en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/764571 Comments by MaryGorman https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69835148 Sam and Laurie's experiences with their "lifer" friends have caught my attention before, and I wish we had gone into it with greater detail. Originally, and even partially still right now I am completely disgusted by the thought of killing another person. It truly baffles me how a person could have so much rage and anger in them that they would go through the means of taking another life. Do the killers just completely disregard that those they kill have families and friends and feelings just like them? Having to live for the rest of my life knowing that someone does not have that same opportunity and it was entirely because of my actions pains me. It literally gives me a stomachache thinking about it too much. Or are they too filled with anger and hate to care? I am curious to what the lifers would say warrants reason to harm another? I mean I guess I can understand in a self defense sort of situation, or even if it was a defense for your loved ones situation. The whole kill or be killed scenario makes sense. I think it is save to say that everyone would do the same thing, myself included. But I would never go out of my way to end another life. First degree murder takes thought, it takes planning, it takes preconceived notions. That is the thing I can't wrap my head around. You go into the situation knowing someone else is not coming out? So as strongly opinionated as I am about this topic, reading this letter actually influenced my view on lifers or murderers. Before I considered them all to be almost like monsters. Someone without human thoughts and feelings. Someone without compassion and empathy. Someone completely unlike me. This thought process could stem from the media portrayal of prisoners or possibly from my lack of knowledge those in prison. The letter above showed me a different perspective, I am by no means ready to accept or even befriend any of these lifers like Sam and Laurie have done, but it makes me more willing to hear their side of the story. It makes me think that they are not completely evil and could and would change their lives if they were given the chance. I do not know the details surrounding this man's crime or punishment, but the way he thinks and the way he speaks about others around him, and in other parts of the world makes me consider giving him a second chance or room for explanation before being completely written off in my book. This letter has opened my eyes up in a way I did not even see possible and shed a new light, which is what Sam and Laurie are really trying to accomplish. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:16:36 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69835148 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68291021 Today's lecture was one of the most interesting and thought provoking of the semester thus far. Usually I am not the biggest fan of how Sam presents his arguments and the points he his trying to emphasize, but today it really made me think. One of the most powerful ways was showing the Jihad video. Just like Sam said, it provoked a sense of fear within me, as I am sure it did with many of my classmates. But it was a good transition to show that a majority of the violence and horrible images that we as a nation are so accustomed to seeing are too radical and not was is typical of Arab and Muslim nations. I did not like on the other hand how Sam presented some of his information. What comes to mind was when he put the stereotypical questions in the quotes. It is true that a majority of our nation, our class, and myself included do not know everything or even a lot about the Arab and Muslim cultures, but they overgeneralized questions seemed almost condescending and acted as though we lacked character for not knowing about them. He made it seem like we did not care about these cultures or people, not simply the fact that we did not know about them. I think he could have found a just as powerful way to get his point across that we stereotype and overgeneralize those of Arab and Muslim cultures, without doing the same thing towards his own students. It's like teaching kids not to steal, as you're doing it yourself. It just didn't add up to me. What did help me get a better grasp on what Sam was trying to prove was when he flipped it back on us, and used the Chinese coal example. He said to think of how we would feel if the Chinese had come in 80 years ago with a stronger technology and benefited so severely off of our natural resources. At first I was thinking to myself "oh I don't know if that would really bother me, it's not like the coal or anything really belonged to me personally." But then I started thinking about how it is so easy for us to get envious of material possessions, and if I saw how the Chinese were prospering off of what could have been mine, I could and probably would be very bitter. I still do not think I would be as angry as Sam seemed to claim, where he would kill the Chinese. That's too extreme for me at least. I am a pretty passive, non violent person to begin with though. This example gave me a better insight to what a normal Arab or Muslim citizen would feel like though. