and for a male that can be very degrading. I also wouldn't tell him because sometimes it’s not really their fault. According to the statistics Sam gave us in class, it's a little uncommon for girls to have an orgasm; I think he said it only takes a male, more or less, 4 minutes to have an orgasm, and a female about 15 minutes; it clearly takes females way longer than it does males; so who do we blame, the guys or simply nature?
I also think it depends on the situation or relationship, like depending how comfortable you are with the person, depends whether or not you’d tell or ask that person if they had an orgasm. So if it were a one-night stand, I think the guy would be more concentrated in having his fun and pleasure, rather than the girl who he just met. However, if we were talking about a long relationship, where partners are very comfortable with one another, than the guy probably wouldn't have a problem asking his girlfriend if she was pleased.
In class Sam and his wife, Lori, spoke about how much movies, TV shows, commercials, and just the media in general make sex seem like it’s all about the male. Once the guy has ejaculated, sex is done. The media concentrates sex around the male's perspective, so women having orgasms is not really the “goal”. It’s all about the males taking control and getting their pleasurable needs taken care of. So this probably plays a big role as to why women don't tell men that they didn't have an orgasm or if they were not completely satisfied (because a female can be pleased even if she didn't have an orgasm). For women, is all about “pleasing your man”- stereotypically speaking- rather than making sure that they are satisfied.
It is sad that most men don't really worry or bother to ask their partner whether or not she’s had an orgasm. It would be nice If the media were to portray that a female’s needs are just as important as the males. Yes, I understand that its really hard for a guy to hold back and wait for the female, and that most times, they just cant help it, but their are other ways that can help a women reach an orgasm; like Lori said, foreplay is a women’s sex.

I am so glad you asked this question because, from personal experience, I can say that this is so true! As a Latina, I always notice that white men are way more shy or hesitant to approach me than they are with white woman, but when I walk around downtown at night, it is always the drunk white boys that try to talk to me, or yell to get my attention from across the street. I believe the reason white men do not approach minority women when sober is because, one, white men tend to be more careful around minority woman because of the stereotypes they tend to have, two, because they probably think that anything wrong they might do will easily be considered racist, and three, just like every other ethnicity, they are more comfortable and confident with there own race.
Minority women tend to have a specific stereotype; they are loud, strong-minded, tough, and so on. Although this doesn't apply to all minority women, this is what’s mainly portrayed, especially in the media. White girls tend to be portrayed as fun, easygoing, “dumb-blondes”; with these kinds of stereotypes, of course a white male will choose a white female over a minority one. Of course, it also has to do with the fact that white men understand Caucasian women way more than minority women. Yes, there are those unique white men who have grown up surrounded by minorities, but for the most part that doesn't usually happen. Most white people grow up only surrounded by white people so that’s the only thing they tend to understand. When exposed to a minority environment, they’re not going to really know how to approach it in an appropriate way; not saying that minority women should be approach differently than other women, that's just the mentality that most whit men, I think, tend to have.
Now, when white men are drunk, they are so carefree and careless because they’re not really thinking straight. When anyone’s drunk, they’re not thinking the same way they would be if they were sober. So when approaching a minority women, they just go for it. The alcohol that they consume makes them feel like anything they do is okay so when approaching minority women, they don't do it thinking about all the negative things that will happen; they have high confidence. This is the way they should be thinking even when they’re not drunk. It’s sad that they have to be drunk to simply talk to someone of color. In reality, I believe approaching a minority women, isn’t much different than approaching a white women; the only difference their really is, is the color of skin, which b now we have all learned is not something that someone should judge a person by.

