en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/766927 Comments by MeghanYingling https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69014794 Yes I think there is a fine line but most of us will be considered "racist" in the end. Being a citizen of the United States, it is hard not to feel somewhat superior to others. I will admit that, yes, I do think I am better than some people. It is hard not to when we are the richest, most powerful country in the world. With the resources available to us and our laws, of course we are better off than some people. It is not my fault that I am better off than other people in other nations. I can feel like I am better off without parading around and making others feel inferior. There are people better than me and there are people worse than me, it is just how you portray it. Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:25:40 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69014794 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/the-tyranny-of-radical-muslims__trashed/#IDComment69014403 I think these feelings are natural. Osama Bin Laden gave a horrible name to Muslims. I think that it is a problem in our society that we associate one person’s wrong doings with a whole country. I will admit that after the events on 9/11 that I associated most Muslims with the terrible events that happened to the people in this country. Our society sets it up for us to think that way. Of course not all Muslims have the same ideals as he did, most do not. But when the news only reports the bad side, that is all we see and it is easy for us to feel hatred. It is the same in their country how most of what they see on the news is radicals, while most of us in the United States are not. Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:21:47 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/the-tyranny-of-radical-muslims__trashed/#IDComment69014403 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-women-issue__trashed/#IDComment68132176 I support affirmative action, for those who deserve it. Just because you are black doesnt mean you deserve it. That is outrageous. There are plenty of people, black, hispanic, indian, chinese, white who need it. If you deserve it, you will probably get it. It is there for people who dont have an equal opportunity, and just because you are black doesnt mean you dont always have an equal opportunity. Yes, being white does give someone an advantage sometimes, but not all the time. Being black does not automatically mean you are considered inferior to white people or any other race for that matter. And how do you know that white boy was rich? I just want to point out that you go to Penn State, an expensive school. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 03:17:58 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-women-issue__trashed/#IDComment68132176 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment68129812 I agree with you that we need to educate ourselves and learn more about the companies where we buy products from. When Sam mentioned Walmart, I had no idea why most of their items were so cheap. I just thought since they are a superstore and buying in bulk, they get the products cheaper because Walmart is a huge business. I cannot honestly say that I will stop shopping at Walmart because in reality, it is cheaper than a lot of other places and I would like to save money. By saying this, I in no way support modern slavery or want to increase it. When I shop from now on, I will be more mindful about the products I buy and will look into it, because that is a simple and easy way to become educated, a critical step to help stopping slavery. Mar 19 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:55:13 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment68129812 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68129108 I think the play in class was interesting. It gave a different perspective on how society’s views are flipped and flat chested is more appealing. I know plenty of girls who have big boobs and would die to switch places with someone with smaller ones. The girls with small boobs want to have bigger ones. I think it is an unfortunate never ending cycle that will always be around to some extent. Humans are inclined to be competitive with each other and I don’t think that will ever change. Yes being a woman is much more about appearance, but appearance is the first thing people see and judge on. Mar 12 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:48:22 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68129108 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68128586 I do think that men have to conform to society, just in different ways than females do. For females, I think it is a competition between other females. We always want to dress better and look better than our friends so we stand out more. To some extent, I think women are influenced by the media, but as someone mentioned in class, I don’t really consider Hollywood "real people." Being a female, I don’t exactly know the male side but from what I have seen, men in general are compared to the "norm", not necessarily to each other. I think it is more about masculinity than anything else. Mar 12 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:43:58 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68128586 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment67755310 I think this is a very interesting topic. I have thought about this before and honestly, it does worry me a little bit. I cant actually explain why, but it just does. I have always known subconsciously that I was in the majority, but being in this class has really made me aware. I never really heard the “colored” side expressed in such ways and views and it is enlightening. At the same time, I have gotten used to being in the majority and honestly, I like it. I no problem with other races it will just be something different, and I don’t always like change. Feb 26 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:47:51 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment67755310 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment67751928 I think learning a language in high school is very beneficial. I took 4 years of Spanish and it helped a