en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/760431 Comments by akeem10 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/the-tyranny-of-radical-muslims__trashed/#IDComment69839028 You made one extremely good comments in your video. You stated that "whatever you call it, Allah or God; it is still the same thing. I believe that a lot of Americans do not that they serve the same God, just in a different way. People mostly believe "Allah" is some different entity, while is just the Arabic for the word "God" in English. Even one of the leader of the Pentagon, our powerhouse of security said that "our God is greater than theirs". This just show how much stupidity still exist in the so called greatest country in the world. Osama Bin Laden is not a Muslim. Why, because he do not follow the rules of Islam. Islam is a religion of peace and do not encourage violence against innocent people. However, of course our media will address him as a Muslim. It just a way to turn the people against the reality of Islam, and it seems to be working, Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:41:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/the-tyranny-of-radical-muslims__trashed/#IDComment69839028 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/300000-whats-it-mean-to-us__trashed/#IDComment69833735 You are right, Americans are not the only people that are self centered. However, Americans are the worst at being self centered. We are so used to being on the top that we have forgot about the people that we exploit on a daily basis. We all mourned when 9/11 occurred, but so did the rest of the world. But do we realize that in these middle east countries, there is a daily 9/11. Do you mourned about that or did you even think about it. I doubt it. We can blame it on the false media that only shows us one side of the story, but I believe we are now smart enough to think for yourself. We just choose not to care about the people in the middle east. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:06:25 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/300000-whats-it-mean-to-us__trashed/#IDComment69833735 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment67818243 Yes, there definitely is a step two. We simply need to stop buying the chocolates made from slavery cocoa in order to fix the situation. You may be wandering where you will get your chocolate from and I have an answer for it. There are many different companies and business out there whose chocolate are guaranteed slave work free. You might think it is expensive, but it is actually cheaper than the name brand chocolates out here that has a hand in slavery in them. This step will definitely send a message to this chocolates companies that we are not willing to buy this slavery manifested chocolate. But I doubt that will ever happen. Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:57:25 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment67818243 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment67769069 Learning Chinese will be a great step forward in America. Weather we like it or not, the Chinese is now a big art of the world economy, and we will have to also speak their language in order to assure good connection between the two business. But the problem is, can the students in United States learn fluent Chinese? Students are struggling enough learning Spanish, a language that has a lot of similarity to English itself. Chinese has little similarities to English, and the accent is totally different from English. I think it is a good idea to insert Chinese in to one of the languages that Americans should learn, but I just do not see it happening. Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:43:17 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment67769069 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66302773 It is one thing for a game to have sexual preference and it another for the game to be the focus point of rape. Like, I cannot believe that there are actually people out there who think that it is okay for these type of games to be produce, talk less of people actually buying and promoting the game. Yes, there are pretty violent games out there, but there I pretty sure that there is not a game out there that has the caliber of the taboo that this game has. Which is probably why it only sells in a place such as Japan. I am even more disappointed in the government of Japan because they definitely have the power to stop such an act. Rape is something that should ever be encouraged! Not only is this game promoting rape but it is only degrading to women in so many different levels. "I fully understand women rights activists concern that these video games will send a message to men encouraging this type of behavior towards women, when in fact its absolutely inappropriate". The game producers and makers claim that the game will keep rapist playing the game instead of looking for a woman to rape but, this actually does not reduced their drive to go out and rape somebody. I actually think that this encourages more rape act in the community. In fact, it is encouraging more youths to get involved in the act of raping women. If this type of game gets into a childs hand, what does it promote. Whether we like it or not, teenagers are going to be the vast amount of the population that plays video games on a regular basis. They are the population that have the donates the most time and effort into video games all over the world. In the case of the rape games in Tokyo, Japan, I do not see a difference. Even if only an adult that purchase this game, I am almost certain that the teens would find a way to get their hands on these type of games. So what type of influence does the game have in the life of the teens? The game producer might say that it will help keep the teens away from doing the real thing but I completely disagree. I actually think that this game would encourage people to commit rape without feeling remorseful because it has become a part of their daily life. What about the respect for the women? I understand that there are cultures out there that does not respect a women like the United States does but a rape game has gone too far! For the people who buy the game, do they ever think about their mothers, sisters, and other female relatives? Do they not find it sick to being playing such a game knowing what it means in reality? I guess it does not phase these people like I do. Maybe it is because of how I was raised up and the respect that I have for females. The ultimate result of this game will be the rise of rapist wherever the game is legal. Games like Grand Theft Auto have increased the violence rate in America since they have been produced, so this sort of game will not be different. I do not care much for the profit that is being made over the game collection. This game have showed me how the government care less about the rights of women in places such as Japan. I surely hoe that this taboo game would be banned soon, for the good of their society. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 00:42:04 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66302773 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65689649 Yes, i understand why some people are upset and offended by the census. But can we really blame the makers of the census. The census will never be able to cover the race in America just simply because it is too many races. So, the census have no choice but to categorize people. I understand that some people are offended that is as Negro as one of the option on the census. But why are people mad and upset? Believe it or not there are black people out there who only refer to themselves as a "Negro" and nothing else. This people are usually old African American generation who identified as a Negro back in the days. It might seem shocking that they refer to themselves as Negro, but its true and there is nothing the census can do about it but to have it as an option to get the accurate population. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 03:11:07 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65689649 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64288762 As an African watching this video, i also found this video to be one of the most disturbing video that I have ever seen mentally. It is amazing that over time, this has not change. Basically the kids of the present still have the same mentality of the African American of the past. After I saw this video, I have always wondered if I would have did that as a kid or my African pride would have made me strong enough to easily pick the black doll. I really hope this test was conducted in Africa. I really wanted to see the results because it might have an impression on the decision I would have made when I was little. Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:10:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64288762 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment61802014 I agree with what you said. This is totally unacceptable. I understand that the school is trying to keep the students under a certain role. However, today's world has given young people the strength to express their themselves anywhere. The prom of this young students got canceled because a student sexual preference. This is totally unacceptable in today's world. This is not a legitimate reason to have the students prom canceled. The school should be definitely ashamed of their decision and I am very happy that the Lesbian student decided to speak up what happened. Because of her action, the Hotel manager have decided to sponsor everything for this students for free. Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:52:49 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment61802014 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/fired-for-a-scarf__trashed/#IDComment61776669 I have always knew that Abercrombie and Fitch is a store that discriminates against things such as race, weight, and so on. Every time I have visited that store, I have always noticed that everyone in the store is skinny. I understand that it is a store for people that are fit, however that is not a good excuse to have such a slim line of the type of workers. I do not care if you say that I am wrong, but every time that I have always noticed that the black people and other minorities that work there are always working in the storage room. A friend that work there have also told me some other things but here is not the place to make accusation because I do not have facts to back it up. I am not really surprise about the situation of Abercrombie and Fitch firing a Muslim worker because of the way she is dress. However, I am extremely happy that she stood up and let the world know her situation. Many people now know how discrimination still exist in America. The question now is, what are you going to do about it? Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:06:44 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/fired-for-a-scarf__trashed/#IDComment61776669 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/this-is-getting-to-be-too-much__trashed/#IDComment61773407 It is about time that people start speaking up about these so called "Theme Parties". Many people will disagree with me because they enjoy going to such events, but the reality is that it is simply wrong. University of California in San-Diego went too far with the so called "Compton Cookout". It had the word "wrong" written all over it. First of all, it was black history month, a month every African American cherish for everything positive we have overcome and accomplished all over the world. So, a party like this, is basically a slap in the face of every African American and other minorities in the country. Second of all, the whole theme of the party is very stereotypical towards black people. It said the guest were told to wear gold tooth,baggy clothes, eat "watermelon", and other shenanigans. So, is this really a party geared towards honoring black history month, or a party that's mocks and degrade the culture and the perspective of an African American. Ghetto themed parties are so offensive in so many different levels. As somebody that comes from the so called "ghetto" it is much more offensive. I am from the South West Philadelphia, one of the "hardest" and "meanest" area to live in the whole city of Philadelphia. This stereotypes makes me very upset because how