The lecture on what happens after you die was really eye opening for me! I couldn’t believe that people could be brought back to life after they died. Death is usually a topic that most people talk about but don't have an answer to; does everything just get dark after you die? Are you welcomed into a place where worries don't exist? Or do you just dream forever? According to the people who were scientifically revived, they either saw a relative from the past, a bright light, or nothing; and these people consist of all sorts- religious and non religious. It is very interesting that everybody who recalls having an experience while dead reports the same thing, this supports the evidence that their really might be more for people after death. So I guess after learning all of this, I can say that I’m not really afraid to die. Before this lecture I was a little afraid, not so much of the thought of death, but more of the thought of not being able to actually live my life to the fullest; living is all I know how to do so I think I really feared not knowing what it was like not to live. Fearing the unknown. So I guess now I am not as frightened because this lecture sort of convinced me that there is more after death, its not just pitch black. I am happy knowing that there might be something out there, and once life ends on earth it is not necessarily all over.
During this lecture we also touched up on reincarnation. This topic definitely left me thinking a lot! Apparently little kids randomly feel like they were someone else, reporting that their name is different and have different parents. Now of course, many parents don’t take it seriously because, lets be honest little kids do have a great imagination, but still, for me this definitely wasn't something that I forgot about once I left the lecture room. I have always kind of been interested in reincarnation because certain things about people sort of make it seems like its true. Like for example, the random things that tend to pop up into peoples subconscious, or when a new family member is born and the child turns out to be exactly like a specific ancestor. It would be really nice if there was a way to figure this out because then I think the topic of death wouldn't be something that frightens people, instead id be something that's just taken as the nature of life.
So in conclusion, I don't want to say I am afraid to dying, especially after this class, now im a little curios as to what I will experience after death, however I still wouldn't want to just because I love the life I’m living now and want to continue living it.

I really enjoyed speaking with Maziar through Skype! Although it was a while ago, this class session was definitely one of my favorites! I feel like he gave me, as well as most of the class, a different perspective on the Iranian lifestyle. I think the majority of the class had the stereotypical American view of the Iran lifestyle- its dangerous, there are people walking around with guns, most people are very traditional and conservative, and that the whole country hates America. When Sam told Maziar that, he laughed and said that we were crazy! Apparently most Iranians do not hate Americans, they’re actually very similar to us! They watch almost the same shows as we do (one of Maziar’s favorite shows is actually Friends!), most people dress and party like us, and (this is the part that shocked me the most) most Iranians think that WE Americans are the ones who walk around with guns!! I couldn't believe it! That’s crazy!! It just goes to show how close-minded we Americans are and how little is actually portrayed about them in the media! When the Middle East is shown on television, it’s never about how much they have progressed economically, about all the fashion and technology that they have, or any achievements being made; it’s always negative! They always describe the people as terrorists, always showing them wrapped in clothing from head to toe with guns in their hands, or making bombs, or doing things to harm Americans; and this is why Americans think the way we do towards Iran and the rest of the Middle East.
Thanks to this class, I have learned something new about a part of the world that I have always considered dangerous. I can’t say that I still don't believe the things that are said in the media; I do think that the Middle East is hazardous for Americans, however, not to the large extent that I once thought. I was that horrible person who thought the whole country was full of angry, anti-American terrorist; when in reality they are not; they’re civilized human beings living their every day life. During this Skype session with Maziar, I also learned that they don’t have separation of race! One of the students asked him if they were allowed to date within different races and at first he didn't even understand the question, he had to be given an example. According to him, Iranians can date a black person or Hispanic, it’s just something that's not really common. He was also asked if Iranians have stereotypes about white people and black and that was something was also non existent; in America black people are portrayed as scary and mean, to him, black people are super nice! This shows that they don’t judge people based on skin color. So in some ways, Iranians are better than Americans!

