I think the ranting man was extremely ignorant and inappropriate. I also think the comments were really ridiculous and so inhumane. I understand the problems that illegal immigration brings - however, I do not think that illegal immigrants have any less right to be human and want better things for their lives. Mexicans are always portrayed as lazy and just sitting around on a corner. However, like Sam said, they are probably one of the most hard-working people. They work long hours for less pay, just to be able to support their families. They risk their lives to get here and make a sustainable living for their families. We can't choose where we're born. We're so lucky to be able to be born in the United States, with so many opportunities. We go to Penn State and are enclosed in a little circle, unable to see the plight of the world. If I was born in Mexico, of course I would want to make a better life for myself and my family. Wanting constant improvement and advancement in one's life is natural. If we look at illegal immigrants like they're terrible and the cause of a lot of problems, we should be looking at the history of America. We are all a melting pot of different cultures and traditions -- we all technically come from a family of illegal immigrants. I think it's hypocritical to look at the illegal immigrants and think they don't have any rights in this country. Technically, they don't. But I think it is really inhumane to look at them and wonder what they're doing. They just want a better life for themselves and their families. They are not all criminals, they are not all lazy. They are PEOPLE, who want advancement and a better life out of poverty. It's really not easy to risk your life or to work that hard knowing every day that you are working for less than what anyone else will work for. I think I really sympathize with the plight of illegal immigrants, because they can't help where they are born. They can't help what kind of life they are born into - they can only help their future. If they continue to be stuck in this cycle, without even trying to get out of it, even if it's illegal, no one will ever be able to advance forward. I think that it's ridiculous when people think Mexicans are taking their jobs, because no one WANTS those jobs anyway. No one wants to be working that grill in the back of a restaurant, doing dishes, mowing lawns. No one wants to do that. I think all people are equal and just because they don't have a paper to say so doesn't prove a thing.

I think the telephone game is a perfect example of how things get twisted and turned as time goes on or when the words are exchanged between people. I think that when telling a story, people naturally include their own exaggerations, words, perspectives and judgments that another person will carry on after they hear it. Then that person includes their own exaggerations, words, perspectives and judgments - maybe leaving some important things out, forgetting other things. I think that when any story changes hands, there is the possibility of rumors beginning and falsehoods being spread. Some people leave out information so when you are re-telling the story, you may naturally add in things that did not even happen. In Dr. Jones example, it showed how by the time the story was transferred, it was completely different than what Dr. Jones had read in the first place. It really shows how we are as people. We tend to hear only the things we want to, and leave out other parts. When we hear something, we automatically make up judgments about it in our minds. I think the way the story is told in the first place is also very important. If the person is enthusiastic and gives the story a positive vibe, the person will come away thinking it is positive. However, with a completely different tone, say a negative tone, or a bored tone, the person will come away thinking a completely different way. I think this is the way stories change and twist, and definitely the way gossip and falsehoods are born. I think that it really depends on how you are telling the story to understand how someone hears it. I think we automatically assume parts of a story and try to imagine it in our own heads - but that may be completely different than what the first person was intending. Though the telephone game seems silly, it is such a perfect example of our society and the ways that we communicate with each other. Especially with texting and new forms of fast communication and instant gratification, it leaves so much more room for error and leaving detailed parts out of a story. You can chat, Facebook chat, Google chat, text, Skype -- so many different forms of communication. By the way that you sound on those things, especially if you're behind a computer and the person can't hear your voice, what is said can be lost. The original meaning and context can be lost. That is why there are so many misunderstandings. If someone is saying something through a chat or a text, you can read it completely differently than how the person intended it to sound. I think when stories are being exchanged through different races, things can change as well depending on your perception of other races and how narrow or broad minded you are. However, I think race is not the biggest factor, but more that we as humans generally tend to hear what we like to, and not necessarily always the full story.

