I grew up in New York to a irish father and a cuban mother. Growing up my family was very excepting of all people and the family in my life was very diverse. Throughout my life my father was very open about his political views and I would consider him left of center. That being said my values were liberal and my view on the world was understanding and skeptical. My semester my friend was said to me that I have to take Soc 119 and that it was "the best class." I heard rave reviews about Sam so I signed up. Going into the course I was expecting Sam to be controversial, while playing devils advocate. I was right and the subject matter every class was very apropos. Talking to my classmates I found that I wasnt as shocked or offended as most other students were, especially girls. I overheard this group of girls saying how insensitive Sam Richards was. Sam the minds of narrow thinking people to what you think is true, questioning the morals you believe. I was surprised to see some of the data. Some of Sams statistics shattered stereotypes. I can honestly say since the media's perception and what I saw in movies, I thought that the majority of crack users were black. It has always been perceived as a black drug. They always showed images of an urban ghetto with black people all along the streets. One class Same bought up statistics that showed that white people abuse more crack than blacks. It is interesting to me why the media never showed images of trailer parks and toothless white hicks. I guess it is easier to abuse black people and make them seem as the dangerous ones and have every one afraid. Same also brought up a questions asking, " how many people get abducted in America each year by non-family members?" A large portion of the class chose 25,000, but in reality the answer was 100. This just proves how scared Americans are kept. We see such horrible things on the news and we think that will happen to us. This week we had a class on homosexuality, I was very surprised to see how uncomfortable people were throughout the room. Our generation did not invent gay people. Gay people have been around since the dawn of man and they will continue to be here. It occurs throughout nature and people just need to except that. If we are a country full of hate, where will that get us? We wont move forward It must just except each other as is. People wouldnt want gay people to force their beliefs on you, so why can you do that to them?

I grew up in New York to a irish father and a cuban mother. Growing up my family was very excepting of all people and the family in my life was very diverse. Throughout my life my father was very open about his political views and I would consider him left of center. That being said my values were liberal and my view on the world was understanding and skeptical. My semester my friend was said to me that I have to take Soc 119 and that it was "the best class." I heard rave reviews about Sam so I signed up. Going into the course I was expecting Sam to be controversial, while playing devils advocate. I was right and the subject matter every class was very apropos. Talking to my classmates I found that I wasnt as shocked or offended as most other students were, especially girls. I overheard this group of girls saying how insensitive Sam Richards was. Sam the minds of narrow thinking people to what you think is true, questioning the morals you believe. I was surprised to see some of the data. Some of Sams statistics shattered stereotypes. I can honestly say since the media's perception and what I saw in movies, I thought that the majority of crack users were black. It has always been perceived as a black drug. They always showed images of an urban ghetto with black people all along the streets. One class Same bought up statistics that showed that white people abuse more crack than blacks. It is interesting to me why the media never showed images of trailer parks and toothless white hicks. I guess it is easier to abuse black people and make them seem as the dangerous ones and have every one afraid. Same also brought up a questions asking, " how many people get abducted in America each year by non-family members?" A large portion of the class chose 25,000, but in reality the answer was 100. This just proves how scared Americans are kept. We see such horrible things on the news and we think that will happen to us. This week we had a class on homosexuality, I was very surprised to see how uncomfortable people were throughout the room. Our generation did not invent gay people. Gay people have been around since the dawn of man and they will continue to be here. It occurs throughout nature and people just need to except that. If we are a country full of hate, where will that get us? It must just except each other as is. People wouldnt want gay people to force their beliefs on you, so why can you do that to them? I am looking forward to the needy penis lecture, I have heard its the best one.

