One of the first classes I kept hearing about when I came to Penn State was Soc 119. All of my older friends kept ranting on about how great of a class it is and how everyone should take it. So, spring semester I said what the heck, I’ll take it. Honestly, probably one of my greatest moves so far. The class has really exposed me to all of the ins and outs of race relations. Meeting Sam was pretty cool, actually meeting someone with that life perspective of just wanting to accept everyone is one everyone should have. I still remember my first day in that class, with all the music bumping and the twitter feed going wild; thats when I know I chose the right class. Also, seeing SO many different races and colors of skins was actually really comforting. I usually only see one dominant race in classes and it’s usually white. But I’m glad the class isn’t dominated by just one race, instead is pretty cultural. Also, it’s pretty exciting that the class is so famous and has 700+ students, not only to mention the guests that come to just attend the class for its perks. The class allowed me to listen to different viewpoints our generation has concerning topics such as gender and race discrimination, or other societal issues that not many like to discuss. Sam brings up these touchy topics to let us all know that yes they do exist and no we should not continue to ignore them, we should face them and eventually cease them from existing. It’d be nice when the day comes when everyone could just all be in the same environment without anyone having an issues and whatnot. Even though Soc 119 is a huge class, I like how it can get personalized in our discussion groups. The TA’s always do an amazing job getting everyone interacted in the discussion and making sure everyone voices their opinion. Also, the Haiti project is absolutely incredible. It’s such a good cause and allows our discussion group to bond over something so genuine. Giving someone a home or an education or just even something to eat is so rewarding. I truly am proud to be a part of something like this.
This class explores all sorts of topics and keep you interested in what’s going on. Like what class asks you about a woman “bleeding” and also asks you to point out the darkest person here? It’s like no other. Things like these are so uncomfortable to talk about but it answers many questions.
Since I had such a great experience in Soc 119, I’m so glad I’m being given the opportunity to be a TA next semester and continue this great learning experience.

I personally thought the needy penis lecture was extremely accurate. The clicker question stating the fact that girls only have orgasms about 25% of the time shouldn’t surprised many people. I really don’t think guys understand that girls don’t always want to have sex at every given moment of the day. We are wired differently than you guys! You guys might want to have sex whenever the time is available but for us, it just doesn’t really work that way. It’s weird how whatever created us, whether it be a larger force or just evolving, that they made us they way we are. Concerning the whole having an orgasm in a relationship or one night stand question, the answer would probably be relationship. Usually, a girl is way more comfortable letting themselves “go” when they are emotionally attached to the person they are having sex with. Yeah, it might take a while for you to get used to someone but it’s so worth it; having someone know what sexually pleases you. One night stands are hardly remembered and rarely have emotion. So yeah, I do believe girls orgasm more easily when in a relationship. Also, guys need to relax with the whole “if the girl’s not orgasming, you’re not doing it right.” Just because a girl does not orgasm, doesn’t mean they are not enjoying it. And Sam was right, role play IS important. We get a lot of sexual stimulation from it and sometimes thats all we need.
Personally, I was in a two year relationship and just knowing that person on such a personal level made it so much more easier to let myself go with them. One night stands just aren’t for me, I would just hate to wake up to someone and regret what I did. It’s just not a cool feeling. But that’s just my view from being in relationships most of my life. A bunch of my friends who have lived the single life or have hooked up with multiple randoms say it’s only fun for a few but they rather be settled down with someone that know who they are and what they liked.
I could honestly keep repeating myself saying that sex in a relationship is way better than one night stands because it just is! It doesn’t even have to be an official relationship; it could just be a mutual understanding and respect towards each other. It’s just the fact of having someone always there for you and you feeling that trust, that’s what is the key to a good orgasm. It may sound weird but hey, it is the truth. All a girl needs is some genuine love and affection.

I’m actually pretty glad this question came up. Penn State seems all for diversity and whatnot but its segregated regardless. I find it interesting when i’m talking to my group a friends and we refer certain parties to certain racial groups. I guess it just has to do with history in all honesty. And the question can go both ways. I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes. When I go to a minority party and there is a white person there, everyone looks at them different and vice versa when referring to a minority at a white party. It’s just something we’re not used to. We just have a different way of approaching situations so when you mix both races, it can get a bit awkward. Plus, guys don’t always have to approach the girl all the time. If you want it, go for it. Sometimes guys are just shy and don’t know how to approach a minority because it’s not something they’re used to. So why not show them how? It is the only way they’ll learn and then hopefully this question won’t need to be answered to anymore.

