en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/762277 Comments by as921 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69867871 I think it’s amazing how the Haitian community can rise economically with these small entrepreneur businesses. In such a short amount of time after the terrible earthquake I think the people of Haiti have done a remarkable job by re-establishing themselves financially. Today in class the guest speaker put their state in an interesting perspective by explaining that Haiti needs to grow economically in order for them to reach prosperity. The numerous amount of non- profit organizations and contributions from nations around the world helped the people of Haiti survive the severe aftereffects of the natural disaster. I think eventually there will be a drop in donations. Due to that, the natives who solely rely on the goods that other countries are shipping them, might eventually fall back a few steps because they may become dependent on them. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m not too familiar with what is going on over there at the moment. Just like anything else in the media, Haiti was on the news for a few weeks when the earthquake first occurred. Since then, this is the first I’m hearing that people are starting to make a living for themselves again by selling small goods or returning to the services they provided before the quake. Even though the living conditions are extremely poor and it is very unfortunate that the only thing these people have for shelter are small tarps, these people are survivors and their making it by day by day. As I was watching this video I was in complete shock. The thought of the many small businesses which expanded beyond basic human necessities such as a nail salon, the movies, or cell phone charging business never even crossed my mind. What I enjoyed most about this video is that even though these people are extremely poor, they are still content with the small things they have. I try to imagine myself in their shoes, what if the situation was reversed? I think Americans take many things in life for granted and personally, I don’t think I would be able to survive the post dramatic stress, or living conditions. If I were Haitian, I wouldn’t be able to imagine the feeling of not being able to call a family member in America just to tell them I’m okay, or even going days without having a decent meal and comfy bed. I think the guest speaker has an amazing idea of helping small business owners in Haiti. In order for the country to become stable Haitians cannot rely on the goods we are sending them, but cultivate their own farms. This small tent community definitely is on the right track by getting their businesses back on track so the Haitian economy can flourish Fri, 23 Apr 2010 03:54:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69867871 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68401054 I personally thought this lecture on the “Invaders, Thieves, and killers” was one of the best all semester. I disagree with some of the blogs stating that Sam is considering the war in Iraq a “Christian Invasion.” I don’t think he is saying that Christians are trying to take over the world, but the fact is that’s what the Middle East perceives of the United States. One of the explanations for this thought I think is based completely on the fact of President Bush’s reference to a “crusade” against terrorism. Also, another main reason is due to the Taliban’s following of the Islamic religion and connecting their faith so strongly to the political side of the war. For example in one slide there was a Muslim soldier carrying a huge missile and the Quran. Since the Taliban believes that Allah told them to fight, and always referring their war tactics as a sign from god I think this is why they believe Americans are so called pushing Christianity upon the entire world. Yes the government does support mission trips to many countries in the middle east, but what it seemed to me from the video showed in class was that they were focusing exclusively on the missionaries handing out bibles; not on the things we are bringing them in order for them to live and survive such as food, water, and even shelter. The War on Terror is a response due to the tragic attacks which occurred in the United States on September 11th. But I also believe that the majority of it now is focused towards a war for oil. One of the main points about the entire class was to put yourself in their shows and imagine if you were an average, Muslim, college student in Iraq, and to think of this whole situation were reversed. Since your own army ties religion and politics very tightly as you watch these “monsters” invading your country, with orders from a CHRISTIAN leader, then you would assume that they are very religious with their faith. I can understand why Muslims think drilling for oil has to do with Christianity because that’s what their own country believes in. At the end of class Sam asked if we would join the insurgency. I give the utmost respect for our troops and soldiers who are fighting for our country so if the situation were reversed, and the most powerful army in the world was about to attack the United State I would 100% join. Sam definitely opened up my eyes about the war and to see it from the civilians’ perspective of the other side because most of my knowledge about the war is solely the news and medias portrayal of our side of the war. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:31:28 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68401054 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66853539 It seems to me everyone has the same thoughts about the message that Sam is trying to put out there. I don’t think some people appreciate what he is trying to do with this whole race relation’s class. What I get from it is that he wants to open up the minds of students. Weather you come from a large city where race and diversity is at every corner, or a small town in the middle of central Pennsylvania I don’t think anyone is completely aware of the discrimination or racial issues that are still happening in the world today. I actually learned a lot with the readings we have to complete for the exams, for example I had no idea how very much alive slavery and poverty is in todays society. Even the last class he said something like even the poorest people in our country are richer then one third of the world, I don’t think we realize how much we take things for granted. I definitely agree that after spring break things have become a little repetitive but its slightly different in my discussion group. I learned a tremendous amount of how other people view issues and how I may actually relate to some of their thoughts. Its funny because we actually brought up this same question in my last discussion. Someone didn’t really understand why Sam kept talking about the bad things that happened in the past and why he dwells on it.Even though he is trying to make us aware of our terrible history, he always states that many of these issues such as discrimination continue to occur bc of those people still talking about slavery in America. I can relate this back to that white guilt feeling he asks if we still have because of what the settlers did to the native Americans. I can answer honestly to this by saying that I do not have any guilt of what happened over 100 years ago. Many people dwell on the issues meanwhile I think instead of saying to yourself “Im a poor, Native American women” you should try and get passed what society labels you as and do something to change your life! Even though some people may feel like Sam is a poser and “full of shit” if you sit back and actually listen to some of the points he makes in class the guy really does have a lot of knowledge and experiences he wants to share with us. Overall the class is very beneficial and I think I did change the way I think about things especially between the white team and black/brown team. There is actually a world outside of our little happy valley, I think that Sam is just trying to get us to open up our minds and remove us from the ignorance we have developed over the years. Fri, 9 Apr 2010 18:51:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66853539 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65569566 I can totally relate to what you are saying. I come from a Hispanic background; my grandparents were from Spain, Cuba and Puerto Rico. However I was raised in a so-called “white society”. Since I am very fair and the color of my skin is basically white I never really was discriminated against. My parents were raised very culturally Spanish so I was. But when I go to spanish speaking countries im considered a “Gringa”. The best part about this is, I really do stand out as a “white person” when I visit my grandmother in Puerto Rico, but I am considered a Puerto Rican in the states. Also at my job since I’m not technically white, im considered a person of color. In class I felt the same way that you did. I didn’t know whether to vote on the white team or the brown/black team. I thought that even though my ethnicity is Hispanic, I answer on the white side because I am not a true “Latina” since I grew up in a predominantly white town. I also don’t know the Spanish language fluently. I don’t relate to the discrimination that Hispanics have gone through because I felt like I was raised in a mainly white part of Long Island, NY. But I honestly don’t care. I don’t feel like we have to categorize ourselves into teams or feel like we have to fit in one kind of bubble. I am not white, and I don’t fit in the category of the brown/black team because I feel due to the color of my skin I was never discriminated against. I completely agree with some of the other blogs with the fact that you should be very proud of your multiracial background and stand with the team that makes you feel most comfortable. In the end no one is completely perfect so it is ok to be different and have a bizarre upbringing. I feel blessed to be raised with a different culture, and don’t mind that I am a white girl in pr and a Spanish girl to my friends on long island. It suits me. So I say EFF the whole Multi-racial background debate. It doesn’t really matter to anyone except you. And you should be happy for the fact that you have the best of both worlds. You have the Latin spice in you as well as the ability to relate to the typical “white person”. Use it to your advantage and don’t be afraid to play both sides. Because in the end are there really sides? NO! we are trying to eliminate this whole team thing so everyone in the long run can relate with one another. You are still going to be the same person, whether you vote team White or team Brown/Black. Fri, 2 Apr 2010 16:02:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65569566 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment63922458 I personally would not usually talk about my period with other people because I really don’t see the point of announcing it or using it as an advantage or a pass to be a bitch to everyone. I don’t think “bleeding” or having your period is a big deal at all. Like Sam said in class it is a natural thing I think the example he actually used was to see how many men and women were hungry at the moment since hunger is natural. Men on the other hand certainly do think it’s a huge deal because even though it is natural, it doesn’t happen to them so they don’t really understand what it’s like. I don’t think you can even compare menstruation to hunger since everyone doesn’t experience it. I agree with what she said in the video bleeding isn’t the best term because it just sounds disgusting and i hope other people dont refer to it as that. To me that’s the reason why men get queasy because from what I’ve heard they think its blood pouring out 24/7 and with the description sam gave, he made it seem that way. My only sibling is my older sister so I’m not sure how it is in other households but we never talked about our menstrual cycles with our father. I mean yeah he knew but my mom always just taught us to be discrete about it basically because that’s how she was raised. I believe it is definitely a more personal hygienic subject that only women need to talk about. When Sam mentioned he told his wife to leave it in the toilet so he can see it that was a bit much for myself, if my husband wanted to see it id tell him to go see a doctor or something bc its kind of a nasty thing to ask. If they did say anything to their boyfriends about getting it probably because they are relieved they’re not pregnant. After class I was wondering what if the situation were reversed. Like instead of him just coming up with bleeding what if he brought up men having a problem let’s say for instance performing, I wonder if all the women put their heads down if any guy in the class would have the courage to raise his hand? I mean that’s natural too right so why don’t guys talk about it? Also In the blog she asked why women feel ashamed of it. I am not ashamed of being able to menstruate at all, i just dont think there is anything beautiful about “that time of the month”. I agree with what she said in the blog in which the beauty is that women are fertile and have the ability to give birth. I believe god created our bodies specifically for bringing new life into this world in which I am so thankful for. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:12:26 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment63922458 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment63008034 I completely understand your point and I thought this was a very interesting question. Many individuals would consider me to be white because I look Italian but I’m really Puerto Rican. When I answer these questions its difficult for me to decide which poll I would vote for when it says brown/black. After hearing Sam’s lectures about the definition of what white is I came to the conclusion that if you do not have a dark skin tone and lived a “white” or “privileged” lifestyle then people perceive you to be white. I would have to say yes to that, mainly because there was never a time in my life where I felt acts of racism or discrimination towards me because of my skin color. I would agree that both sides had rude comments towards one another but the white poll had some serious and intellectual comments such as “nothing” or “it’s just skin color” meaning that there was mainly no difference. Just because one idiot in the class said something ridiculously negative, he/she doesn’t represent our whole population. Since that person did have a very nasty comment, when the tables were turned it was almost like blacks were able to say anything stereotypical and many in the class thought it was funny. To me it just doesn’t seem fair that white people ALWAYS need to watch what they say so they don’t offend anyone; basically if any white kid were to make a comment it was horrible meanwhile when a black student has something stereotypical to say, it’s all laughs and giggles as if it’s become the norm in society. In class Sam also mentioned in an example “when do you stop calling him your gay friend and he just becomes known as your friend.” I brought this up because at home I’m friends with many black people and they always say “oh that white dude” but its rude for white people to say “that black kid.” I never actually thought about serious racial issues until soc 119 because I grew up in a very diverse family and I guess I was just used to being around different people such as gays and blacks. I think this mostly has to do with the way my parents raised me. My father works in a predominantly black school district so my parents never made any discriminatory comments or stereotypes about a racial group. Sometimes I wonder if when a black person looks at me, they automatically assume I think I’m better than them, which I clearly don’t. With using the polls, Sam is only trying to prove a point with white and black perceptions of each other. We all think we hate each other meanwhile we don’t, almost like a vicious cycle. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:44:35 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment63008034 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59496699 I would have to say that I completely disagree with the assumption that she made. With the first thing stated, “Most of the theme parties that I’ve heard are hosted by white people.” This is not true at all based on the fact that I’ve been to many themed parties and socials hosted by fraternities who have several black, Asian, and Hispanic brothers. Just by saying that they are only hosted by white people to me sounds a little racist because there are actually many people with different backgrounds participating. I really don’t think themed parties have anything to do with race. They are geared towards specific holidays during the year such as the famous State Patty’s Day which I think majority of students celebrate at Penn state or an ugly sweater party during Christmas. My friends and I will also host dinner parties where the theme will be black tie affair, in which our guests get really dressed up in all black and we drink wine. I could understand why certain themes may be degrading to women such as a CEO and corporate hoe or a high school themed party but girls aren’t offended and are still attending. Another key one is quarterbacks and cheerleaders where guys dress up as beefy football players and the girls take on the role of the “dumb cheerleader” and wear short shorts and tank tops with their boobs plunging out. I was a cheerleader in high school and I personally just think this is funny because it is the specific stereotype society gives us even though we are very intelligent and hard working. Even the cheerleaders here at Penn State are huge role models and representatives for our school. They aren’t attacking a certain “racial” group, just a specific stereotype that has been generated over the years due to what humans make of themselves and the media. There are hundreds of themed parties people host from childrens birthday parties to your grandparents 50th anniversary the list can go on and on so I don’t think it is right to just flat out say that white people are hosting themed parties mostly making fun of racial stereotypes in which are generated towards black people. Hosts definitely aren’t thinking about how they can be racist and make fun of black people but focus on the fact that they want the people who come to their parties to enjoy their night. There isn’t any intention of hurting a specific person, or making rude remarks towards a certain ethnicity or race. We’re all