In class when I saw that question I knew the answer and I got the answer correct. I have always been aware of the fear and paranoia that exists in this country due to the media and our government and I know that power is kept with fear mongering and the way the media portrays the world. When I first saw this question I immediately thought of the movie, "Bowling for Columbine. The movie is a documentary about guns and America as a gun-loving society and why we choose to feel the need to have guns. One part of the movie the director visits Canada and tries an experiment. He heard that Canadians do not usually lock their house doors so he went into a suburban neighborhood and tests it out. For enough, for the most part it is true and he walked right in. He started to interview the Canadian homeowners why, they were saying that Americans just in general are afraid of their neighbor and the possibility of something happening to them. It got me thinking, people are scared of the unknown and what they see. In movies and on the news we see murder and rape and assault so naturally we think that this could happen to us, but in actuality it is very unlikely. I thought it was very interesting when sam but up the two lists of crimes, one that actually happens and the other the most frequent crimes in film. The two lists were very different the films being the more violent of the two. But than I thought Canadians watch violent movies, they play violent video games, why do we live so much more in fear. Luckily I grew up in a nice town and I had such great people in my town, there were many kids on my block and we used to play outside all the time. My parents always were kicking me out of the house trying to get me to go play outside. My parents and I never feared what could happen walking to school because we trusted life. I believe that America needs a better sense of community, I feel as if people dont even know who lives next door to them. They never go outside and talk or knock on another door just to show some brotherly love. Maybe if people did that we wouldn't be as scared as we are. But the main culprit of this problem has to be our media. Reporting on a scary story is much sexier than finding a positive one. The media makes the world out to be a scary place where you will get murdered or robbed if you walk outside. Hopefully we can change how news is reported or better yet change the way we digest the news, know that the world is not all bad

I understand the Muslim women's point of view about clothing and it makes sense. In general we should judge one another by their personality and not by their looks, weather it is sexual attractiveness or just plain human interaction. The fact that the muslim garb eliminates any physical distractions makes it "easier" for another to get to know the real them. On the other hand I believe it is a bit extreme. Throughout the world and our history religion has been the main institution that drive social morals and values. Religious ideologues push their so morals and values on everyone else and claim that their ideals are basic universal values. That being said there is a whole other part that you must bring up when it comes the appropriateness of women's outfits in our society and that is gender roles. In our country sex sells and like it our not both men and women contribute to that fact. Throughout our media women are seen as a sort of sex symbol and because of these women as tools, it has created a false perception of what a women should act and dress like. Probably the most important principle in America is freedom and there is no doubt that women should have the freedom to dress how ever they please. If they want to wear scantily clad outfits that is there choice. But remember that no matter who it is, how you dress reflect yourself as an individual and what you are saying abut yourself. If you are wearing a suit and a tie, looking very professional it means that you mean business and that you want to be taken seriously. So if you are wearing a short skirt and a short top it may come off as you and not dressing very respectful and thus may say that you dont want the respect of others. But when looking at muslim women who are wearing cloth covering their whole body except the eyes, you might think that that is a society with such oppressive men. But in our society women are dressing sexy for other men. Is there really a difference? Both societies are dressing for men but feels as if she is respecting not only herself but the men around her by not drawing attention to themselves. It is very interesting to see in class both sides and I am very lucky that I go to a school that is so diverse and that I am able to see how other people live and how they see social morals and values. The is a show created by Moran Spurlock who directed the film Super Size me called "30 Days" In the show to people from opposite ends on an issue switch places for 30 days. I think it would be interesting to see two women from both America and SA switch places and how they dress and see how the other person lives and what they experience

I absolutely think that this statement is accurate. If it was a black guy and a young white girl things would be a lof different. The shooter would be in jail and none of this injustice would have happened. The reason the justice would have place is because it would be "normal" to America. The black bad guy would go to jail and all is well. But since the victim was a black male suspicions about the victim are allowed. People can say, what was he really up to? I think that is a very sad reality about our country but he still have stereotypes and racial profiling that happens. I think a lot has to happen for this nation to change. This is a clear sing that America still has a long way to go. Hearing the story about Treyvon deeply disturbed me because he sounded like any other kid. Wearing a hoodie outside while you walk home is not a crime and anyone trying to justify that the hoodie had the same amount to do with his death as his shooter needs to look at themselves in the mirror and check their logic and moral.

