en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/767017 Comments by Shane_George https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/south-park-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment70070890 I am a young man who grew up watching the hilarious famous TV series which is known as South Park. I was laughing at their jokes way before I could even understand what some of it meant. Even up to this day I find it really appealing and hilarious, which is the main purpose of the show. This show falls under the same category as other wildly popular adult and mature audience intended cartons such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad, and Kin g of the Hill, with South Park most definitely being the most highly offensive to any particular audience. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 02:51:15 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/south-park-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment70070890 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/creating-terrorists__trashed/#IDComment68467646 The issue of Blacks versus Whites is one that is always discussed when dealing with topics on race. Only after reading this article and watching the video, have I began to realize that most of our discussions in Sociology 119 seems to always lead right back to Whites against Blacks, whether it be an example, or the main topic. Avoiding any discussions on black and white cultures while dealing with ethnicity issues is something that can not be evaded. It’s almost the most prevalent topic that enters into any conversation dealing with the race relations. Probably because the “white vs. black” issue has one of the most dramatic effects on our history, it is what many people refer back to when dealing with race relations. Slavery had an extremely dramatic effect on our culture. It all started because human beings have a certain nature of not accepting things that are different from themselves. The era of slavery, which even though is not as wide spread as it once was, is still prevalent in this day and age. This era was a horrific time for black people, but now it seems to have take control over different cultures and regions on this planet. In the United States, slavery has been abolished, but a sense of difference may still remain amongst people of a different skin color. Racism still abides in the minds of some Americans, and this may contribute to why United States citizens of a darker skin tone, may not feel as much as an American, as an American with a light or pale skin color. This may further lead to a sense of “side-choosing” in a race relations debate. I also think that the reason that conversations dealing with the black and white race, or better yet said, the African American vs. the Caucasian race, are mainly opposing one another, would be because one of our most major parts of history dealt with Black people in a long lasting struggle to gain their freedom. Other races such as the Latinos and Asians are not considered on the same level of one race opposing another. Looking back at our history, I am positive that the White race, feeling a embarrassed and ashamed at their behavior, embrace the United States and its constitution in order to make up for their past deeds. Until common grounds can be established, and old wounds healed, the issue of white versus black, in race relation topics will forever be prevalent. I highly doubt that the topic of blacks vs. whites will be avoided during race relation discussions any time soon. If it does ever become something of less concern during a discussion about race, it will not happen any time soon. In my honest opinion, it may be one of those issues that will be permanently stained in this world. Metaphorically speaking, slavery left a scar on our ideas and beliefs. Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:06:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/creating-terrorists__trashed/#IDComment68467646 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66931202 Where do I begin? First off whoever created this game, or even had the mind state to think of such an atrocity in the gaming world must truly be a sick person. (Out of censorship, I won’t say what I originally had in mind.) There are so many things wrong with the concept of this game. What would be the goal of this game, if there is one in that matter? Who would be the consumers of this video game, and who would it appeal to? These are just a few questions that come to my mind. Over the years, the cause of many cases involving criminal activity and violence, have been tracked back to video games. For example, many people think that the game “Grand Theft Auto” would influence players to go out and steal automobiles and shoot at the cops. I consider this true to a certain extent, on the basis that it’s been proven that video games may have a negative effect on the younger generation. Well when you take this into account, you can only imagine what kind of influences this Japanese video game may have on the players who are easily influenced by what they see. It is really disturbing to even think about it. I really want to know, what kind of mind state was the guy who created this game in. Did he think that this would earn a plenty sum of profit? Or was it done for the creators own amusement, and to whomever else would enjoy this disgusting video game. There are several negative side effects that I can examine as an outcome of this game on the U.S. market; however, maybe it is possible to see the positive effects of this product. I can only imagine that maybe this would be a safer way, for the mentally ill and psycho paths of today to cope with their disturbing and vile fetishes, such as stalking and sexual assault. It proves as a way to keep sexual offenders from going out and committing crime. For some people, video games can be a means of escaping reality in order to pursue and achieve the goals they would hardly be able to accomplish in the real world. I guess if they were to play the games instead, not only would it be a way to protect the innocent civilians who may become victims of these sexual offenders, but it would also provide safety for the sexual offender. These are my views on the positive and negative side effects that may be caused by this Japanese hentai video game. I for one do not agree with it’s creation, and strongly believe that the Japanese government should put a stop to its production and sales. Sat, 10 Apr 2010 03:22:23 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66931202 