Illegal immigration is a problem that is likely not to be resolved anytime soon, if ever at all. Before lecture today, I had an idea that illegal immigration is a bad thing and that we need to take further measures. I can't say my idea has changed drastically from class, but I feel more understanding of the individuals that are willing to risk everything just to have a chance to make it into the United States.

Immigration is good for the American businessman, especially when he or she can hire workers who are willing to accept lower wages. What Sam said in class makes perfect sense; business men and women have much to do with the fluctuation of illegal immigration. Though I am not very educated on the subject of illegal immigration, I realize there are both pros and cons. America has borders for a reason; to protect our resources, strengthen security, and promote a better well being for its citizens. All industrialized nations have these laws and practice such methods. It seemed almost like Sam had an attack on the U.S. for its actions of border control, but it is simply a policy many countries perform. What about North Korea? Their immigration and border tactics are extremely much more harsh than the United States'. If the U.S. did not have such security, millions of immigrants would continuously flood in, and both economy and resources would suffer.

The limited amount of illegal immigrants that do successfully cross into the U.S. certainly have helped to better the economy and expand business. But as I mentioned, if we allowed all world citizens to enter freely, all aspects of society would suffer. It is greatly unfortunate that determinism has affected the lives of so many individuals in this world. Just being born in the U.S. has given me greater opportunity than most persons. For this, I do not blame those who wish to flee poverty and search for opportunity in the U.S. It is brave and, truthfully, the majority of these people are just looking to provide for their families. Most have good intentions. I wish there were another way to give all peoples equal opportunity, but this is simply not the case. The U.S. will continue to patrol the borders, and illegal immigrants will continue to slip past the troops. It will be interesting to see what the U.S. government proposes for action against illegal immigration in the years to come.

Another idea that Sam mentioned is that we are illegal immigrants to the Native Americans that first inhabited this land. It is important to point this out. We need to acknowledge those who first resided here. However, I do not feel guilt for what has happened in history. Even though the actions of European immigrants against Native Americans were relentless and harsh, those individuals involved have long since passed. As much of history proves, as Darwin famously stated, "survival of the fittest." European peoples wanted to expand and conquer. Hundreds of years ago, things were much different and European peoples were much more industrialized. In no way am I saying the right path was taken, because it certainly was not. It is a complicated subject that should be acknowledged, but in no way should shape the way laws are put in affect today.

Though I am not fully educated on the subject of Native Americans and reservations, it is unfortunate to see that the peoples with ancestry traced back to the original natives of this country are the most oppressed. It is shocking to see the high level of unemployment of those who live on reservations. They are so poverty stricken and are much worse off than the majority of areas in the U.S. The "Don't Drink the Water" video and song really strikes you and makes you almost feel guilty for what has happened in the past.

It was not right for European colonizers to begin a huge genocide against Native Americans. Their actions were ruthless and would be seen as radical today. Unfortunately, this event did happen and it has certainly brought greater opportunities to myself today, being a white American with European descent. I feel for Native Americans living on reservations, but I cannot feel guilty for what colonizers did centuries ago. Those who are living on reservations today are discriminated against and this tradition needs to stop. However, as has been discussed before in class, there is a level of both freedom and determinism in all aspects. These Native Americans can choose to leave the reservation if there would be a greater chance for expanding their opportunities. As far as my knowledge goes, they are not forced to live on a reservation. They can mingle and join the rest of society and work to fulfill the "American Dream."

As a society, we should recognize who the initial members of this nation were and their contributions to culture and science. Beyond this, I don't feel educated enough to make remarks as to whether we should have government funding in aid to these reservations, or if we should do nothing and allow the cycle to continue hoping that discriminatory actions against this minority will end. It seems that since this is so far in the past and those who were involved have since deceased, that not much further action can be taken.