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:54:57 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68291021 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment66852836 I would also like to learn more about the the "next step" is helping to eliminate cocoa slavery, and all present day slavery for that matter. I think Sam was right in saying that the absolute first step to making a change is to learn and to realize the injustices. Without this SOC119 class I would have had zero idea of the horrible mistreatment of so many people to make goods that we access so easily. The book disposable people really opened my eyes to a lot of new and terrible things. What sticks out in my mind was the forced prostitution. Maybe it was because I'm a female in the same age category as the girls who were being used, so I could really see the damaging impact, but it made me really think and really have this anger and thankfulness. I could picture and imagine what was happening to these girls. The visualization really made all the difference. And so now the same goes for the young men along the Ivory Coast. When I watched the video and you could see the looks of devastation and pain along their faces, it really made you feel for them. And when they showed their scarred bodies, some still fresh and healing, it literally made me cringe. These kids were my age or younger and had been through so much hardship already. So the next step? I do not see how vowing not to eat chocolate anymore will really help. Or even saying that you will only eat the free range chocolate. Because honestly, I don't think that will happen. And by just one person stopping eating it, does not a huge difference either. I think the next step, is to further your education. And help the others around you do so as well. Starting programs and information sessions that will inform and introduce the issues to those ignorant about the issues. In my opinion, the biggest problem is the general public not knowing what they are buying into. You think of chocolate brands as happy and sweet and fun, especially the big companies who spend so much to market themselves that way, you don't associate them with African Slave labor. If more people knew about the issue on hand, the stronger the resistance would be. It's hard to sit there and watch such a devastating video and then not do anything and think about it later on. One person feeling something and trying to make a difference is great, but it will not solve any of the problems. Actions against slavery need to be done on a bigger scale, or the big name companies who are violating the rights of so many won't feel the need to change their practices. Fri, 9 Apr 2010 18:47:14 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment66852836 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64051990 I thought it was very interesting to see how the different people and different types of people reacted to Sam's comments about girl's menstrual cycle. As we talked about in out discussion class, I think it is different and unique for each person. Some girls are comfortable talking about it and some are not, and the same goes for guys. Some talk about cramps and bleeding and tampons and some steer away from those matters. I think the biggest factor is how you were brought up. Personally, it just seemed so much more natural talking to my mom about it rather than my dad. I mean, she's been through it she can tell me her experiences. She's going to be able to explain the angle you put a tampon in, or the brand she prefers. Fathers aren't capable of that. They do not have that first hand knowledge and experience that makes you feel more at ease when you first start getting your cycle. I can understand though how some girls could talk to their fathers about it. If they were extremely close or did not have a mother figure to turn to this makes more sense. But it just fits that girl would talk to another girl about her period. Just like a young boy wouldn't be gung-ho telling his mom about his first wet dream. I also believe that a girl's menstrual cycle should be somewhat of a private matter. I know I would be mortified if my boyfriend or husband announced to a class of seven hundred and thirty people that I was "bleeding." It's not because of the whole men empowered aspect either, I just think it's kind of a vulgar subject matter. People were like "oh my god it's just blood. you watch horror movies--they have blood. What's the difference?" Ummm, hello? The difference is that in the horror movies the blood is not coming out of your vagina! They call it a private part for good reason. I do not want to hear about someone peeing, or pooping, and definitely not someone having their period. It's a personal matter that should stay personal. Another thing I always want to mention is that not all women are the same during their periods. It is a stereotype that all women and crabby and bitchy during that time of the month. Personally I do not get any cramps, I don't feel sick, and I honestly don't believe I get any crankier. And it is also different each time it comes around. Women feel different during different months. When girls, get actually sick from their periods, it's a different story. It should be treated just like an actual illness. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:51:47 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64051990 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment63021944 Well, unlike a lot of the rest of the class and the many of those who commented above, I am not a fan of the texting program. I think it definitely has the potential to be a great system, and it is cool that there is instantaneous feedback and that most people can do it, but I think more the most part it is disruptive. I don't want to sound entirely negative either, I think the the texts where you vote on something is productive. It is easy to do and gives a good read of the class. It is the version where you type whatever you want that proves time and time again to be distracting. The first time we did it, I kind of understood it was new and entertaining to get a laugh, but even towards the end of that class period the rude comments were getting to be too much. And then even after Sam asked the class not to send in vulgar or offensive comments, they still came pouring in. To me the system is more trouble than it is worth. Even the comments that were meant to be taken seriously did not have much substance. I can't even remember how many versions of "skin color doesn't matter" or "just the color of my skin, no other difference." They were just so generic and might be how some people at some level, but when so many people send it in, it became meaningless, at least to me. By answering seriously it is making it bland and the epitome of politically correct. On another note about the texting thing, I think the person who asked the question definitely has a point. The whole class would oh and ah and literally gasp when certain things were said by white people, but it seemed so much more acceptable when rude comments were said by the people of color section of our class. This ties into what we were saying about the whole Walmart in New Jersey debacle. If someone got on the intercom and asked all the white people to leave the store at this time, no one would blink twice. And it certainly would not be covered as a national news story on numerous media outlets! We talked about this in our discussion group and I completely agree, as white people-- and I'm not sure if it's just because we are the majority or because of whole white supremacy guilt issue--but we are just accustomed to not being offended by things. None of the comments bothered me, and same when we put the controversial words on the chalkboard in the other discussion group. It seemed like no white person in the class would be too bothered if someone called them a "cracker" but calling a black person a "nigger" or a hispanic a "spic" could cause some problems. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:28:01 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment63021944 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59969924 I do not agree with this girl's statement regarding themed parties above. Having been to numerous theme parties myself I do not think there is a racial undertone or a hidden attempt to humiliate people of color, blacks or whoever else. I think the objective of a theme party is actually kind of the opposite. It is to put everyone in attendance in the same type of situation, so they can bond and become closer. If everyone is dressed up and looks abnormal and wild than it takes away from some of the pressure to fit in or look cool in regular, everyday clothing. There are tons of themes that have nothing to do with race whatsoever, ugly sweater party? 80s party? toga party? None of these address any aspect of race. They are held to get people to loosen up, try something different and less boring. They take place for fun, not for racial discrimination. What I can see as having the potential to be offensive is having a "gangster" or "ghetto" party. These are stereotyping huge portions of communities and can be unfair. Not everyone wears a bandanna with a flat brimmed hat or has a tear drop tattoo coming down their faces which are practically staples in a gangsta party. But again,I honestly in my heart of hearts I do not believe that these parties or any themed parties are held with the intention to offend anyone. In my experience it is just a fun way to hang out with your friends and do something different. The same goes with high school spirit days. Both for homecoming week and the day before home games we would choose special themes to dress up as. They are used as a tool for bonding and to get excited for something. And people from every race took part and enjoyed them. It gave you and your teammates or classmates a special connection. I will admit, the girl who asked this question could very possibly have a greatly different experience or exposure to theme parties. So I am not saying that she is wrong, I am just saying that that is not what I have seen. Both in my very culturally diverse high school in the Washington, D.C. area to the predominately white surroundings of State College, PA I have seen themed parties that are created as way to have fun and act silly with your friends, or to be creative and find a funny costume. But I have not once seen a theme party to hurt or mock people of color. So my advice to you is to grab your costume, grab your cup, lighten up and enjoy! Sat, 6 Mar 2010 01:44:02 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59969924 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment58862786 Thursday's class was up there in my mind as one of the most interesting and thought provoking discussions we have had in SOC119 thus far. Some of the times I can hear and understand the arguments, but I cannot directly relate to them, yesterday on the other hand, I could really see myself in many of the situations we talked about and had to really think and consider what I would do if I were in the same position. I keep coming back to the news set up where the store clerk was refusing to serve of woman of middle eastern decent. When watching the video, I really felt a strong sense of emotion for her. Even now thinking about it I feel terrible that someone in this day and age could be treated with this sense of unjust. I was touched when others put themselves on the line and stood up for the woman. The older