I found this topic to be so funny during class! As soon as Sam asked, “how many females are bleeding?” I heard a bigger response from the males in the classroom than the actual females! I don’t want to say that females are not “free” to have this type of conversation, because in realty they are, I just think that it’s not a very pleasing conversation to have. Some females tend to be embarrassed when talking about the topic, especially when there are boys in the room; I feel like if it were a class full of females more girls would have raised their hands.
When females are going through their menstrual cycle, it is often associated with something negative; many think its nasty or weird, and even females tend to feel uncomfortable during this time so they themselves give it a negative image. However, no one gives it a more negative image than boys! Yes, there are those who are very understanding and what not, but for the most part menstruation is a conversation that no males wants to be a part of. For example, right when Sam asked the question, the whole row of guys behind me began commenting and saying how gross it is, making disgusted faces-- one was even like “please, don't raise your hands, I don't want to know”. What would posses a girl to openly talk about her menstrual cycle knowing she’s going to be judged?
I also think many females don't freely have this discussion with people simply because they are being “lady-like”. Girls are suppose to be “classy, well-mannered,” and most of all “clean”, when a girl is on her time of the month, she doesn't really seem “clean,” again, because many look at it as something that's nasty. So do to all of this, women make the menstrual cycle a private matter, as it should be. Although it is a part of nature for a girl to have her period, it is also something that effects each individual differently so they should deal with it or handle there own business without having to let others know.
I’m sure if people, particularly the male population, were actually more informed about the menstruating process, this topic wouldn't be such a big deal- the boys who were sitting behind me probably wouldn't have reacted so much to Sam’s question, and many girls wouldn't feel judged. Regardless of this fact, I really don’t think it's a big deal for girls not to “freely” speak menstruation. I mean, if they really wanted to I’m sure they can talk about it but this topic is not what many would consider something pleasing or necessary. Many can agree that this is a personal topic.

The new information that was given to us in class, which stated that we humans are only 0.1% different from each other, was really surprising to me. Our world is very big! It contains so many different ethnicities and races, so many different people from different parts of the world, and it also contains over two thousand different languages; but with all that, we are still only .1% different from one another. It’s really hard to comprehend this because physically we all look so different from one another; those who are from china do not look similar to those who are from Africa or India. I think this information can really help people understand that “race” or “ethnicity” is nothing but a label; at the end of the day we are all more similar than different.
This information, although very shocking, will still not change my ways of interacting with other people who are different than me. Regardless of the race or ethnicity, I still treat people the same way they treat me. In general, I am a nice and respectful person; race for me is really nothing. I do not mistreat or favor those because of their race; I think what I go by when it pertains to how I would treat someone, depends on the person’s personality. Everyone has different characteristics and personalities. People also like to do different things; yes we are all very similar genetically, but that doesn't mean we all like to do the same things; while some enjoy attending sports events, others prefer to attend dancing events, or museums. Most people tend to get along with those who they have more in common with. For example, I prefer to hang out and interact with Hispanics because they understand me when I speak Spanish, and for the most part, we like the same music, and follow very similar traditions. I can’t say that is due to genetics, it’s mainly just do to our heritage.
Although knowing that I am only 0.1% different than someone who is of another race doesn't change the way I treat people, I think it will make a difference for someone else. For example, I told one of my older aunt’s (who is a little racist) this information and she has really changed the way she treats her neighbor, who happens to be African American; she felt a little bad for the way she treated her because she understood that she is really no different than her. This information should definitely be shared. I think that those who understand this will also understand that there is no point of being racist or unfair to others because of where they come from.

I believe the fear of death affects almost everyone. Yes, their are those individuals like Sam who have accepted death, but that's very rare. For the most part you’re born fearing or preventing death; babies are always prohibited from putting certain things in their mouths because they might choke, they aren’t allowed to stand or sit too close to the edge of something, such as a bed or chair, because they might fall and hit their heads, or even wander off alone because of the fear that they might get seriously injured- these precautions are taken due to the fear that the serious injuries can “god forbid” lead to death. The fear of death is also affecting people as they grow up, that's why people take medications when they have health problems, are encouraged to look both ways before crossing the street, and are told to keep electronics away from water. I know me personally, I do take some risks that puts my life in danger or jeopardy, but I never do It to the extreme, I only do it to the point that the chances of me surviving are way bigger than me dying. I believe that's how it should be. Why should the chances of you dying be greater than you living? Yes the adrenaline you experience at the time can be very exciting, but who really wants to die? Living is such a wonderful thing! There is so much to offer, enjoy, and take advantage of in this world, yes many people do have it more difficult than others but even then, life can still be great!
I don't think that I necessarily fear death but I also have not accepted it. All I know is how to live and so far, I have been living a great life. I make sure I eat the right things so I don't get any major sicknesses, I do not take more pills than instructed on an aspirin box just because my headache have not gone away, and I do not play stupid “games” that consist of me drinking to the point that I pass out because all I want to do is live. I don’t know what happens after death, and I think this also contributes to the reasons of why many fear or have not accepted death; the unknown. This can also connect to religion. In some religions, depending on how you've behaved during your time of life depends on where you go. If you have been “good” or have been forgiven for your sins, you go to heaven which many know is a happy place; but if not, you go to hell, where you will supposedly burn and be forever miserable with the devil. So as you can see fearing or accepting death plays a major part in most people’s life.