This is such a beautifully written post. The things this man is saying is what every woman wants in her man. The problem is that a lot of men don't know this or don't care, and a lot of women just settle because they think that's all they can get. I think it's sad that this man had to go to prison to understand what a woman and her heart should mean to all men, but I love his positive outlook. A woman's heart is such a valuable thing, but society and our culture now tells us that that it's invaluable - it's okay to take advantage of women - it's okay to only see them as sexual objects - it's okay to see them as someone submissive and someone controllable. I think our society has told us what defines a woman's beauty - that is to be stick thin, super sexy, many curves (etc). What we wear on the weekends - tight mini skirts, high heels, no jacket - exemplifies our desire to appeal to the other gender. Of course women want to look good, but I think through this, we degrade ourselves a lot when we give in to what men want us to wear, because it lets men think it's okay to see us in this light. I think especially in college, the college culture is all about getting drunk, partying, having fun and hooking up. I don't align myself with this "hit it and quit it" culture and mentality. I think women should always carry themselves with class - which is the complete opposite of the kinds of people and actions I see on weekends. I am not pointing fingers, but I do believe that women are not being dignified when they wear these outfits and go out, expecting to hook up with random guys who they won't remember the next morning. I think it's terrible of guys to take advantage of girls, but I think that girls sometimes almost put themselves in that kind of situation that makes it easier to be taken advantage of.

I give this man a lot of props for speaking what's on his mind and for having the dignity to apologize for his actions and show that he is a changed man while he is confined to a cell. I can only hope that he continues to have this mentality after he is released. I think that everyone, no matter their past history or mistakes, deserves a love that will complete them. I think it's true that this is an "ideal" man but I don't think it's out of the question. I know for me, personally, I always had this perfect fairytale knight in mind for who I'd like to be with. Eventually, I began doubting his existence. Recently, however, I've found that these types of people really do exist - the kinds of people who are selfless and loving and caring, and ultimately want the best for their woman (and vice versa). I think that it's just a matter of not settling for less than you deserve, and trying every day to be the kind of person who deserves that perfect person. If you carry yourself in a way that is trashy (etc) and yet expect to be with the perfect guy, that makes no sense. If you carry yourself in a way that only wants to get with girls and doesn't respect women and wants a perfect girl, that makes no sense. I think it's a 50/50, give-and-take type thing that everyone is capable of and everyone deserves.

I think every girl wants to walk into a room and feel like they own it. However, I'm not one of those girls who feel like I have to dress in that way to impress someone. I like heels and I like skirts and I am all about going out and having a good time. However, if I'm going to wear an outfit like that, I want to do it for me - not for some frat guy who won't even remember the next morning.

I think that because going out in that kind of outfit is standard here - or at any college campus - other girls who come in realize that's part of the essential college wardrobe. When I first got to college, I wore a mini sundress to my first party. Lame, I know. But as I started meeting my friends and going out with them, I went shopping as soon as I could for my "going out" clothes. Now, I don't do that anymore. I do love fashion and I love getting dressed up but I always think girls should be classy. I think girls are beaten down enough - and women are always looked down upon, but in a sense, we LET that happen. Guys like short skirts. So we wear them. Guys like how we look in high heels. So we wear them. I feel like that's such a flawed mentality. I understand that we all want to look good, we just want to go out, have fun - but honestly... I don't think those kinds of outfits are necessary to have a good time. Guys wear whatever they want when they go out. While girls are freezing their legs off, I have seen guys wearing their puffy North Face jackets. Really? When did this become the standard?

I don't think that I will ever see the day when I go to a party and people are not dressed like that... I don't think girls will ever think it's okay to show up to a party in a teeshirt and Converses. But I think that we just need to be conscious of the kind of messages we send when we dress like that - to guys and to other girls. I don't think it's necessary degrading per se but I do think that it says a lot about us. If it's 20 degrees outside, f the short skirts and the heels. Who REALLY wants to do that? I think we need to realize it's less for us and more for the people around us, which I think is an unhealthy mentality.

