en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/757080 Comments by jakedasnake https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69961011 Even with the horrid conditions in Haiti, a society still exists amongst ruins. With important buildings and homes torn to the ground, tent cities have spawned in large open areas, and with that, a new hope that although things are bad now, one day they will get better again. But for now, as aide continues to flow from different countries and organizations, the lengthy process of rebuilding has only begun, and tent cities have indeed begun to imitate the structure present within a real city. Whenever reverting back to a less-developed stage in the past, an economics system is one of the first signs of progress; it means each person has their respective supply and demand, and in order to buy more of one good for your family, more of another good must be sold (but first labor must be put into obtaining the good to sell). Although some complexities exist as to valuing normal goods in a simple newly initiated economic system, these tent cities seem to be making the best of a bad situation. With time, the tent city economy began to develop further, and what started with a need for basic goods such as food, clothes, and water, evolved into new desires, given available resources such as the salvaged goods of a hair salon. With some time a new business was formed, in which individuals (mostly teens) came for pedicures because they could persuade their parents to pay for one at least once every two weeks. To me, this is an amazing concept considering the dirty conditions they’re living in; you would think these teens would be more worried about where they’re living and how they can help to provide additional income for their families, rather than how to spend the little amount of disposable income they have available. But then looking at it from their perspective, I guess it’s all a matter of what you were accustomed to before the earthquake. It is true that many families living in these tent cities are actually influential people (doctors, lawyers, teachers) and had quite an impressive salary to compensate for their importance. Many teens believe that because they were accustomed to staying beautiful before the earthquake, they should continue in the same trends of spending money, although the money is not as readily available. Then other entrepreneurs are more concerned not with making money, but just attempting to help individuals in whatever way possible, while making some money so they can live comfortably. But they realize that the supply of money is scarce, and so what’s really important is passing the time for everyone, especially kids, who no longer have a school to go to and simply need to be entertained. It’s great to know that as a society, in a way they can unite and understand their tragic circumstances, and try to make things as best as they can, while helping each other to pass the time. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:01:07 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69961011 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69957022 I think it’s really tough to draw a line between two seemingly different positions that are indeed quite closely related. I think what you need to keep in mind is that when your actually considering what position you hold, you need to remember you are in these developing countries not because you think you’re better, but because you are willing to help. And it’s not just about being willing; it’s about having the financial resources and capability of traveling somewhere to help those who are less fortunate than you. In that regard, I feel as though you are just giving back to society, and that racism actually has no meaning in the circumstance. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:29:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69957022 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/were-being-educated-for-stupidity-and-conformity-really__trashed/#IDComment69956093 I believe that although Noam Chomsky holds a somewhat infamous position as a sophisticated individual who strongly critiques American structure and policy, his words about education should be considered somewhat heavily. It is true, that ever since elementary education, the ideal school would teach a set of obedient children listening attentively to class lecture. This directly represents society’s need for children to conform to rules and regulations. If a child has difficult adhering to homework, project, and exam dates, he doesn’t perform as well, and will eventually make his way to a “below-elite” college or university. So maybe after all, a university such as Penn State holds on average, students who are less willing to conform, or didn’t realize conformity was necessary to succeed until later in the academic game. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:21:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/were-being-educated-for-stupidity-and-conformity-really__trashed/#IDComment69956093 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68465000 I believe the lesson about Christian invaders was possibly the most interesting and eye opening lecture we’ve had all semester. At the beginning of the lecture, I really had no idea what it could possibly be about considering the title, Christian invaders. As the lecture went on, I really started to understand as I viewed things through Sam’s lens, which placed the class in the perspective of Arabs living in Iraq. Keeping this perspective in mind, we could see that in fact everything that is portrayed on the news is scoured and the negative messages seem to be most effective in evoking emotions from the culture. It isn’t pictures of soldiers helping families or playing with children, but negative stories of torture, destruction, and direct evil. To the Iraqis, the Americans were considered the invaders, taking over their country and dictating what actions could and could not be planned or performed. All for greedy reasoning; oil. When considering the primary purpose for America’s declaration of war, even the ordinary American citizen is ashamed upon realizing that all this lying and deception about nuclear weapons of mass destruction and Saddam’s corrupt government was a