the "hood" is viewed is not really how it is. Majority of the people living in these areas are not some "baggy clothes wearing, ignorant, water-melon loving people". An average male or female is struggling everyday, trying to make a living in the society. The "white fraternities" have no idea what is like in the hood. They get the ideas from how media portrays black people in the ghetto. I am from the ghetto and I am proud of it because it has definitely made me mentally and physically stronger than the majority of the people on campus, who have had it easy their whole life. The whole hanging a noose from bookcase in the library is so offensive. The worst part about it is that a minority was guilty of the act. The fact that a minority student was guilty of this made it even worse, in my opinion. And if he was someone I knew, I would definitely strip them for all the respect i have for him and I will not view him as a fellow minority. This is not a joke, it is not funny. I live in a dorm where diversity is somewhat visible compared to other dorms at Penn State. Last semester before the "white out" game, two white dudes wanted to wear a pillow case on their head to the game. They ask their "black" next door neighbor to so the same so that it would not be considered racist. He was not sure if it was right, so he asked me if it was a "good idea". I simply told him that he do it and I see anyone with a pillow case outside, that I will make sure that they all get what they deserve. I was not trying to threaten him or anything, I was just trying to let him know that it was an horrible idea. The two "white dudes" decided not to do it because he disagreed with the idea. If they would have went on with that, only God knows where they will be right now. I believe it is a great idea that the minority students are protesting. If they never spoke up, I'm sure a worst event would have happened at that school Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:41:22 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/this-is-getting-to-be-too-much__trashed/#IDComment61773407 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59835428 The "theme parties" are usually geared towards the minorities race. Since I've been here, i know the white frats host a "Gangsta and Hood" theme party. They all where baggy clothes, fitted, and a wife beater, trying to imitate a someone from a black community. Even though people in the hood barely wears baggy clothes now, I still find it offensive that such a party is going on. I feel like this is how these people who have had everything go their way view people from the hood. I come from one of the most dangerous area in Philadelphia. South West Philadelphia to be exact. And I worked my butt off to be where I am today. When I see such theme parties, it disgust me because I feel like that it was it expected of the people from the hood. I have a friend from my high school here, who attends these sort of parties, and I do not understand how she do not get upset. She must have forgot where she came from, but as for me, I am from the hood and I will not stand around an area where people classify my "people" in such a way. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 04:15:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59835428 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59833917 I definitely agree with what you said. This is absolutely an act of racism. Its 2010, people need to realize that such an act should be considered a blasphemy and taboo. These days of segregation in such events are over. I understand that white people are under represented in leagues like the NBA. But that is not an excuse to have an "all white" league. Not only should any people of colors be upset, but also every immigrant should also be insulted by this outrageous league. There are so many sports out there that blacks do not dominate, but you will never see an "all black" hockey league. If these white players cannot make it to the NBA or the D-league, then they should not be playing in the first place. I just sad to see that such an idea will even cross someone's mind in today's world. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 03:57:57 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59833917 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59833363 This is absolutely an act of racism. Its 2010, people need to realize that such an act should be considered a blasphemy and taboo. These days of segregation in such events are over. I understand that white people are under represented in leagues like the NBA. But that is not an excuse to have an "all white" league. Not only should any people of colors be upset, but also every immigrant should also be insulted by this outrageous league. Black communities have AAU leagues all around the neighborhood, but they will never reject someone who wanted to play just because they are from somewhere outside the country or because they are a different color. These league is simply created out of fear of someone being better just because of their nationality or race. The creator, Don "Moose" Lewis is simply ignorant if he thinks that blacks have an advantage in basketball because of their color. In his interview, he stated that he wanted a simple tempo game, inferring that he wants a league that is not "too fast" for white people. He also said that he do not want players that throw the ball too high, inferring that white people cannot jump. Whoever agrees with Don "Moose" Lewis might as well go the the KKK and the Nazi group, if they have not already. I find it funny that colored people were the only who went through oppression and slavery, and yet, a white man in today's world has the nerve to create an "all white" basketball league. A lot of people (white people to the frank) need to realize that its the 21st century. Colored people should be the people wanting to have such a league, but thankfully, we do not live based on the past, even though we certainly did not forget what happened. There are many white players in the NBA, but they are outclassed and dominated by majority of the black players. If there are not a lot of white people who can compete in the NBA, should that tell Don Lewis something? If