When I heard this earlier today on the news, a few thoughts ran through my mind. First, wow, talk about discrimination. I cannot believe a high school would actually cancel prom because of one student chooses to express their sexual orientation by bring someone of the same sex. It just goes to show how much discrimination really exists even within the education system. It is sad to see such things still occurring, it almost disgusting to me to see how people are still stuck in the past. My question to the faulty of that high school is this - how would they feel if that was their child? I am sure many of them would feel hurt and angry like the McMillen family.

Another thought I had was about Constance. All I could say to myself is poor girl. It is already shame that she was not allowed bring her girlfriend to prom; but having the event canceled, probably made her life much more difficult. For example, I am sure many students are pissed at Constance. I understand many of those students waited so long for prom and having it cancelled would upset me too. I would probably have blamed Constance too at first. However, most of those students are missing the point and she will be the hated girl. The real issue how a school could be so discriminatory. I always saw schools another place where the teachers and all the other faulty members set examples for students. Therefore, what example is this school setting? How can they teach students to respect each other and be open to others beliefs when the school faulty themselves cannot? I just shake my head and hope the best for Constance.

I guess what I do not get is why cancel prom in the first place? It seems to be as if the school is trying to get a message across by punishing all the students. So what if a lesbian wants to bring her girlfriend to her prom. What is the difference between two lesbians together hanging out and two girls that are friends hanging out? I do not see much of a problem or a difference. I think the school over-reacted. And now having to deal with publicity by the news and a lawsuit; all of this has given the school a bad reputation. However, I am curious to hear what parents of other students have to say about this. I wonder how many of them are opened to this whole issue of homosexuality. I am also curious what other high schools would do if they were in this situation. How many of other high schools would actually make the same decision as this school has. I know my high school allowed two girls to tend prom as a date. There was no problem at all, but would my high school acted differently if one of the girls wanted to wear a tuxedo? I am sure that would have stirred up something. Like I mentioned before, this is sad to see how many people are still stuck in the 1990s. I hope that some people will learn to move forward and appreciate the differences among individuals.

I, honestly, do not know where to begin with this. I am shaking my head because this is so wrong. I really upsets me to see and hear stories like the one in this video. As much as I want to close my eyes and forget that discrimination does not exist, the truth is it does in so many ways. For example, in Hani’s story, she got fired for a head scarf she wears for a religious reason. I am shocked by the ignorance of Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch. I can understand a company wanting to have a certain image for their clothing, almost all clothing companies. However, I never heard other companies firing people based on discrimination or being sued as much as I have with Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch. What even more sad about this company, not only do they discriminate based on race, but also by disability. In 2009, the company was sued for refusing a girl with autism try on their clothes in the fitting rooms. Even though the company was fine over $100, 000, but not allowing someone try their clothes because of a disability - I am speechless.

This “look policy” that of Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch has gone too far. I remember one of my friends who worked at Hollister telling me she was only hired because they needed more colored people. Furthermore, she said they taken a picture of her and other minorities to show corporate how many colored people were working for them at a local store. This was just after they were sued in 2005 for discriminating minorities. After their lawsuit, it was interesting to hear what the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch had to say. I remember him saying something that was very rude about how their clothes are only meant to worn by a certain look. By a certain look, he meant mostly white people. Way to set an example to the rest of the workers! Whatever happened to hiring someone based on qualifications, not color? I guess that does not exist in this company.

Getting back to Hani’s story, really upset the most was she was being threatened. My question is why? She has done nothing wrong, at least in my eyes. The poor woman is fired because for a religious practice that she follows, yet she being threatened. Is it because she is Muslim and does not dress completely the “American” way? This is similar to the video of the Muslim girl who was not served by the cashier simply because she had a head scarf. I can not believe how rude and close-minded people really are today. To think that we moved on and have gotten over discrimination and racism is still a dream. Yes, people of color and whites can live together, tend same schools together, but the whole dream hasn’t been achieved. What is even more saddening, I do not think there will be a time when there is no discrimination or racism. When I say this, I am not only referring to America, but all the countries. There is so much conflict between races and religious groups that conquering word peace is far from close.

