en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/769517 Comments by canabisaur7 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment69996651 Its very hard to say “ I think all immigrants should come in legally”. Its not hard to say if you don’t think about it and just blurt out the what ever you think in your head. But if you do think about it, you will realize very quickly, like the girl said, not every immigrant can afford to come over here legally. Do you honestly think that a Mexican choosing to run across the border, has the ability to legally come over here? Obviously if he could do it legally he would? On that note I think that I have to agree with the speaker of this question. I think that hard honest work should be enough to have the rights to be allowed legal entry. These people who come across the border, most of them are families looking to support a better lifestyle. Its not safe in mexico with the latest drug violence that has been occurring. Can you blame someone who would rather get his family to a safer place illegally, then to just stay put in a violent crime infested place because he cannot afford the documentation? For anybody living in the 3rd world countries of central America, im not saying all are 3rd world just for those that happen to live in places that are, America is almost like salvation. I need five more words. This is where dreams come true and the streets are paved with gold. Most illegal immigrants are thankful that they even made it here and are able to live peacefully. If they are hardworking they obviously contribute back to society. They often have the jobs that nobody else want because it is so low on the social ladder. And often they work hard at those jobs and never receive any appreciation for it. Like sam said, when the big corporation farms are using the workers to help pick shit from fields then the illegal immigration is all good, but during the growing season when there is no need for field hands then the illegal immigration becomes a problem. These people get disrespected in any and everyway in this country. Although they are illegal and im sure that there are criminals and people who do more harm then good that come over, they are not all like that. When they work hard they do deserve the gratitude and respect that every American would expect from anyone else in a work place. Usually in America when you work hard in the company you are employed in, if it is a career, you are rewarded for your work. Its time to start having to treat everybody as equals regardless of your official documentation. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:18:15 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment69996651 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68454362 I agree and disagree with many of sams points. Although I honestly feel as though most of his points are a bit to radical, they do have some truth about them. For the most part, many people can acknowledge that the war in Iraq could and is based on the control of oil. Oil is a resource that we value greatly, and without the control of world resources of oil we will fail as a country, we are too dependant on an ancient fossil fuel. We went into Iraq with the intentions of finding weapons of mass destruction but came back empty handed. We went into afganistan to look for bin laden but also came back empty handed. I feel like sams lecture was pretty on point with the real truth. I don’t agree with him saying it was Christians behind it though. I think that there are just as many Christians against the war as there is anyone else. Although I am glad that sam put is in the perspective of arab muslims that live in Iraq, I can really now see how they feel and how they can think negative things about the American influence in Iraq. Showing us those videos of the soldiers taking advantage of their power really made me realize what the average muslim living in Iraq goes through. Sam really made me put myself in their shoes and realize how ridiculous president bush must have sounded on every single one of his speeches. If I was watching the Iraq president announce that they would only do well once they have control of u.s. resources, I would of felt a certain disliking toward any Iraqis as well. I also now see his point of how modern western countries can go into these small undeveloped nations, exploit all their resources and then make money for themselves while the locals of the region remain in the lowest standards of living. Never before had I realized this until sam really broke it down for us during the class. I am glad I was there for that lecture. I had seen that some kids had taken sam up on the offer to bring their parents and or grandparents. It was annoying to see their parents shaking their heads when sam swore or said something against the right wing conservatives. I heard one parent making comments about how the left wing supporters were responsible for the war in Iraq. That’s weird because during the time when we invaded we were under the presidency of the bush administration. Although I quite enjoyed sams lecture I do have to disagree with him on blaming the Christians for the war and their struggle for power in the world. Sat, 17 Apr 2010 01:14:01 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68454362 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65683440 As a minority I don’t really look forward to or even think that in my lifetime the U.S. will integrate in such a way where the minorities, and by minorities I mean people of color, experience the same favoritism as whites do now. I don’t really know why sam even tries to stress this now. I am a person of color who immigrated into the united states. In the previous country that was my home I was the majority in the society I lived in. Although I attended an all white private school I did not consider myself a minority. When I look back on the time I spent there I realize that I was less of a minority there than I am here. Although where I originally reside from has a huge racial history, I was part of a new generation of peoples, white and color. When I moved