Living in an area of Pennsylvania where there are very, very few Native American bloodlines leaves me more than likely probably feeling different emotions towards this subject. And, as I have stated, I am not educated on this issue, nor was I ever strongly educated on the genocide of Native Americans. I feel this is an important part of American history, but is often left out in great detail of the true massacre it was. Now, since there is a small minority of Native Americans still living today, it seems the history is even less discussed and is becoming more insignificant to our nation's past. Actions should be taken to decrease the level of discrimination, in all racial groups. However, it seems to me that living life on the reservation is in part due to both freedom and determinism.

Sam definitely left an impact on the student's in his class when he put us in the shoe's of Middle Eastern civilians. In America, the press stresses and emphasizes the terror, poverty, and radicalism of Muslim individuals in the Middle East. Most people are never informed that the group on radical Muslims is such a small percentage in comparison to the overall Muslim population. This is upsetting because a learned biased is being put upon American and the world against this group of people. People need to take the time to educate themselves on the true facts that remain hidden and which the press refuses to acknowledge.

This class certainly changed my viewpoint. I imagined if a group of strange individuals, who were dressed in uniform and had guns strapped to their sides, walked on my property and harrassed me for being who I was. I thought of what if within my property there was a supply of oil, but foreigners came and stool it from me. I think what makes it so confusing of all, is what compensation do we give these people for taking their supply of oil? It seems for America there is no other way. If we want to keep what our nation has and build upon our current economy and technology, we need to continue to take a large oil supply from the Middle East. It is difficult to choose a side as a "morally just" American, unless you simply refuse to heat your home or own a vehicle! If I lived in the Middle East and understood how important my oil was to the American people, I would expect a huge compensation for having it taken. This is how I can feel for those who are unfortunate and treated unjustly in the Middle East. Equality is so far from reality in the world today; world relations are simply corrupted, in truth.

This class made me think very deeply and acknowledge how fortunate my life is. However, this is not going to change the way I live. I will continue to use oil to heat my home, and gasoline to fuel my car. I will still support my country, and do my duty as a registered voter. Things need to change, and I hope someone is out there with the right solutions. Sam's class opened the eyes of many people, and this would be a great lecture for many Americans and world leaders to listen to themselves. There is always two sides to a story, and people need to take the time to educate themselves and not rely on news and media to determine their beliefs. I hope the Penn State community can work to educate others, and the Muslim students can become a more noticeable figure in student government and other relations.

I think the term minority gets a bad rep. The term has definitely been stereotyped, when in fact it only means that your "race" is a lower percentage than that of another. Personally, I don't think it will change anything in a negative way. It will help individuals to become more accepting and more tolerant of all peoples. Even as 2050 approaches, even if whites are the "minority", it is very likely that they will still remain majority in corporate and legislative America. And just because the white population has fallen under the 50% line, it still needs to be considered that the other 50% includes all different races that our vast world has to offer.

I feel like this should not be a huge deal of concern. Certainly it is something to think about, but for what reasons would it make this country a worse place? It would only become a problem if people chose to see it as a problem with racist and stereotypical attitudes. Just because the race percentages is changing does not mean the economy would suffer or new laws would come into action. In fact, this could be a very good thing. Instead of colleges needing to meet certain requirements in the diversity of students they admit, this could potentially be disregarded and it will no longer be a requirement to list your race on a form or other jargon.

Even as I say this should not be America's biggest concern, it was surprising to see in class the number of white students who felt uncomfortable about the shift in majority. It is a bit unsettling I assume; it's as if you just lost control and now are the underdog. But it does not have to be this way! Hopefully this bring races to accept one another and forget the prejudices that history has taught us.

I think this would be mainly important to people of color. It would certainly be a stepping stone that would not be forgotten. But just because the majority has shifted, this does not instantly mean that there is now pure equality. Though I am sure more and more racist attitudes will be diminished by 2050, there are sure to still be many biased feelings, since they are so strongly embedded in American and world culture.

In 40 years there will be more diversity than there is today in the country, but I doubt that there will be much shift in the race of people who run the majority of our largest corporations and government. Whites will still assume their superiority, but things are likely to be more fair in the future. Even today, having a half-black president is proof that the country is moving in a positive direction towards racial equality.