It was yesterday’s class that made me realize why I decided to take this course. It was yesterday’s lecture that made me feel something, I was touched. It was the moment I been waiting for; I can’t even describe in one word how I felt. I almost wanted to cry after watching the video of the young Muslim girl being discriminated. All I thought was how wrong of the cashier, like really dude. You have to be the ignorant just because someone does not dress the “American way.” And the one guy who gives thumbs up twice to the cashier for not servicing the young women, I was speechless at his behavior. Then there were people who actually took a stand and said what they said – much gratitude to them. But what about the twenty-two people who said or did nothing? My question to them is why? Is it because of the bystander effect or because of politeness?
I know many of us are taught to mind our own business from such a young age, but if we all did that – then doesn’t that just make us selfish? It just seems as if we all did what was only best for one’s self, then no one would care for others. I guess what I’m trying to get at is there an invisible line where we do mind our business and go about our ways and to where we speak up and help others. In the situation like the one in video, it was someone’s place to say something – either agrees with the cashier or with the Muslim women. With that said, I do not understand how someone can say that it isn’t there place to say something. It was not like the cashier was holding a gun or any kind of weapon, so there was no real threats to anyone expect the young women. Therefore, why are people so afraid to voice their opinions? I would have definitely said something to the cashier if I was there. Mainly because I know what it feels like to be discriminated. It is not greatest feeling knowing that I am being judged because of I was born into a different culture that some “Americans” don’t like.
It comes to show that this nation hasn’t really moved away from discrimination as much as we think it as. Yes, we don’t experience discrimination like many did post-Civil War, but there are numerous people that still do. It’s a different form of discrimination, most of it occurring without the victim even knowing. I see this happening at our own campus. A campus that is known to fairly diverse, but I see the looks that some give to others. For example, I saw a girl get up and move to another seat (a few rows back actually) when a girl of different ethnicity sat next to her. I turned to look at the girl’s facial expression as if she was disgusted because someone who wasn’t dressed like her sat next to her. It truly is sad that people can’t accept others because their different. It’s people like them that makes me like me hold some sort of mixed feelings toward their people – even though I know not everyone is like that. And this is why there will never be peace between people in this world. It truly is sad.

As I was watching this video clip, it hit close to home for me. The issue of immigration will get me fired up. I know what it feels to live in fear of being deported - I was an illegal immigrant myself until recently. I think no one will understand the fear a person has to live with, knowing that one day that the government will be at your door steps and ready to escort you to your flight back "home." It is one of those things that you have to be in someone's shoes to understand. I think that also applies to homosexuality. I just don't understand how people can be so quick to say they don't support gay marriages. They definitely do not understand the struggles and how difficult it is for gay couples. Yet, blinded by their ignorance, they are quick to make a decision about gay marriages and homosexuality overall. My advice to them is you will never understand homosexuality unless you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
Honestly, I have no clue exactly how difficult it may be for homosexuals to live being with an identity that is not the norm of society. I don't know because I am straight. But I try to be open minded to homosexuality. I do research and learn more about it before coming to any conclusion. I wish some people would do the same. I hate when people are quick to judge or make a conclusion about an issue when they know very little about it. Just like the issue on illegal immigrants.
I never thought that homosexuality, immigration, and deportation can all link together. For that woman in that video, I cannot imagine the hardships she has to deal with. The way I see it, the women and her partner is a couple. They have children and like any other family, they are a family. There is love, joy, happiness, and even sadness – isn’t that what any family experiences? So how can the government impose on what is a family? Furthermore, the couple is two-parent family. I think having gay couples be parents is better than having opposite sex couples be parents who are going to divorce. The divorce rate in opposite sex parents is so high – probably more than any other country. But people think that it is fine to raise children in a single parent family, but completely out of the question if a gay couple raises children. I believe children need two parents in a household especially in their early childhood. It is a critical for healthy development. Yet, when it comes to gay couples wanting children, people are up in hands about it. What difference does it really make? As long as they provide love, support, and discipline (to name a few), then what is so wrong about gay couples raising children? I rather have two parents that are gay then be raised by a single parent that isn’t.
I just really hope everything works out for the women in the video. It really hurts me to see her suffer through such difficult issues. These issues can not be resolved in one day or in weeks. It takes time and a lot of impatience - I know from my own struggles of being illegal immigrant. Immigration and homosexuality issues like gay marriages will be around for a very long time before they are resolved. Until then, I wish people would become more open - minded and do their research before jumping to conclusions. Ignorance is a horrible thing.