When Sam did the clicker question during Thursday’s lecture of whether or not we would travel to Iran, I personally chose no because in my mind Iran is not a safe place to be, especially if you’re an American. However I will admit that for a second, after watching the clip that Sam showed in class, of how people really are in Iran, I sort of felt silly for saying no because the people or the social aspect of Iran seemed so much similar to the American life- but that was only for a second. To me, that clip did not really show the whole side of the Iranian culture; yes were in the 21st century so of course we should give them more credit and expect them to party and celebrate similarly to the way American’s do but if Iran is so much similar to the U.S and it is a safe place to be, why are we warned not to go there? We can’t even travel to Iran the way we can easily go to other places around the world like Europe or India, we have to be invited. That right their for me makes me hesitant when deciding whether or not I want to go to Iran.
When we were Skyping with the man from Iran, he really opened up my eyes to something; Sam told him that we Americans were afraid to travel to Iran because we believe that it is dangerous and that people walk around with guns, and he said that it is the complete opposite, they are actually afraid of us Americans because they think we are the ones with the big guns. It was also really sad when he said that they walk around in fear; they do not really go to the beach because they think at any second Americans will enter their land and bomb them. That to me was tremendously astonishing and very disappointing, for me who is an American. It is sad to think that because of us, people cannot live their lives in peace. I really wish things were different. In spite of this, I was still not convinced. I know if I were to go to Iran I would no feel safe; maybe this Iranian has no resentment towards Americans, but do to all the conflict that has existed between Iranians and Americans, I’m sure a lot of other Iranians feel differently. Another question was asked during the Skyping session, which also adds on to the reason as to why I wouldn't go there. A gentlemen sitting next to me asked how the man from Iran felt about his government, but Sam didn’t allow him to answer. The guy right away knew why Sam didn't let him answer, he told me that the Iranian government monitor the people’s Internet and phone calls; those who freely speaking their minds about them in a negative way, suffer consequences. That to me is ridiculous!! As nice as Sam’s clip might of seemed, I still would not travel to Iran.

When speaking of the military, I feel like the general society view of it is very positive; many tend to describe it as a great learning experience, it shows discipline, and what’s better than being able to serve your country? I really respect those who sacrifice their lives to protect and defend their country, however I will never join the military. One reason for me not joining the military is because I simply just don't see myself in the military in the future. When I think of what my life will be after I graduate from college, I picture myself apart of a business, with my own office, desk and chair. I picture myself working there, and when finished, going home to loved ones. I do not picture myself in a uniform with a gun in my hand, sleeping in camps, in god knows where, fearing for my life every second of the day. I remember when a military recruiter approached me and a group of my friends when I was in high school; we told him we weren’t interested and he asked why not, and I simply just told him that I don’t feel like the military is for me. He began to explain the benefits and what not that people receive when joining the military and why we should consider it- but what really stuck with me out of everything he was saying was when he said that the military isn’t for everyone but after you surpass the training that you receive, you will feel like that's the only thing that's for you. There are many people who don't have an option but to join the military do to many personal reasons, so I guess the training is good for them, but for those who do have a choice, why would they want to be brain washed into being apart of something that deep inside he or she knows its not for them?
Another reason why I wouldn't join the military is because of the aftermath that many people experience. Many people become so mentally tormented by the military, and I don’t blame them, how can you go back to a “normal” life after everything you’ve witnessed, experienced, and have done! I’m sure those who are in the military know so much more than the rest of the world; government secrets and what not- how can you continue living calmly knowing all these things. I don't think I’ll be able to handle it. I know you have to be a really strong person to be in the military, and I’m sure for those who aren’t, they teach you how to be; but I simply just wouldn't put myself through that. However, I do have tremendous respect for those who do serve our country and really do appreciate all that they’ve done.