If this whole anit-state patty’s day thing actually worked out, then things like another candle light vigil or bake sales or maybe the stadium or BJC could hold a concert to raise money. Maybe instead of a day long of drinking we can do a day long of carnival activities and concerts and contest that way majority of the proceeds will be donated to child abuse non profits to help stop the violence. To get the word out you could use the newspaper and other well-known student run organizations like the UPAC. However, I as much as Sam gives a good point, I really do not think ESPN is going to dive into state college that day to make PSU look like even more a worthless school than it has. It will be too far down the line. ESPN still has so much sports coverage to work on as well as their own little scandal about Syracuse. What about ignoring the cries of help from them? To be even more brutally honest, I think there is no way in hell we are not going to have state pattys day. I know it took 40,000 to create this holiday, so then it would obviously take 40,000 to stop it. That 40,000 people is divided up by percentages of complete careless douchebags , the ones who really want to make a difference, the lazy, but considerate, and the considerate, but undecided. I don’t know if that makes sense to anyone else, but that’s just how I see it. I am definitely the considerate but undecided. I feel like skipping the holiday this year would really make a difference, but I am still unsure if ESPN would really capture it. As much as I want to believe they wouldn’t, the thought of them showing up haunts my future and me. I want to restore Penn State’s reputation, but it is still sad to think students have to sacrifice their time when it’s the authorities like staff and other high up representatives that covered up this whole thing. I hate being dragged into it, but at the same time why should I even question something that would benefit my school. These thoughts put me into the lazy but considerate category, and trust me I don’t want to be in that category. I do have pride for PSU, and I should represent my school pride through making a difference. It would be a positive change, not just for myself, but for everyone. I appreciate Sam’s insight, but what he is asking of us is near impossible. I know that sounds horrible, and sounds like I’m giving up already but it would take a lot of drive and incentive for the whole student body to give up something they look forward to and take pride in as well.

I really do not know how to answer this question, honestly. I mean I am praying to God Sandusky’s situation would not make a difference due to his race, but I’ve learned that the world works in funny ways sometimes. While I actually truly don’t think anything would be different, I was browsing through other entries and majority felt it WOULD be different. Many see the typical situation occurring. The situation where everyone blames the harsh charges on his race as opposed to what the crime was. Well, that is number one, dumb, and number two, impossible. What Sandusky should be convicted of is due to insanity. He is a whack job. And last time I checked the pigmentation of your skin had nothing to do with how your brain works. In looking at the big picture, Sandusky is clearly a pedophile that needs help and needs to be put in jail. I know this a SOC class but I am sick of people thinking that the skin color of this man would attract more attention to the public then the crime he has actually been guilty of committing. Why are people so negative? The funniest part is how everyone thinks that would be the situation, but in the end the only way that this would actually happen is if everyone ended up acting that way. Meaning, if the school were rioting more because he was black then yes, everyone would be right, his skin does make a difference. But what these people don’t understand is that our generation can control this. We can be above the influence and rise above all the media, just as we should be doing now. I know this sounds silly, but it was just a thought. Anyways, black or Latino, Sandusky is still a creep. And I highly doubt the media or anybody else would want to treat Sandusky differently due to his race. In the end he will be in jail, and behind bars the only thing that stands out is that that person is a psycho and obviously doesn’t have their head screwed on right. I am really getting sick of talking about Sandusky, but I do believe these victims need their justice. What they put up with is unimaginable and I am sure at the time, again regardless of Sandusky’s skin color, it was super scary and frightening, nonetheless life changing. I don’t know what’s better, these victims trying to erase all this form their memory or them getting revenge through Sandusky’s punishment. Hopefully in the end the right people will be convicted of their wrong doings and NOT because they were black or Latino or any other race.

