gdp's Comments

Race Relations Project : 300,000! What's it mean to me...to us?

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 03:05:19 +0000

I think you've raised some great questions here. Questions that made me think for awhile about the disaster in Haiti and what we heard in class on Tuesday. Do we have a responsibility to help? I think we do. It's easy to sit here and do nothing though and continue going on with our lives. But it's not difficult to do something that makes a difference. Like Ian said, it's easier to make a bigger difference in a country that so desperately needs help and aid. At the very least, Haiti's unfortunate and dire situation should remind us to be thankful for what we have, for the luxuries in our life (like running water, grocery stores around the corner, and a place to sleep at night) and maybe to share some of our relative wealth. I think part of the reason why people read about these catastrophic events in the news or online and say, "oh my god, that's horrible," but then continue on with their lives is because they've never known or seen such a disaster or have seen how it directly affects them. It can be hard sometimes to see a direct relation as to how something like this affects us. But I think Tuesdays class helped put it into perspective for me, at least. When I found out that the aid money that the U.S. is sending is really just benefiting our own economy I was a little shocked. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, and the U.S. one of the wealthiest, if not the most wealthy. And like Sam said, the people in the lowest 10% of socioeconomic status here in the U.S. are still better off than the people in Haiti. I think one of the problems is that so many Americans have the view from their microcosm and can only think about what is happening in the present day. I think people also have trouble putting themselves in another person's shoes. Yes, it can be hard to think about what it would be like if suddenly 300,000 Americans were killed here in the U.S. because of an Earthquake and that we didn't have any food or fresh water to drink. But think about how we felt on 9/11 or after Hurricane Katrina. Do you think people felt more empathy for those injured and killed in the attacks and the natural disaster here than they do for the victims in Haiti? I think that people become desensitized to "giving" towards a problem that probably will take decades to solve, ie. hunger in Africa or rebuilding Haiti. People are much more willing write a check now and say, "Ok, this solves an imminent problem and I did my part." The only people who can truly say how horrible these events are, are those who have had family or close friends directly involved. But in any event, we should all try our best to imagine ourselves in that situation and think about the Golden Rule that Same talked about.

Race Relations Project : Letter from an Inmate

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:00:49 +0000

I thought your response to this letter had many good points. I agree with your thought that many of us probably don't think about how fortunate we are and we probably take a few things for granted. It's hard to even imagine what it would be like to be living in prison, knowing that you'll be spending the rest of your life their. But some of the lifers, including this man who wrote the letter, change their outlook on life and appreciate the little things in life that we may overlook. I think you're right about how prisoners are portrayed in TV and movies. Much of it is unrealistic. Yes, I do agree that people should suffer the consequences for their actions, but I do believe that people can change and should be given a second chance. We should also consider people who are sentenced as young adults. In fact, the United States stands alone in the world in convicting young adolescents as adults and sentencing them to live out their lives in prison. To me, there's something wrong with that.

Race Relations Project : Letter from an Inmate

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:48:20 +0000

I agree with you that this is an incredible piece of writing by a "lifer." I think it's true that many people in the world think that everyone in jail is a terrible person who should never be given a second chance. And I think in many cases, it's true; but not all people in prison for life do. It's pretty clear that this man has changed a lot and has progressed his thinking to levels that many of us may never reach. The U.S. has the most people in prisons and they are starting to overfill. I've never had the opportunity to visit or talk with someone who is in prison for life, or even someone who has spent time in prison. I agree with you though when you say that everyone makes mistakes - some make bigger mistakes than others. But to say that these people aren't human, I don't think is right. I also think it's interesting to see how much some people can change after they've spent time in prison, or know that they'll spend the rest of their life in prison.

Race Relations Project : 300,000! What's it mean to me...to us?

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:28:42 +0000

Race Relations Project : Want to Learn Chinese (Mandarin)?