I think interracial relationships are a great thing- it really makes it evident that love sees past color. I know that a lot of people are skeptical about interracial relationships and whenever you see one of these couples, it might seem strange at first. To me, I think sometimes, I tend to do a double take just because it isn't as common. I feel like a lot of people tend to date within their race, just as they tend to make friends with people who look, speak and act like themselves. Why would looking like them be any different? I have been attracted to guys of all different races and I don't think that race is a factor when I think about who I would want to be in a relationship with. I have seen a lot of interracial relationships, more so in college. I have friends whose parents are interracial. They have grown up their whole lives knowing that one parent is white and one parent is Asian, or one parent is black and one parent is white. I think the number of interracial relationships are growing now, and I think it is much more accepted now. However, I know that there are people who point fingers and think that it is weird. Some people make fun of interracial relationships. I am sure they are judged by a lot of people and they do not always feel comfortable when dating outside their race. However, I think that it's a beautiful thing when people can see past color and racial divides and truly love someone because of who they are, not where they come from.

There are a lot of qualities I look for in a guy, but I have never specifically been like, they have to this certain race. I never cross people off just because they are a different race than I am. However, it has been my experience that a lot of people personally feel more comfortable dating within their race. I think that race should never be a factor in anything- whether it's love, relationships, friendships, jobs, (etc). I don't think that the color of your skin determines what kind of person you are, what your interests are, what your skills are and who you should love. I don't think the color of your skin really matters at all. But even though we say we are colorblind (or that we should be) and there is affirmative action and all of these new movements for acceptance, I think that there are still people who do not agree with interracial relationships and people who do not see past color. Personally, I think that being able to be friends with people outside of your race and being in a relationship with people of different colors is such a beautiful thing. It truly shows you that love is uncontrollable, and that you can fall in love with whoever, regardless of the color of their skin.

White privilege exists. I believe that people who say that it doesn't are not being honest with themselves. Yes, there is affirmative action and universities, companies, businesses (etc) are taking steps to make their employees more diverse. However, I think that the fact that people must consciously take steps to make their employees more diverse - less "white" if you will, show that white privilege does exist.

In discussion this week, some people brought up some interesting points about sorority life. One girl said that she has one Asian and one half-black girl in her sorority. Both girls want to be the only token minority in the sorority and don't want to accept other minorities. Another girl said that her friend's sorority specifically sat their girls down and told them to not accept minorities. I went through sorority recruitment myself. As an Asian-American who grew up in a predominantly white area, I felt like I had a lot in common with the girls who go through recruitment and are in sororities. I felt like a sorority could be the right place for me, because even though I recognized that the majority of sorority girls and Penn State are white, I didn't think my race would matter, since all the girls say it's about whether you click with the girls. However, going through recruitment, even if I got along with the girls well, I realized that it was obvious that I looked different than all the other girls - and that they noticed the difference of our races as well. I am not saying that all sororities are racist or that girls always factor in race when deciding who to accept, but I have heard firsthand what some girls have said and what kind of girls they are looking for in their sororities. I think this is an example of white privilege, because though you have to get along with the girls in the sorority, for those girls who blatantly say not to accept minorities is a clear example of white privilege. It is not about getting along with someone or their personality at that point, it's just clearly about fitting into a certain image that is 100% based on race. This might cause controversy, however, I honestly believe that if I was white, my recruitment experience would have been very different and I would be in a sorority right now.

I think that white privilege absolutely exists - and even though it is not always obvious to white people, because I have experienced white privilege as an Asian American, I am completely aware that it exists. The majority of people would agree that racial privilege of any kind is wrong. However, I do not think that people really care enough to make the effort and change. If you are on top, you can acknowledge that it may not always be fair on top, but I don't think that you would take the necessary steps to make sure everyone is equal if it meant that it would take something away from you personally. That is just human nature. As long as it doesn't affect you personally, it's fine. But as soon as things affects your wealth, your family, your friends, your life - you would never agree or go along with it.

