I think it is extremely important to have immigration policies though. Because our country offers so many opportunities, many want to live and work in America. If they do come here, I think they should be documented as soon as they arrive. We talked a lot about Mexicans crossing the borders in the dark of night, but what about the people who come from overseas and never leave? If we keep better track of everyone entering our country, whether legally or illegally, the bitterness toward illegal immigration may begin to dwindle. It is always going to be an issue but if it is helping our economy and providing the poor with a chance to persevere in their own countries, then maybe illegal immigration is a good thing!
Because foreigners are so driven and have a good work ethic, it does not surprise me that business is what controls immigration policies. If Americans are attempting to achieve success in life and earn a lot of money, then hiring illegal immigrants is a great approach. It appears as though, despite so many Americans being angry that there are such a large number of immigrants in our country, Americans provide them with the work and the chance to stay. I am not sure whether or not I agree with how immigration policies are created or if I am upset with so many illegal immigrants being in my country. I think that because they have not personally affected me, my life, and my opportunities I am not bitter toward them.
I have never put much thought into the topic off immigration and illegal immigrants. I do know that if you had asked me a week ago I probably would have said that it is unfair to the legal citizens. However, after hearing Sam’s lecture on immigration and what controls it, my views have somewhat changed. I do agree that it is not fair for everyone to come to our country and try to live the “American dream”. We, as Americans, deserve that opportunity before it is taken away from us by foreigners. Time and time again, Sam has mentioned that the reason foreigners succeed so well in our country is because they are so driven. We are lazy and expect most opportunities to be handed to us while they go get those opportunities. So maybe we do not deserve to have those opportunities “reserved” for us.
This lecture had a lot of impact on me because it really got the wheels inside my head turning. I found it interesting how Sam had us experience the lecture from a different point of view. I had a hard time remembering that I was a Muslim girl living in Iraq. I found myself being confused by Sam’s statements simply because time and time again I forgot to think from the Muslim perspective. When I reminded myself to think from the Muslim perspective, everything made complete sense. If everyone thought about situations from the others perspective for a lot of different scenarios, people may be more compassionate about problems in the world. We need to learn to take responsibility for our poor choices and taking advantage of other people other. If our country was the one being invaded and our civilians were being killed, we would feel the same way the Iraqis do. The Christian Invaders lecture really got me thinking about where I stand with whether or not I support such wars as the one in Iraq. To understand what other people must be going through totally changed how I thought. It never once crossed my mind to put myself in their shoes. By far the most thought provoking lecture thus far this semester!
Sam talked a lot about the upcoming lecture. When he said that the Christian Invaders class would by far be the best lecture of the semester, I thought to myself better than the Needy Penis talk?! I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting the lecture was. The Needy Penis lecture was my kind of lecture but the Christian Invaders was incredibly thought provoking and I left class Thursday evening legitimately angry. I was made from my own point of view as an American, not as a Muslim living in Iraq. I was somewhat disgusted by the reality of the war.
Religion and politics are probably two of my least favorite things to talk about. I did not go to church growing up and I do not know very much about politics. Putting the two into the same discussion was interesting especially because I lack a lot of common knowledge on both subjects. However I did feel enlightened and informed about a lot of things after the Christian Invaders lecture. I thought the lecture was definitely one of the best thus far in the semester. I enjoyed all the different videos Sam showed to support his comments and ideas.
All in all I thought the lecture was a discussion. I enjoyed how people did contribute a few comments. It was fun hearing the discussion from both Sam and his wife, Laurie. I was totally comfortable during the whole thing and I was sitting with my boyfriend who I dragged to class in case there was something important to be learned! I never once felt embarrassed but I did act a little childish at times when Sam said specific words such as penetration. It is not every day that you get to hear your professor talk about his sex life while using such great words! I think everyone should take a lesson away from the lecture and remember that things are different in a man centered world and a female centered world. If we all keep that in mind, everyone can be happy and satisfied!
I have always been somewhat comfortable talking about sex. It is natural and a part of life. Also, most people our age have done it at least once and can relate. Sex is all over the media and can be seen almost anywhere you look. I think it is important to embrace this and just go with the flow. If people accepted things such as race, ethnic background, culture, religion, etc. the way we tend to accept sexuality, the world would be a more pleasant place! Although I was not uncomfortable during the lecture, I am sure a lot of people were. This was probably due to the fact that a lot of us were surrounded by total strangers and it can be weird talking about personal stuff around people we are not familiar with. This can be applied to any topic.
We have talked about a lot of topics and issues that make people uncomfortable. There are always different reasons as to why someone feels uncomfortable when talking about a certain topic. I believe it has a lot to do with personal experiences or lack thereof. During the needy penis lecture I made a comment to my friends that I bet a lot of people were seriously uncomfortable talking about this stuff. The needy penis lecture did not make me uncomfortable. A lot of the topics that have been discussed in class and in my recitation have made me uncomfortable. Like I said before, I think this deals with having experienced or not experienced certain things.
My best friend here at school used to date a black guy. She is white. She kept the relationship a secret from her family and even some of her friends. The guy was understanding of her secrecy and was willing to stay with her despite the lack of honesty. Over spring break her mom saw a picture of her and the boyfriend together and flipped out. She said it looked like they were dating based on the picture and that she was giving the family a bad name. She continued to deny the relationship to her parents and even though she believed they were not dating they were still upset that she was pictured with a black guy. Her family was more concerned with the family’s name then their own daughter’s happiness. Ultimately, the stress from her family put a toll on the relationship and she ended it. It’s a shame that some older generations cannot accept this idea of interracial relationships.
If I found someone who was not a white male who made me happy and treated me right, I would have no objection to dating them. I do know that my parents would not be as supportive and my grandparents would probably be appalled. Ultimately, I believe that if someone makes you happy then their race, religion, ethnic background, etc. should not matter. I know that my parents just want what is best for me and their thinking is that in the long run I will have to deal with people judging me and my family. If I were to have a child with someone of a different race, their concerns would then be for the child and the discrimination and judgments they may suffer.
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