As I was watching this video clip, it hit close to home for me. The issue of immigration will get me fired up. I know what it feels to live in fear of being deported - I was an illegal immigrant myself until recently. I think no one will understand the fear a person has to live with, knowing that one day that the government will be at your door steps and ready to escort you to your flight back "home." It is one of those things that you have to be in someone's shoes to understand. I think that also applies to homosexuality. I just don't understand how people can be so quick to say they don't support gay marriages. They definitely do not understand the struggles and how difficult it is for gay couples. Yet, blinded by their ignorance, they are quick to make a decision about gay marriages and homosexuality overall. My advice to them is you will never understand homosexuality unless you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
Honestly, I have no clue exactly how difficult it may be for homosexuals to live being with an identity that is not the norm of society. I don't know because I am straight. But I try to be open minded to homosexuality. I do research and learn more about it before coming to any conclusion. I wish some people would do the same. I hate when people are quick to judge or make a conclusion about an issue when they know very little about it. Just like the issue on illegal immigrants.
I never thought that homosexuality, immigration, and deportation can all link together. For that woman in that video, I cannot imagine the hardships she has to deal with. The way I see it, the women and her partner is a couple. They have children and like any other family, they are a family. There is love, joy, happiness, and even sadness – isn’t that what any family experiences? So how can the government impose on what is a family? Furthermore, the couple is two-parent family. I think having gay couples be parents is better than having opposite sex couples be parents who are going to divorce. The divorce rate in opposite sex parents is so high – probably more than any other country. But people think that it is fine to raise children in a single parent family, but completely out of the question if a gay couple raises children. I believe children need two parents in a household especially in their early childhood. It is a critical for healthy development. Yet, when it comes to gay couples wanting children, people are up in hands about it. What difference does it really make? As long as they provide love, support, and discipline (to name a few), then what is so wrong about gay couples raising children? I rather have two parents that are gay then be raised by a single parent that isn’t.
I just really hope everything works out for the women in the video. It really hurts me to see her suffer through such difficult issues. These issues can not be resolved in one day or in weeks. It takes time and a lot of impatience - I know from my own struggles of being illegal immigrant. Immigration and homosexuality issues like gay marriages will be around for a very long time before they are resolved. Until then, I wish people would become more open - minded and do their research before jumping to conclusions. Ignorance is a horrible thing.

It is clear that language is a form of communication universally. With every language, there is a culture linked with it. If we all took a few minutes from listening to our iPods or talking on the phone, you would see what I am getting get. Just look at Penn State's campus. There are numerous languages spoken. Even different forms of English is spoken among the students. My point is that language is very important and most of us, take it for granted. We do not ever stop and think about issues like the one in this article. This article really got me thinking. I sit here wondering about the Bo language is gone forever. That is crazy because language is not just language. With the language gone forever, also means that tribe culture is pretty much gone as well. Whatever traditions and rituals that tribe may had are also gone. It saddens me to read about this. I honestly wouldn't know what I would to if my native language (Punjabi) was gone forever. Even being raised in the States my entire life, my Punjabi culture is very important to me. Primarily, the reason being is there is so much culture that is connected to the Punjabi language. For example, there is music and dance, religious practices, and even memories. So it really saddens me to know how their is so much lost once a language is lost. Anyone who thinks that nothing else was lost, then (in my opinion) you are an idiot – sorry but you are. I mean, look at the Bo tribe. This tribe was around for 65,000 years. This tribe similar to any other culture had their own unique traditions, music, dance, and history. Unfortunately, the last member of the Bo tribe took more than the language with her when she passed away.

I think it is really important for language to be passed down from one generation to another. How else will it continue? I am sure there be a point where some language will be gone forever, but I believe that parents should teach their children their native language. It is something to hold onto as long as possible. It isn't as if I want people to separate from one another based on language; all I am saying is that every language is important. Sometimes other people do not understand the importance of someone else’s language. That really bothers me. For example, I hate when people think because I live in a English speaking country, that all I should speak is English. They do not know the advantages of knowing more than a language or the culture tied to that language. I do not blame them, but why should I not pass down the Punjabi language to my children one day. I do not want my language to die off one day and everything with it is lost too. I am sure many others will feel the same as I do about their language – even the native English speakers.

Three out of five lawmakers voted for banning women to wear burqas. And those women who continue to wear them once the law is legalized, they could face a fine of $1,000. I can't even express in one word how I feel about this idea that the France government has come up with. Doesn’t the government have other serious problems to worry about and try resolve other then telling Islamic women how not to dress.
Personally, I would be very pissed if I was one of those women. I cannot personally relate to those women or say I completely know how they feel because I do not. However, I can understand why some Muslims would be upset over this law. It’s like denying Sikh men to wear their turbans in America including my dad. So of course, I would be pissed, hurt, and upset at our government. I’m sure those are just few emotions that the Muslim women and men are feeling right now in France. It bothers me that the government thinks they are doing the "right" thing. My question to them is, in what way is this right? Why are they denying someone of their religious practices and culture? That is just morally wrong. It seems like the government has too much free time on their hands that they are wasting their time, energy, and money into something really stupid like this. What angers me the most is that if a women is caught wearing a burqas, she can be fined at $1,000. Like really? I cannot believe this government. How can they be so narrow minded? It is straight ignorance. In what way are they doing anyone any good? Do they think the country will be in better shape if they enforce a dress code? What’s next then France? Banning people of their cultural foods? Also, what is this teaching the country’s youth? How to be rude and ignorant against other people’s beliefs? Just wow, I am amazed at people’s stupidity.
I try to understand where the government might be coming from. But I don’t understand their view. I could not think of a logical reason why the government would want to ban women from wearing burqas. How are those women causing any harm? They are following a belief. Last time I checked, there was nothing wrong with that. Honestly, I don’t know much about France or their government (I’m in my own world most of the time). But I do know one thing – what the government is doing is unacceptable and unnecessary. For instance, imagine if the American government decided to ignore all the other issues going on right now (which are a LOT) and instead, create a law that forces Sikhs from wearing turbans or women from wearing burqas or hijabs. How would you respond to it? Probably, the same way I responded to this idea by their government. My point is this – let the women continue wearing their burqas. Focus on issues that require more of their attention and resources.