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64291354 This video was indeed an intense segment and an eye opener. The first time I saw this video was on the “Oprah Show,” and I am very pleased that I was able to familiarize myself with this video again thanks to the Sociology 119 class. I am also pleased with the fact that, the many students in our class who haven’t seen this video yet, was able to be acquainted with it. It is indeed a shocker and for some may seem hard to watch, but in all it is mind boggling assortment of information, that should be thought about critically. The video was based on the doll preferences of African American children. The research in the movie showed that the dark skinned African American children preferred the white doll over the black doll, with the simple thought that the black was bad, and the white was good. The mind and ideas of children are like clay, which makes them easily shapeable into many forms. In my opinion, I think that the choices of these children had much to do with the many simple things they may notice in every day life. Like the media for example, not many people notice it, but in many different programs on the television, majority of the times the minorities would be presented as the “bad” guys. For example, when I was a child, I loved to watch “cops.” Even though I was pretty young at the time, I could not help but notice that in many episodes, there was always a black man or woman who ended up getting arrested. Not saying there were no other people, but black people being arrested stood out to me the most. I guess it was due to the fact that I grew up in an all black household, and there were instances of my family making stereotypical remarks to our own race. I also feel that due to the fat that most of the heroic figures are really light skinned or “white” such as superman and wonder woman. Many evil villains in the media are normally given darker shades of color, especially black. So I can pretty much get how it may influence a child’s mind into leaning to the side that white equals good and black is bad. This is really disturbing, the way that the minds of some young children work. When I was young, I was always influenced to appreciate the colored dolls more than the white dolls. My mother collected them, so I was constantly around her while she shopped for them. But I do see where some of these influences around children come from. I can only hope for the best in the near future, but I doubt that it will get any better. Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:41:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64291354 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-to-do-about-white-guilt__trashed/#IDComment63107996 Indeed it is a true fact that, in this day and age, the history books in most schools, specifically elementary and middle school, are entirely dismissive of race issues in my personal opinion. The goal in mind is to keep children away from the dark side’s of history, primarily only feeding them the information they can handle at their mind state level. This does nothing, but feed the continually growing problem of an evasion of the discussion of race issues. While indeed the history books may specifically point out the wrongs of the enslaving of African Americans, it almost seems to glorify what the Native Americans had to endure during the times of the pilgrims. History books mainly point out the friendship between the white men and the Indians, but barely focuses on the level of harm and destruction the white men caused to them. It would completely overlook the suffering that the Native Americans endured, but in turn, praised the white men and gave them a heroic look during the Thanksgiving period. Though this may be true however, who are we to know whether young children can handle the ugly truth of our history. Who are we to burden them with the consequences of the atrocities of their ancestors? I for one, doubt that I would be able to handle the bare and ugly truth at that time in my life. The mind of a youth is very fragile, and placing unnecessary burdens on them could turn out disastrously in the future. So I can not say that I disagree with the history books of this era keeping certain details of the truth hidden away from the younger generation. Rather I would suggest a different alternative to teaching children a more detailed version of the history books. Maybe by providing electives for middle school and elementary schools can help solve this problem. An alternative such as culture based electives. However, it would be the choice of the guardians whether or not to allow their children to enter these types of classes. Only if the child’s guardians felt their kid was stable enough to handle a lot of the truth, would they put them through these courses. The courses wouldn’t be too graphic, but it would be more detailed and more precise than the average history book. The classes would be based on the many different cultures in the world. These classes shouldn’t be graded, but more of an extra credit to their history course. This is pretty much my idea of trying to keep the minds of these children active and aware to the fact that, not everything is as pure as it may be portrayed through the average history book. And I don’t feel that the white children of this era should have to feel the burden of the “white guilt.” Sat, 20 Mar 2010 03:44:05 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-to-do-about-white-guilt__trashed/#IDComment63107996 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/men-and-women-were-really-this-different__trashed/#IDComment57009532 First off, I would like to give a round of applause to the creator Douglas Hines on his invention. The amount of money he has already made on this product is outstanding, not to mention the amount of money he can or will make potentially. It is very inventive of him to create a machine with such a purpose. It also shows his entrepreneurship skills since he is planning on creating models of the opposite sex and models which speak different languages. $7,000.00 for a robotic sex toy; seems pretty reasonable while listening to all the features it comes with. A machine with soft silicone skin that heats up internally, artificial knowledge for sports and politics, and the ability to control it in order to satisfy your every sexual desire; I agree with Hines’s quote that “ It’s pretty much the perfect wife, besides the fact that it does not cook or clean”. I think it’s a pretty good idea to have this