I completely support interracial relationships. As a white male, even coming from an overwhelmingly populated white town in Pennsylvania, I see the changes being made in acceptance of interracial couples. This acceptance is coming from the youth and today's generation, however. Our generation is changing the way society notices one another and is becoming more accepting and open to change. If you cannot agree to support interracial relationships then you are simply racist and no further argument can be made!

As I said, this growth of acceptance for interracial couples is from, in the largest percentage, today's youth. Let me explain my town a little further. Personally, I do not know anyone in my town that is in an interracial marriage. However, I know people I went to high school with who had significant others of opposite race. My good friend has a white uncle who lives in California that is in a relationship with a Mexican woman. I see these two changes as both improvement and expansion. I say improvement to the fact that students in high school are not afraid to date outside their race, even in an overpopulated white town. Also, I say expansion as a means that even these small white towns are now beginning to see the affect of interracial relationships. I am certainly glad to see a positive improvement, but I continue to fully understand that many are just not as willing to accept such criteria.

This leads me to my parents. I hate to bash my amazing parents, but I feel it is important to state this so as to understand reform is still greatly needed. I can remember my mom clearly stating her disgust for interracial marriages. "What if they have a white baby, and then they have a black baby, what will they do then?" This angers me thinking of it now, because she was obviously uneducated and did not understand polygenic inheritance with skin color! And though I am unable to remember a direct quote from my father, I see his racism often and I simply know he would not accept my relationship with a black female. Both of my parents were raised in white towns, and the blacks of the town lived in a quarantined area on top of a hill termed still to this day "Ni**** Hill"! STILL TO THIS DAY! And this all is located only an hour from State College, not in some small inland Southern town in Mississippi.

I think I have solid evidence that we are in much need of improvement for racial equality. I have faith today's generation will greatly better the circumstances. It is hard to convince the elderly to change their set ways of thinking, especially since it is a stereotype they have been brainwashed to conceive for nearly all their life. Interracial couples will continue to grow, and it is clearly an indicator that America is improving from the hate times of slavery and inequality.

It's difficult to tell whether or not this is an action of white supremacy, or simply an act of foolishness. One thing is certain to say that since the majority of Penn State students are white, then there are most likely a few racist individuals within our very large campus. It is shocking to hear that, I have not heard of or seen that sign downtown. If only people understood the frustration and cruelty that simple saying can put in place. There is such a violent history of individuals who lived for "white power" and the actions they performed on peoples of different race. These sayings and slogans, for people of ALL races and colors, need to be put far in the past.

The comment above is rather intriguing. Would people think differently if it said "black power" or "Latino power"? Most of the students in or who have taken Soc 119 at Penn State would most likely understand that that is still unacceptable and is still extremely racist. But I guarantee many white individuals in state college would be offended, and the majority of blacks would not mind its presence. People really should take classes like Soc 119, since it opens you up to understand that there is much more to learn about race and equality.

This is kind of like the "bystander effect" where you are only more likely to say something when it is offensive to you or your race. Now, this of course does not apply to all; just like most racial issues, there are plenty of exceptions to certain individuals. State College is basically within the walls of a rural area, however, with an overwhelming white majority. Racism exists and is slowly declining. It does not surprise me that a middle aged white man would profess his racism or put a "white power" sign outside his home, but it does shock me that a college student here at Penn State, where there is plenty of diversity, would go to such measures. Most of us have our racist moments and hidden bias, whether we want to admit it or not. But we should continue to look for improvement, especially since today's generation is going to set the standard for the future.

Despite that negative racial slur, Penn State is a great place full of accepting students from different racial backgrounds. And even with an immature attempt to access white dominance will not affect the international and ethnically different students that come to State College each year. At least today we can talk about these hate slogans and not fear to speak out against it because of society's stereotypes. Though the issue of political correctness is messy and debatable, it is clear that certain things should not be said or written in a morally just world.

