en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/4218134 Comments by camcheetah http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/04/20/voices-from-the-classroom-156/#IDComment343942540 Personally I don’t see any problems with dating outside your race or being in a same sex relationship. I was never taught by my parents to be racist in anyway, and I was never told to be against homosexuals. Some people grew up with parents that have taught them these ideas while growing up, and that definitely would have something to do with this question. It also has to do with the difference in the generation were in because in today’s world, interracial and gay couples isn’t looked down as much as it used to be. Race is no issue in my house but I do have those friends that are so against dating outside their race it scares me. If you love someone, no matter the gender or race, you should be with them no matter what people are going to say or if they accept you or not. It’s none of your business who someone is dating, if has nothing to with you or doesn’t affect you. My older sister had a friend who was Philippine and in love with a black man and her father wrote her out of his will, and to this day they are still together and it warms my heart but also saddens me when I hear thing like that. Your own judgments about others got in the way of you having with your relationship with your daughter and your future grandchildren because you’re more worried about what color the person she loves instead of how happy that person makes her happy. My family is extremely religious but my dad is a minister so I know he’d be more comfortable if I dated outside of my race instead of the same gender, my mom on the other hand wouldn’t care as much. Overall, my parents are highly religious but they are very understanding as well. They just want me to be happy in life. They wouldn’t object to either kind of relationship but I feel like I would disappoint them more if I was in a same sex relationship. My entire would except because that’s just how we function, nobody’s going to stop loving you or ban you from family functions or gatherings, you are always going to be welcomed. There is two lesbians in my family and nobody treats them any different than if they were to date a man. One of my cousins is in a relationship with a white man and no treats her any different, if anything they give her kudos. At the end of the day, parents shouldn’t care about the gender or race of the child’s partner but how their child feels when their partner is around and they make their child happy and that’s it. Sat, 21 Apr 2012 04:29:12 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/04/20/voices-from-the-classroom-156/#IDComment343942540 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/04/10/voices-from-the-classroom-144/#IDComment338620768 Stuff like this infuriates me easily and efficiently. I will never ever understand how someone could stand by and not defend that Muslim woman. A couple days ago, I learned in Psych about the bystander effect in which, the presence of others reduces helping behavior but I figure it can’t be that because there wasn’t many in the bakery. I just don’t understand, and then the audacity of people to actually give kudos to him for blatantly discriminating her. It’s just disgusting. The cashier was working in a Czech grocery and had the nerve to be blabbing about being American when he didn’t even look American and no one even called him on it. If anything I give kudos to the woman who firmly stood up the cashier and asked to speak to the manager. She got so emotional. I’m not one to show emotion like that but I cannot tolerate racism or discrimination, it’s like pure evil brewing in people. Only God knows what I would’ve done in that situation, I could only imagine. I’d probably laugh at first, not because it’s funny but because of the ludicrous and absurdity of the situation and then I’d probably reach over the counter and slap the bullshit out his mouth , make him think many times the next time he felt the need to deny someone the right to purchase something based on their looks or religion. How dare you feel the need to tell someone their not entitle to something because they don’t look the way you want them to look. At the end of the day we all bleed red. No way in hell should skin color, religion, or culture determine how you treat someone. I would have said something. I hate racism. It's just not right. And people have the nerve to say racism is dead. I’m not the most out spoken person and I have 9 out of 10 times I have the tendency to keep my mouth hut but something you simply must stand up to. If I never had courage in my life, I would have gained it in that moment because there is no way in hell I could stand and listen to that nonsense. It wasn’t like she was rude or anything, she asked politely and flat out refused to serve her, he wouldn’t even let someone purchase it for her. I know some people feel the need to say they don’t know how the situation would have turned out if they stood up for her. Then you start to think, if you can’t stand up to something so injustice what would you stand up for, how cruel and unfair must the situation be for you to speak up? Sat, 14 Apr 2012 04:10:57 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/04/10/voices-from-the-classroom-144/#IDComment338620768 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/29/voices-from-the-classroom-139/#IDComment328287519 I grew up in a white neighborhood…..but in Philadelphia. I’m from Roxborough and a majority of its teen occupants go to a private school. If you were from