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:14:51 +0000

I strongly agree with the views you have expressed in your posting. I also think that it's really important that American kids start becoming bilingual or trilingual because the world is becoming increasingly more diverse. As Sam talked about before, there won't be a "majority" of races or ethnicities, and therefore languages spoken, in a few decades. I actually don't think that English will be replaced as the dominant language in the U.S., at least any time soon or in my lifetime for sure. I also really agree with your point about foreign language classes in schools -- many kids take four or more years of a language and still can't hold a semi-fluent conversation in the language. It definitely has to do with the way schools are approaching teaching languages. Many students end up deciding to study abroad sometime in college and it would greatly benefit them to know a language other than English. I most definitely agree with you about schools teaching kids different languages in kindergarten or first grade. Kids pick up on new material, especially a different language much more quickly at a younger age. If schools hire effective teachers, kids will be fluent in more than just English by the time they are in middle or high school. I've also been quite frustrated with the way the government has handled funding with schools and the NCLB regulations. I'm an Elementary Ed major so this really affects me and I too hope that this change happens within my lifetime.

Race Relations Project : Want to Learn Chinese (Mandarin)?

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:08:16 +0000

I also agree that English has been the primary language for most business transactions and not trying to be ethnocentric or biased, but why change something that's been working for years? However, I do think that it would benefit people to learn Mandarin and Arabic because more native speakers of these languages are immigrating to the U.S. And the number of Chinese will only continue to increase in future years. I know that at State College High School they actually did a "test" year of teaching Arabic in schools and it seemed to be a pretty big success and there were many kids enrolled in the class. So I don't think it should be required to be taught in schools, but I do think that it's a good idea to include Mandarin in schools as a choice for a foreign language, instead of just Spanish or French. Additionally if schools do decide to implement the teaching of Mandarin into the schools in the U.S. they should seriously consider teaching kids a foreign language in elementary school. Every other country seems to have figured that out.

Race Relations Project : What about the men?

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:00:47 +0000

I agree with the previous posts on this question that men, just like women, do try to conform to the "norms" of society. I don't think it's quite to the extent that women do, but I think everyone tries to fit into society at some point in their lives, even if it's only temporary or for a short period of time. I definitely know that I've been in a few situations where everyone else seemed to be talking about something that I didn't know about or were dressed a little bit differently than me, and that made me uncomfortable. I think this is especially relevant for adolescents where looks and styles are very important to many of them. Naturally self-esteem increases when people feel like they belong and fit in with a group. Although we're all human and we do have some need to belong to a group or community. I'm not sure if that's necessarily conformity, or finding people who are similar to us or have similar interests. Either way, I think that conformity has actually gotten a little out of control. There are countless reality shows who cast guys with six packs and huge muscles. Magazines also have people who are in great shape and air brushed to have the "ideal" body, but what many people don't realize is that those looks are unattainable. It's unrealistic. Although I am guilty to conformity earlier in my life, I try to avoid it as much as possible now for a few different reasons. So why we should not conform to society? Society tries to place many boundaries on us as individuals as to what is acceptable and what is not. In reality, we must decide for ourselves whether to conform to such a social restraint. We must decide for ourselves whether to conform to such a social restraint. So many of us are taught as soon as we are old enough to grasp the idea that it is bad to be unique and to avoid being different. At some point, however, we must decide within ourselves whether to spend every day trying to be like everyone else because society says we should or living each day true to ourselves. The benefits of being true to ourselves greatly overshadow any negative aspects of choosing that path. I think most people start to realize this later on in life. The more self esteem a person has, the more likely they are to have a greater resistance to conformity. However, the forces to conform are very strong. People like to fit in and be a part of the group and to be in harmony with the rest of the population. Only slight attractions are required between people to bring about some level of conformity, and communications are not even required. People will speculate as to what the norm may be, and will conform anyway so that they will fit in with the crowd. Peer pressure is a great example of this.