That lecture was so rough and so unfair! I was starving! So I immediately ate the first piece of chocolate, then waited through that whole video to eat the second piece just to feel like shit as I ate it. Yes, I ate it. First off, Sam basically said we should eat it because without that video we would have eaten it, and he knew that we will probably eat more chocolate in are lifetime regardless of the video. Second off, I was so hungry! And I know that’s super conceited because I am sure none of those slaves have ever had a decent meal in their lives, but my point is that at that moment I was fairly influenced by my stomach to eat it since I was running on empty. But I will say that the second piece of chocolate tasted like shit. When that slave referred to the chocolate as his flesh, I honestly felt like I was eating somebody’s flesh. It was super gross, but it made its point. I never knew that that was the situation over in that part of the world. I never knew that cocoa beans were gathered through slave labor. Similar to the Penn State scandal, everyone wants to grow up thinking that the world is a changed place and is improving, but there is always so much shit covered up. The worst part is how these things are discovered in the news and media. And it’s always connected to honorable people, for example Joe Pa got involved, and as for the chocolate that involves some of my favorites like Hersey and Nestle. I walk around campus knowing I have it good and trying not to take things for granted, but there is always so much still waiting to be uncovered just to make me feel even worse about the way this world works. It is so shocking to see that slavery still exists or the fact that these people are cheated out of work and are basically throwing their lives away to work without any benefits. I see these people suffering, animals suffering, schools suffering, and I don’t know what to do. I wish I had the money to donate, and I wish I had to power to stop all of this nonsense but I don’t. For now I am just another college kid striving for a degree, trying to learn as much possible, and be as involved as possible. But the more I learn and the more I get involved the more I cannot handle. The truth is too much for me. It feels like more added to my plate to make my responsibility to change. If only that jerk off/master who runs those slaves or Sandusky who touched those kids would have decided to do the right thing then maybe this world would rotate peacefully and I could enjoy that second piece of chocolate.

It is obvious to me why Americans will not do the hard labor because we are lazy and we have too much pride. It is different growing up in a household with financially stable people who are able to support you all their lives without a problem. These people push you to go to school to get a good job so you can make money without all the problems of trying o put food on the table or a roof over your head. While everyone speaks of this “American Dream” , no one realizes that everyone’s dream differs. For me, I was born into a wealthy family that spoiled me as a child but taught me responsibility and hard work when it comes to money. Although when I think of hard work and responsibility I think of my father. He manages a very successful company, travels all the time and makes so much money that my mom does not have to work and can be there for us after school, and clean the house. Since this is what I picture as the “American Dream”, it is obvious why the idea of being bent over all day in the hot sun while picking vegetables does not sound appealing. Neither does it lead a path that brings me closer to being as successful as my father. It gives me now power, or any room to grow and further my knowledge of how to run a business that makes millions.
Now in comparison to a Mexican man who I can only assume has kids, a wife, his mother living with him, and lives in something that resembles a box, it is also obvious that his standards for the “American Dream” are not has high as mine. He can find joy in things faster than I can. And he knows the outcome of responsibility and hard work better than I do because his world revolves around his family. Therefore, that means food in their bellies, health, and an education. These might even be things he was neglected of as a child. He may already be living the dream.
All in all, my point is that Americans have too much handed to them. Not many people here really know what it’s like to “be hungry” or “starve”. The media that is handed to them is always depicting these wealthy lifestyles. So now, even when people really just need money, they are too lazy and too stuck up to do it. I know its cliché, but beggars cannot be choosy. Americans are, and Mexicans aren’t. Mexicans know the true value of a dollar and the benefits of saving. Whereas Americans are worried about the next best things to depict themselves as another wealthy family when really they come home to a cardboard box.

After Thursday's lecture, it is very hard to call it "our land". I will be honest, the video Sam showed was eye opening, and no, I was unaware of the current Native American conditions. It really hit me hard because I am aware that we took this land from them, but the fact that they are now suffering in what is originally theirs is really hard to grasp. I wonder why there are not many organizations out there to help them, or why we don't hear about their situation on the news more. It's almost as if they are a species of animal and they are becoming extinct. As harsh as that sounds, that's what it feels like since I rarely hear of them or how they need help. In fact, I think next year the project should be focused on Native Americans rather than Haiti. It is still mind-boggling how they ended up being so misfortunate.
On the other hand, while this is all heartbreaking to watch and hear about since it was us who intruded on their lands, one has to consider how times have changed. Today this is seen as a problem, and it makes sense to give one’s land back since it was not ours in the first place. Everyone learns and grows up with that lesson embedded in their head. However, back then when this intrusion took place that’s how it was all over the world. It was how land was divided even after we conquered it. People all the way back to the Spartans or whatever would fight for land. Today, the only difference is that we pay for it. Back then if you wanted ownership you put people to the challenge. You attacked them because you had a stronger army over it. It was a universal strategy, and because they were in an area that had yet to be ventured through it was only assumed that that was how everything was handled. Do I think it was right? No. Do I feel we should hand the land back to them? No, again. That’s how it was. And while too much has been done to the land in terms of technology and other renovations, the only thing I strongly believe should be done is the development of support groups to get these Native Americans some help. They are people too. While I cannot change the past, I am more than willing to help them out. I agree that it was rude for the football, baseball and other sports to use them as mascots when they are treated like crap. These mascots act as if they don’t exist. It is pathetic and it needs to be stopped. I can completely agree with them, as well as, understand now why that can be frustrating and upsetting. Something most definitely needs to be done.