out on the market. Not every male, is comfortable or should I say “good” at obtaining leisure time with the opposite sex. I don’t find this creepy or strange in any way or form. I also consider this as a safer alternative than paying for prostitutes. I am a bit curious as to the ways a person would obtain the sex doll Roxxxy. Is it something that you save up for like a car, or is it more of something that you buy on a whim after you get your pay check? I am also surprised at the fact that women have been known to purchase the sex doll. I can’t really imagine what kind of pleasure a woman would get out of that. Not trying to be biased or sexist or anything, but I thought that most women preferred to connect on a higher level above sex. I really doubt, that you can connect emotionally with a machine programmed to say a few phrases. I could be wrong however, I mean maybe some homosexual women out their actually enjoy sex as much as a male would. I highly doubt that the male version of the doll will sell as much as the female version. I am almost positive that the majority of women in the world today consider this disgusting and flat out creepy. I also think that most women of today don’t enjoy sex as much as they let on. Once again I am not trying to be biased or sexist; this is just my personal opinion. So overall I do think this product would be pretty much an advancement to society. I have no bias against this creation, and I do support it. Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:20:33 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/men-and-women-were-really-this-different__trashed/#IDComment57009532 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56596062 The issue of Blacks versus Whites is one that is always discussed when dealing with topics on race. Only after reading this article and watching the video, have I began to realize that most of our discussions in Sociology 119 seems to always lead right back to Whites against Blacks, whether it be an example, or the main topic. Avoiding any discussions on black and white cultures while dealing with ethnicity issues is something that can not be evaded. It’s almost the most prevalent topic that enters into any conversation dealing with the race relations. Probably because the “white vs. black” issue has one of the most dramatic effects on our history, it is what many people refer back to when dealing with race relations. Slavery had an extremely dramatic effect on our culture. It all started because human beings have a certain nature of not accepting things that are different from themselves. The era of slavery, which even though is not as wide spread as it once was, is still prevalent in this day and age. This era was a horrific time for black people, but now it seems to have take control over different cultures and regions on this planet. In the United States, slavery has been abolished, but a sense of difference may still remain amongst people of a different skin color. Racism still abides in the minds of some Americans, and this may contribute to why United States citizens of a darker skin tone, may not feel as much as an American, as an American with a light or pale skin color. This may further lead to a sense of “side-choosing” in a race relations debate. I also think that the reason that conversations dealing with the black and white race, or better yet said, the African American vs. the Caucasian race, are mainly opposing one another, would be because one of our most major parts of history dealt with Black people in a long lasting struggle to gain their freedom. Other races such as the Latinos and Asians are not considered on the same level of one race opposing another. Looking back at our history, I am positive that the White race, feeling a embarrassed and ashamed at their behavior, embrace the United States and its constitution in order to make up for their past deeds. Until common grounds can be established, and old wounds healed, the issue of white versus black, in race relation topics will forever be prevalent. I highly doubt that the topic of blacks vs. whites will be avoided during race relation discussions any time soon. If it does ever become something of less concern during a discussion about race, it will not happen any time soon. In my honest opinion, it may be one of those issues that will be permanently stained in this world. Metaphorically speaking, slavery left a scar on our ideas and beliefs. Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:33:30 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56596062 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/the-enlightened-west-knows-best__trashed/#IDComment55565922 I really think the French government crossed the line on this one. Who are they to impose on the religious rights of these people? The women should have every right to wear their burqas if they so please. Especially since it has to do with religion, I do not see how the French government can form a case out of the situation. I really can’t see where this banning thing sprouted from. From what I know, France is a secular country. This means that they have constitutional rights, and freedom of religion is one of them. I also know that their government does not have the right to intervene in religious affairs. They adhere to the principles of separation of church and state. I am a bit puzzled at the reason behind the whole banning of the burqas ordeal. I have considered a couple things. Some women who wear burqas are more than likely forced by their spouse to wear them. Banning the burqas, would greatly help reduce that, or even extinguish it. But there is the fact that some of these women wear it voluntarily, which is pretty much the X factor in my previous statement. My other thought, would be that maybe the French have a certain “look” they are trying to uphold. When people think about French women, the general idea would be a petit lady with near skin tight clothes. Or at least, that’s my opinion. This movement of trying to ban burqas seems a bit racist to me. This is not shocking, considering the fact that Europeans tend to be very open about their racial comments, and views on racism. I am not trying to say that all Europeans are racist. All I am saying is that it doesn’t come as a surprise to me. After thinking deeply about the situation, I guess I do have a bit of understanding of why the French may want to ban the wearing of the burqa. Covering the whole face with the burqa may cause identity issues in the criminal investigation process. For example, what if