Race Relations Project : This is totally off the hook

Wed, 7 Apr 2010 16:01:21 +0000

I definitely agree with your post that the Japanese government needs to intervene on the creation of these disgusting and terrible video games. It has gone way too far. There's always controversy around these shoot-'em-up and violent video games, especially the more criminal ones like Grand Theft Auto (which apparently also has the added element of teaching users that if you kill a hooker, you get your money back), which also does not belong in any form of "game" or "entertainment." I do believe in the first amendment, but I'm pretty sure this is not what was visualized when the first amendment was drafted and put into place. There are always exceptions to the rule, and this definitely does NOT fall into a freedom of expression category. A game of virtually raping women and children? It's indefensible. Sounds like the amendment needs amending to reflect changing technology, and the values of the majority of Americans, who I would hope would completely oppose this. Rape isn't funny and it's not a game. I really hope that this is banned and children don't start playing this game. Governments really need to start censoring the media a bit more, mostly for the sake of kids.

Race Relations Project : This is totally off the hook

Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:49:11 +0000

This is absolutely disgusting and horrifying to see that video game makers have really crossed the line on this "game." I have never been a fan of violent video games or movies, and as a elementary ed. major, I can see from first hand experience that kids you spend their time playing video games and watching violent movies do tend to release their frustrations and anger through violence. However, I don't think many kids actually know the reality of shooting someone in a video game because they only know it as something in their game -- they've never actually seen someone get shot or murdered. But, according to CNN.com, these hentai games are very common in Japan, and before the arrival of the Internet, many of these forms of pornography games were kept under wraps. Now with the advanced technology, as soon as a game is put on the market in Japan; it’s also made available to the world on the Internet. This is very concerning that the government in Japan has made no effort to regulate the video games that are being produced. Japan’s censorship laws do not allow the game developers to expose genitalia even in animated form, but the law does not restrict the themes and ideas of the games. Unbelievable.

Race Relations Project : I really want to know also...

Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:38:50 +0000

I agree with many previous responses to this video that this question is one that really made me think…have I changed my mind about anything because of what Sam has said in class? I don’t think I have drastically changed my opinions or views on anything, but I do think that I’ve become more aware of many issues that need to be brought to attention in the world today. In order to support your opinions and views, you need to be able to see where the other side is coming from and I think Sam does a great job staying neutral for the most part in talking about issues from a neutral standpoint. I also think the reason why I haven’t changed my mind on many issues talked about in class is because I have already progressed through most of the racial identity stages. I’ve worked with people of many different races and cultures and consider many to be some of my close friends. So I think the important thing that people take away from this class is being able to see both sides of an issue. And I do think that people who have not progressed through the racial identity stages will change their minds more than others because they will the awakening and revisioning stages if they haven’t already. Suppose people think there is a problem with racism in the U.S., but you don’t see racism in your everyday life. Then I do believe that if you can’t change your mind about something, then you can’t change anything. I read an article in a magazine awhile ago that said, “In order to get people in conflict to cooperate or collaborate sufficiently to settle or resolve their differences, and perhaps achieve reconciliation, it is necessary that they change their minds.” People will always disagree with one another. That’s never going to change. But there needs to be some sort of compromise to resolve difference and achieve a happy medium. This class has definitely forced me to think and re-think my values and opinions about all different topics. If the discussions in class haven’t changed my mind, I know that I’ve gained valuable knowledge about pertinent issues that are relevant today. I also think that Sam’s lectures help to spur discussion on topics that need to be discussed, but aren’t necessarily discussed my many. Many people have been brought out of their comfort zone, in my opinion, and I think in order for someone to achieve growth as a person and progress through the stages, they need to be a little bit uncomfortable, without being scared. Real world events can have the effect of changing parties’ perceptions completely. And I think Sam does a really good job of incorporating current and relevant events into his lectures that do effect many people in the class. I also think that the people who don’t feel connected to these issues at all, need to take a step and see that what affects others, do actually affect them. So even if people don’t change their minds, at least see the connection as to how many of these issues affect everyone.

Race Relations Project : Nothing About the Census is Easy

Thu, 1 Apr 2010 21:42:15 +0000

I just read this article on cnn.com and thought it was interesting. http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/04/01/census.check.it....