clever plot masking the true intentions of the American government. And I believe Fyodor Dostoevsky’s quote, “While nothing is easier than to denounce the evildoers, nothing is more difficult than to understand them” to be most appropriate. Because it is true, that although as American culture we have all this negative imagery about Iraqi citizens and their relentless behavior and resistance to American occupation, it never occurs to us to take a second and try to consider the situation from the perspective of the Arabs. And then comes the term, “Christian Invader.” When combining this forced American invasion along with various statements from high ranking American individuals, who can be surprised that not all Iraqis fully support America’s presence in their country. And even worse, when the main cause is oil, a resource belonging to the people of Iraq, how should an Iraqi citizen feel? During the lecture, while considering things from the Iraqi perspective, I also couldn’t help but feel like certain individuals might even consider this a Holy War. Sam’s references to most soldiers in the army carrying bibles and many Iraqi soldiers holding the Koran was a truly captivating comparison. I can’t help but think how many religious fanatics consider America a largely Christian nation that may serve as a threat to any other nations that aren’t primarily Christian. Especially considering the USA’s power in the world in regards to most bases spread out amongst continents and the largest possession of nuclear weapons. Maybe all it takes is a little thought and the ability to place oneself in another person’s shoes; even if that person seems to be the enemy. Sat, 17 Apr 2010 07:08:03 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68465000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68467744 I believe the lesson about Christian invaders was possibly the most interesting and eye opening lecture we’ve had all semester. At the beginning of the lecture, I really had no idea what it could possibly be about considering the title, Christian invaders. As the lecture went on, I really started to understand as I viewed things through Sam’s lens, which placed the class in the perspective of Arabs living in Iraq. Keeping this perspective in mind, we could see that in fact everything that is portrayed on the news is scoured and the negative messages seem to be most effective in evoking emotions from the culture. It isn’t pictures of soldiers helping families or playing with children, but negative stories of torture, destruction, and direct evil. To the Iraqis, the Americans were considered the invaders, taking over their country and dictating what actions could and could not be planned or performed. All for greedy reasoning; oil. When considering the primary purpose for America’s declaration of war, even the ordinary American citizen is ashamed upon realizing that all this lying and deception about nuclear weapons of mass destruction and Saddam’s corrupt government was a clever plot masking the true intentions of the American government. And I believe Fyodor Dostoevsky’s quote, “While nothing is easier than to denounce the evildoers, nothing is more difficult than to understand them” to be most appropriate. Because it is true, that although as American culture we have all this negative imagery about Iraqi citizens and their relentless behavior and resistance to American occupation, it never occurs to us to take a second and try to consider the situation from the perspective of the Arabs. And then comes the term, “Christian Invader.” When combining this forced American invasion along with various statements from high ranking American individuals, who can be surprised that not all Iraqis fully support America’s presence in their country. And even worse, when the main cause is oil, a resource belonging to the people of Iraq, how should an Iraqi citizen feel? During the lecture, while considering things from the Iraqi perspective, I also couldn’t help but feel like certain individuals might even consider this a Holy War. Sam’s references to most soldiers in the army carrying bibles and many Iraqi soldiers holding the Koran was a truly captivating comparison. I can’t help but think how many religious fanatics consider America a largely Christian nation that may serve as a threat to any other nations that aren’t primarily Christian. Especially considering the USA’s power in the world in regards to most bases spread out amongst continents and the largest possession of nuclear weapons. Maybe all it takes is a little thought and the ability to place oneself in another person’s shoes; even if that person seems to be the enemy. Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:08:03 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68467744 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68467525 I believe the lesson about Christian invaders was possibly the most interesting and eye opening lecture weve had all semester. At the beginning of the lecture, I really had no idea what it could possibly be about considering the title, Christian invaders. As the lecture went on, I really started to understand as I viewed things through Sams lens, which placed the class in the perspective of Arabs living in Iraq. Keeping this perspective in mind, we could see that in fact everything that is portrayed on the news is scoured and the negative messages seem to be most effective in evoking emotions from the culture. It isnt pictures of soldiers helping families or playing with children, but negative stories of torture, destruction, and direct evil. To the Iraqis, the Americans were considered the invaders, taking over their country and dictating what actions could and could not be planned or performed. All for greedy reasoning Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:06:00 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68467525 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/creating-terrorists__trashed/#IDComment68458783 It is difficult to assume the circumstances of a tragic event that has affected your daily life and family. This is mainly because it is a feeling you cannot possess unless it has affected you personally. I can only imagine the hatred and need for vengeance one may experience after losing a significant other. I believe it all to be