en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/759807 Comments by erika4179 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment69502146 I think it is rare times like this lecture that we actually put ourselves in another person's position. As a Christian, I was not offended by what was said at all, and do not think anyone should have been because what was said was not insulting or wrong. The use of videos and examples for us to put ourselves in another person's shoes worked very well, and they point was well conveyed. In the beginning of class we all saw the Muslims as the bad guy, but towards the end of class I think many people realized that we were that exact same bad guy to them. It was nice to try to imagine at least a small portion how an opposing side may see us here in the United States of America, and why they may dislike us. There are always two sides to the story. We tend to only look at a very small portion of the entire picture. We see them in the most negative light, and they see us in the most negative light. Every country is going to frown upon intruders no matter what religion they are. If some one storms in to your home demanding change of the way you do things, you are going to be upset. Many people of Iraq see what we are doing as a good thing and helpful, while many of course believe we are ruining their country. After the terrorist attacks, we felt attacked so we took action to go into Iraq to try and do something. Now, just like us Iraqis may feel the need to defend themselves or attack us. Religion does make matters ten times worse because Christian and extreme Muslim views are very different. This fact makes invasions much more heated. This is why many Iraqis may have hatred towards us and why many Americans have prejudice towards Muslim people. When we think the other side is doing something wrong, we tend to focus on their religious beliefs and disregard what we have contributed to their decisions. Our media also greatly helps to shape the world for our eyes. Many times what is portrayed on television is just what we want to see. I think both sides need to come together and see what is really going on behind the scenes. Two parties should gather without the violence, without the war, and most of all without the ulterior motives. These misunderstandings and wrong judgments are causing a large loss of lives on both sides. We are in such a different time in age today that war should not be our answer. I know this will take a lot of time because there are things we can not agree on, but we should try soon. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:01:18 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment69502146 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment69509981 I think it is rare times like this lecture that we actually put ourselves in another person's position. As a Christian, I was not offended by what was said at all, and do not think anyone should have been because what was said was not insulting or wrong. The use of videos and examples for us to put ourselves in another person's shoes worked very well, and they point was well conveyed. In the beginning of class we all saw the Muslims as the bad guy, but towards the end of class I think many people realized that we were that exact same bad guy to them. It was nice to try to imagine at least a small portion how an opposing side may see us here in the United States of America, and why they may dislike us. There are always two sides to the story. We tend to only look at a very small portion of the entire picture. We see them in the most negative light, and they see us in the most negative light. Every country is going to frown upon intruders no matter what religion they are. If some one storms in to your home demanding change of the way you do things, you are going to be upset. Many people of Iraq see what we are doing as a good thing and helpful, while many of course believe we are ruining their country. After the terrorist attacks, we felt attacked so we took action to go into Iraq to try and do something. Now, just like us Iraqis may feel the need to defend themselves or attack us. Religion does make matters ten times worse because Christian and extreme Muslim views are very different. This fact makes invasions much more heated. This is why many Iraqis may have hatred towards us and why many Americans have prejudice towards Muslim people. When we think the other side is doing something wrong, we tend to focus on their religious beliefs and disregard what we have contributed to their decisions. Our media also greatly helps to shape the world for our eyes. Many times what is portrayed on television is just what we want to see. I think both sides need to come together and see what is really going on behind the scenes. Two parties should gather without the violence, without the war, and most of all without the ulterior motives. These misunderstandings and wrong judgments are causing a large loss of lives on both sides. We are in such a different time in age today that war should not be our answer. I know this will take a lot of time because there are things we can not agree on, but we should try soon. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:01:57 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment69509981 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/the-tyranny-of-radical-muslims__trashed/#IDComment69509113 I agree with you on this statement. I think it is really sad that many of us see all Muslims as people like Osama bin Laden. This religion in general has gotten a very bad reputation because of Jihad and their actions. I do not think we should be putting the blame of the attacks of September eleventh on all the people of the Middle Eastern countries. We do not know a lot about this part of the world so we generalize. Like you said just because a person is Muslim he or she should not be looked down upon. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:58:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/the-tyranny-of-radical-muslims__trashed/#IDComment69509113 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/creating-terrorists__trashed/#IDComment69506237 I agree with you on this. Each side has a story. Many times we do not know our enemies reasons for attack or defense. We are all just trying to protect our resources, our families, our jobs, and everything else we have. We see the people trying to hurt these things as the bad guy, but what we do not realize is that they may see us in the same exact way. We may be just as bad as those horrible "terrorists" we hate so much and do not understand. Innocent people are being killed on both sides so all in all both sides are doing an equal amount of harm. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:48:55 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/creating-terrorists__trashed/#IDComment69506237 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment68117107 I agree with your question, it was as though there was a piece of lecture missing. The next step of what needs to be done by us was left out. A second step must exist because no one should be living under these conditions. I think now that we have seen some of what is going on and it has affected us, we should be told of what our options are. I feel as though just knowing what is going on is not enough. It would be a good idea for some to share more ideas like buying fair trade chocolate. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:56:06 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-might-be-the-second-step__trashed/#IDComment68117107 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68116428 Yes I feel men feel the need to conform almost as much as women. We see men trying to get bigger and stronger like the athletes they see or the friends they have everyday. Just like women, men try to change their body to look more attractive to the opposite sex. Women may come off as more insecure, but I think men have many self image issues as well. We are all social creatures, and we feel the need to be like one another so that we are accepted. Men are no exception to this. I think such a big deal is made of woman trying to change their appearances, that men issues are overlooked. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:49:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68116428 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/is-quality-the-question__trashed/#IDComment66496912 I agree with this statement. I think places such as hospitals do not hire a person just because he or she is black, brown, or Asian. Good qualifications and experience are the most important factors when being considered for such jobs, not skin color. I think, affirmative action does not really apply to jobs in places like hospitals. Affirmative action exists so that people with less get more of an equal opportunity. The minority card can not automatically land a person a job. So no I do think Affirmative action will lower the standard of places giving out affirmative action. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 01:43:56 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/is-quality-the-question__trashed/#IDComment66496912 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66494299 I agree with you on this statement . I wish we would discuss more solutions to the problems that are presented in class. Sam discusses many problematic situations that occur in our society, but it feels like there is nothing that can be done by us. Hearing more opinions and ideas would give everyone a more positive outlook, and maybe make some people think more. More discussion should exist between students, so we know what ideas and possible solutions exist. Like you said I am learning many things in this class, but I would like to hear other students more. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 01:20:50 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66494299 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66491735 After watching this CNN report, I was disgusted and scared. I never knew games in this genre existed. This is basically men raping innocent women through a video game. Even though it is not real life, the thought process of these actions still takes place in the minds of these men. I do not understand why anyone would even create this type of game. The creators of such games should by no means be receiving money for this, instead they should be punished. These games should be outlawed everywhere. Governments need to get together and make sure games like this are not created, and if they are make sure they do not spread. Not only is this disgusting, it is incredibly dangerous as well. Even though the culture in Japan is very different, and it may be normal to degrade women in these ways, these games have gone way too far. These games shine a positive light on the assault of women. You hurt a woman at a train station, and you earn points. This message of rape and assault of women is being spread across the world. The creators of these games could be putting many women in danger. A person to buy and play these games is obviously not normal in a sense. What if a player of one of the game decides he or she wants to try these game experiences in real life? A game should not have the power to anyone's life in danger. In what society is this acceptable? Also, this game becomes very dangerous when it gets into the hands of young children. Children should not grow up with this kind of violence or degradation of women. When they play these games, they see these things as more and more acceptable and less as a major problem in society. Even if it is just a game, a young child's mind absorbs it as real life. These issues should not even be placed in to a child's mind. With games like this in a child's hands, I think we have a much higher chance of creating more rapists, stalkers, etc. Most games that involve violence include an enemy the player must defeat in order to stay alive. Games of rape have no enemy, they are solely for the purpose of taking advantage of females . These games produce violence just for the sake of violence. The violent acts are taken against innocent women. All in all, I think it is outrageous games like this even exist. Stores and the internet should be raided to rid our communities of such dangerous games. This will be an important step in protecting our children and even women. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 00:59:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66491735 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65697755 I have not thought of this topic much before. I wonder what our future generations will look like. Whites becoming a minority seems far away, but I think it will hit us sooner than we realize. Unlike many people, this does not really scare me. Whites have been dominant all over the world for a long time, and I think since this is a country for all races and ethnicity it is only right that other colors take dominance as well. Maybe this well decrease racism, and cause more interactions between different races. This will definitely be a big and interesting development. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 03:53:13 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65697755 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65695517 This is one of the most emotional videos I have ever seen. I keep myself from crying every time I watch it. It saddens me to see these innocent children look down upon their own skin color because of what society has made them to believe right at such a young age. I think this says a lot about our society if even children notice such a big difference between black and white and which one is good or bad. These children see their own dark skin as a bad quality, when they should love who they are and what they look like. We do not realize these perceptions exist. These views need to change. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 03:44:08 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65695517 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-if-we-got-rid-of-welfare__trashed/#IDComment65693299 I agree with what you have posted. Welfare could use a few corrections, but for the most part it is put to use in the right areas. Most of the people on welfare actually need the help. And most of these people are children. Children are helpless and it is not their fault they are in the situation that they are born in to. We must help the young ones in any way we are able to. There are definitely those who take advantage of the system as well. Whether it is lying about not being able to work, or presenting false facts to receive different benefits, there are also people who cheat welfare. Those who are capable of work, but chose not to find a job should not be allowed on welfare. These people waste the money that could be put to good use for children in need of assistance. Welfare is food, education, clothing, shelter, and much more for many needy children. We can not take these essentials away from children who have done noting to deserve a poor situation. I know that if my children were in a position where I could not provide them the things they needed, I would pray and hope that they would be able to get help from the country. I do not think the welfare system needs to be removed. I think removing it completely would cause many more problems than those that exist now. I think removing welfare would be the worst step of them all. The poor areas of this country would suffer even more. I think rather the system needs to be modified in some way that those that take advantage of it are not able to get it. If a person is physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of work, then hopefully he or she attempts to get a job. People that are capable of work, and are going through a rough patch in life should also be allowed to receive help, but for a limited amount of time. When the family or individual, is able to get back up on their feet they should slowly be pulled out of welfare. Checks should be placed on those with a limited time to make sure their financial situation is getting better, and when their situation is stable again the help should be removed. Even though I am not an expert on welfare, I think these rules are necessary. A happy medium needs to be found when dealing with welfare. Enough must be given to those who need it, but not too much to those who are just cheating the system instead of working. The government must work hard to make sure the distribution of help is correct. Sat, 3 Apr 2010 03:35:01 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-if-we-got-rid-of-welfare__trashed/#IDComment65693299 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment64108938 I definitely would not be able to tell the difference between Asians and Asian Americans, or the different ethnicity within Asians. Since the focus is usually on black and white people in our society, maybe a few people educated would be able to distinguish the differences but not many. A generalization definitely goes along with Asians and not seeing them as individuals. Many Asians are usually seen as immigrants that keep to themselves and hang out in groups of other Asians. An Asian American is more likely to hang out with white kids and not only stick to other Asians. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:46:05 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment64108938 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64107840 I think you answered this right on target. It all goes back to when we were first taught about the reproductive systems. Girls took interest in the female organs and boys took interest in the male organs. In high school I think both sides absorbed the information that was given to them about the opposite sex. I agree I think boys know just as much about the menstrual cycle as girls do about boys ejaculation. The difference is boys are more uncomfortable talking about periods than girls talking about ejaculation and such. I do not think tampons would be free if boys had periods because toilet paper is not free and both sexes need it. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:36:27 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64107840 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64106668 I want to start out with saying good job for posting this question. I think it is definitely something that needs to be addressed. Bleeding, menstrual cycle, period, that time of the month, which ever term you prefer, is one of the most natural parts of life. I do not think women or men should be ashamed to discuss this topic. Menstrual cycles mean a woman is fertile and can reproduce. Giving birth to a child is one of the most beautiful things on this earth. So in this sense, it is definitely not something that should be shunned or frowned upon because without it none of us would be here. I know back in the day, previous generations considered a woman dirty or not pure if she had her period. I have even heard my grandmother say that a woman should not go up to the alter in church to get holy communion if she has her period or is pregnant, she is thought to be undeserving of the holiness. In my personal opinion, I think this is complete non sense. These statements made me feel embarrassed and sometimes ashamed of having my period, when it is really something I should be proud of. It is a natural part of life and should not be a point of discrimination or a reason to make women inferior to men. If women were made this way, why should they be looked down upon for it. Sitting in a class of college students with mostly open minds, I am very surprised as to how the topic of bleeding was received. Even though Sam gave us one too man details about his wife's personal menstrual cycle, I do not think the class should have responded with such an immature uproar. This topic is something we all know about, and should not freak out when it is brought up in an appropriate time or setting with the appropriate amount of details. Having said that, I also think that it is a topic that should not be discussed in just any situation. It is just like any other bodily function, and has a place and time where it can usually be discussed. All I am saying is we should feel free to talk about this, and appreciate it as great gift of life, but lets not discuss it a family meal or any other inappropriate time. There is a time and place for everything, and if someone wants to discuss the female bleeding at an appropriate time we should accept the discussion with open arms. So to answer your question, there is no big deal and there would not be a big deal if, like Sam said, this was a woman run world. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:26:03 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64106668 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment62876994 I agree with you here. I think this is a huge step for women in our society. Usually men think of women as being clueless about football and such sports, but here we have a woman taking charge and showing that women should be considered for these types of positions as well. I think this will have a pretty large impact on the world of sports and coaching. I do not know this woman, but I am very proud of her for having the courage to take on this tough job and responsibility because like you said if something goes wrong people will blame it on her being a woman. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:37:50 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment62876994 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment62875696 I agree with you. I thought some of the statements being said in class about white people were incorrect and very generalized. Most of these comments were extremely rude and nothing was said. My family, for example, is an average white family, but in no way shape or form am I spoiled, rich, or given everything in life. My family and I started low on the social scale and have worked very hard to be where we are today. So for a person to just assume that everything was handed to me in life just because of my color is unfair. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:25:22 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment62875696 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62874791 Just like reaching racial equality, reaching acceptance of gays will take a lot of time and work. People have a set way they see the LGBT community, and often times their views are not very accepting. Whether it be due to religious beliefs, the way their parents raised them, or just phobias many people see same sex couples as wrong or "unnatural". It is hard to believe that a country so well known for freedom and accepting people from all over the world, still struggles to accept couples of the same sex being together. Schools discriminating against gay or lesbian couples show us that this is another issue in our society that still needs a great amount of work and understanding. If a person wants to attend a dance or a social with a member of the same sex, then by all means he or she should be able to do it. We should not discriminate against the gay community. If I had a gay friend who was excited to attend a dance with his or her partner, and was told he or she could not because of sexuality, I would be crushed. I do not understand how bystanders can stand by the situation and not defend the gays being attacked by pure prejudice. They are just like us, and their sexual attraction is just another characteristic. It does not define who they are, and should not mark them as bad or unapproachable people. I believe a person can not help who he or she is attracted to, so why should we judge a person on this attraction. I think discriminating against a gay or lesbian person would be the same as a person discriminating against me for my nose or hair color. If it is a physical feature or natural behavior a person is born with then there should be no grounds for another to judge or discriminate against him or her. The schools that are taking action against gays and lesbians need to be dealt with. They are going against what is right, and need to be set on the right path of acceptance. These schools are taking away very important and joyous memories of a teenager's high school experience, just because of the date they have chosen to take. Does not seem fair. I would be furious if a school official told me I could not attend a dance because of who I chose to take with me because it is none of their business, and not what they should be worrying about. Rather then going against lesbian and gay students, these schools should be protecting their students not giving them even more worry about and deal with. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:16:24 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62874791 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/a-long-long-way-indeed__trashed/#IDComment59968729 I agree I would have never thought of this idea before. I think slave owners would be very surprised and amazed to see many people of color status today. Some of the most well known and richest people in our country are African American. Like you said they have made an enormous impact on our society and the lifestyles we live. In the entertainment world and many other areas people of color have made a huge significance and definitely come a long way. Many of the needed changes have taken place in our society, but even more still need to occur. Sat, 6 Mar 2010 01:32:19 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/a-long-long-way-indeed__trashed/#IDComment59968729 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59968208 I agree with you. In my mind, theme parties are not related to race. I do not think the people throwing or attending these parties are racist in any way shape or form. When I think of theme parties, I think of heaven and hell, gym bros and yoga hoes, jersey shore, etc. I think these categories can apply to all races not towards a particular one, so no they are not racist. I hope that no one thinks that they are meant to be racist and gets offended because when I attend one I certainly would not want to offend anyone. Sat, 6 Mar 2010 01:26:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59968208