man with the son who had just returned home from the Army seemed genuinely concerned and angered by the store's action. Or the two young females who were so strong willed and actually verbally yelled at the clerk. I would like to say that I would do the same thing, but being honest with myself I'm not sure if I could or would. I would want to, but I can totally relate to the young man in the class who said it just was not his place. It's not that he does not agree with the woman, it's just that it is just not our way. He mentioned that is was not the way that he was brought up. His parents taught him to respect others and their property. For me, it's not so much as respecting an others personal property, as it is a personality factor. It's difficult to step up and speak out against something, especially if you're shy. Or especially if you do not about the certain incident, or especially if you are not knowledgeable about the situation at hand. It depends on the situation and the person at hand. I think it is wrong for our classmates to say like "how could anyone not say something?" or call him ignorant. I mean look at the numbers, I think our classmates are kidding themselves if they think "oh yea no doubt I would say something. That's ignorant, that's unjust." And I definitely do not think that it is more unsettling that more people wouldn't say anything than. It's difficult to put yourself out there and fight for someone you don't know, no matter what race or ethnicity. I would be more concerned about those who are openly against other races. It is a sticky situation and hard to judge unless you were actually right there in the action, but I think which ever way you respond, or even not responding at all isn't a good judge of your character. It is one isolated incident. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:55:34 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment58862786 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57472739 I personally do not believe that there is really any difference between gay couples, lesbian couples, and even straight couples adopting. Well, there might be slight differences along the way but in the long run they are minor and well worth the trouble. It might be hard at the time for a young child to understand why they have two moms or two dads unlike their classmates, but the fact is they now have some sort of parents. If they were not adopted, they would not be in a stable, providing home that they are now apart of. One of my good friends from home grew up in a two mother home, granted she was not adopted, but she lives a perfectly normal life. You might be caught off guard for the first time you meet her family, but after that initial meeting, it just seems normal. Nothing is abnormal or weird about the situation. She has two loving mothers who were able to come together to provide a happy and fulfilling life for my friend and her sister. It is true that in a lesbian or gay adoption or parenthood, you might not have someone to teach the child typical "mom" or typical "dad" things. But who is to say that a straight dad or mom would be able to teach them these activities anyways? Not all straight males can or would want to go out in the back and throw the pigskin around, and not all straight females would want to take their daughters shopping. And who says that the lesbian mother or the gay father wouldn't be good at teaching these things? There are many athletic, macho gays fathers and well as many feminine lesbians mothers. It is a matter of personality and preference, which is the same no matter what type of marriage or sexual orientation it may be. Having a gay or lesbian adoption may even bring more awareness LGBT issues to society. Same sex marriages can only adopt in a handful of states in the US. By having some adoptions in same sex marriages, it brings attention to the fact that this process is not legal everywhere else. And for those who support same sex marriage adoption, it can be a big eye opener. They could take action and even help the cause. Liker for me, I had no idea that this was only permitted in a few states, and it really made me think. Why is this? When will it change? How can it change? What can I do? The simple fact is that children need to be adopted. They need emotional, physical, and financial support. And if there is someone out there willing to spend their own time and resources to provide these things. Who are we to stop them? No matter if they are straight, gay, or lesbian. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:00:03 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57472739 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56532783 I completely agree with Laurie Mulvey's observation that racial discussion almost always ends up being centered on black and white issues. Even in our weekly discussion groups I noticed this. For instance, last week there were about ten racial slurs written on the black board when we walked into class. They covered a large variety of ethnicities, there was "nigger","cracker","dothead","kink","chink", and "guido" just to name a few. And for a majority of the discussion period our class focused in on the term "nigger" (with the exception of talking about guidos for a bit because of the recent fame and controversy revolving around the new MTV hit show, "The Jersey Shore.") I think this is because the civil rights movement and the culture and pride that came along with it are still at the forefront of the United States today. There is still an equality and level playing field issue. The Black culture still does not feel