little bit. I will be honest when I say that I am no where near fluent, but it did help. I took a class in college and it was tough, but having high school as a precursor was very beneficial. I think learning Chinese in high school could be important. Our country is becoming more and more diverse and the more languages we know, the better off we will be. It couldn’t hurt to learn a new language, it can only help. Feb 19 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:22:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment67751928 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment67433763 I think that realization is the first step and probably the easiest. For me, my guess about the second step would be education. I think we need to educate ourselves about where certain products are made and who makes them. I think everyone could make this effort. However, this step could also be hard because people have to want to learn about this and educate themselves. While I realize this is only a small step, we can make at least some sort of difference if everyone commits to making the effort. But the question is will people actually make the effort? I think we should. Feb 19 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:38:45 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment67433763 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66661145 This is a great question. I always think about this myself and wonder if anyone else has had their views changed. Personally, my opinions have not been changed, I just have “seen the light”. Sam has opened my eyes to a lot of things that I would have never seen the other side unless it was for this class. I think that for the most part, I am always going to feel the same way about certain issues and no one is going to change my mind. I will say that Sam has gotten me to see the other side and has definitely opened my mind and I appreciate that. Feb 5 Thu, 8 Apr 2010 22:00:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66661145 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/is-quality-the-question__trashed/#IDComment66074197 I have mixed feelings about this blog post. I totally understand where you are coming from by asking if affirmative action could potentially hire someone less qualified based on economic status. However, I do not think affirmative action’s purpose is to provide opportunities to those less qualified over someone more qualified, I think it is to try and give everyone an even playing field. I do not understand everything about affirmative action and I think most of us can agree that all of us could learn a little more about it. I do not think that hospitals and health care systems would hire someone less qualified over someone more qualified just because of affirmative action, that is not its purpose. Mon, 5 Apr 2010 17:20:07 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/is-quality-the-question__trashed/#IDComment66074197 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment65968090 I think this game is outrageous. I cannot believe that someone actually made this game and saw nothing wrong with it. What is even worse to me is how the Japanese government allowed this game to be put on the market. Do these people not have morals? How is this ok in anyway? I know that being a United States citizen comes with more freedom and rights, but it blows my mind that a) japanese women did not retaliate against this game b) the government thought this was ok and c) how the people that approved this game to be sold have wives and daughters and sisters. Its messed up. Sun, 4 Apr 2010 23:36:14 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment65968090 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65120499 I can understand why some people may be offended. The term "negro" may be offensive to some, but it obviously was not put in the census to offend anyone. The census was obviously made by people of all colors and races and tested before it came out nationwide. I think it is stupid to be insulted by this term, it is trying to accomodate older generations as well as younger ones. It is not meant to offend black people today, and it is rediculous to play the "race" card against the census. Everyone can be offended and confused by it but it is not meant to target certain groups and offend them. Jan 29 Thu, 1 Apr 2010 03:41:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65120499 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65120437 I can understand why some people may be offended. The term "negro" may be offensive to some, but it obviously was not put in the census to offend anyone. The census was obviously made by people of all colors and races and tested before it came out nationwide. I think it is stupid to be insulted by this term, it is trying to accomodate older generations as well as younger ones. It is not meant to offend black people today, and it is rediculous to play the "race" card against the census. Everyone can be offended and confused by it but it is not meant to target certain groups and offend them. Jan 27 Thu, 1 Apr 2010 03:41:24 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65120437 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65118894 I feel bad for this guy, having to choose sides. He obviously is a mix and should not have to choose. If it were me, I think I would probably choose to identify with the black/brown team just because he was raised mostly by his mothers side, which was the puerto rican side. I think culutrally he is hispanic. Looking at him first glance, I would assume he is white. However, his hair and slightly darker skin tone hint that he is mixed. Therefore, I would identify him as mixed. But he should not have to choose sides, and if he does, do what is most comfortable for him. Jan 29 Thu, 1 Apr 2010 03:28:38 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65118894 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65118008 Before watching the video, I would have assumed that the black children would have chosen the black dolls and white children would have chosen white dolls. I would think they would have chosen something that was familiar to them. When I was little, I lived in a mostly white neighborhood and went to a mostly white school. I would have chosen the