Race Relations Project : Nothing About the Census is Easy

Thu, 1 Apr 2010 02:11:38 +0000

I really don't think the Census Bureau can ever win with people always getting upset about the words and terms listed on the sheet. Race is an incredibly confusing and easily debatable issue. People of the same color can identify with different races, ethnicities, and cultures. There's no specific mold that people can fit in and it's impossible to classify people with options that make everyone happy. Obviously some people still use the word negro because like many other people posted, it's a generational thing. My friend's grandpa refers to himself as a negro, but my friend prefers to call himself black. I found a statistic online that says: "In the case of the Census 2000, more than 56,000 people wrote in the term negro, even though it was already written elsewhere on the form." To me, that's definitely enough people to have the word negro as a choice on this year's census form. But i've also read that because of all the complaints, the Bureau is already considering removing the word "negro" from the 2020 census. The form was established to determine Congressional representation and direct taxation each decade. The official web page for the 2010 Census says that filling out these forms is important not only for Constitutional reasons, but also because $400 billion in federal funding to states for a myriad of unconstitutional programs depends on the numbers generated. So really, I don't see what the big deal is about these specific terms used and why people are getting so offended about it.

Race Relations Project : The White Minorities

Thu, 1 Apr 2010 01:58:46 +0000

I agree with what you've said in your post that most Americans won't really notice these changes. I've already thought about this issue as well, and knew that eventually that there won't be necessarily a majority or minority group of people. But like many, I just wasn't sure when I would see that happen in the U.S. This article wasn't that surprising or shocking to me at all and although I can't speak for all white people, I don't think most are concerned with this change. I like to think that our generation has made drastic steps in becoming more and more accepting of different races, ethnicity, and cultures. I was also thinking that racism won't even be an issue by the time there isn't a majority or minority, but after watching the video "A Girl Like Me," I'm not sure about that anymore. It's pretty clear that children are learning the idea that one skin color is better than another from somewhere and from some people. Just something to consider.

Race Relations Project : Those Dolls Say Alot About Who We Are

Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:18:59 +0000

I was very shocked after watching this video and like some other people said, I really didn't think the video was going to be that disturbing because Sam warns us that a lot of the videos he shows are going to be hard to believe. But this video really got me thinking about how young children are when they start thinking about race and forming their opinions. I could hardly believe that the one girl said that the white doll was the nice doll and the black doll was the mean doll. And then picked the black doll for the one that she thought looked most like her. What does that tell us about children in today's society? Where are they learning that some races are preferred to others? And that skin colors determine whether you are nice or mean? It's incredibly disturbing to me that children as young as the children in the video are still choosing the white doll as the one they prefer, just as children did in the 50s when this experiment was done the first time. In the experiment done in the 50s, Clark concluded that "prejudice, discrimination and segregation" caused black children to develop a sense of inferiority and self-hatred. So does that mean that prejudice, discrimination, and segregation still exist to the same extent in today's society than they did before the Brown v. Education ruling? This video does tell us that children as young as four years old are aware of what many people in today's society value and view as ideal, such as lighter skin (when we talked about skin whitening cream as being the leading cosmetic product sold) and straight hair versus kinked hair. I think this video shows us that children can internalize stereotypes. Children pick up on the slightest details and preferred ways of doing things. They are watching peoples' every move at times and listening to what they say. The girl who made the most recent video said, "The doll test I decided on because I thought, you can tell people these standards all you want, but until you figure out a way to really show people and how it's affecting black self-image and your self-esteem, that's when I think people really begin to get it and how it affects youth in general." I think that this video really proves that children start developing and picking up on stereotypes at an incredibly young age. I also think that this proves that the people around them aren't being unbiased and are being very stereotypical. This definitely shows that we need to start talking to children about race as early as kindergarten. I would be interested to hear what the children said as to their explanation why they thought the white doll was the nice one and the black doll was the mean one.