someone wearing a burqa were to rob or injure a civilian. If the civilian was questioned by the law about how the offender looked like, what type of examples would he be able to give in order to help the investigation? This would prove as a difficult problem in this type of situation. There are many pros against this debate, but there are more cons. I have given my fairest opinion on both sides of the argument. Personally, I do not agree with the banning of the burqas, but I do see a few reasons in which they may seem like a hindrance in daily life. Sat, 6 Feb 2010 03:21:52 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/the-enlightened-west-knows-best__trashed/#IDComment55565922 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54423056 Shocked, appalled, and disgusted. These were some of the many emotions that entered into my mind while reading this article, and watching the video. I’m not going to jump to the quick conclusion as others would in stating that Europeans are racist. I’m pretty sure that there are just as much racism in the United States as there is in the United Kingdom. But this kind of conduct is so unacceptable. We as people have come so far in the world, but apparently not far enough. I can only imagine what the athletes were feeling during these racist acts. Especially since it was coming from an angry mob, the pain must be 10 times worst. It is bad enough that in most cases, it would be the opposing team and coach to be likely to yell racial slurs to throw the opposing player off his game. But to have it coming from the fans, not to mention that some of them were the home team fans, it is just a horrible sight and feeling to withhold. I am trying to imagine thousands of people in an audience spitting and throwing objects at me from above, all chanting derogatory words. These athletes put in plenty of time and effort into perfecting their craft, only to have all their diligence shunned by the fans. Thinking about this makes me feel horrible, so I can only imagine what the black players were going through in reality. I am pretty much outraged at the situation. Such a shame to see this type of conduct and behavior happening during such a huge event. Situations like this, tend to leave permanent stains on the region it was displayed upon. In this case, I also consider soccer to be one of the victims affected in this uprising. Many people will point fingers at one of the most popular sports in the world. Where do these dramatic acts of racism originate? Personally, I think the cause would be ones countries insecurities of their own country, so they take it out on foreigners to their land. Equality in the social aspect of life is far from ever becoming a reality. The world changes so much every day, you would only wonder weather or not it is changing for the best. Marc Zoro’s actions were completely justified in my opinion. He should not have to stand their and take the verbal abuse. If I was in his shoes, I would probably storm off the field to. My question is, what are law officials doing to solve this problem? Are the European law enforces that corrupt? Or could it be that they feel powerless to even try and fix the situation. In all, I think I’ve expressed my truest feelings, and I really do hope things change for the best in the near future, but as one of the comments I read stated, that is only a dream. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:35:37 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54423056 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-g__trashed/#IDComment54114909 Shane Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:33:33 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-g__trashed/#IDComment54114909 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/is-that-negro-or-negra-harry__trashed/#IDComment53500520 Being a senator of the United States comes with certain responsibilities and expectations of ones self. You have a certain image to uphold while representing the great U.S. Personally, I do not agree with Harry Reid’s choice of words, however, I wouldn’t condemn him for them either. Harry Reid, being an older figure, probably didn’t realize how offensive and insensitive his statements were exactly. He grew up in an era, where that type of stereotypical terminology was most likely predominant wherever he was brought up. This however, is no excuse for his insensitivity on the matter. I was just providing a bit of understanding coming from his point of view. Who knows, maybe he wasn’t trying to be racist with his statements. I admit that he may have been politically incorrect with his choice of words. It’s pretty obvious that he is not up to date with his political correctness. He has on old generation mind state with the mentality that white supremacy is still in existence. People may claim that in his defense, he has the freedom of speech. Harry Reid was only practicing the first amendment by stating his opinion on a touchy subject. This is true; however, his statements were pretty offensive. Not to mention the fact that he’s a senator, everything he says or does is reflected on the state and its people who elected him. I have to admit, providing President Obama with a direct apology was fairly noble, it doesn’t change the fact that he meant every word he said. He still thinks in the exact same way he did about African Americans and President Obama before his apology. I think the message that Reid was trying to get across was that he thinks Barack Obama was a good candidate considering his ethnicity. He didn’t really choose the right words in stating it however. From Harry Reid’s speech, what I took from some of his quotes and statements, were that if it were an African American based on the stereotypes of the average black person, he wouldn’t stand a chance of winning an election. He considers Obama to be a black man of outstanding eloquence, which is true; Barack Obama is a very articulate man. But based on his stereotype of black people, if it were the “average black person” he couldn’t possibly win the election. Hearing and reading about Harry Reid’s statements did not really surprise me. Racism is still present in this day and age, and I doubt that it is going anywhere, any time soon. The fact that we have a black president is one huge step to abolishing its widespread, but it will be quite sometime until it has ended completely. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:48:44 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/is-that-negro-or-negra-harry__trashed/#IDComment53500520