My perception of the war has not changed. I grew up in New York and when I am in 5th grade 9-11 happened. I was very affected by the attacks and the town that I grew up in actually lost the most people out of any single town in America. Many of my close friends and family lost somebody, so to me it cut very deeply. Like everyone I wanted justice, although I was to young to understand I could still grasp the gravity of the situation. I overheard my parents talking about 9-11 and from there I formed my own opinion. I knew that the mastermind who orchestrated the attacks had to be brought to justice. When the US government started talking about invading Iraq, linking Iraq to the attacks I knew that something I off. Like we all know now that war was not justified. Although I disagreed with the war in Iraq I did support an invasion into Afghanistan. Even though the last class did not change my perception of the war it definitely further opened my eyes about war in general. I believe that empathy is something that should not be taught, rather a basic human emotion that is understood. You shouldn't have to tell someone to understand how another is feeling, one should simply relate to the emotions that another human being is feeling. Talking to the man from Iraq was very interesting. He talked about how American soldiers who have been wounded are very lucky to have the medical service that they have. They have been thousands of civilian casualties in Iraq and countless people who have been injured that do not get any recognition at all from the rest of the world. When Sam brought the Iraq war veterans up on stage to hear what they had to say on the war I was deeply touched. The stories and explanations they gave were very deep and you could tell that they were letting all their emotions hang out for the class to see. During the Iraq War all the media showed was the violence and the horror of the people who were fighting the American soldiers. What the veterans talked about was much different. They talked about how many of the citizens embraced them and showed love to them. They also explained how they realized that the people fighting against them were fighting for similar reasons. For one, their own lives and for their family. And many of them, just like the Americans couldn't pinpoint why they were fighting, but that is a common theme of war. It was amazing to listen and learn from veterans who have been over seas so shortly ago. I hope that the class continues to go in this direction and touch upon issues that are not only controversial but sensitive in nature to talk about.

When i first looked at this picture I was probably not as shocked as most people. Obviously it took me back for a second because I realized that it is two men kissing but I was in no way offended by this. This two guys are obviously partners and they most likely haven't seen each other in a while because one was deployed to the middle east. Being away from your loved ones can be extremely difficult especially when you are surrounded by war. Of course when you haven't seen your significant other in months you will have the uncontrollable urge to embrace them. My opinion on homosexuality is pretty open-minded, I believe that everyone has the right to be happy and you shouldn't judge a person based on who he or she chooses to sleep with. People who have problems with gays in the military should take another look at themselves. No matter what your race or sexual preference is, anyone who decides to fight in the armed forces for our country should deserve respect and be honored by all citizens, it is shameful to hate a soldier who fights for our freedom solely based on their sexual orientation. In regards to the public display of affection, I am not a big fan of PDA but in this case it is understandable. I don't have a problem with seeing a gay couple, it stills strikes me as a bit odd initially but that is because you do not see it everyday. The only time I get a little annoyed with gay people is if they are shoving it in my face and being overly open about it with PDA but that goes for heterosexual couples as well. If any coupe is overly expressing PDA I see it as a little annoying. I do not really understand why the media is talking about this picture. Gay people and gay rights have been in the public eye for the last ten years and it is nothing new. It is well understood now that there are gays in the military so a soldier embraces his lover should not be a controversial issue. I believe that in this day in age where most of us consider ourselves tolerable of all races should be more excepting to gay people. They are our fellow citizens are not the sexual deviants that some people make them out to be. If this country is based on freedom we should preach just that, freedom. Gays should be able to marry who they love and be who they are because people dont get to choose who they are. I hope in the near future Americans who re against gay people can come around and learn that all people deserve the same rights that everyone else has.