I think this man's basis of his argument is fair in the sense that just because white males have always dominated society does not mean that we should exclude them from any type of need-based assistance. If we really want to live in a colorblind society, we have to be colorblind to white people as well. I don't think that the scholarship itself is racist. I think it is right for the non-profit organization to deny money from white supremacist supporters. If that were ever to occur, the scholarship fund definitely should not be promoted or even exist. At the point it exists now, I do not think it is racist or wrong to have a scholarship for white males -- even though I am an Asian-American woman. I am a strong believer that all groups should be treated equally. This nation's history has struggled and still struggles today with a white-male-dominated society. However, that does not mean that all white males have the ability to pay for their college tuition or that every white male has some inherent racism or discrimination in them that makes them think they are better than others because of their skin color. Just as we learned in class that we should never group lumps of people together based on one factor like their skin color, we have to apply these same principles when looking at white people. I don't think it's right to penalize white males and not allow them the same benefits just because they have been dominating our society in the past.

However, I agree that his argument was not presented well. He did not do a good job of getting his points across and quite frankly, sounded extremely ignorant. I am much younger than he is. I wasn't around 30 years ago either, but I can tell you what happened at that time. I can tell you how history unfolded, how some racial groups were denied any kind of essential freedoms just because of their skin color. For him, a white male, to essentially admit that he is oblivious of the past because he was not alive then, detracts from his argument more than it strengthens it. For someone to start a scholarship fund that is likely to generate a lot of controversy, he needs to be able to back his argument much more strongly. The way that he presented all of his statements and the fact that he said he cannot understand others' nervousness made him sound extremely narrow-minded and ignorant. Obviously, a scholarship fund for white males -- the dominant group in our society for the longest time -- is going to generate anxiety and skepticism among people more than it is going to generate support. If he wants to start something like this, he should be able to defend it in a much more intelligent manner.

Overall, I don't think that the scholarship fund is wrong. I do believe, however, that the reason there are more scholarship funds for minorities is because they were not really assisted before those scholarships. The same cannot be said for white males. Plenty of white people get scholarships as well. I also believe that general academic merit and qualifications other than race and gender should be the determining factors of scholarship recipients. However, I do not think it is wrong that there are scholarships for white males, as long as the people who create and defend them can do so in a manner that gives people a better impression of it - and the ability to support it instead of thinking it sounds completely ignorant.

No one likes to admit their flaws. It's very rare to hear someone come out in the open and say, "Yes. I'm racist. Yes, I discriminate." There has been too much history in the past with segregation, Jim Crowe and slavery. I think white people fear being called a racist or fear the appearance of being racist. Every person hiring an employee wants the best person for the job, but sometimes, just to increase diversity, they will take a minority over a white person. Think about getting into college - sometimes a white person with higher SAT scores, GPA and etc, will be rejected, but a minority that may not have the same scores will be accepted. This doesn't happen all the time - many times, the minority is better qualified. However, I have heard Caucasians complain about minorities getting a job or getting into a college over them, simply because they are a minority. I don't think this is fair to say all the time, but I am sure that there are cases where it is true.

No one wants to seem racist. There is just too much racially intolerant history and too much progression. I think white people fear what other people will think or say about them if they truly voiced their opinions, or showed that they do have discriminations. I don't think all white people have discriminations or are racist. But I think everyone, not just white people, have stereotypes ingrained into their minds. I think everyone has some sort of discrimination that they have learned. No one likes to say it out loud, but everyone discriminates. I don't think that everyone is racist, but I do think that everyone judges. Think about how quickly you can scan someone up and down for less than 3 seconds and have judged them already. Think about how quickly you make assumptions about someone based on their appearance, without ever having said a word to them. Everyone has some sort of preferential mindset -- even in the littlest. But no one likes to admit that. No one likes to admit their flaws or their problems. No one wants to have something that needs to be fixed, or needs a solution.

I also think that it is important to note that white people never really had to fight for their equal rights or equal power. Yes, sometimes, white people can be discriminated against. But the majority of the time, it never happens to them. They do not notice that discrimination does occur because it does not occur against them. They always seem to have the upper hand. There was an article in a newspaper I picked up the other day where a girl was quoted as saying that she does not really notice any discrimination, but it might be because she is white. I believe this to be true. It does not really hit home as hard if you are not directly experiencing it yourself.