like they are given the same opportunities as their White counterparts. They are on the other hand making great strides. It was a monumental occasion when Barack Obama won the 2008 Presidential election. It gave the Black communities all across the nation something to really take pride in, and to work for. And it is instances like these that make the Black vs. White issue always the center of the focus. I think it would be different if a Latino American president won because then there would be so much more media attention to Latino and their struggles and inequalities. The media and entertainment makes the Black and White debate abundantly more apparent as well. I know from a White person's standard it is far and away more common to hear the story of unequal treatment against Blacks, than it is to hear about any other injustices to another group. There are countless movies and shows regarding the Black communities mistreatment, and I can only think of a few regarding any other mistreated culture. This starts even at a young age. When in elementary school, we are taught about Black History Month and famous African Americans who helped pave the way for other Black Americans to take a stand and make a difference. It was year after year where we learned about the cruelty of slavery and the hardships that Blacks in America hard to endure. But through all this time I can only remember a small handful of other cultures leaders and what they stood for and did for their own community. To me, it's always been a Black and White thing, because I didn't know anything else. It's what we were taught it's what we know. With the proper education and experience it doesn't have to be a black and white program, it's time to upgrade to color. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:19:18 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56532783 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment55542816 At this point in time, I am torn between agreeing with David Brook's observations of Avatar, and what it seems like everyone else in the world's opinion of Avatar is. Brooks suggests that there is a central theme of the "White Messiah" in not only Avatar, but in countless movies in recent history. He is of the opinion that this is just another one of those movies in which a white man is thrown into a mix of another culture and forced to see the injustices of his own kind. It is up to this "white messiah" to help this foreign group of people live their natural and pure live the way they intended it to be, before the evil that he and his culture brought with them. To me, this seem likes a overstretch. Yes, while many of the general plot lines are similar in Avatar and Pocohantas, they have their differences too. Is it possible that Brooks is over thinking things? Could it be that these similar plot lines just make for an enjoyable movie? He justifies his argument by using the example of the romantic plot line. In both Avatar and in Pocohantas, the good looking white hero figure falls in love with the hottest, most desirable female from the other culture. I do not think this is an example of the "white messiah" trying to save his new found culture. This seems like the classic theme of forbidden love. Just like in the ultimate example, Romeo and Juliet, the story revolves around two lovers that by anyone elses standards couldn't be more wrong for each other, but they continue to see each other anyway. Why? Because it makes the story more interesting, it makes it thrilling. It makes it something the reader, or the viewer in this case want to keep watching. It could be something they want to experience: a love so strong nothing could stop it. Brooks is digging a little deep to support his theory. Isn't it possible James Cameron just wanted to create a movie that people could enjoy? A movie they wouldn't have to spend hours upon hours contemplating the the white mans need to better himself by bettering others? Cameron himself has said himself that despite the enormous box office success and the multi billion dollars the film has grossed he does not think it will win at the Oscars for best picture. He wanted a story that was cool and fun, and most of all visually pleasing. The effects in the movie have being called stunning and beautiful. Brooks is making a movie that was not meant to be thought provoking and controversial, and adding an element of white supremacy and burden. Fri, 5 Feb 2010 23:25:44 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment55542816 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54411572 Another surprising factor was the crucial contrast in American play and European play. Americans do their fair share of trash talking, but I'd like to think it is in better spirits. I'm sure it is out there, but for the most part American trash talking and jeering is just because they player is from another team. It can even be directed personally, like telling a player they suck, but its never they suck because of their skin tone. This is probably because there are so many more black Americans than there are black Europeans. It also strikes me as hypocritical for these remote European fans to have so much hatred. They refer to soccer as "the beautiful game" but their racist acts and what they are doing makes the sport less beautiful and less about the game itself. I would think that some of these amazing black players should gain the respect of the fans. They are the top players in the world and talented at their craft. They are making the game more exciting and enjoyable to watch something diehard fans should be appreciative of, not resent. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:23:43 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54411572 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54411537 The plot revolves around the integration of the black and white school systems in Arlington, Virginia. The opposing coach calls Denzel Washington's character a monkey, and Denzel in return hands him a banana. When I watched this for the first time years ago I remember thinking how unbelievable it was that something like this could have happened in the recent past, let alone only four years ago. I think that it should be up to the Soccer League to put a timely stop to this. They have to see the Nazi flags, or the huge MONKEY banners as the fans are entering the stands. It is their social responsibility to at least confiscate this material. I would even go as far as evicting fans who display such crude behavior. It might momentarily hurt them finically, but it sends the right message to all the other fans, and to the players who are being tormented. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:23:19 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54411537 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54411470 After watching this expose of the racism throughout European Soccer I am truly shocked. Now granted I was raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, which is about half an hour outside of the District of Columbia, and known to be a very racially diverse area; the actions in the video are virtually unheard of. This video was from 2006, which was only a few short years ago, I was in the eleventh grade! These types of racist actions seem like they could be from when my parents were in eleventh grade! The whole "monkey and banana" chant reminded me of a scene from the football movie "Remember the Titans." Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:22:37 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54411470 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-g__trashed/#IDComment53868167 hello. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:47:39 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-g__trashed/#IDComment53868167 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/is-that-negro-or-negra-harry__trashed/#IDComment53225942 He is light skinned and he does speak the same way. This theory does seem farfetched but I cannot understand why he would say such a comment with the intent to offend. I do not think anyone would say something intentionally if they knew what negative publicity it would receive. This makes him look bad, the state of Nevada look bad, and the Republican party look bad. It shows closed mindedness and outdated thinking, something I would definitely not look for in a leader of our country, let alone a main leader in the free world. The free world containing so many different ethnicities and colors. I can imagine this message being poorly received not only from the black community but from all nonwhite races. Henry Reid’s comments are outdated, and old fashioned and now out there for everyone to see and to definitely judge. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:51:46 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/is-that-negro-or-negra-harry__trashed/#IDComment53225942 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/is-that-negro-or-negra-harry__trashed/#IDComment53225906 . Obama’s race and ethnicity was a constant debate and discussion among politicians as well as within the media. By making such a controversial comment to the media on such a controversial topic he had to have realized that the story would be picked up. The only thing that I could think of is that he did not mean for it to come out the way it sounded. As it is you think offensive and racist, but perhaps he meant for his words to come out in a different light. He says, “President Obama could succeed as a black candidate partly because of his “light-skinned” appearance and speaking patterns with no Negro dialect.” Maybe he was trying to say that out of all other African American candidates, Obama had the most desirable qualities to all racial groups. He wanted to point out that yes indeed he is African American, and could have black or Negro dialect, but he does not. He could be attempting to point out similarities to other whites. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:51:27 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/is-that-negro-or-negra-harry__trashed/#IDComment53225906 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/is-that-negro-or-negra-harry__trashed/#IDComment53225853 As “insensitive” as Harry Reid’s comment may sound, they did not really surprise me. Just by the man’s picture you can tell he is far from our generation. He was not brought up in a society where you are taught to say politically correct terms like “African American” or “little people”. To Reid and thousands of others it was “blacks” or “midgets.” So as strange as this may sound I was not bothered by, I was not. Well not because of his age. What upset me more was the fact that he said them knowing how public his comments they would be. He is a Senator of Nevada. He must know that his voice and opinions matter and are definitely heard. Everything he does and says are watched. Even more so when he is talking about such a popular topic at the moment. Barack Obama running as the first black president was a huge deal in 2008. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:50:58 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/is-that-negro-or-negra-harry__trashed/#IDComment53225853