to the united states I instantly felt like more of a minority than ever before. But when sam talks about white people becoming a minority and people of color becoming a majority, it really means nothing to me. It feels as though sam says things like that expecting people of color to like let out a sigh of relief, as if things are really changing in a way where there is not going to be any more racial discrimination toward people of color. Anyone with half a brain knows that this is the furthest from the truth that anyone could ever be. Even if statistically whites become a minority, that means nothing. Theres still a whole mindset to overcome. Even though the statistics show whites as a minority, there will never be an end to the racism of colored people because currently whites are still in a position to hold anyone they want down. they still own the best jobs, have the most favorable positions and influences in many companies. Its easy to say that people of color should feel a certain way about eventually owning the decisions that will be made but that time is a long time from now. And honestly certainly is not going to happen in my childs lifetime or even my grandchilds. Becoming a majority will never end racism toward people of color, where there is power there is always a certain form of racism applied to all applicants. Whether it be from the people of color or whites it will never end. Globalization indeed increases the chances of people of color having legitamatie shots at real global influence. Corporations are finding that its a lot easier to have an Indian American manger leading their branch in india than a white American who doesn’t know shit about any Indian customs. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 02:07:15 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65683440 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64288641 I have actually seen that video or videos similar to that one where they interview kids and ask them about which color doll they would pick. The first time I saw the video it was pretty awakening and I really realized that racism has already affected how those young girls pick their answers. I am not blind to racism, it was just such an awakening at how at such a young age they have already been taught about the preferred color of white. These videos don’t really surprise me that much. Most of what sam says doesn’t really surprise me. I am a non white who grew up in a different country so racism is nothing knew to me. I’m glad that the video was played so that other people can really see how it is. People of color all around the world think that the desired skin tone is white and many people try to bleach their skin. The most used skin crème is a bleach crème for your skin to turn dark skin into light skin. That right there tells you the mindset of the people who buy that crème. In the media outlets the projected images are of generally light skin people, whether black or white. What we see all around us has shaped us into thinking that an attractive girl is a tanned white skin woman with a nice figure. There is no room for extra weight or anything abnormal. I feel like when sam says shit he expects us to be appalled and want to take action immediately, as if what we do will have a major impact on the problem at hand. Its hard to try and implement a successful teaching of how to treat people equally to students at young ages. From birth you are influenced by what is around you. If you are white your white parents influence you through the ways they live and raise you. If you are black it is the same. Regardless of what you are taught in school, your parents have just as strong of an influence as education. Parents need to step it up and really make an effort to teach kids to live in a way where their opinions should mostly be unbiased. But I feel like that is really asking for too much. Its something that can never happen or will be a long time from now. For that to happen parents themselves would need to be well educated and that wont be reachable for a long time. I think racism will never end, its like global peace, means well but highly unlikely. All we can try and do is treat everyone with respect in the lives we lead. It would help a lot more then trying to take action as a small part of the opposition to the ridiculously large problem. Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:08:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64288641 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment63075570 I think that your right. I agree that if you decided to categorize persons as people of color then that basically puts everyone in a category together. People of color literally means to a lot of people, people who have colored skin. When I hear Sam say people of color that is what I think. I think at that moment he is referring to people who have non-white skin. Although people of color can apply to many different people it is most referred to the people of mixed skin color. Although you may be mixed if you have white skin you are often times not grouped in this category. Being mixed and having white skin also may not make you lead a life of a person who is mixed and has colored skin. Having that white skin is the major different and although may be the only difference it is the most important. Being white enables you to not be categorized with everyone else. Often times as Sam has pointed out theres being white, and everything else. Being white can have its advantages and disadvantages. You are more likely to get jobs, promotions, and be able to move in important social circles with white skin. But in the same respect people judge you for that as well. Being colored has its advantages as well. You are more easily to be accepted amongst all minorities not just your own. There are a lot more financial aid and scholarship funds set up for minorities rather than whites. Its an on going cycle. I think that in order to break this racial brigade that has come into play in our modern world, it has to be met with education. Unfortunately education is often times the root of the racial tensions as well. It is on the parents of kids to teach them what is right and what is wrong. And often times the parents themselves are deeply uneducated about what they believe. Their misinterpretation of their beliefs will be passed down to their children and influence the decisions they make. Until this can be resolved on a national level racism will never decrease. I believe racism will never come to an end. It’s a good idea with the best intentions but no one is really listening. A girl in my lab put it this way, its like asking for global peace. Good idea but will never happen. Its just too much to ask out of the human race. There is too many radically different ideologies that people are too committed too. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, it has its negatives and positives. When Sam says people of color I think he is referring to the actual color of your skin, not what you consider yourself. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:33:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment63075570 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58911139 I have to agree with Vincent. As a kid who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 10, I obviously have no direct connection to anything related to Native Americans. I know that Sam is not trying to make us feel guilty but what is he trying to do? If he wants us to acknowledge the fact that the actual history behind Native Americans involves a genocide, I’m pretty sure that the majority of the people in lecture would agree with that statement. I do believe that the true history of Native Americans is hidden in the American textbooks. This only makes sense because what country would teach its citizens about the wrong doings and faults that lead to their present day. The only knowledge I have retained over the public school system about Native Americans isn’t a very positive image. What I get is an image of mostly poor people living in poverty with little to no opportunities. If they are not in that category they are in an Indian casino. I also know that they have known alcohol problems. This tells you how in depth the public school system goes into the real history of the U.S. Like I said before I can agree and acknowledge the fact that they are on the worse end of the oppression of minority scale. Even still as an immigrant to the U.S. this really does not impact me that much at all. I come from a place where I was the minority just like I am here. I do not let this hold me down. I’m not trying to compare myself to the Native Americans simply because I have had far more opportunities then many of them. The point I am trying to make is that they are not the only ones in world history that have suffered severe discrimination and oppression. The british empire occupied many parts of the world throughout history. India was only unoccupied in the 1950’s, Hong Kong was unoccupied in 1999, and South Africa broke through the British instilled apartheid in 1994. These are only examples of places and peoples that were held down until a certain point in time when they decided to respond and react. Although these are whole countries and the Native Americans are a small group of people, the same concept can be applied. Nelson Mandela suffered 27 years in a prison before getting released and becoming the first black South African (ANC) president. The point I keep trying to make is that obviously Native Americans are not the only ones who have felt the effects of oppression. No matter how harsh it was, other places around the world managed to overcome the oppression that they felt in their home countries. I feel that Native Americans should be pushing themselves as a race to have better education on their reservations to enable themselves to be better educated peoples. Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:19:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58911139 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/another-reason-why-gay-marriage-matters__trashed/#IDComment57702944 I think that the deportation of the woman was extreme but none the less it does not surprise me. I believe that the United states will one day allow same sex marriages but currently it seems as though that may be a long time from now. It is ridiculous to think that U.S. citizens in todays day and age can have their same sex immigrant partner deported based soley upon their sexual orientation. It almost feels like it can be called sexist. It is extremely tramatic for the kids to have to go through. For them having their two moms is normal and for their home government to split them apart doesn’t seem fair. I do believe that one day the U.S. will allow same sex marriages. Currently there are more than a handful of modern westernized countries that allow same sex partnerships. LGBTs are here to stay and they aren’t really going anywhere, especially not because they aren’t ‘legally’ allowed to be with each other. Whether the U.S. passes a bill or not for gay marriage, LGBTs are still going to be with whoever they want to be with and live whatever life style they choose to live. People need to realize that even though the law may say it is illegal to have that kind of a partnership, the fact is that we live in 2010. That means that regardless of what happens in this country, LGBTs who really want to have that partnership in a society that can handle it will move to places around the world where it is not looked down upon or looked upon so differently. I think that one of the few ways which people use to oppose same sex marriage is religion. Without religion in the picture more then half if not all of the people who oppose it would disappear. It’s a bit of bullshit to think that you have a right to tell people who and who they cant be with based upon who you believe. Who the hell do you think you are, and second what if they don’t believe the same thing? Then what. Religion shouldn’t have as much influence as it does in this countries politics. But this is America and it is what we are known for. The bottom line is that everybody doesn’t believe in the same religion, so what you believe may not be what other people believe, obviously. That being said it does not really give you a right to judge what other people do based upon your religion. You could judge them based upon the religion they follow right? That makes sense because they follow their religion and probably respect it a lot more then whatever you follow. Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:26:12 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/another-reason-why-gay-marriage-matters__trashed/#IDComment57702944 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56593087 I think that this topic is going to become so repeated that eventually most of our opinions about this are going to be one in the same. Because of the history of the United States mainly with the civil war, civil rights movement, and general black oppression is why most issues end up being judged with a black and white colors. Black people have been repeatedly put down and held down in this country since its inception. First we have the civil war which then led to the civil rights movement almost a century later. During the history of the U.S., black people have played the most substantial role as a minority in this country besides Hispanics. Blacks have had the most light shed upon their situations plus have had the most national attention. Only recently have other minority mishaps start to surface as real problems. I agree with the lady in the video with her saying that the civil rights movement was more influential than the overall slave trade. The civil rights movement really reduced or cancelled out any barriers that made the black person a second class citizen. These were hard changes that many people did not feel comfortable with. The relations between the races after the civil rights movement were tense and a lot more different than ever before. All of a sudden blacks somewhat had the rights of whites in a white dominated society that was not very welcoming of these changes. Because of all this is why I think topics or discussions will always come down to a black skin color or white skin color talk. Black people have a right to question everything that can potentially affect them in this country(laws, bills, etc). White people or the white man will always have the image of a lesser form of a tyrant when it comes to oppression of minorities. I feel as though white people can never shake themselves of this image. The election of president obama adds to this issue. Now that there is a black president that is actually smarter then the last guy who was in office for the last 8 years is a concept that rationally ignorant people cannot grasp. They still look at skin color as if it makes a difference, and because of this the president being black only adds to anything that he does because now it needs to be compared to himself(black people) and then to the rest of America. Well I think that overall in America it is just normal to compare and judge. It is something that Americans grow up learning how to do. We judge everything and everyone based on every single imperfection or insignificant detail that we can muster. It’s the mindset we grow up with, fighting back or comparing everything to everything, instead of only trying to do whats best for ourselves. Sat, 13 Feb 2010 03:57:49 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56593087 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/the-enlightened-west-knows-best__trashed/#IDComment54431959 The French have taken the covered veils issue a few steps too far. I agree with most of the people responding to this article. Although the French seem to feel as though they are helping these women out, clearly if they could see past their own noses they would realize they are not helping anyone out. The French seem to have a special attitude about them, a special French fuck you swagger. As someone who has personally visited France I can say that I have felt the hospitality of this swagger. The French people themselves walk around with their noses held high and an air of arrogance around them. They act as if their language and way of life is somehow better than the rest of the worlds. Don’t go to France and expect them to embrace any other culture but their own. Although I am not an American I was witness to an American couple being refused service in a French café, after not being able to pronounce what was on the menu correctly. This goes to show what kind of people they really are. After that being said, it does not surprise me that the French think that they can just forcibly impose what they believe to be a better way of life, on people who make up their citizens. The French government is discriminating and holding down the Islamic portion of their citizens who chose to cover their faces. This was a human right to clothe yourself however you see fit. Only you know what is best for yourself and you can’t expect the government to tell you what you can and cannot wear, what will be next? Will they say that you can only wear the color blue on Wednesdays? The government is no better than the original males who decided that the women should have to wear the veils in the first place. Their message may be different but they are putting women in the position of not being able to decide for themselves. Even still we learned that most of these women who decide to cover their faces do so because they want to. It has moved from an expected part of the religion to part of their culture. It almost seems as if this becomes a right of passage for women as they grow older and wiser. There is clear evidence that many of the women are not forced to wear these veils but chose so individually. These women know what is best for themselves and conduct themselves in a way not to impress men or other women. They stay true to their religions and inner morals. Apart from all this, are the French really going to try and fine women 1000$ for their veils, and even still the amount of women that make the statistic is 2000? Out of 66million, is that a joke that they even waste the time, money and resources to even discuss and pass such stupidity. Come on France, we all know you guys are assholes but really? Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:31:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/the-enlightened-west-knows-best__trashed/#IDComment54431959 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-n-or-o__trashed/#IDComment53868333 one word response Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:49:13 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-n-or-o__trashed/#IDComment53868333 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/clubbing-the-bejesus-out-of-rationality__trashed/#IDComment53484643 After reading this blog and watching all the videos I have come to the conclusion that Pat Robinson is someone who doesn’t deserve having his opinion heard. For someone to speak with such cold words during a time of need shows his true agenda. If he was legit and legit at what he does he would of spoken words of inspiration and hope to reach those who need it. The fact that he chooses to say things like that shows the side he is on and how much he doesn’t support the aid and relief efforts in Haiti. His utter stupidity should not be listened to, it is crazy that people like him manage to get themselves on television, but in today’s society that seems to be the norm. Even still I can go on and on about how disrespectful his speech was and that Pat Robinson has no soul, but at the end of the day it is us that are contributing to this off topic and yet still we have our sights not set on the real task at hand. I think that it is ridiculous that both Pat Robinson and Rush Limbaugh said what they said, but we are still the ones analyzing it after the fact. Yes they were both out of line but should we still be talking about them, or how we can contribute to any relief effort in Haiti? A whole country got devastated by a 7.0 earthquake. That statement alone goes to show how much more privileged we are compared to them. Their whole country being devastated tells you how fragile and poor their infrastructure is and how limited their resources really are. Even survivors of the earthquake are dying due to thirst because supplies of water have not reached them. But after Katrina it took the government 5 days to get water to the superdome in New Orleans, so what really can you expect. Although I say we should be doing our part toward the cause, that doesn’t necessarily mean donating money. I agree with donations and am glad that Prof Richards sent around donation baskets in class, I just don’t like to donate money. I feel as though donating money never makes it to the people who really need it. Money is like a drug, it will always find its way into the wrong hands. Instead of donating money I donate canned food products and/or donations at clothing bins. I feel that you know canned food will make it to its destination and that it is truly helping out someone in need. If we raised $4000 and we sent $4000 worth of food donations, I think that would do a lot more for a lot more people than just sending the tender. Even $4000 worth of crated water would have really made a difference to a group of people in need down there. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 06:07:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/clubbing-the-bejesus-out-of-rationality__trashed/#IDComment53484643 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/clubbing-the-bejesus-out-of-rationality__trashed/#IDComment53484714 After reading this blog and watching all the videos I have come to the conclusion that Pat Robinson is someone who doesn’t deserve having his opinion heard. For someone to speak with such cold words during a time of need shows his true agenda. If he was legit and legit at what he does he would of spoken words of inspiration and hope to reach those who need it. The fact that he chooses to say things like that shows the side he is on and how much he doesn’t support the aid and relief efforts in Haiti. His utter stupidity should not be listened to, it is crazy that people like him manage to get themselves on television, but in today’s society that seems to be the norm. Even still I can go on and on about how disrespectful his speech was and that Pat Robinson has no soul, but at the end of the day it is us that are contributing to this off topic and yet still we have our sights not set on the real task at hand. I think that it is ridiculous that both Pat Robinson and Rush Limbaugh said what they said, but we are still the ones analyzing it after the fact. Yes they were both out of line but should we still be talking about them, or how we can contribute to any relief effort in Haiti? A whole country got devastated by a 7.0 earthquake. That statement alone goes to show how much more privileged we are compared to them. Their whole country being devastated tells you how fragile and poor their infrastructure is and how limited their resources really are. Even survivors of the earthquake are dying due to thirst because supplies of water have not reached them. But after Katrina it took the government 5 days to get water to the superdome in New Orleans, so what really can you expect. Although I say we should be doing our part toward the cause, that doesn’t necessarily mean donating money. I agree with donations and am glad that Prof Richards sent around donation baskets in class, I just don’t like to donate money. I feel as though donating money never makes it to the people who really need it. Money is like a drug, it will always find its way into the wrong hands. Instead of donating money I donate canned food products and/or donations at clothing bins. I feel that you know canned food will make it to its destination and that it is truly helping out someone in need. If we raised $4000 and we sent $4000 worth of food donations, I think that would do a lot more for a lot more people than just sending the tender. Even $4000 worth of crated water would have really made a difference to a group of people in need down there. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:07:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/clubbing-the-bejesus-out-of-rationality__trashed/#IDComment53484714