Rox and you weren’t in private school, it was usually because you couldn’t afford it. Rox being a public school in a white neighborhood, must black people would send their kids there to get away from their own corrupt neighborhood schools. It seems like only Philly public schools have metal detectors. I can’t speak all public schools but I know for mine, the metal detectors were used to full extent. I had to put my bag through a metal detector, I had to walk through a medical detector, take off my jewelry, my hairclips, my belt my entire high school career, it was pretty ridiculous. If you beeped twice while walking through then, they would wand search you. My mom hated my school with a passion but she didn’t want to go through the hassle of transferring. The sad part is that they would focus so much on confiscating iPods and cell phones, hat people that were an actual threat would walk right on by. Of my four years in high school there was one incident with scanners where a razor was found in someone’s bag and she didn’t even know it had been there. Then I would discuss school with my family and other friends and they would be outraged when they hear about metal detectors and scanners. My one aunt claimed it to be, ‘barbaric.’ My school was known for its fighting but as the years passed it lessened but when graduation came around, the University we were supposed to graduate at wouldn’t let us use their auditorium unless we and our family and guests went through metal detectors. My principal wasn’t sitting with it. There so much security in public schools it’s ridiculous. I went to school with one of my friends, once , one who was in private school, and I didn’t have to show my id to anyone, I didn’t have to walk through a metal detectors, I didn’t have to put my bag through a scanner. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Statistics show that violent crimes like mass shootings happen mostly in suburban area. I had another friend who sold drugs, tell me how much money he made from selling drugs in suburban and inner city private schools. He was making a profit off of so many people and he was a grade A student, was never suspected of a thing, and he never got caught. He graduated valedictorian of his school. Going through scanners may not seem like a big deal and they say its for your safety but its kind of embarrassing and you feel as if you did something wrong. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 05:34:19 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/29/voices-from-the-classroom-139/#IDComment328287519 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/02/the-kiss-seen-round-the-web/#IDComment312604421 I love this, I think its great. I think pictures like this are a some step hopefully towards change. There is absolutely no reason for negativity towards this picture. Homosexuality is without doubt one of the most debated and controversial subjects to affect society in recent years. It is a very unique issue that affects every single demographic entity across the board: men, women, blacks, whites, rich, poor, Christians, pagans, etc... Homosexuals are often the victims of prejudice. Even those of us who consider ourselves very compassionate Christians can show the most repulsive and unsympathetic attitude toward homosexuals and their concerns. A recent Gallup poll of 1018 adults taken in May of this year shows for the first time that the majority of Americans (53%) support gay marriage. However, republicans and older Americans remain strongly opposed to the idea. According to the same report, 45% of the people polled, believe that married homosexual couples should not have the same rights as married heterosexuals. My Christian and cultural background after all certainly would hinder my ability to debate the topic without prejudice. From my Biblical perspective, both homosexuality and gay marriage are sinful. The Bible clearly condemns the former. Consequently, the latter is condemned by default. Furthermore, marriage is defined as the union between a man and a woman. I strongly believe, however, that the suffering that homosexuals are caused to experience solely or primarily because of their sexual orientation is as sinful as homosexuality itself. This prejudice is similar to when Haitians experienced at the onset of the Aids epidemic in the early eighties when the disease was wrongly attributed to, and associated with Haitians. Being reminded of my parents’ and family’s’ painful experiences with prejudice was the best way for me to sympathize with all the people who live with sexual prejudice every day. First, we must realize that homosexuals are our brothers and sisters. Secondly, we must define their burden. In regard to the first, there is no need to expound further. However the second should be addressed. The burden of the homosexuals is comprised of all the injustices they have to endure because of their sexual lifestyle. Whether through marriage or civil union, homosexuals should have the same rights as all heterosexuals to be united to their life partner through either a legal or church ceremony. Lastly, ironically but perhaps not surprisingly, the church, this supposedly great bastion of love and compassion, is one of the most biased institutions against homosexuals. The only thing I know is that they should have the same God-given rights to live as they please, and have the same privileges under the law as everyone else. Homosexuals, despite their sexual preference are humans too. Sat, 10 Mar 2012 01:58:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/02/the-kiss-seen-round-the-web/#IDComment312604421 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/15/voices-from-the-classroom-105/#IDComment295384726 I grew up being taught about the bible, so hypothetically I wouldn’t even have an atheist friend but if I did we would probably never discuss religion. If you’re that close to me and won’t even consider listening or reading the text than that’s just foolish, and ignorant. You’re going on ‘a few things you heard?’ I would wonder are you really that ignorant, or are you afraid you were wrong about the religious text that you so quickly pushed away without consideration. Your eyes still need to be open to the world. I may not be the most religious in the world and wear my religion obviously but I know for sure my faith is in full contact and will never break. I’ve grown up on biblical coloring books and movies like, The Prince of Egypt and Noah’s Ark. My entire family being super religious and my father in the means of becoming a minister, my faith will never shake. My mom used to ask why I even read other books, the Bible has every genre; betrayal, greed, jealousy, politics, romance, everything you need. I mean it’s not the only book I read but when I do, some readings I’m usually pretty impressed. Everyone is entitled t other opinion but when you judge something before looking at evidence and refusing without a second thought to even consider looking at it, is just preposterous. In reality , I wouldn’t even suggest to an atheist to look at the bible to try and understand what followers of Christ see an believe because it doesn’t matter to me. I just hope this situation never happens to me because it’s sad to think that some people could so close minded about things like this, especially in this generation. I go by this verse, when I feel someone is about to take a stab at my faith. 2 Timothy 3 says, ‘(13)But wicked men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and leading astray others and being deceived and led astray themselves. (14) But as for you, continue to hold to the things that you have learned and of which you are convinces, knowing from whom you learned [them], (15) And how from your childhood you have acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. (16) Every scripture is God-breathed ( given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction off error and discipline in obedience, training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought purpose and action). Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:10:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/15/voices-from-the-classroom-105/#IDComment295384726 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/08/voices-from-the-classroom-100/#IDComment289342567 Religion is a big, if not huge thing in my family. It’s the first thing my parents take into consideration when my sister or I bring someone home. I grew up in a Christian household and my father is in the works of becoming a minister so we take Christianity seriously. God didn’t make anyone perfect so of course people are going to look in the mirror and think why can’t they look this or that, or why they have this or that. Growing up, I used to hate looking in the mirror, not because I thought I was ugly but because I had a dry skin disorder, eczema. My skin was different colors and I had dry skin patches. I never thought for, “God, you fu**ed up” and I never will think that, all I thought was how to get rid it. Then I would complain about my hair and not wanting to always get it braided. My mom would come up to me and tell me, that I should just be grateful that I had a full body with nothing missing and health problems and that everyone is made different and uniquely I never ever once wanted to be another race other than Haitian American but now after class, I’m curious to know what it would like to be if I was Hispanic or White. I wonder if I’d have more friends, or less; better grades; a boyfriend. I’m just curious as to what would change. But under no circumstances am I jealous or envious of any race. I’m fine where I stand. I believe as you grow older, you should grow comfortable with your appearance. Honestly I think, Sam just wants to break people’s faith in God, because to say something like. ‘God fuc*ked up’ is ridiculous. God doesn’t screw up, I may not act on my Christianity 24/7 but I know when someone is talking just to talk. Sam doesn’t know about God, so he wouldn’t know what to say about God. God made everyone differently and uniquely apart, no two are the same. Any Christian how thinks that God screwed up in making them, doesn’t have real faith and isn’t confident in themselves. In the U.S there are many things that advertise what is considered beautiful and if you don’t take after these adverting than you’re likely to question your features. In other parts of the world, you might be the most beautiful thing anyone in that region has ever seen. One day I hope to as strong in faith as my parents who see beauty in imperfections all around them. I just hope we get to an era where everyone can see the beauty in themselves, which others see in them. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:49:22 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/08/voices-from-the-classroom-100/#IDComment289342567 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/02/voices-from-the-classroom-98/#IDComment282487733 I’m Haitian American and I’ve grown up in a white suburban neighborhood my entire life so I figured I’d leave a response to this question and tell my reasons for my hair choices. When I was little I saw all the white girls with their straight glossy hair and I used to be so confused, because my hair wasn’t straight or glossy, it was nappy and greasy. I used to avoid my mom when it was time to get my hair done, she used to pull my hair and use this hard Haitian brush. My mom used to tell me my hair was beautiful and I honestly wished I would’ve listened to her. There was this one time, my mom braided my hair and I went to school and figured my hair would just fall to my shoulders if I unbraided it. So I put a headband on and I looked a ridiculous, my hair was so thick. As soon as I hit high school, my hairdressing cousin let me know that I wouldn’t be wearing braids anymore, because I was past that age. So ever since then with the exception of 3 or 4 weeks within the year I’ve been wearing weave and straightening my hair and I’ve dyed my hair twice. Now a days I hear my little sister talk about she wants her hair to be” beautiful and straight.” So now that my hair is super thin and unhealthy, I envy my little sister’s thick curly hair. I repeatedly stress the fact that straight and glossy hair isn’t always what is beautiful. I think black girls want to straighten their hair because they see it on most magazines and TV shows telling them what’s beautiful. As for black girls who didn’t grow up in a white neighborhood, I think they just want to be different from all the rest, it’s always a competition who has the best, longest weave, how much it cost, whose looks more natural, who gets more compliments, blah blah blah. I give kudos to the girls who wear their hair natural because I believe they have confidence and I wish I had that confidence when I was growing up, honestly and it didn’t take me so long to “embrace” my beauty And in return, I’ve met plenty of white girls who wish they had curly, thick hair. Maybe both sides just don’t want to be typical. Black girls don’t want to have typical “nappy short” hair and white girls don’t want to have “straight, thin” hair. At the end of the day, I believe that every person, black, white, girl, boy, whatever should just know that they’re beautiful, regardless. And more importantly, it’s what is on the inside that matters the most, anyway. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 04:38:08 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/02/voices-from-the-classroom-98/#IDComment282487733 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/20/questions-from-class/#IDComment276393224 I think non U.S citizens embrace the American Dream for a number of reasons. They believe that it’s a better way of life and a better future for themselves and for their children. There are things they don’t expect in their country that they do expect in America; they have insecurities about their own country. A majority of them are coming from absolutely nothing. Non U.S citizens are on the outside looking in and they like what they see. There are major consequences for trying to come to America and still many risk it. Just last week people died on a ship on its way to America, people are dying to come here. Whenever I bash America, my mom always says to me, ‘God Bless America.’ In this day and age I do believe that the American Dream has lost its value to U.S citizens, because we’re on the inside looking around, unlike immigrants, who are on the outside looking in. In the past, the American Dream used to be considered, a house, a spouse, 2.5 children, white picket fence, and a pet. These days, I believe that to Americans, the American Dream is being above middle class or being rich. Immigrants believe that the American Dream is being able to put food on the table, having a job, being able to take good care of their children, having healthcare, having a roof over their head, whether it takes one job or three.. They believe in being wealthy, not money wise, but in support from family and friends and in their religion. I believe the American Dream is no longer relevant in America. Everyone has different mindsets. Achieving the American Dream to most is being successful or important in the world while to others it might just be obtaining an above minimum wage paying job. There is no accurate definition for the American Dream. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:06:00 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/20/questions-from-class/#IDComment276393224 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/17/voices-from-the-classroom-90/#IDComment269956849 I have absolutely no problem with immigration or immigrants. I actually prefer immigrant, maybe because my entire family are Haitian immigrants, I’m biased, I don’t know. There is nothing wrong with immigrants. Most immigrants believe that in the U.S there is a better life and opportunity for their family. I do believe that Americans have no right to bash immigrants and say they don’t belong here, and they take all the jobs up. A majority of immigrants take jobs that Americans don’t want or work their asses off 100x more than most Americans, in school and in work. I believe they work so hard because they know what it’s like on the bottom. I live in America, but I never claimed this land as “mine” or “ours”. Honestly I never gave thought to how hard Native Americans had it because it never really crossed my mind. But after seeing the light, something should be done. They need recognition and support from others. Probably if we all spread the word something could get down, or we could take it in our own hands....like THON, we could create something for them too. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:44:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/17/voices-from-the-classroom-90/#IDComment269956849