en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/764640 Comments by howitdobabyboo https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment69963974 Instinctively, I want to say that all people need to succeed in life is hard work. But honestly, I don’t think that is possible. Unfortunately, money rules the world. People need money to get the basic necessities of life and get anywhere in the world. As a daughter to a man who always advocated the value of a dollar and stressed the importance of hard work, I like to believe that if you work hard, you will be successful monetarily and personally. But, whether we like it or not, it is a “dog eat dog” world and people need to make money and it ends up being the driving factor in people’s lives. For immigrants, it is expensive to pay taxes once they arrive in the U.S. and it is more expensive for them to become legal citizens. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:26:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment69963974 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69961993 This video was very riveting! After Tuesday’s class on the state of the Haitian community, I became a lot more interested in learning more about Haiti, its past and its predicted future. This video was extremely interesting to me because although these people had just suffered an enormous tragedy, they were tapping into their basic survival skills and coming up with ways to provide for themselves and their families. It made me wonder if we in America would do that same thing. The Haitians are a people who have never been economically stable and thus know how to survive in downtrodden conditions. Us, as Americans, more often than not, take for granted the resources and opportunities that we have. I found it incredibly encouraging and uplifting to see that people are still surviving and not just sitting around hanging their heads, wondering why they were afflicted. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:09:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69961993 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69960559 Wow. I have to say that every time Sam has said that he and Laurie have friends who are “lifers” in jail, I’ve always questioned and wondered about the situation. I had a preconceived notion that they were just trying to be nice or required to go there for research purposes, but after reading this letter from their friends, I am simply in awe. As someone who has no experience whatsoever with life in prison, I have always just bit the media bullet which portrays jail as a place for all hateful people, who committed a heinous crime and don’t feel one bit sorry or remorseful. I pictured convicts as having no feeling, no soul, and no compassion. But after reading this letter, I can say that my viewpoint is completely changed. I personally felt like this man was writing to my prejudices and me specifically. As someone who has not had experience with anything of this nature, I have no choice but to claim ignorance and judge off of beliefs formed by society and the media. The first thing that struck me was the fact that Sam prefaced the letter by saying the man never graduated from high school. I was preparing to read something horribly spelled and grammatically incorrect in more ways than one. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised to not find any grammatical error, but what’s more, to read something that was so poignantly and beautifully written that I was enthralled the whole way through. This is an accomplishment that even scholarly individuals may never accomplish. Being able to write fluidly and eloquently is a gift that even learning cannot fully teach you. I was very impressed with the man’s choice of words and the way in which he wrote his feelings onto paper. It was very congruent and easy to read. Most importantly, I greatly enjoyed every word. The second thing that struck me was the fact that never once did this man complains about his situation in life. His words struck me as sincere and either I’m very gullible or this man really was just trying to relay a common occurrence in his life that most people do not understand. Although Sam prefaced the piece by saying that the man has made amends and realizes that his actions were wrong, I actually felt that sentiment when I was reading. The man never directly apologized for his actions or asked for sympathy from us and for that, I give him credit. As a person who is doomed to live in prison for the rest of his life, never once does he complain about any squalid conditions or lack of resources, he simply states, this is the way it is and this is how he’s living day-to-day. I actually had to catch myself and say, “Am I really feeling bad for a murderer right now?” I think this feeling is what people should get and hopefully see from this writing. While this man is a lifer in prison, and most likely completely deserves his punishment, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of remorse and compassion for this man and his daily life. I’m not sure if this is completely twisted or normal, but this letter definitely made me think and re-assess my own preconceived notions and beliefs. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:57:35 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69960559 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/the-tyranny-of-radical-muslims__trashed/#IDComment68418408 This is a great comment! I’m glad that someone who is personally intertwined with the Muslim religion spoke up and said how they view the radical Muslims. I think it is important for us as United States citizens to realize that not all Muslims are like Osama bin Laden. That’s also like saying, not all Americans are like George W. Bush. Not matter what culture or religion we identify with, there is unfortunately going to always be those radicals. As a Christian, I was appalled at the vacation Bible school boot camp that Sam showed in class. I found it incredibly insulting that there are people out there giving a bad name to the religion that I live by. I think that by this woman saying that her husband doesn’t identify with Osama bin Laden even though he is Muslim, is an important fact that we should all remember. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:49:09 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/the-tyranny-of-radical-muslims__trashed/#IDComment68418408 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-are-we-doing-here-really__trashed/#IDComment68416695 This is a question that is something that all of us should honestly think about. Not only has this class made me think of this, but even just being in the real-world should make people think about this question. Race relations to me is all about talking to one another about our ethnic and racial differences and making genuine conversation. Everyone has various backgrounds they can bring to a conversation concerning race and I think its beneficial for everyone to understand where others have been and why. People come from various walks of life and by sharing their various life experiences, it will expand the lives of others who have not witnessed such experiences. For example, as a white, Christian woman, I am not normally exposed to the holiday of Kwanza. My one friend’s family, when I was in elementary school, graciously invited me to attend their celebrations one year. With that experience, I learned so much more about a different culture and belief system that I had never been exposed to before. I was able to talk to my friend and her family about the holiday and learned a lot more about their family and values. Not only did I learn about them, but I also learned a lot about myself and my own family’s traditions. This, to me, was one of my first ever race relations conversations I had and I can honestly say that it was one of the most rewarding and interesting experiences of my life. Without the aspect of race relations conversations, no one would understand one another and racism would be more rampant. In the past, ignorance and societal shame restricted people from having these valuable race relations conversations and experiences. Race relations is about understanding and helping one another realize that there is not just one right way to live your life. Everyone has differences in traditions and experiences and it’s not until people talk about this, will everyone be able to live more harmoniously. Although there is still racism, I think race relations classes and discussions such as those which we have partaken in this class, will help everyone to stop the unfounded prejudice, fear and stupidity that was historically prevalent between people of varying races. I personally have benefitted a lot from just taking this class because I’ve been able to talk to friends and family members about interesting issues from a perspective that they’re not typically used to. I think we’re very lucky to have Sam as a teacher because he is presenting a lot of issues and ideas from a perspective that the media is not presenting. Talking to my parents in particular has been the most rewarding conversations regarding race. They grew up in a different era and they had never met someone of a different race than white until they came to college because that is just the way it was around them growing up. They had never talked about race as openly as I have been lucky enough to and by telling them about my classes and made them think about why they had some racial beliefs that they did. I think this is ultimately the end goal of race relations- to hopefully make the world a more peaceful, racial world for future generations. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:34:34 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-are-we-doing-here-really__trashed/#IDComment68416695 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66510282 This class and I have a love/hate relationship. Half the time, I honestly think Sam is crazy and even get sort of mad at the things he says are truth. But the other half of the time, I love it! Sam speaks his truth, and I respect that. I respect that he has the courage to speak about things that others may deem as unspeakables. He never holds back his feelings or opinions, regardless of the class reaction. I think I’ve definitely grown from being in this class and affirmed some beliefs and even questioned others. In life, there are always going to be those people that you disagree with on certain topics and Sam is one of them when it comes to religion for me. But honestly, I respect his opinion. I’ve critically listened to everything he’s said this semester and it’s made me question some things I believe or even some actions I’ve taken. I think the point of this class is to grow as a society and hopefully make it better for the next generation to come. Sam is definitely teaching all of us something, about ourselves or about those around us, that everyone should grow from. If this class literally has meant nothing to you, then you’re obviously not listening. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 03:40:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66510282 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66506944 Honestly, I saw this story on CNN the day that it came out! I remember telling my roommates, one who did take SOC 119 already, about how crazy this video game is. I find it ironic that it ends up on this class blog but I’m actually relieved that more people will be aware of this. First off, I am not a big supporter of video games. As a person who never was into video games growing up, and actually a child of parents who didn’t like video games because of the inactivity that it caused, I just honestly never got into it. I would much rather play sports outside and hang out with real people than make believe in a world of pretend. I just don’t find it enjoyable. With that said, I do have many friends who love video games and play them quite frequently. Although I don’t particularly understand the fascination, I do appreciate their passion for it. But, I have no idea how any gamer at all, can stand behind a game such as this. I think that the women’s advocacy group has every right to be outraged by this subjugation and violence that are portrayed in this