en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2438547 Comments by ame5126 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/were-you-surprised-to-find-that-business-is-the-factor-that-shapes-immigration-policies-119-blog/#IDComment144926918 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! Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:05:32 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/were-you-surprised-to-find-that-business-is-the-factor-that-shapes-immigration-policies-119-blog/#IDComment144926918 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/were-you-surprised-to-find-that-business-is-the-factor-that-shapes-immigration-policies-119-blog/#IDComment144926891 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. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:05:25 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/were-you-surprised-to-find-that-business-is-the-factor-that-shapes-immigration-policies-119-blog/#IDComment144926891 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/were-you-surprised-to-find-that-business-is-the-factor-that-shapes-immigration-policies-119-blog/#IDComment144926817 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. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:05:08 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/were-you-surprised-to-find-that-business-is-the-factor-that-shapes-immigration-policies-119-blog/#IDComment144926817 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/do-you-think-sam-was-right-in-saying-this-will-be-the-best-lecture-of-the-year-119-blog/#IDComment140626062 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! Thu, 7 Apr 2011 02:39:29 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/do-you-think-sam-was-right-in-saying-this-will-be-the-best-lecture-of-the-year-119-blog/#IDComment140626062 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/do-you-think-sam-was-right-in-saying-this-will-be-the-best-lecture-of-the-year-119-blog/#IDComment140626012 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. Thu, 7 Apr 2011 02:39:17 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/do-you-think-sam-was-right-in-saying-this-will-be-the-best-lecture-of-the-year-119-blog/#IDComment140626012 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139172938 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! Fri, 1 Apr 2011 18:49:44 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139172938 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139172916 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. Fri, 1 Apr 2011 18:49:36 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139172916 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139172885 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. Fri, 1 Apr 2011 18:49:26 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/31/has-the-class-on-the-needy-penis-made-you-uncomfortable-and-why-119-blog/#IDComment139172885 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137295244 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. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:04:03 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137295244 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137295212 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. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:03:53 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137295212 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137295199 Interracial relationships are becoming more and more prevalent. They are seen more now than ever before and Sam even mentioned that the mixed race is on the rise. To address the question of how I personally feel about interracial relationships, I do not have any issues with them. However, I know that my parents would prefer that I date my own race in order to protect myself from judgments in society. I was raised in an upper-middle class, white suburb. I graduated with close to 650 kids and less than 10 of them were black. Because I was raised in a predominately white community, the thought of dating outside my race never really crossed my mind. I’ve always been attracted to white males who come from a similar background so I guess I am somewhat sheltered. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:03:47 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137295199 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/have-you-ever-felt-guilt-from-being-of-a-certain-race-119-blog/#IDComment135470322 Now back to asking myself if I do or do not feel guilt…I do feel guilt but not because I am white. I feel guilt because of how society does not accept non-white people like they do white. I should not have to feel bad about something that is out of my control and not my fault. A huge reason I do not feel guilt is because I do not embrace white privilege. I do not think I’m entitled to more things or better things simply because of my white skin. I wish that I could help to reshape the way our society functions but I’m only one person and people probably don’t care what I have to say! I would hope that most white people do not take advantage of this white privilege epidemic because it’s really not fair. Everyone deserves an equal shot at every opportunity life has to offer! Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:01:24 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/have-you-ever-felt-guilt-from-being-of-a-certain-race-119-blog/#IDComment135470322 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/have-you-ever-felt-guilt-from-being-of-a-certain-race-119-blog/#IDComment135470300 When I think to myself “do I feel genuine guilt about being white?” my answer is no. However, when I think about the different scenarios Sam has mentioned in class that “scream” white privilege, maybe I do feel some guilt. But maybe I don’t? It is definitely a difficult idea to consider but my eyes have been opened to it and I see it everywhere now. For example, being approached by a sales person at a store. Are they more willing to offer their help instead of me asking for it because I’m white? Maybe. Or am I more likely to receive housing because I’m a white girl versus the girl who is mixed race? These are things that have never once crossed my mind until white privilege was really explained and revealed to me. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:01:16 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/have-you-ever-felt-guilt-from-being-of-a-certain-race-119-blog/#IDComment135470300 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/have-you-ever-felt-guilt-from-being-of-a-certain-race-119-blog/#IDComment135470275 I have never felt guilty for being white until I started taking Sam’s class. But even though I understand that white privilege is all over the place, I do not feel as guilty as some might. It is not my fault that I am white and that society has shaped itself to favor the white demographic. It is beyond my control. Growing up I just lived my life like any child would. Like Sam talked about in class on Tuesday, there are different levels of understanding race and young children do not see color. As we mature, age, and experience a variety of situations in life we develop our own ideas and perceptions about race and ethnicity. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:01:08 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/have-you-ever-felt-guilt-from-being-of-a-certain-race-119-blog/#IDComment135470275 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/how-can-we-save-our-scarce-resources-119-blog/#IDComment134245282 Even though we can come up with ways to help limit the use of these scarce resources, people tend to ignore them. We are so caught up in ourselves and our own lives that we do not pay attention to these types of things because they most likely will not affect us in our lifetime. In our society we care about ourselves and how we can better our lives. So if that means spending tons of money on fuel to power our cars, boats, and other unnecessary toys then so be it! This selfishness is why there are so many poverty stricken people and families. People are starving and instead of donating money or helping to feed a family we are too worried about ourselves and what we’re going to buy next. It’s a vicious cycle, however it does not apply to everyone. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:48:29 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/how-can-we-save-our-scarce-resources-119-blog/#IDComment134245282 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/how-can-we-save-our-scarce-resources-119-blog/#IDComment134245249 We can create new ways to “fuel” our lives that imitate our scarce resources. Alternative fuel sources for example. If we can power our vehicles with solar energy or another type of fuel source then we will use up less of the scarce fuel. I believe that creating new ways to provide ourselves with alternatives is the best way to protect and limit the use of scarce resources. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:48:20 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/how-can-we-save-our-scarce-resources-119-blog/#IDComment134245249 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/how-can-we-save-our-scarce-resources-119-blog/#IDComment134245173 Scarce resources are a common topic of discussion because they are scarce and eventually they will run out. There is a constant worry of what we will do once they do run out. It appears as though we have a plan and are conscientious about using them wisely yet we continue to use them at the same rate. We can save our scarce resources by doing a lot of different things. I think the most important thing we can do is to find ways to not waste! Our world has so much waste, especially Americans. We throw things out like it’s our job and we are too lazy to recycle even though it takes just as much time to throw a plastic bottle into a recycling bin as it does a trash can. Another way we can help to save our scarce resources is to make them more expensive. Of course no one wants to pay three times as much for something but if it helps to make them last longer because people are not buying them up then it is working! Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:48:01 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/how-can-we-save-our-scarce-resources-119-blog/#IDComment134245173 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment129764547 We can make people more aware of slavery by continuing to have people report these issues. However, I do not think that it will stop people from buying slave made goods. I agree with both Sam and the student who said he can’t afford to pay twice as much for a good that is not produced by slaves. A lot of people do not have the finances to pay a lot of money for fair trade goods, especially with such a bad economy. However, our society and especially our generation has a tendency to go out and spend a lot of money on electronics, shoes, accessories, etc. If we would cut back on that kind of spending and put it toward fair trade goods then Sam is right about people being full of shit when they say they can’t afford it. Regardless, it is impossible to end slavery completely and the only way we can help them is by continuing to buy their goods. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 04:53:37 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment129764547 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment129764531 I saw a documentary on Wal-Mart a year ago and how slavery is the reason why their prices are so low. It was disgusting to see the footage and hear that it is definitely still going on today. When I saw that there are factories in China that have people working elbow to elbow for more than 8 hours a day and are forced to sleep in dorm –like living arrangements I immediately disliked Wal-Mart. Like Sam said about the chocolate, there are ways to avoid slave produced goods. Instead of buying stuff at Wal-Mart for a fraction of the price I go elsewhere and pay a few extra dollars. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 04:53:29 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment129764531 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment129764510 We can make people more aware of the slavery that still exist today but spreading the word via documentaries like the one we saw in class. People are greatly influenced when they have the opportunity to SEE something. Even though they are not seeing it in person the video footage gets the point across. I believe that people tend to turn the other cheek and act like they do not know what’s going on when it comes to slavery. What I found very interesting was how after seeing the footage of the slavery to get to cocoa, so many people chose not to eat their second piece of chocolate. At first I hesitated because I felt bad but when Sam said that “it tastes different” I wanted to see for myself. I agreed that it really did taste different. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 04:53:21 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-can-we-make-people-more-aware-of-the-slavery-that-is-still-going-on-119-blog/#IDComment129764510