Personally, I feel no guilt for being in the position and being the type of person I am. Just because I am a white individual, there is no reason I should feel guilt. To me, guilt is when you have done something wrong and, therefore, feel GUILTY that you did not handle a situation differently or make different choices. It was not my choice to be born into this world the way I was, so for what reason should I feel guilt? Inevitably, how I use my "advantage" in this world will determine whether I should or should not feel a moral guilt. I understand I should not take my life for granted, and I need to further understand the perspectives of others and help others any chance I get.

White people of this generation should not have guilt for our ancestors actions. We are not born with guilt! As already mentioned, it is how you live your life and the actions you take that will determine a personal moral guilt. There is a very plausible chance my ancestors were racist, but that should in no way influence my actions or beliefs. It will only do so if I allow it to. History is upsetting with the ruthless actions of European settlers on native Indians, and the history of black racism is quintessentially the result of white peoples. I am sorry that my ancestors may have been an active part of this. It is a sad past and it is confusing how individuals who believed they were "wholesome Christians" could at the same time treat other races with such disrespect. It is unfortunate that whites had brainwashed themselves to live with such hatred, but I refuse to feel guilt for what has happened in history because I was not living in it.

As for individuals whose ancestors were heavily discriminated against, I am sure they feel saddness and distress from what their family went through. I know I would most likely feel more obligated and willing to fight for a cause if my ancestors were oppressed. However, I can't feel pity on someone who had a slave ancestor. It's extremely unfortunate, but it was not my doing and it is not a part of your life. We need to remember the past, because, as the saying goes, "we need to learn our past so it is not repeated in the future."

Classes like Soc 119 are awesome and are helping us not repeat what has happened in the past. I cannot even imagine my parents sitting in a class such as this when they were in college. Our generation is changing, slowly but nonetheless working to make a better future. Instead of feeling guilt for past events, let's work on bettering the future and shed the walls of racism and inequality.

In Sam's book, he talks about a layer of "white guilt" that is embedded within society. Because of this, many white people are worried about presenting themselves with "political correctness" and avoid confronting the racial challenges of society. I feel a lot of white people are worried to confront idea or issues the same way black and brown people are because of America's history. Black and brown individuals recall their ancestors who lived in slavery, while white people ancestors may have been the ones buying slaves. It's simply a controversial issue, because white people do not want to say something to offend people of different race, but at the same time it is important for black and brown people to defend their oppressed history.

As stated in other comments on this post, since black and brown people consist of the minority in the U.S., this could also be a factor as to why they are more vocal for expressing their problems. As a minority group, you work to be equals and want the same opportunities as everyone else. Society works against minority groups often, and as a member one would feel obligated to express how they feel to better their chances. White people have been depicted often through history as the "superior race" and because of this absurd stereotype there is not enough need to voice many of the sociological issues because they are not the ones being discriminated against. And because of the idea of discrimination still existing, many black and brown people will defend and argue any issues in their life with equal force and assertiveness.

I also think environment has to do with the type of individual you grow to be. Many black and brown people live in hostile city environments and learn to speak up when confrontation arises. White people are stereotypically found more often in rural or suburban locations, and are more restricted with their opinions. It just seems you cannot rule out environment when it comes to the way people speak and confront topics. What you learn from a young age carries on throughout many years of your life, and it can certainly affect the way you speak to others or how you deal with problems in day to day life.

The whole issue of black and brown people being more vocal than white people is completely stereotypical. Yes, there are many cases where this idea is valid, but this is not true in all cases. People need to stop worrying about the social norms and discuss the topics openly as is done in our Soc 119 class. Working to break down these barriers, white people can slowly learn to equally discuss the important issues that surround us today.

America is surely a country that offers more opportunities than many others. People speak of the “American Dream” and it has been stated in history books that America is “the land of opportunities.” In class, Sam stated that the people sitting in his Soc 119 class were 97% better off economically and educationally than the rest of the world. I fully agree with him. There is so much poverty and much less security in other areas of the world that Americans are not exposed to. Even individuals on the lowest end of the socio-economic ladder in America are better off than individuals in many other nations. As Americans, it is common to assume we are the ones that involve ourselves in everyone’s business. How do we know when enough is enough, and not too much?