video. Are we honestly running out of creative ideas for games that we have to resort to violence and rape to have fun? Honestly, I don’t understand the need for such a game. What is the point? I understand that there are sick people in this world who would genuinely enjoy this type of game and even act it out in real life, but the creation of this game is just encouraging such actions. In response to the English gamers, you can’t say that gaming is just a way to get out of reality and live a different life. I really question that woman’s values by saying that she was not offended by this game. As women, we need to have respect for ourselves and by allowing someone to rape and hurt another woman, even in a “make believe” forum, still portrays an injustice that all women, and even men, should be concerned about. This woman being hurt could be you, your best friend, your mother, sister, cousin, daughter. How would you feel if your loved ones had this happen to them in real life? I know people will feign the response that this is real life, what’s the big deal? But no matter what, art imitates life and sooner or later people will be effected and act out on their fantasy actions and things they see in video games. It is psychologically proven that even children are affected by video games and even though every child isn’t going out and shooting people like they do in games, that seed is still planted in their head that it can happen and may even be a viable option in real life. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 03:11:04 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66506944 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65552909 You should always identify with how you want to identify. If you relate more to your Latin heritage, identify as a brown person. If you relate more to your white heritage, identify as a white person. A person’s identification should not be based off of what color their skin is but by how they relate to who they are as a person. As the guy stated, he grew up associating with his Latin heritage on his mother’s side. I personally believe that since this is the case, he should identify as a brown person because he has more complex and ethnic experiences than someone who is just considered white. But, if the guy wants to be perceived as white because that is who he truly believes he is, then he should identify as such. No matter what, it doesn’t matter how Sam or anyone else views us, it is up to us to assert our own identity and stick with it. Fri, 2 Apr 2010 13:41:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65552909 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/revisioning-the-revisioning-stage__trashed/#IDComment65552403 Thank you for asking this question! I am the same exact way. As the lone white girl from Baltimore in the class, I too was thrown into the revisioning stage at an early age, I believe. I grew up with white and black and brown people around me pretty equally. I never saw a difference between my black and brown friends and my white friends and it wasn’t until I grew up and people started talking about the issue did I really understand what they were talking about. I honestly can say that I grew up for a while not seeing color. I realized that we all lived different lives at home, but black and brown families did the same activities and ate the same food as me and my white friend’s families. I think that a lot of people don’t believe me when I say that I honestly don’t see color, I see the actions of people first. I have never judged a person based off their skin color and I think it had a lot to do with my upbringing. I’m very fortunate that my parents had me grow up in an environment where I wasn’t inundated with only one skin color around me but that I was able to grow up with a diverse view of my peers. Fri, 2 Apr 2010 13:36:42 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/revisioning-the-revisioning-stage__trashed/#IDComment65552403 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65551854 This video which was shown in class was very sad and eerie. As a white female, I always had a white baby doll growing up. I never before thought why it was that I always had a white one when black baby doll’s were available as well. Even looking back at my days in daycare when I was younger, there were only white baby doll’s, never black ones, even though there were just as many black children as there were white ones being taken care of. This video made me sad because it shows that children are already cognizant of the aspect of color in society. Whether their parents taught them that white means more privilege or if they simply just noticed it, it makes my heart hurt. I talked to my black and brown friends after class about this video and while we were all saddened by this video, they said that this is nothing new for them. Even in my discussion group, my friend stated that her parents were happy that she came out as a very white Latina girl because she would be afforded more opportunities than her other relatives. This to me, is just mind-boggling. Never in my life have I ever been explicitly told that my skin color will put me ahead of my classmate with a different color skin. It makes me sad that we as a society today are paralleling the terms of white skin and privilege. Also, its very frustrating to see the body type of white women as being the standard of beauty. The European standard of beauty is white skin, long legs and very skinny. This standard is simply not attainable. As we’ve seen on the news throughout our lives, this emaciated picture of beauty is even deadly to attain. Women die or become sick from trying to live up to this standard that society tells them is the only picture of a beauty. If we look around at the people around us, there are not that many super skinny people around us. Especially seen in the black and brown community, curvy is gorgeous. As a white girl, I wish the black and brown standards of beauty of loving yourself and being proud of who you are, however you looked, were more prominent in our society. I want my children and grandchildren to know that however they