I believe the main difference between Sam’s and Jasiri X’s viewpoints on the discrimination in America and even worldwide at that, has to be their approach. Sam’s approach makes us sit back and think about why and how it is exactly happening while Jasiri X’s approach just made me feel way too much anger instead of sympathy. It probably has to do with the fact that Sam is a professor while Jasiri X is a rapper but in my opinion a sensitive topic such as this one should be approach in a neutral way instead of bashing. The time that Jasiri X visited class, he showed us a couple of his songs that had to do with the discrimination of minorities. They did express that very well but in the end of his songs, he would usually bash the whites of america as if they were all responsible for what is going on. I believe the issue that is occurring has to do with everyone contributing, not just one race. If we want change, we ALL have to want and do it right? So bashing a race is not going to do much justice. It would have been different if he just bought the certain issues into the light and express how we can change them. Now, Sam has the tendency of just bringing those issues about and letting us, the audience decide what to do with the information he just gave us. Yes, he gives us some insight of the reality of the situation but he understands that everyone has their own opinion on the subject. For example, when he brought up the issue about the irony of how Native Americans are some of the poorest Americans, he let us figure out why and how that is happening and how we can try to fix it. He didn’t bash or talk down upon anyone, he just pointed out the facts. The students took over the class by feeding off what one another was saying and having an occasional moment where Sam just provided with more facts and questions.
I believe Jasiri X does have good intentions with him spreading the word about discrimination in a lyrical form but he might have to just reevaluate exactly what he is saying and how it’s coming across to other people. This way, he will have more people listen to what he actually has to say instead of having them feeling a certain way about the bashing part.
All in all, both situations still make you think about America’s values. I still learned plenty from both Sam and Jasiri. From being exposed to Native Americans being the poorest to actually understanding the situation with Occupy Wall Street. We all learn from one another, there’s just different ways to approach this things.

There has always been the debate of whether or not America should continue to give aid to those countries in need. I believe that America should keep giving out aid because we do benefit from it. It is like the saying goes “ You’re only as strong as your weakest link”. Us giving aid out allows the poorer countries to try and build their economy which contributes to the rest of the world’s economy. We should keep in mind that there should be some limits place on exactly how much aid we should be giving. Many would enforce the fact that if we keep giving aid out to third world countries, we’ll end up being one. We already have our own issues such as dealing with the homeless or dealing with massive debt. So in a sense, help others without really using our own resources. We also take into consideration what kind of aid exactly we’re giving. I recently saw something online that caught my eye about aid. Someone stated “giving aid where all the cash goes to perishable food is not smart. Giving aid where some goes to food they can eat now and a portion goes to foods they plant for later is much smarter.” We want these countries to build a foundation that they can grow from so if the time comes and we need help, we’ll have someone to lean on.
Another issue is the fact that most just give out aid to support themselves politically and don’t actually do it for the humane cause. Yes, this could be true but either way, the countries are getting their aid one way or another. It just happens to be that whoever is giving it is getting back some fame. One thing I would like to know more about is where exactly does all this money go since we’re considered to be the number one donor in the world. Like is it going towards medical research or living situations? If the US were to explain a bit more and better about where the money all goes then maybe there can be the possibility of people getting accustomed to the idea that giving out aid is actually a good cause. People love knowing the truth and facts and when that is kind of blurry, it should be no surprise that questions are going to rise. The people just want answers.
We’re a very giving country; sending out troops that sometimes give up their lives for other countries, and etc. It’s just something we’ve been used to doing since the early days.
So, in my opinion, we should still continue to give out aid to other countries, but just limit and express where exactly is all goes.