There are many programs in the U.S. that work to raise money for African, South American, and many other nations of the world. I’m not sure how we could advance or “better” the “third world countries” of today. A nation’s government works to protect and improve itself and its people. I firmly believe we should continue charity projects for other countries, but it is also important that we do not intervene to protect our resources. Our security is important too, especially when our government and economy has had its struggles through past years with the war in the Middle East.

The way Americans live is certainly different from that of many other countries. Americans are firm and focused when it comes to the work field, and, in America, “money buys happiness.” It’s interesting when we take the time to research how other countries, such as Denmark, are considered to be the “happiest countries in the world.” Denmark citizens pay the highest taxes of almost all nations in the world. A large portion of their salaries are expected to go to the government, yet their people are happy and trustworthy. In fact, many mothers in Denmark choose to leave their newborns out on the sidewalk in their carriages while they go and shop in the store! Now that defines trust. Could you imagine people doing that in America? If anything, someone would call the cops and the mother would be found guilty of neglect. Obviously, America has some improving to accomplish.

Haiti is a country in a very unfortunate condition. As fortunate Americans, I think it is a great gesture to do what we can to help them. It’s simply impossible to help all peoples. However, we can limit our choices and do our best to help those who truly are in need and are virtually unable to help themselves. The American life is separate and distinguishable from the rest of the world. Each country has its uniqueness, and America is not the only place where opportunity is found.

Many situations and life experiences are both due to the ideals of free will and determinism. Just as Sam stated in class, it is best to have a healthy balance of both the free will and determinism perspectives. In my life, both aspects have definitely had an equal affect on me and I realize now that both are vital factors to understand before judgments are made.

First, determinism has definitely been important in my life. My parents have had the ability to support 3 kids and supply us all with an opportunity for good education. I was sent to private school for kindergarten through 8th grade and that definitely advanced me educationally for my high school experiences. Growing up, I was taught the meaning of hard work, how to be a good person, and always was supplied with a source of protection. Money and environment have strong influences with determinism. My parents were able to give me good educations, a more than suitable home, and plenty of love to always reassure me. These things have definitely shaped the person I am today.

Second, free will has been seen in my drive to pursue the career I hope to reach one day. My ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian. With only 27 veterinary schools in the United States and only a 10% acceptance rate, admittance into a veterinary medicine program is extremely competitive. I have 700 hours of experience so far in a small animal veterinary practice and have had experience with five different veterinarians. Additionally, I have taken the initiative to introduce myself to professors and I now have a research position lined up for next fall semester in animal nutrition. My parents have never forced me to do one of these things, but they always support my goals. It was my choice to better my chances for future opportunities, and I chose Penn State mainly because it is one of the top schools for my undergraduate degree.

It is impossible to assume that a person’s life has been shaped because of either determinism or free will. For example, both my parents come from lower class childhoods. My mother’s father died when my mom was only 8, and her mom had to support 3 children. This resulted in a lot of moving around and barely meeting quota for bills and other payments. However, my mother had an older sister who worked hard and managed to become successful, and was able (by way of determinism) to support my mother as she pursued a career as a nurse. Additionally, my father knew he would not be able to go to college unless he pursued the one thing he had talent in, wrestling. Working hard through high school and taking 3rd in States, he received a full scholarship to a local university and studied to become an anatomy and physiology teacher.

In a way, I feel my parents made more of their choices through free will. However, I did mention that my mother definitely was able to receive an advancement through determinism. Both of these influences need to be weighed equally, especially when you do not fully understand the situation. Everyone can make choices, but it is easier for some to pursue those choices and sometimes nearly impossible for others to achieve them, based on determinism. This just goes to show that you should “never judge a book by its cover,” especially until you understand all of the factors that go into an individual’s life experiences.