Race Relations Project : In Her Own Words

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:20:41 +0000

I have to say that I was feeling the same way as you when Sam initially started talking about menstruation and used the word "bleeding" instead of period, which is what I'm used to hearing. I agree as well that people should be free to talk about it if they'd like to, but it's something that people don't really like to hear about. Is it because of the stigma that has been formed about it? That having your period should be kept a secret? I definitely agree with your points about talking about this so that males are more aware of what women go through every month. I know a lot of guys who know only vaguely what the menstrual cycle entails, and they don't really care to know more. However, I don't think some guys realize that by being insensitive or not caring to learn more about it makes them seem uncaring and insensitive.

Race Relations Project : In Her Own Words

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:13:16 +0000

I think you've made a lot of great points in your post. I also found this video very interesting and in a way inspiring for girls and women to not be afraid to talk about their menstrual cycles and the pain and embarrassment it can bring. I also know quite a few guys who don't like to talk about periods because they think it doesn't affect them. Well actually, it does. If they ever want to reproduce they need to learn about the menstrual cycle and what women go through each month. I think if boys learned about menstruation at a younger age, it wouldn't be so gross or inappropriate to talk about for them as college students. I also agree with your arguments about people enjoying bloody gore filled movies, but being completely grossed out by menstruation. It doesn't really make sense, and I think you're right - it's because of the stigma that's been attached to women's periods.

Race Relations Project : Flip the Script for a Moment

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:06:31 +0000

I think Sam raised a lot of important points in the last few classes we've had. I know many people have voiced their opinions about how they think the subject matter is inappropriate, gross, etc, but Sam just made the connection to the race issue here and I really don't see why people are getting so offended about Sam talking about menstruation. Yes, it's probably a lot more in-depth than most people feel comfortable talking about, but I just don't understand how so many people (mostly guys) are commenting about how they don't want to hear the details of menstruation. It's completely natural and part of the reproduction cycle. If guys knew more about it, I guarantee their girlfriends or wives would greatly appreciate that. I think that if guys were more educated and sensitive about it, then girls wouldn't want or need to talk about it. Just as Sam has made the connection to the race issue. If people were more aware of discrimination and ethnocentrism, we wouldn't be uncomfortable talking about race issues (especially white people). Just because it's not the "norm," people aren't comfortable talking about certain subjects. The most important things I learn and life lessons I go through weren't done without stepping out of my comfort zone. In most societies, the basis of conduct norms and communication about menstruation is the belief that menstruation must remain hidden. Even in advertising, companies don't talk about menstruation. Tne common way that even sanitary-product advertising avoids mentioning menstruation is by pouring a blue liquid on the sanitary item to demonstrate its absorptiveness. This shows the stigma surrounding the blood associated with menstruation. The invention of the tampon in may have been inspired by the taboo, as tampons are more "discreet." Further evidence of the taboo is the creation of a variety of euphemisms for menstruation. Yes, I admit there are times where having your period can be embarrassing if it happens when you don't expect it to or aren't prepared, but this is only because of the stigma that society has labeled menstruating with. I think that if people didn't make it such a taboo subject, girls would feel much more comfortable talking about their periods. I also found it interesting when Sam talked about if men had periods and menstrual cycles and how society would probably view it differently. A white minority of the world has spent centuries getting us into thinking that a white skin makes people superior - even though the only thing it really does is make the more subject to ultraviolet rays and to wrinkles. Male human beings have built whole cultures around the idea that penis-envy is "natural" to women - though having such an unprotected organ might be said to make men vulnerable, and the power to give birth makes womb-envy at least as logical. Do you think that sanitary items would be free if men had periods? What about in developing countries where it's a problem that many females don't have any way to deal with their menstrual cycles each month and face embarrassment because their society view the cycle as being dirty and unclean.

Race Relations Project : Does this rudeness thing cut both ways?