college students who just want to have fun by spicing up our parties a little with these crazy ideas! Wed, 3 Mar 2010 05:56:53 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59496699 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58894568 I completely agree with many of these posts. I absolutely did not think Issac was a thug, gangster, drug dealer ect. when I first saw him. First of all we are all students at penn state, in order for us to get here we have to obviously be intelligent and placed somewhere in the middle to upper social class. Another reason is that even if I saw you walkin in my hometown or the streets of new York I would not assume these thoughts. I personally think you look just like any other college student. I have several black friends who do like to make their own raps and post them on facebook so yeah maybe you could be a rapper. I also have many white friends who rap. . Issac also mentioned that people may think he is an athlete. Personally yes he may have the same statue as maybe a wrestler or soccer player, but even if I saw a white, Indian, Hispanic, or asian with the exact same built I would assume that also. Furthermore who even have the same exact shoes, shirt, jeans, and even the same style hair as you who you; the point is that when I first met them I did not put them in such specific categories how you think people are so judgmental about yourself. You can be the wealthiest man and still wear sweatpants and nobody would ever know it. I think our society has come a very long way from racism thoughts. Not all but many intelligent people first judge you by the way you speak or carry yourself; not with your dress. I completely agree with the fact that some black people automatically have this guard up and assume that white people are scared of them or something. We are all students further more we are all human beings. The situation may be reverse discrimination to say that “most white people see me as a thug or criminal.” Skin color has nothing to do with those thoughts. What does is your personality and your actions which cause people to assume you are a criminal. Im not saying that we don’t judge people because EVERYBODY does, it’s just sad that this is what you believe people assume of you. The only reason I could see why, is because maybe you consider yourself to be athletic, or maybe you like that “thug/rapper” style so that’s what you want people to perceive you as. Maybe you even want people to feel bad for you and make it seem that white people still are very racist so this is what you tell others? I personally do not know the reason why. Don’t be so hard on yourself on what other people think about you!! Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:24:14 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-three__trashed/#IDComment58894568 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57687911 What I would like to know is if you don’t agree on gay adoption, then what makes them less suitable for caring and nurturing a child then a straight couple? Personally I believe that both gays and lesbians are 100% capable of adopting a child. There is no evidence known that states gay men and lesbians are unfit parents. When you are at that point in your life and you are ready to adopt, it usually that means you are in a devoting relationship and financially stable, they just don’t give out kids to anyone adoption is a very long process. Most heterosexual couples either marry or break up because of a pregnancy which is then considered “unfit” parents. For example take a look at that show 16 & Pregnant, on MTV. Do you really think that since those kids are straight, then they are technically more fit and accepted by society than gay adults willing to adopt. I don’t think gay adoption is anything new. I have several gay people in my family who are currently seeking adoption. My male gay cousin, a lawyer in Manhattan, is deeply in love with a man who is currently enrolled in the MBA program at Harvard. Eventually they want to adopt a child. Obviously, they will be financially stable but what is even more important is that their love for one another is growing exponentially. What really irritates me is the fact that since they are gay men, society tends to believe they are inadequate to support a child. You may say that women have natural motherly instincts but a heterosexual male can be as caring and loving to a child as his spouse. Another issue about gay adoption is the parenting and the burden put on the child. Number one, whatever sexual orientation you are, it has NOTHING to do with parenting. My definition of parenting is giving your child morals, and supporting them physically and emotionally. Number two, there will be no burden put on your child if you raise them with the right morals that everyone is socially equal. If you love and care for them, then they will return it unconditionally and not be ashamed or embarrassed that they’re ONLY parents are gay. There are thousands of children in this world up for adoption who are currently starving, and in harsh conditions. I think the most important issue right now is for homosexuals and straight couples to realize what’s best for these children; to be starving in a third world country having no guidance, or living with 2 loving parents who are willing to give up anything for them. We are all human beings living in this world together; everyone should have equal opportunity for adoption. A child will love and idolize their parents to matter what their sexual orientation may be. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:07:27 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57687911 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/all-that-is-solid-melts-into-air-including-our-words__trashed/#IDComment56595911 I never thought about how many languages are spoken in our world today, I defiantly didn’t think there were about 7,000. Due to our egotistical country, I don’t think we realize that there are billions of people living in this world who speak languages other than English and Spanish. To think about our language dying is a very scary thought, let alone knowing that you are the last person who knows how to speak your native language. From the BBC article I completely agree with Johnny, the last Chemehuevi speaker, on the fact that he claims people want to learn the native language, but when it finally comes down to do the work- nobody wants to put in the effort. It’s sad to think that your own people don’t want to learn the language that has been passed down from many generations. As stated in the article, it may hold insight of biology, pharmacology, end rituals that may help our well-being. I believe the only person to blame for this is yourself! For instance, Spanish has been one of the dominant languages in the world for hundreds of years now as well as Chinese and Italian. Yes there are different dialects and phrases but the main reason for this language to still be so alive is because our ancestors kept speaking it to our grandparents, then passes down to parents and so on. With that said, I don’t understand how Boa Sr. didn’t teach her children or anyone else in her tribe this fascinating language. Clearly she was able to learn it and speak with her elders so why not take the initiative and keep this ancient language in existence? Maybe her family was the last to speak Bo and everyone else in the community had already been using a different language for decades. Either way it just boggles my mind that she didn’t teach it to anyone else. I completely disagree with the article saying that government is to blame. In other countries, as well as our own, the government can impose education laws by having English or any foreign language class as a requirement in schools. That doesn’t mean that they are trying to completely abolish the native language but solely making their country more diverse and educated. Our own language has changed drastically from the colonial times till now. With the technology we use in our generation in order to communicate such as text messaging, AIM, Facebook, ECT. different words and phrases are made everyday such as; lol, ttyl, and omg. It is very unfortunate to know that many ancient languages of the world will eventually be distinct. Hopefully people can realize how valuable their culture is and recover it from the road towards extinction. Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:31:39 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/all-that-is-solid-melts-into-air-including-our-words__trashed/#IDComment56595911 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment55352444 I saw “Avitar” when it first came to theatres and thought it was an amazing film. Personally, after seeing it I completely related it to movies from my childhood, actually the same exact that Brookes said “Fern Gully” and “Pocahontas.” After reading the article I completely understand where Brookes is coming from and what he is saying about our generations The White Messiah fable but I just don’t think it is racially correct. Sure there have been many instances such as the events in Haiti, Darfur, and the war on terrorism: “America comes to the rescue!” But there are other wealthy individuals for example our BLACK president who is running this country and 100% supporting our nation with giving aid to people in desperate need in these third world countries. Also what I don’t understand about Brooke’s article is that it seems to me that he keeps referring these white people to our military. I know he is trying to make a point by relating the United States army being in the movie but I’m pretty sure in the film, and in real life there are other races that are against the so called indigenous people, I don’t recall having “white skin color” a requirement for signing up to the military. Most of these assumptions occur because of the stereotype ignorant people give America. It’s very sad that the rest of the world views us as greedy and rationalist human beings, and the first thing that comes to mind when they hear our name is military. Its’ been this way for years and it is very embarrassing. I hope one day it will change but it may be psychologically impossible since humans always see and remember the bad before the good. I also completely disagree with Brookes’ assumption that “nonwhites NEED the White Messiah to lead their crusades.” From what I hear our country isn’t doing too well with our own crusades such as the tremendously increasing national debt. It is very offensive when hearing that this is what people think of our country. There are many spiritual leaders and missionaries who donate and fundraise millions of dollars for a cause but issues like that always get left unsaid and people forget about it. I don’t think this theme of The White Messiah towards the United States will ever go away because for decades that is how the world has perceived us, but people need to realize that other countries in Europe and Africa also have “white” people. I definitely think Brookes went into the White Messiah fable a little too much, “Avitar” was an amazing film. Yes this may be one plot of the film but like I said earlier why couldn’t he force the good aspects in the film such as how environmentally sensitive or multiculturally aware it is? Thu, 4 Feb 2010 17:29:31 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment55352444 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/i-guess-it-pays-to-learn-a-bit-about-other-people__trashed/#IDComment54429436 . I don’t think this is an act of racism at all. If you have no knowledge of a certain religion or practice then you technically aren’t discriminating against them. I 100% agree with Rabbi Greenburgs’ statement “ I would suggest, pray on the plane and put the tefillin on later on.” Hopefully people will learn about this and know that when you travel on airplanes, you should always be aware of your actions and those people around you. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:59:38 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/i-guess-it-pays-to-learn-a-bit-about-other-people__trashed/#IDComment54429436 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/i-guess-it-pays-to-learn-a-bit-about-other-people__trashed/#IDComment54429422 simply asking the boy what he was doing. His response, “I’m in prayer.” My first thoughts would be okay maybe he is in prayer about to bomb this plane? I would only assume that because before I read this article I had absolutely no idea what teffilin was or even broader I have no knowledge of observant Judaism. If I saw someone with what could be a bomb on their head say that they were in prayer,, then yes I would automatically tell the pilot to take the plane down. I understand the boy was emotionally hurt by being arrested and having guns pointed at him, but lets’ just say that if it was a bomb, you would be thankful for that flight attendant. I completely understand that this boy is an observant Jew but sometimes you just have to think about things that aren’t normal to other religions or people. Even the boys rabbi and some other observant jews said they weren’t surprised that this ritual attracted this much attention and understood with the events that took place. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:59:25 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/i-guess-it-pays-to-learn-a-bit-about-other-people__trashed/#IDComment54429422 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/i-guess-it-pays-to-learn-a-bit-about-other-people__trashed/#IDComment54429398 After reading the article, I completely support the actions of the flight attendant. I don’t understand why some people are saying that she over reacted and made this into a serious situation. Even though the traumatic events on September 11th occurred almost nine years ago, this is the way our country needs to respond with suspicious behavior. Especially when you see actions out of the norm you would only want airport security to act right away. Flight crews and the Transportation Security Administration need to be aware at ALL times. Even if you feel violated with security staring you down, and searching through your bags while going through security, wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? It’s sad to say it but there are terrorists and suicide bombers in this world. Put yourself in the other passengers’ shoes on US Airways Express Flight 3079. If you saw the kid next to you wrapping teffilin, small leather boxes attached to leather straps around him, you would start to get a little suspicious as well. Since the flight attendant is trained specifically for situations like this she took the right safety precautions. First by Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:59:09 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/i-guess-it-pays-to-learn-a-bit-about-other-people__trashed/#IDComment54429398 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-s__trashed/#IDComment53873254 amianka suarez- ays5207 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:34:45 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-s__trashed/#IDComment53873254 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/clubbing-the-bejesus-out-of-rationality__trashed/#IDComment53492602 He claims to have such strong beliefs and faith you would think he may want to help those who are suffering in Haiti. With millions of viewers and followers he has the power to change lots of things. Let’s say instead of proclaiming that Haiti made a pact with the devil, he preached how horrendous and horrifying this natural disaster is. If he considers himself so godly, then god wouldn’t want these people he “created” to be suffering, instead he would want to contribute to save these people and “heal” them. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:33:18 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/clubbing-the-bejesus-out-of-rationality__trashed/#IDComment53492602 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/clubbing-the-bejesus-out-of-rationality__trashed/#IDComment53492579 race you are, we are all still human beings! To be surrounded by people who think you are almost godly they will never stand up for what they believe in and argue. Argue for what is right and humane! I cannot believe how large of a following Robertson has obtained over the years. I don’t know about anyone else but whenever Full House is finished and The 700 Club comes on late night TV I immediately reach for the remote. It’s disgusting to see how many people believe in his preaching’s, for me it is almost cult like! It isn’t right to say he forgot to take his meds, but clearly Pat Robertson grew up in a closed minded and sheltered world. It is ridiculous to believe that this huge earthquake occurred because of a pact by a devil. He must be a very uneducated man because first of all earthquakes are caused by the significant movement of where the plates beneath earths’ surface meet. It is amusing to think that some random man who claimed to be the devil convinced those Haitians that they will forever be free from the French if they swore to him. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:33:06 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/clubbing-the-bejesus-out-of-rationality__trashed/#IDComment53492579 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/clubbing-the-bejesus-out-of-rationality__trashed/#IDComment53492552 As I’m watching “Hope for Haiti” I’m thinking to myself how much I take my life for granted. We live in this perfect little college town with anything we need available to us within the matter of a ten minute walk. Our families and friends are only a phone call or drive away. Meanwhile about 700 miles off the coast of Florida there is complete chaos, unimaginable scenes that appear as if they came from the film “The Day After Tomorrow.” Unidentifiable bodies, lost children, and no resources the country of Haiti is in tremendous need for anything they can get. For a man who considers himself holy and a Christian evangelist, he has some nerve to preach that Haiti “got together and swore a pact to the devil.” How could Robertson be so ignorant and birdbrained about these appalling events? Clearly he is mentally ill and should be immediately taken to psych ward! I completely agree with the fact that Pat Robertson has nobody to argue him. It angers me to think that there are people in this world who actually agree with Robertson. No matter what religion you believe in or what ethnicity, or Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:32:44 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/clubbing-the-bejesus-out-of-rationality__trashed/#IDComment53492552