I believe the reason why women are not comfortable discussing their personal topics amongst the opposite gender or even in a public display is because society had put that thought into their head. In all of history, women are considered to be reserved and shy while men are the ones who can have the open opinion and have no shame. It’s still being displayed today. For example, when Sam asked all of the females in the class who was on their menstrual cycle, very few, if any, raised their hand. It wasn’t because they weren’t on it, it was because they were ashamed to be discussing something as private as that. It is not something they are used to discussing unless it is with someone they truly trust. When on the other hand, Sam asked the guys who masturbated, it was easier for them to admit it. It probably also has to do with a sense of pride. Women want to keep that reputation of being classy and perfect since that is what society wants from them. I’m not going to lie, it will be pretty sweet the day when women don’t really care as much of what society thinks of them. It will be liberating and then we can finally say we’re as equal as men. I’m sure there are plenty of women out there with this mindset already so hopefully they can start convincing the rest that it is okay to express yourself in any shape or form.
In society, women can’t not care like men sometimes do because then we’re considered to be low. For example, the whole sleeping with many guys makes a woman worthless but a guy that sleeps with many women is seen as a god. These stereotypes are what are limiting a woman from taking that step to try and be equal. Stereotypes play a great role in anything we do, usually they benefit men, very rarely is it benefitting women.
So what I took away from what Sam discussed in class is that us women need to step it up and let go of this “reserved” way or at least bend it a bit. No one needs to be uptight and worrying all the time, that is way too stressful for anyones liking. Hopefully this class will allow this to happen since it makes us question our beliefs and morals. I’ve questioned mine plenty of times since the semester started and have even changed some because of what I have been exposed to. This is what this class is meant to teach you. You can accept some things or change others but you have to go with what feels right to you.

Our past has always been to creep back up on. The whole issue with race and how it affects your hierarchy in society has been a hot button since one can remember. Even in today’s society, we still can see how many think that the white man is superior to the black one. So if this issue is currently present, would you not think people would want to whiten their skin if it was dark? We even associate light skin with being beautiful and extravagant more often than that of dark skin. Women especially, if something makes you more beautiful, then they will do whatever it takes. I’m not going to throw society under the bus completely because we have com a long way from the past. We are becoming more and more accepting of dark skin. We have even began associating the term with beauty such as “black is beautiful” and whatnot. We are slowly but surely getting to where we need to be with this topic. In class, Sam mentioned how its typically countries besides the United States that use these creams. Some mentioned were like China and India. They just generally associate beauty with being light which is wish I knew more reasons as to why. It is actually why I’m glad I live in the US, where people can be more accepting about who you are. We have come such a long way that we even have a black president. That’s got to mean something right? We just need to continue on just letting people be and hopefully it will influence other people in other countries to just accept themselves as how they are instead of trying to change something so drastic as their skin color.
I recently flew to the Dominican Republic and worked with children and adults of all ages whose worries weren’t about trying to get the latest whitening cream in order to fit in. They just worried if they have enough food for the morning. This showed me that sometimes we need to stop and think about what our priorities are. Something so materialistic as trying to whiten your skin should not be one of your worries.
Our skin is meant to protect us from the weather, meaning the darker it is the more purpose it has to protect you from the scorching rays from the sun. It all dates back to our ancestry, as we spoke about in class. This whole hierarchy developed from the colors of our skin is outrageous, modifying beauty in general and its power. People will start to be more accepting of themselves once society starts to accept them. It’s a mind-boggling thing, it’s supposed to be the other way around but that’s how life works.

My view on religion and God in general is a different one. I do believe there is a more powerful force that is beyond us but I don’t think it is actually who the bible considers it to be or what everyone is always talking about. So if I were to wake up one day and see on all the news channels and internet that yes in fact the God described in the bible and such was real, I would still be confused. Probably because of the fact as to why would he/she create such a mysterious persona and let everyone make up their own “kind” of God. If he or she is so said God, would they not want everyone to be on the same page instead of having so many differences? I get that everyone should have their own opinion so that there is some balance in the world but something that is considered so powerful as God should not allow that to make people go to war and destroy each other. I just feel like a lot of people would be angry that he or she waited so long to expose themselves and most likely would feel shocked that whatever they believed in probably was not true. For example, with religions. The day that God is exposed, probably only one is going to be correct about their assumption of God which would make everyone else disappointed.
On behalf God’s view, he or she probably waited so long to see how his/her creation came out to be. We may not admit it, but our world does revolved around religion. Even in politics and everyday life. We base our decisions on what we believe in and that usually has the foundation of our religion. For example, whoever you vote for is probably someone who has the same views as you which are based on their morals given to them by whatever they believe in. Or how we raise our children and such. Everything is revolved by this higher power that no one has actually ever seen. It is amazing how we can let something so intangible determine how our lives are going to turn out.
All in all, there will be plenty of mixed emotions if that day were to come. Everyone’s lives would change, some for better and some for worse. Our whole outlook on life would be different because we are finally exposed to what some have been waiting so long for. Now the question is, are we ready for that day to actually come? To have our lives completely 180. Most of us are probably not so till that day, we’ll just keep on believing what we believe in.