look, they are pretty. I feel like my black and brown friends are usually proud of their heritage and their body despite the societal messages in opposition. In order to alleviate the problem that is so blatant in this video, we need to change the connotations of being white and pretty. Your skin color should not dictate your societal status and your appearance should not be dictated by society. We need to teach the future generations that not only can white people be afforded opportunities, but black and brown people can too. We need to teach the future youth that they are perfect the way they are and do not need to change for anyone but themselves. Fri, 2 Apr 2010 13:31:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65551854 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/in-her-own-words__trashed/#IDComment64242756 Laurie’s performance was a very good one! I appreciated her personal stories about her bleeding. I thought it was interesting how she basically described that she used to be ashamed of that aspect of her life, but have now accepted it and how it is a part of her. I found it interesting how she referred to bleeding as a burden that no one else realizes or comprehends. She also said, at the end, that inequality means nothing if she cannot admit that she’s a woman. This is where I differ from Laurie. I believe that the menstrual cycle is very important, monumental and is what sets us females apart from our male counterparts. But, I don’t believe that my not talking about it makes me any less of a woman than her. I believe that as people, we have the inherent right and choice to choose what we want to talk about. I don’t think its fair to say that since I don’t want to talk about my menstrual cycle, that it makes me less woman or that I should be ashamed of that. I have the choice, I am a woman. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:06:43 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/in-her-own-words__trashed/#IDComment64242756 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64241882 I don’t really understand how men aren’t educated on the topic of menstruation. Every man that I know is very aware of every woman’s bleeding cycle but them not talking about it doesn’t mean they are uneducated on the subject. I do think that the topic of free tampons is very interesting though! I personally, am an optimist and would hope that if men had their period tampons wouldn’t be free because that would mean that the sexes are vastly unequal. But, at the same time, I never even thought about this subject before! Unfortunately, I can’t think of anything that is free in this world that would be comparable to tampons and for that reason, I don’t think that tampons would be free if women ruled the world. Even condoms, which you can get for free, are not comparable to feminine tampons. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:59:09 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64241882 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64240356 What’s the big deal with menstruation? There is no big deal with menstruation, but you're turning it into one! The last two days in class, this “bleeding” topic has come up and it’s starting to get a little old. I thought that Sam’s explanation on his view’s on the topic was very interesting yesterday, but at the same time, I still think it’s odd that we feel the need to keep talking about it. Yes, I am a woman, and yes I bleed! I am not currently bleeding and it is not something that I particularly find hard to talk about, but it is something that I’ve gotten over at this point in my life and I honestly don’t see the reason or need to talk about it at all. Yes, I realize that all of us women have to go through it. It is awesome that we can give birth thanks to this monthly maniac but at the same time, who cares? I am a woman who has had my period for quite sometime and I really don’t care to talk about it. I don’t feel like my voice is being oppressed or that it is wrong to talk about it, I just don’t see a point. The women that I do know talk about their monthly periods but they don’t go into details about how much they’re bleeding or continually complain about their lives when they’re on the rag. I have even talked to past boyfriends and guy friends about my period by simply warning them of my PMS. But more than that, why do men need to know about that? I know Sam used the example of how is female bleeding any different than bleeding from another part of your body, and for some of us, it is just as gross. I personally hate blood! If I don’t have to ever look at blood for the rest of my life, I would be one happy girl. But unfortunately, I don’t have that luxury. But, I do have the luxury of not talking about or discussing this topic as well. I don’t think it’s fair that Sam is almost forcing us to talk about this topic when I, myself, the woman who does actually go through this monthly event doesn’t want to. I understand that Sam has lived with his wife and been around “bleeding” but he doesn’t have to physically go through that experience. Unless you do go through that experience, I don’t think you can fully talk about the experience. I do appreciate that Sam is using our class to open up discussion on this topic that does seem to be a matter of conversation not widely talked about. But, he needs to realize that us women, the ones who he is talking about, do not fully appreciate this and simply might not want to talk about bleeding. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:47:55 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64240356 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment62971303 I find this CNN story incredibly fascinating. As a woman who thoroughly enjoys football, even though I’ve never played it, I commend this woman for going out there and coaching a football team. I think that by her going out there and showing the nation that women can do things that men are typically doing, it is going to make great strides towards more equality between the sexes. But, I’m not necessarily sure she’s going to be successful in this role. Team sports are split up by gender for a reason. Men and women focus and do things in different ways. I think that even though she was a female football player, her mindset and passion for the game is still different than a male’s perspective. I’m sure that she lived and breathed football her whole entire life, but there is a shift when a female is around males when they are trying to perform a sport. As a female who is heavily involved with the football team here on campus, there is a reason that women can’t go into the locker room or the weight room when they’re changing and lifting. Will it be right for her to be in the locker room giving a pep talk? Will she really be able to relate to the intensity and focus of her team? Or will she just be a distractions? Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:48:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment62971303 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-anyone-else-getting-this-stuff__trashed/#IDComment62969466 After reading Laurie’s book, I feel like I benefitted from her perspective. She talked about things that most people don’t talk about, besides in SOC 119 classes. The one story that stuck out most to me was the one about Sam being regarded as a racist man. This story was the epitome of the fear that people have when they enter into a race relations discussion. No one wants to be regarded as a racist and in some cases, they simply can’t help but come off as such (even if it is not intention or meant). But, at the same time, this is the reality. Every time that I have been involved in a race relations discussion, it has gone two ways. Either I am in the minority or I am in the majority of the racial circle. In my first discussion experience, I was one of two white people. I found this circle incredibly fascinating and yet the most fearful. I grew up in an urban area and have quite a bit of racially diverse friends even though I am a white girl. Going into the circle, I talked to them like I talked to my friends back home. I was immediately looked at as being too comfortable talking with them because I was different and yet acted no different. I think this turned some people off and I felt I was always on the defensive for the rest of that discussion. But, for my second discussion experience, there was only one Latina girl in my group and the rest of us were white. This experience was not as fulfilling as the first because I didn’t talk much and was more reserved with what I said. I think Laurie’s book is very beneficial because not only is it talking about these discussions from the black/brown usual perspective but it is talking about if from a white perspective as well. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:42:17 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-anyone-else-getting-this-stuff__trashed/#IDComment62969466 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment62966914 In class, it is true that Sam divides the class up in the two categories of white or black/brown people. If you are multi-racial, I think that is a tremendous gift and really cool attribute to have. I am strictly white, so for me, it’s easy to figure out which side I fall on. But same as the guy asking the question, I sit with a friend who is Latina but she looks white. I think that in my friend’s case, and in whoever’s case it may also be, there is a decision that they must make as to which group they identify most with. In my friend’s case, she always responds with the black/brown group because she identifies with her Latina heritage and not the look of her skin. I think this is really cool because she has the luxury to choose. I don’t! I definitely don’t think I’m unfortunate to have only one skin color, but I do envy people with more than one racial identity. I actually am not even sure of my heritage! Ethnicity is not really something that my family has ever talked about and after this class; I am very envious of the people who strongly identify with their ethnicity. As a middle-class white girl I am lucky enough to be afforded the opportunities and luxuries I have. But, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if I was Latina, Black, Irish, Italian or even Chinese. To think about this is really fascinating to me! I always tell people that because I’m a white girl that has rhythm and can dance that I must have black genes somewhere down the line. Also, I have slanted eyes and have been asked if I have Chinese genes in me as well. I hope these aren’t offensive to anyone black or Chinese, I actually always get a chuckle when I tell people that. But honestly, I don’t know where my family comes from. I think if I did know what ethnicity or background I came from, I’m not quite sure if I would automatically identify with that or not though as well. I have lived twenty years of my life thus far, living as a white girl with no ethnic identity. If for whatever reason I find out what my real ethnicity is, I don’t think I’d be able to embrace it as well as my Latina friend who grew up following white and Latina customs. This question was a very interesting one and I’m glad that it was asked! Not only did it make me think of how other people would deal with this issue, but also made me think about how I would deal with this issue if it was truly pertinent to my daily life as well. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:33:44 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment62966914 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment59898484 What a good question! I really appreciate that this question was asked and brought to the attention of people in our class. First, I do not watch the Bachelor (which looks like was the main show illustrated in this question) but from the pictures, it is apparent that there are very few multi-cultural people represented. I don’t know how shows of this kind work, but could this be because of the demographic for which the main character is interested in? For example, because the main bachelor is white, maybe he is only interested in white women? I’m not saying this is right, wrong or indifferent, but I feel like the type of person that the main character is interested is one reason why there is predominantly on skin color portrayed over others. Also, they really should get a bachelor who is not just white. I think this would also help the portrayal of more multi-cultural people on the show, but apparently they haven’t had that yet. Another show that actually does accurately portray the demographics in the United States is shows like The Real World on MTV. I know for every season I’ve watched it; there is always a good array of different races and ethnicities portrayed on the show. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 15:25:39 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment59898484 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/a-long-long-way-indeed__trashed/#IDComment59897913 I find this question really fascinating. What would slaveowners think of the amount of black or brown people now in power situations over white people? I think this change to equality between the races is phenomenal and I think that the past slaveowners would too. Honestly, I think that because owning slaves was all the white people really knew of black and brown people, they might not have really understood the inherent belief that black and brown people are no different than white people. As we know, there were various forms of slaveowners. Some were brutal and violent whereas others actually did help to educate their slaves. I think that if slaveowners were to see how society is today, they would be OK with it. Of course it’d be a shock because it’s completely opposite than what was the normal societal situation in their time, but honestly, if they were to see that black and brown people are no different than white people, I think they’d accept it too. My response probably sounds very naïve but I honestly would like to believe that most people have a moral compass and would be able to accept people for people, no matter what skin color they are. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 15:20:07 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/a-long-long-way-indeed__trashed/#IDComment59897913 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59897292 In my personal experience, theme parties are not simply limited to white people. I personally have been to themed parties with people of different races, not just white people. Also, I don’t believe its right to say that these theme parties are “making fun of racial stereotypes, towards black people.” I have never, in my three years of college thus far, been to a theme party where a racial stereotype for black people was portrayed. I’m assuming that the woman is referring to people being “black face” at parties? While I’ve never personally been to a party where someone has done this, I’ve only ever even seen it around Halloween- which is a themed holiday in itself. I don’t believe only white people celebrate this holiday either. Also, the only other things I can think of which would be black stereotypes would be a costume with baggy pants? Even this is not a strictly black stereotype. A lot of my friends have dressed up as K-Fed and Britney Spears for Halloween and K-Fed is white. I guess my main confusion with this question is what does this woman mean by having black stereotypes portrayed at themed parties? Because honestly, I do go out and I have been to many themed parties and I have not come across this whatsoever. In response to asking why people have theme parties, it’s simply because they’re fun. People enjoy dressing out of the ordinary and giving a party, which is a regular weekly occurrence here at Penn State, some fun twist. Theme parties allow people to dress silly or follow a guideline and wear something crazy that they might not otherwise. Parties like, “would you still be my friend if,” or “wacky tacky” themed parties, while seen as nerdy or un-cool, also gives people another way to start talking to strangers. I know that I, personally, have been able to easily meet more people at themed parties than regular parties because you have that in to talk to them. You can ask them about their outfit or how they came up with the idea and then the conversation continues from there. It’s fun to see how creative people get with their costumes. Instead of just having one holiday per year where people can dress up and be silly, it’s nice to have random parties with your friends when you can step out of your comfort zone and have a little fun. I don’t think it’s right for this woman to say that only white people have themed parties and that at these theme parties, people are making fun of racial stereotypes, especially towards black people. I think this is not a fair statement and in my personal experience, this statement is completely unfounded. I would be very interested to see if this woman has actually ever been to a themed party, because honestly, her notion of what they are, is not completely justifiable. Fri, 5 Mar 2010 15:15:10 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59897292 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58887874 I think money has a definite impact on the incarceration of blacks over whites. People who have money, which we’ve learned are primarily white people, do have more money to spend on lawyers or even to cover up their crimes. I do not think that there are so many judges out there that are just inherently racist. While Sam has presented compelling evidence saying that racism is still alive and well in our world today, I don’t think that there are many people who work their way up the system to get in a position of power to screw colored people over simply because they’re racist. In our day and age today, if you are racist and in a position of power, you’re more likely to be exposed for your racist beliefs before you are success in your career. Racism still makes news and because of that, I don’t think that there are that many vicious people out there in positions of power working as racists because the consequences are so strong. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:19:55 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/inequality-class-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58887874