yo

I'm not surprised by the different types of skin whitening creams out in the market. Mainly because my mom is obsessed with them. I come from an Asian background where being tanned or brown isn't as appealing as being a fair complex. I remember when I was younger, my mom tried to get me to use some skin whitening cream because I was "too dark" from playing sports. I never did but my mom swore it would work. Now, she tries to get my younger brother to use this cream since he plays outdoor sports. He actually tired the cream for a month (not exactly sure how long) and saw no results. He stopped using it when my sister and I made fun of him for falling for such brainwashing item. My mom, however, is still convinced that these creams actually work.

Like my mom, I have seen many other Asians brainwashed by such commercials. This past summer I traveled to India. I was blown away by how many commercials and advertisements that exist for having lighter skin. Just walking into a store, I saw shelves stocked with all kinds of skin whiteners. It was amazing because so many people really buy into this idea that their skin pigment can be changed. What was even more interesting was that majority of the people buying these products were women. Even the commercials that I saw were targeting women more then men. Living in India for month and half, I learned that women with lighter skin color are easier to marry off then those of a darker complexion. Since arranged marriage is huge in India, one of the things that the groom's family looks at in the girl is her beauty. In terms of beauty, the skin color is probably one of the most important factors. I remember when I played sports and would become darker, my mom would tell me that no guy will ever marry me if my skin colored stayed that color. Before I never really understood, but now I definitely do. It's sad that some people cannot accept their own skin color. We are the way we are for a reason.

During my trip in India, the number of people asked me how beautiful are white people. I was like confused at first. But then they would go on about how they heard they are like this or that. Some thought by me living in a white nation, that I would have been whiter. They said such things like "it's cold there, why are not you lighter" or "I heard people living there, they just become more whiter." Keep in mind, these people I'm speaking of are mostly uneducated and many don't own a computer or television where they can search "white people." It was not just white people they were interested in, they also wonder what black people looked in. They were really curious how dark they were and where they were beautiful or not. Many of these people had a stereotype that being darker is not beautiful. This stereotype is not just in India, it is universal.

I just wish people would learn to accept people and themselves for what they are given. But as humans, we also want something we don't have.

I'm not surprised by the different types of skin whitening creams out in the market. Mainly because my mom is obsessed with them. I come from an Asian background where being tanned or brown isn't as appealing as being a fair complex. I remember when I was younger, my mom tried to get me to use some skin whitening cream because I was "too dark" from playing sports. I never did but my mom swore it would work. Now, she tries to get my younger brother to use this cream since he plays outdoor sports. He actually tired the cream for a month (not exactly sure how long) and saw no results. He stopped using it when my sister and I made fun of him for falling for such brainwashing item. My mom, however, is still convinced that these creams actually work.

Like my mom, I have seen many other Asians brainwashed by such commercials. This past summer I traveled to India. I was blown away by how many commercials and advertisements that exist for having lighter skin. Just walking into a store, I saw shelves stocked with all kinds of skin whiteners. It was amazing because so many people really buy into this idea that their skin pigment can be changed. What was even more interesting was that majority of the people buying these products were women. Even the commercials that I saw were targeting women more then men. Living in India for month and half, I learned that women with lighter skin color are easier to marry off then those of a darker complexion. Since arranged marriage is huge in India, one of the things that the groom's family looks at in the girl is her beauty. In terms of beauty, the skin color is probably one of the most important factors. I remember when I played sports and would become darker, my mom would tell me that no guy will ever marry me if my skin colored stayed that color. Before I never really understood, but now I definitely do. It's sad that some people cannot accept their own skin color. We are the way we are for a reason.

During my trip in India, the number of people asked me how beautiful are white people. I was like confused at first. But then they would go on about how they heard they are like this or that. Some thought by me living in a white nation, that I would have been whiter. They said such things like "it's cold there, why are not you lighter" or "I heard people living there, they just become more whiter." Keep in mind, these people I'm speaking of are mostly uneducated and many don't own a computer or television where they can search "white people." It was not just white people they were interested in, they also wonder what black people looked in. They were really curious how dark they were and where they were beautiful or not. Many of these people had a stereotype that being darker is not beautiful. This stereotype is not just in India, it is universal.

I just wish people would learn to accept people and themselves for what they are given. But as humans, we also want something we don't have.