they are not good enough to play professionally, then they should not be playing at all. An "all white" basketball league would not solve the problem. In fact, it might actually inspire white prospect to settle for less, instead of aiming for a spot in the NBA. There are plenty of sports dominated by white people out there such as hockey and golf. However, you will never see a black guy who wants to create a league just for "black people". It is crazy that people are still doing this. Last summer in Philadelphia, a group of black kids were turned down to join a swim team in the Northeast area of Philadelphia. I mean, it is not like the blacks kids have an advantage over the white people on the team, yet they were not allowed to join. If parents and the media did not rise up to the story, they would have gotten away with it. I feel as though, this is what needs to be done to this so called "all white" league. This should not be accepted. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 03:51:42 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59833363 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58731086 What you said is pretty funny. Yes, I am a black student and I probably should not be on this topic. However, I just wanted to express my idea on what others have to say. It is true that some of the black students up here are student-athletes for the school. But majority of the black students up here are actually here because of academic reasons and goals. I live in the only dorm that has more than 20 black people living there in the whole Penn State. I remember, when me and my "black" friend went to the Inter-mural Building to play basketball. We were the only blacks there at the time and wanted to play a game. We were both picked on the same team. We both noticed that the other team sort of lost hope and confidence because the only two "black guys" are on the same team. I find it funny because they think we are some sort of Lebron James. Even though we were both pretty good in basketball, color should not be a way to judge us. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:54:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58731086 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58728588 Yes, its true that money plays a role in our Judicial system. They have been cases that money won such as that of Donte Stallworth and O.J. Simpson. These are two murderers who were sentenced to a couple of months in jail and community service. However, for those who are less fortunate, it is a different story. With all the statistic and data that Sam Richards presented in class, it is obvious that discrimination still take place, even in today's world. People of color, especially African Americans are not always getting a fair judgment compared to whites in America. Blacks have always been oppressed in this country. History reveals the different obstacles that blacks in America overcame such as slavery and the civil rights movement. Whites in America have always been on top and they obviously do not want any other race to take their spot. When blacks were freed from slavery, the had nothing to support themselves to survive. In other words, they had to go back to the people who have been using them to whole time. It is a system that was use to keep black people from booming to their full potential. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:31:14 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58728588 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58726707 In my opinion, money definitely plays a major role in America's judicial system. However, other factors such as location and especially race also have an impact on the decisions made by the Judicial system. Of course, not all judges in the United States are racist, but the way the judicial system is build and the data shows that their is definitely prejudice and favoritism in the judicial system of the United States of America. With all the statistic and data that Sam Richards presented in class, it is obvious that discrimination still take place, even in today's world. People of color, especially African Americans are not always getting a fair judgment compared to whites in America. Blacks have always been oppressed in this country. History reveals the different obstacles that blacks in America overcame such as slavery and the civil rights movement. Whites in America have always been on top and they obviously do not want any other race to take their spot. When blacks were freed from slavery, the had nothing to support themselves to survive. In other words, they had to go back to the people who have been using them to whole time. It is a system that was use to keep black people from booming to their full potential. That same system to keep the minorities from the ladder still exist today. The modern day way to oppress the same race that have been oppressed in the past could be through the judicial system of America. A lot of people who disagree with my reasoning but I won't be surprised if majority of those who disagree are whites. The laws on violence and drugs in urban area are more harsh compared to that of a suburban area. Who lives in urban areas? The overwhelming answers are African Americans and other minorities. They might perform the same crime or even a less violent crime in comparison to the whites in the suburbs, but they usually get to stay in jail. The law enforcement workers such as police are also usually bias towards back. For example, my brother have been pulled over numerous times by cops in suburban area where he works for doing absolutely nothing wrong. It is almost like the cops are waiting for him to do something wrong so that they can lock him up. Even though the system is racially biased, money also plays a major role in the decision made by the judges. You made a point stating that majority of black people do not have the money to get their own lawyers. So, the majority of blacks who are charged of a crime are given state assigned lawyer, who do not usually make an attempt to get them out of trouble. Cases such as that of O.J. Simpson and Donte Stallworth shows how much money can impact a judges decision. These people have all the odds against them. They are a national athlete and they are African Americans. However, their paychecks saved them from getting locked up for murder. The American system simply cannot be corrected. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:12:50 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58726707 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-five__trashed/#IDComment57718462 I can understand why Gay Marriage is still a taboo in the whole world. United States his actually more open towards the Gay marriage than the vast amount of the country in the world. The number reason why Gay Marriage is still a taboo in the world is because of the religious beliefs of people. The major religions all over the world strongly oppose same sex encounters, speak less of gay marriage. They believe that a "marriage" should be between a male and a female, and nothing more. I have nothing against Gays and Lesbians even though my religion opposes it. I have both gay and lesbian friends and I do not judge them based on their sexual orientation. However, the majority of the society still view the marriage as a taboo. I hope this changes towards the future, but we have to change our self first. Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:07:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-five__trashed/#IDComment57718462 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57716909 I agree with what you said about why Lesbians are more accepted in today's society than Gay people. Women are more acceptable because of how they were brought up at an early age. Women were brought up to show their emotions and express their feelings. Males on the other hand were brought up to hide their real emotions. For example, males that cries or express an emotion that is typical of a female are usually called names and are picked on in the public society. Females have been an expressing their "real" feelings from a young age which explains why they are more accepted when they "come out of the closet". Other factors such as the media and the population of U.S. can also explain why Lesbians are more accepted that Gay people. Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:48:51 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57716909 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57655522 We all know that Lesbians are way more accepted than Gay men. The main reason why it is more accepted is because women are more acceptable towards sexual encounters. I mean, what man in his right stage of mind would not want to see two women engaging in a sexual encounter. Gay men on the other hand are not usually accepted because of what is expected from a "man". Gay men are considered a taboo because society believe they are going against everything that a real "man" should stand for. They do the same thing almost as straight man but the fact that they are more into their feminine side makes is a taboo issue for the society. Lesbians on the other hand are more similar to a typical women because they are still affectionate people. Another reason why Lesbian are more acceptable than Gay Men in today's society is because of the difference between how a male and a female were raised in the society. Females, from a very young age have been thought to express their feelings physically, show their emotions, such as crying in public. A male on the other hand has been thought to be tough and hide any emotions that shows our female side. It is not okay for a young male to cry in public because people will view him as a "cry baby" or "weak boy". This have definitely affected how gay men and lesbian have been portrayed in today's society. Females have been more acceptable because they usually "come out of the closet" at an earlier age. Females were not taught to hide their feelings, so it is easier to see from an early age that they will end up being a Lesbian. Males on the other hand, have been used to hiding their real emotions their whole life to seem more manly, so it will be difficult for a male to "come out of the closet" because of the burden the society have put on a male. The media and population might also have an effect on why Lesbians are more accepted that gay people. As we all probably know, vast amount of the population is dominated by females. This might be a reason why Lesbians are more acceptable because its way more females than there is males. Males however, have more than enough women to make their choices from and being a gay men make the society more complicated. The media also plays a role in the acceptance of Lesbians compared to Gay men. The Media always have commercial with two women living an ultimate life. And shows such as Ellen DeGeneres will give an advantage to Lesbians. How many commercials and you seen with two man holding each other in a sexual way? LGBT issue is becoming less of an issue in United States but it is harder for gay men for be accepted, even in today's society. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:14:28 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57655522 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment56559314 I agree with some of what you have stated and the disagree with some. Based on what you have stated, I believe that you are white and do not know hoe it feel to be always saved in movies by people who are physically different from you. You mention, movies such as "Coach Carter" and "Remember the Titans" are totally different from movies such as "Avatar". Even if Samuel Jackson is considered a hero, he had people of different race on his team in both "Coach Carter" and "Remember The Titans". If you think about it, how realistic is it for a "white man" to into some strange environment and saved the people who are used to the environment? It is not very realistic and yet every movie involving a hero saving a group of people has to be white. From he early age, movies such as Pocahontas gave us an image that an hero in a movie will always be a "white". It is time for a change and it is time for indigenous people to start saving themselves instead of some random "white guy" always being their "savior". Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:38:05 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment56559314