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:57:41 +0000

I also agree that you had good points. However, I also agree with tahmed that it's impossible for white people to understand colored peoples' thoughts and discussions fully. I think you make a good point about many stereotypes having some origin of truth. Sam has shown us many statistics that it's easier to "get ahead" in this country as a white person. I was incredibly shocked at the study he showed us where there were two groups of people who applied for jobs and white people were twice as likely to get called back. Being white, I know that I subconsciously take certain things for granted. And I know that I'll never be fully able to understand the perspective of a black person, well, because I'm not black. But I hope that all races realize that no other race will be able to see through their eyes completely, but recognize that people really are making an effort.

Race Relations Project : Is anyone else getting this stuff?

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:52:41 +0000

The "Brown v. Board of Education" of 50 years ago was perhaps the most significant school reform implemented in American education. The goal of this landmark court decision was to end public school segregation and introduce racially integrated schools. Now in the 21st century, we argue that the hope and promise of "Brown v. Board of Education" has not been realized. Many public schools are still segregated and those that are racially and ethnically integrated face segregated classrooms as a result of white flight and college tracking. We argue that "Brown v. Board of Education," the most racially explicit school reform enacted in 50 years, can be made more effective through additional racially minded and social justice reforms. Specifically, public school administrators and teachers can promote racial equity academically and socially by promoting learning opportunities, shaping discussion and open dialogue about race, and developing multicultural curriculum. I think it all starts at the elementary grade levels. If children are not taught about race relations and aren’t made to feel comfortable talking about race, when will they ever? It just continues to get worse and kids are sheltered and continue to hang out with friends of the same race. After reading Laurie's book, I gained much insight about race relations and how to go about discussing issues that made me feel a little bit uncomfortable. I don't consider myself racist or biased against people of different races, but I will admit that I am sometimes uncomfortable talking about certain race issues. I think the most important thing that this book taught me was that I should be open and willing to talk about issues.

Race Relations Project : Does this rudeness thing cut both ways?

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:38:10 +0000

There is still a difference between the political power which Blacks are able to exercise against others and the power which whites are able to exercise. Both racial groups can be racist and derogatory against other races, but there is a world of difference in terms of the effect the speech has on others. There is also a difference between individual racism and institutional racism. Some people say that white people are the only race who can be racist. But the truth is that anyone can be an individual racist if they believe in the inherent inferiority/superiority of one race over another, or if they advocate basing the treatment of others on their race. It’s pretty hard for blacks to be racist at the institutional level. For them to really be racist at that level, they would have to control a large enough chunk of this nation's institutions to act on whatever individual racist tendencies they might have. The state of relations between Blacks and Whites in the U.S. still suffers greatly, and a lack of recognition and understanding by the public and the government only feeds the problem. Race relations issues occur in schools, on the streets, in the media, and in the workplace. About a year ago, CBS did a poll about race relations between black people and white people, and for the first time in CBS News polling history, a majority of blacks cast race relations in the U.S. in a positive light. “59% of African-Americans - along with 65% of whites - now characterize the relationship between blacks and whites in America as "good," according to a new CBS News/New York Times survey.” Additionally, “61% of blacks say there has been real progress in getting rid of racial discrimination since the 1960s. That's up from 37% in December 1996. 87% percent of whites say there has been real progress since the 1960s.” Despite the increasingly positive perceptions, however, most blacks feel that discrimination lingers. Asked who has a better chance to get ahead in U.S. society, 51% of blacks said white people do. 44% said both races had equal opportunity, while just 1% said blacks had an advantage. I think these statistics are part of the reason that rudeness can go both ways in today’s society. It is harder to get ahead as a person of color in this country, in my opinion, despite changes in attitudes and behaviors among elite whites. Like the job hiring experiment that Sam showed us in class, many companies choose to hire people based on their name and skin color. However, since Barack Obama has been elected president, 70% of African-Americans now say the country is headed in the right direction - more than twice the percentage of white Americans (34%) who say as much. So, it's understandable that comments were made on both sides when we were able to text our responses to the screen. Additionally, Sam keeps saying that black people are much more likely to make comments and talk about race relations than white people. White people are more likely to sit back and observe the situation before they say anything because most of the time they don't want to be accused of being racist.