I do not think that my friends are in the same stage as I am. My roommate Molly came from a very small town that had one- two people of other races in her high school. Recently when we went to hangout at with three black friends of mine she was fairly tense the whole time. I strongly believe she is stuck in stage two. I don’t think she knows how to approach the situation when dealing with other races. She still feels uncomfortable, and unfortunately it is very obvious. She won’t talk, she won’t smile, it’s kind of embarrassing and I felt like everyone could tell. At first I wanted to shake her, but I realized this is common, especially at this school. This is exactly what I am predicting for most of the students that go here, and that is: a complete culture shock. I am not calling Molly racist because she acted the way she did, I just knew she wasn’t used to it. This happened in my discussion group when I was describing another situation where I entered a room with black friends and the room went silent. Of course everyone tries to fight it, only to protect themselves. But I wasn’t referring to anyone in the room as a racist; I was just trying to get at the point that it was a culture shock. The sad thing is that nobody will admit it. I know it’s not the easiest thing to say, but it’s not bad, it’s just honest. Stop making excuses and own up to it. I bet none of the people in my discussion group have ever been placed in a room full of another race, leaving them to be the only white person. I’ve done that twice now. It is a rare occasion but when it does happen you finally realize what it’s like to be a minority and walk in someone else’s shoes. You learn a lot, and it changes your whole perspective on everything. I know what it was like when I walked into that room with my friends and everyone stopped talking. You are constantly stared at, and even some people who don’t like it will test you. It’s crazy. Back home, it was always a mixed group of people. Never was one race more dominant to the other. I think Molly needs to come home with me more often. Just to take baby steps to gradually progress herself into accepting the fact that other races do exist. That way, when she gets job and has all different types of co-workers she doesn’t become that awkward white person. She will be friendly with everybody, and enjoy her workplace. Also, when she has kids they will learn from her experiences and be able to break through all those awkward stages quicker than she did.

I am stuck between stage 3 and stage 5. I see myself in state 3 because I too can easily make fun of white people even though I am white. I am embarrassed by things they do and rather then seeing these things as superior traits, I can easily tear it to pieces in a humorous matter. And its because people see themselves as superior beings, that makes it so easy. Learning about other cultures is one thing, but respecting them and acknowledging that they surround you is another thing. I also feel that in any situation, making fun of yourself can be a great ice breaker especially with all the tension that can be present when dealing with other races while in conversation. If you can't laugh at yourself once in a while it does nothing but mess with your ego. I take pride in being part of state 3 because a lot of white people at Penn State do not realize how awkward they can be when it comes to handling encounters with other races. It is degrading to see white people value their skin color in situations that they should be embracing all types. Being white is nothing special. I can easily admit to white guilt. I feel horrible about the past and I do let it bother me some times. But people should be conscious of that type of history. They don't have to dwell on it, but you shouldn't erase it as if it never happened. This brings me to reasons for why I see myself as somewhat of a state 5 person as well. I really do love all minorities. I feel horrible that I do not know about all cultures and that I struggle with identifying what people are. I should not limit myself and really do need to get out there in the world. For example, that girl that wore the head rap in class? I had no idea that was called a Khadijah. Anyways, I should be expanding my horizon and embrace more cultures to be a more well rounded person. I don't want to be a typical white person that its possible other cultures see us as. I want to be able to hold conversations about politics and history in other countries with people to make them feel at home when they come to the U.S. So that when they have questions I can easily explain things to them by comparing it to what they are used to. I should stop starting at people and do more talking. What do I have to lose? If they don't talk to me then I am back to where I started. I should really join some clubs and sign up for more classes on different studies for the cultures our school offers.