I believe at first one might think that being called intellectually superior would be a good thing and considered a compliment but in reality it is is a form of racism and discrimination. The Asian stereotype of being good at math and science first of all has the negative connotation that they are nerdy or they care too much about school work. If an individual is really into math and science they are considered nerdy because those are very dense subjects and one must work hard in order to be good at them. So to think that all Asians are smart at math and science will increase the likely hood that they will be bullied. Someone who focuses on academics and not on being social will be a target for bullying so thinking all Asians are nerds will perpetuate bullying towards Asians. Also saying that all Asians are great at math and science will have a deleterious effect amongst the Asian community. If it a common fact that all Asians are great at math and science it will create false expectations and can hurt their self esteem. An asian person might think that they are suppose to be good at these topics and it will put unfair pressure on them to excel in those areas. Also it might hinder there ability to try something else other that math and science. Since they think they are suppose to be mastering math and science they might not go for something outside those fields, they could be great at something and not even know it because society says they are suppose to be good at math and science. Also being labeled as expected to be good at math and science might cause them to always be disappointed with themselves. Maybe an asian individual is not destined for an ivy league school so not getting in could be a huge disappointment. I also believe that this stereotype is one of the most widely believed. Everybody knows the stereotype of black people being great at sports but generally speaking people know that is not the case for all black people, but for some reason Asians are considered to be smart by far more people. I dont know what it is the case but it seems to be almost expectable to mock or be racist towards Asians, maybe because they are considered quieter or harmless people do not respect them as much. The bullying is even seen by the national media in the case of Jeremy Lin It might have to do with the fact that Asians more than any other race tend to stick together. Here at PSU asians tend to be in large groups of each other because they share a common language and culture.

Not all white people shy away from the topic of race. Personally, I do not mind talking about race and I actually am interested and never feel awkward about the subject. On tuesday Sam made a statement saying that white people tend to shy away from the topic of race, generally speaking there is probably some truth to that. Throughout society white people have been the dominant race when it comes to power. So with that being said white people view themselves as the norm. Anyone outside there race is "different." But in todays day in age we are taught from an early age that everyone is equal and that we are all the same and race doesnt matter. White people are conditioned to try and think that skin color doesnt exist. So when race is brought up they tend to get a little uncomfortable. Especially when it is in your face. In present day America one of white people's biggest social fears is being labeled as racist. So when race is brought up white people want to avoid the topic so nobody can call them out as racists, especially when there is a person of color present. In someone labels a white person as being racist their whole credibility to people of color could be shattered. Another reason is that when talking about race in front of people of color it can be quite intimidating for white people. White people know history and know what white people have done to people of color. They feel bad for what has happened and dont want to be blamed, ridiculed or hated for the actions of the past so they feel it is best to avoid the topic all together. When Sam began to say to a white student look around and point out the person with the darkest skin or the widest nose you could immedietly sense the akwardness in the room. From an early age white people re taught never to notice those attributes of people, let alone point them out. But the point Sam was trying to make is that is just how we are, a larger nose, darker skin is what makes you, you. It was interesting is see how comfortable the black girl was talking about her kinky hair or her dark skin. There was no besting around the bush, she was like "yea I have dark skin." But it is not all white people fault, I do think that sometimes when talking about race with white people, black people can be a bit aggressive in trying to corner a white person in argument. They tend to play the blame game for what has happen in the past and maybe it is rightfully so. Maybe that is another reason why white people dont like to talk about race is because they feel guilty about what happen in the past to people of color. It is much easier to sweep it under the rug and not talk about it.

Before Sam's lecture I always knew that Native Americans still exist in the United States but I never understood how they live. Throughout my life I was always taught that early Americans treated Native Americans poorly but I never grasped the severity of their quality of living. I feel that because of our history Americans are predisposed to not care about Native Americans. Besides slavery the treatment of Native Americans is another topic that the United States likes to sweep under the rug. We have always pushed them aside and have removed them constantly from their land. I feel that throughout history Americans have mocked the Native American culture. Nothing is better evidence than some of the American sports teams based off Native American stereotypes. One of the most widely excepted examples of racism in America is the professional football team the Washington Redskins. Redskin is a derogatory term for Native American due to them darker skin color. This is offensive to me and I am not even Native American. How can a professional organization openly support and encourage racism against Native Americans? It's because in America Native Americans are considered second class citizens. If there was a professional team called the Darkies or Yellowskins there would be an outrage within the African American community along with the Asian community and for good reason. The fact that these racist team names hasn't changed shows the insensitivity towards the Native American community.