I think it is a combination of both racism and more numbers in urban areas. Unfortunately, we all have our preconceptions and stereotypes when it comes to different races, and I do not doubt that these judgments would carry over in our daily lives -- whether it's in school, in our career, in our homes. I agree there is power in numbers and since violent crime is usually higher in urban areas, it makes sense that more police would be stationed there. However, I also believe that there are cases where racism is clearly prevalent. When people see minorities, they see danger. We have come a long way since the days of segregation, but I don't think the mentality of discrimination has been completely erased, even in our generation when we fight for equal rights for everyone, regardless or race, gender, sexuality, disabilities (etc).

If you were walking down a street at night and you saw two white men walking towards you, would you feel in danger? What about when you saw two black men? We hold these stereotypes that equate certain races with danger. In the illustrations Sam showed in class, if 70% of whites were arrested, only 30% were incarcerated, where as if 30% of blacks were arrested, 70% were incarcerated. What is our society telling us? I think it's clear that there are flaws within our judicial system. But more than that, the message sent to the rest of the public is what leads people to be stereotypical. People become more skeptical and cautious when it comes to people of color.

We talked about in class some instances where police officers have clearly been in the wrong -- when they let their personal biases get in the way of doing their jobs. One police officer saw two black kids innocently walking down the street with their pants sagging, and tried to stop them for indecent exposure. One of the kids went to jail for attempting to assault the police officer, when he was heated because the police officer was harassing him for no reason. There are definitely instances when racism plays a factor in people getting arrested. Dangerous crime isn't separated by racial lines. We can't say one race is more dangerous than another, in the same way that racism shouldn't occur, especially when dealing with the criminal justice system-- because then we are clearly giving up those equal rights and taking them away from others.

In more urban areas, there are more police officers, which makes sense. A high crime rate would need more people to help lower it. However, if we only look at it like this, the disparities in the criminal justice system don't make sense. I'm not saying that everyone is racist and that every police officer, judge or lawyer is racist. But I think that it is definitely a combination of both the fact that there are more police officers in urban areas, as well as the stereotypes and biases we hold that lead us to perceive different races in different ways, that leads to more arrests of different races compared to others.

I think we have an absolute right to fix inequality because our forefathers had worked so hard for equality. Stereotypes are a societal issue and we need to change the mentality that there are some races that are superior to others. I think it is absolutely true what Sam said that he can teach the class as a white man and we accept what he says, but it would be so different if a black person or an Asian person or a minority would say the same things. There is so much racial and economical inequality in the world and if we do not have a responsibility to fix it, then how will the cycle ever end?

When Sam was illustrating how the mother got thrown in jail for trying to send her kids to a better school, it showed how unfortunate some people are and how they have to go to great lengths to have the same freedoms and opportunities as other people. Even in the Harper school system illustration, it just showed the blatant, jarring disparities between school systems. 2 AP classes in a low-income neighborhood- I think how fortunate I was to be able to even take all APs my senior year of high school.

I do not believe that this is a question, because it would be ridiculous to think that we are not responsible for changing inequality. We have a responsibility to try and make things right in society, we have a right to continue the dream that so many of our forefathers worked to have. We have a responsibility to give everyone an equal opportunity regardless of their gender, their race or their sexuality. I think that the stereotypes we have today only make inequality worse and they make it so much easier for people to judge others and create a bigger gap. Our nation is supposed to be founded on equal rights -- but there are such blatant gaps between the rich and poor and how many people are rich and poor.

I think we also need to work to see the world through colorblind eyes. When we start to see the humanity in everyone, I think that is when we will begin to see that we are all the same, regardless of outer appearance or cultural or religious beliefs. We are all so similar and it is not fair for some people to be rich while others are suffering in poverty. It is not fair for some people to go to great schools with amazing facilities while other students have to suffer with a dirty, broken gym. We absolutely have a right to fix inequality and the change begins with us.