First off, who is this delicious looking man asking the question? And where can I get his number? Second off, to answer the question, girls dress the way they do because its all apart of the secret process to finding the right guy. Some girls will take whatever and grind all night looking like a whore, but the top secret agent girls are the ones who dress like whores and expect a man to treat them like a lady instead of focusing on all of what they are exposing. If a sexy male is really going to ask a question like that, then girls can fire back with the example of stupid fraternities. Girls can barely get into the damn place if they do not look like a whore. Also, many times girls wear almost nothing in extremely cold temperatures.mainly because the party they are going to is usually hot as hell. There is no where to put a nice jacket so screw it! Am I right? Yes, I'm right. Besides the reason girls act the way they do is because boys are so grimy and touchy-feely. They honestly think we dress that way for THEM. But yeah, we have expectations so we save ourselves for someone who can appreciate whats on the inside before touching the outside. It really is a whole process that guys will not understand because its like a huge trick put on them anyways. I don't know why boys care anyways! They act like slime balls and huge dicks to us when we are out. violating our privacy, and insulting us when we are just trying to have fun. They get ready for a party and they could honestly show us in a dirty t-shirt and jeans, yet if we did that all hell would break loose. Be careful what you wish for boys, don't question something you don't really know much about. Besides, we know you like it. You don't deserve us anyways. We are too young for this relationship stuff in college. Most girls and boys are just looking for a good time and if we can agree on that then who cares what everybody is wearing. I mean a girl will approach a boy that she really likes a completely different way then how she will with someone she wants to do whatever with. Even after all of this consideration I will most likely dress up tonight and wear something scandalous because I can. i am away from all adult supervision so why not go crazy. Half the things boys do when they are drunk as crap are ten times worse then focusing on how slutty a girls dressed up. These are our young and crazy years so we can one day just be old and wise.

There is no way that your race affects your use of illicit drugs. It is all a coincidence that the population of a certain race happens to use more drugs mainly because of the living conditions. Some races grow up in really harsh neighborhoods and struggle to find jobs to keep food on the table. The stress of all this can lead to selling drugs because its an easy market to make a profit form and while you're doing it why not enjoy your profits for something that might take the edge and other stress off you. Its the quickest way to earn money and it just so happens to be a job that many people of all races get wrapped up in for a living. I know at my high school it seemed as though smoking pot was more of a black and hispanic thing but it really shouldn't be seen as that. The main reason they did it so much more was because of their surroundings. Their parents and older siblings all introduced it to them. They lived in horrible neighborhoods and some times didn’t have a proper guardian to help them out. So with that being said, it is not a race thing it’s a neighborhood/financial standings/surroundings thing. It is more based off who invents this idea that illicit drugs are okay to use and revolve your life around. All the cops that track down dealers and such are all in horrible neighborhoods that have no hope for survival unless you are involved with the profits of these drugs. Using them relaxes you and selling them allows one to buy more. Drugs can be dirt cheap, but the amounts can add up fast. To relate the usage of drugs to race is irrational. There are plenty of white people who live in rich neighborhoods and because their parents are too busy with work there is no supervision. This leads to hanging out with the wrong group of kids; the group of kids that live in an unfortunate life setting, and have easy access to all of the nonsense. I am sure statistics of surveys of races using drugs can have a clear answer of who uses it more, but people need to dig deeper than that and take account for where and how they grew up. Many of these drug users I feel don’t have a choice whether they want to try it or not. There is so much peer pressure and bullying in the world. There is also the struggle of money that causes kids to get involved and introduce themselves to the dark side.

After watching some of the videos i am feeling pretty guilty right now. i feel selfish and greedy. I feel as though I have not fully appreciated all that is provided to me. i am exposed to so many tools online and physical objects that could help me not only transform everything i know into useful knowledge but make such a lucrative business out of it. I can sell lemonade for 25 cents and make more than these people do after a week. Not only do i just hold a lemonade stand but i use powder and water to make it. My resources are man made, and I put no heart and effort into it. At the end of the day I don't think twice about what I've done. I'll I think is money money money. My parents are able to provide me with a table as well as the correct appliances that I would need to blend the perfect batch of lemonade. These entrepreneurs use crap equipment and are more worried about their customer satisfaction and health than their own. The second worst thing I've realized is that my father's business is not a big pressure on my shoulders . i do not need to carry on my father's business so my own children can live a good life. i have the freedom to pursue whatever dream I create. My family can provide me with a good education and all the tools I would need to learn. Also. the technology provided not just to improve the business but keep track of customer satisfaction is non existent for these hard working people. Especially after all the hardship faced in that country makes it impossible to communicate with the lack of connections. This is a great opportunity to help the rest of the world. I am sick of thinking about my own success when there are people who are more devoted about what they do and what lives around them then I will ever be. It is sad to think that in a few minutes I can go party and get drunk off my ass while these people are planning out a way to bring in profits for the rest of their week. I need to be more conscious of what I do and how it affects the world around me. The next time I receive a gift or make a fat paycheck I should think twice about how I spend it. I need a more renewed sense of spirituality. I need to be less materialistic and have a greater meaning of life when I walk around on this planet. In America especially. I am grateful to even take this class and be informed of things I would never explore.