white doll simply because white was what I was used to. That may have been the primary reason but who knows back then if there would have been the underlying reason that is looking us all in the face; that white is “better.” When I was little, all I played with was white Barbie dolls. The blonde hair and blue eyes looked perfect. I will admit that if given the chance to play with a white doll versus a black Barbie doll, I would have chosen the white. One because I was used to the white Barbie doll and that was all I had ever played with. But two was because the black one was not as pretty. When I was little, I didn’t know about race or anything. That didn’t matter to me because I obviously didn’t understand it back then. I was just used to the blonde hair blue eyed Barbie doll and anything different from that was not as good. Watching this video made me very sad. I was surprised that the black children didn’t choose the black doll. I would have thought they would have chose it because that was what they were used to and what they looked like. But to hear the reasoning behind choosing the white doll was extremely sad and scary. The first time I watched the movie, I thought it was sad but it didn’t really hit me how sad this actually was. Watching it a second time really moved me and disturbed me. When the proctor asked which was the good doll and which was the bad doll, and the kids chose white as being the good doll, that really disturbed me. To think that these children are already feeling hated and like being black was a bad thing at the age of 4 is very sad to me. When I was 4, I didn’t know what being white meant or that I was in the majority or privileged. I was just a normal girl who looked like everyone else. It wasn’t until I got to a very mixed middle school did I really start to see race. But to think that at age 4 these kids are already having to deal with that is very sad. My parents taught me that everyone is the same and not to discriminate and that was how I was brought up, with a very open mind. I have to wonder what kind of examples these parents are setting for these kids with these awful mindsets. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 03:21:03 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65118008 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64503970 I do not think tampons would be free. They are not free for us, and we need them so why would they be free for men? i understand that you are probably hinting at since it is a man's world that they would alter it some way that they would be free but even then that is not true. Men and women both need shoes and they are not free. Also, I do not think men need to be in-depth educated about periods. I think they should know the general concept but why need to know details? It doesnt happen to them so why should they need to know? I get one every month and I dont know a lot of things about it. That is like asking humans to know the inner workings of bird mating. It doesnt happen to us so why do we need to know? Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:13:31 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64503970 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64501522 I dont think tampons would be free. If men had a period, it would be normal to them. They would not even ponder having free tampons. It is something that we need, therefore it is not free. Men and women both need items and they are not free. However, I understand why you asked. I think it is a men's world and if men suddenly up and got their period, they would want it to be free because this was something new to them. But since men don't have a period and never will, I don't think the issue of free tampons is important. This brings me to my next point. I dont -think men should have to be in-depth educated about periods. I think that health classes gave a general idea of what is happening and what is going on and I think that is fine. Personally, I dont even know everything and it happens to me. Thats like saying as a girl I need to know the inner working of a penis. I'm never going to have one so why does it really matter? Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:57:15 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64501522 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment64500308 This is a really good point brought up. I guess when talking about Asians, I would have to consider them part of the black and brown group. Although they aren't "brown", they aren't "white". And I know that is not polite of me to say but that is how I see it. As for distinguishing Asian from Asian- Americans, I have to say I would be terrible at that. First of all, I do not have that many asian friends to begin with so that is probably the first problem. Second, I am not very good at geography and do not know many things about Asia's layout and just cultural aspects in general so it would be very hard for me to tell if someone were from Korea compared to Japan. I do think of Asian people as individuals though. They are different from me in many ways and I think they are indiviudal. I would not categorize Asian's as black or brown in society as a whole, but in sam's class, I guess I would have to. And that is what helps individualization as being lost. Jan 22 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:45:28 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment64500308 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/in-her-own-words__trashed/#IDComment64117805 I think this video was very powerful and had many good points. I think the way she spoke her poem was powerful and moving. Being a girl, I do not like getting my period, as most probably don’t. I do understand that it is a natural occurrence and every woman goes through it. However, when it is happening to me, I don’t think it’s so “beautiful.” It’s hard for me to appreciate what it really means to have a period when I am in pain and have to work around this obstacle. It is like the guy version of a cock block, to put it bluntly. Maybe when I am older, I will appreciate it more. For now, I don’t have a problem talking about it. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:08:41 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/in-her-own-words__trashed/#IDComment64117805