I feel like our generation has so much more potential than it is credited for. We all have that drive to make a difference we just need more motivation and knowledge. There have been plenty of times where the youth took over. Such examples are KONY 2012 and Occupy Wall Street where the majority of those trying to have their voices heard were those of the younger generation. The motivation that I am talking about can be seen by the outcome of KONY 2012. After seeing the video of KONY on Youtube, so many young adults were driven to make a difference and save the kids. But once the person behind it got arrested for some kind of misconduct, the motivation disappeared. The creator still went on with this idea but had less people behind him. We are kind of quick to forget about something once something with it goes wrong. We need to try and keep that motivation that we began with in the first place.
When our generation comes into power, I would hope that we can transform the world. It is up to our generation to change the world. Some of the older generations have a close mindset about what the world is and what it happening to it. Since we have technology to our advantage, whatever we want to do, we can take it globally. That is one difference between us and the older generation. The amount of positive things we are able to accomplish are innumerable, but we just have to keep that motivation that we happen to lose so fast.
Many things that are occurring now such as the “ending” of the war and the recession which are two things I believe our generation would have a better chance at having success. Things like these are affecting our generation more than ever in terms of financial issues. College nowadays have been raising their tuition to meet with the quota that issues such as the recession bring about. Back in the day, education was either free or extremely cheap. Since the older generation have not actually solved these issues, it is up to our generation, the one it’s affecting to do something about it. We have to realize it is our future that is at stake, not actually theirs. We have to make a positive difference with the power we are going to obtain to make that permanent difference for our generation and future ones.
All in all, our generation would do good if given power. We have so much to give, so much to show, we just need more chances and hopefully the future will bring them. So for now, we just have to keep building that motivation.

When you’re finally at the point in your life where you start having child and settling down, you realize they are the most important aspect of your life. Your child(ren) are the reason you wake up in the morning; they add such joy to your life. If my child were to turn out gay and I knew this, of course I would tell him/her. Being gay is not a wrong thing. It’s something they should embrace even though our society can sometimes say otherwise. I would not want my child questioning themselves and going through hardships about who they are. Hiding something always leads to some kind of downfall. So why not tell them? What are they going to lose besides the fact of most likely years of questioning their sexuality. The earlier they know, the better. Now they can focus on other things such as what they would like to pursue in life and other similar goals. Not only will they have less stress, but so would I. Keeping something from my child would be extremely difficult, especially something that extreme. Them knowing at an early age would learn that it is in fact normal to be gay. That there is nothing wrong with you or what you believe in. They would also grow up in a very accepting household so that they can influence others in that way. I’ve had some friends who have questioned their sexuality and wish they knew way earlier to that they would not have to deal with the thought of not knowing who are truly are. It just feels like a waste of your emotions and time.
In a scenario where I did not tell my child they were going to be gay even though I knew beforehand, I would probably seem angry all the time. Since holding in something like that could do that. It’s like what do you tell your child when they ask you a question such as “ why do I act different than other people?” or “ why am I always being looked at funny?” Questions like these can break your heart just because it is your own child asking you them and also because you have the answer. So do everyone a favor, and just tell them.
In today’s world, we try to make everything accommodate us as much as possible so the less stress we would have. So this exact mindset is the one we should be thinking of if it were possible to find out if our expected-to-be-born children were going to come out gay. It just makes life easier knowing what you need to do.