a matter of self control, but I’m sure many individuals justify the act by theory of “eye for an eye.” I feel as though it is tough to determine what actions I would take after losing a loved one due to a violent intended death, but it is very possible for anyone to be led to that level of helplessness and desperation. Sat, 17 Apr 2010 01:58:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/creating-terrorists__trashed/#IDComment68458783 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68452221 Although the typical male stereotype entails that men strive for women with curvaceous butts, washboard stomachs, and perfect perky breasts, the truth is that all of that can be sacrificed for personality. Ignoring this simple fact, women obsess over looks due to overexposure to fashion magazines and famous celebrities, and it seems as nothing about them is ever perfect. The grass is always greener on the other side; those who were naturally endowed with large breasts seem to want reductions, claiming it affects their physical and mental life on a daily basis, and those who want implants simply feel self-conscious, believing implants will improve their confidence and level of comfort. Ladies, the truth is, you’re all beautiful; no need to worry. Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:52:35 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68452221 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66638389 Video games are a form of entertainment. In an ever-changing society, entertainment evolves; people get bored with the old, and want to experience the new. The new comes in different forms; sometimes they are creative masterpieces, other times they are outlawed by society. I remember when video games featuring contracts to kill (ie. Hitman) were considered sinful and a threat to youngsters because it was perceived they could brainwash children into thinking life has no value. The same controversy ensued with video games such as Grand Theft Auto, which involved stealing, killing, and performing violent missions for money. It looks as though our gaming society has surpassed those stages, as a large percentage of video games today revolve around this central theme, and not much can be done to stop them as long as they carry an “M for Mature” warning. I recently watched a video in my economics class about certain illegal and counterfeit products in the Asian black market, and how they are always looking for new movies and video games to introduce to their technologically advanced society. Is it possible that this new video game originated at such a black market, where demand for these games is fueled by a society looking for new and seemingly controversial entertainment. It’s on the verge of calling these video games as pornographic material, but maybe these have surfaced because players like to feel in control in a variety of situations. Also, knowing the content is less than appropriate, players might enjoy playing what seems like a fantasy world that shouldn’t be available; after all the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest. I personally think this is nothing more than a form of entertainment. There are lots of people out there; each person has a different preference for what keeps them from being bored. Although there are many individuals who might be offended by such a game, it’s nice to know that our society hasn’t hit the point where this sort of game will become a number one best seller in the gaming market. Although I don’t really see how extensive a game could become aside from feeling up and strategically cornering girls to have a sexual advantage, I can predict the game is marketed mostly towards males. Taking this into consideration, it is accurate to say it will probably be utilized by many men as a source of sexual satisfaction and role play. Now this marketing ploy is sick, and I believe it only encourages and demonstrates how seemingly easy it is to rape a woman in an open environment. But to be honest, regardless of how society considers these games, there will always be a group of men who consider it all in good fun and sit down to play with a couple of beers. Not because they’re obsessed or because sex is all men think about, but because it is a source of new interactive entertainment. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 19:39:17 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66638389 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66633484 I’m pretty sure at the beginning of the semester Sam was very clear that he doesn’t intend to dictate how someone should act or feel, but rather, he’s opening up controversial issues and making everyone considering them personally so they can think outside the box. He simply introduces a new way of thinking; it’s up to you whether his lectures change the way you think and act in society. Personally, I’ve become much more aware of my racial identity and have also noticed it much more around campus. Some of what Sam has to say is very extraordinary, but he simply encourages you to think in ways you’ve never even considered possible. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 19:00:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66633484 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65096521 Change is imminent. Everything around us has evolved; humans, animals, nature, and cultures. Whose to say that minority/majority status is not allowed to change, or that it is impossible? Whites becoming the minority has been somewhat discussed for quite a few years now. The process was slow, and it’s all kind of ironic, how our multicultural society once “controlled” by whites will one day be in the hands of individuals that once represented minorities. America was always the melting pot of ethnicity, race, and culture, and it may very well become a largely black country in the next century or two. I’m not quite sure how to explain it, but I do see immigration as a large factor contributing to this. But also, as our society has become so racially diverse and friendly, I’ve noticed that multiracial relationships have become more prevalent, as the concept seems to be more accepted now than it ever has been in the past. Is it possible that this is part of the explanation? As the presence of multiracial partners increases, and they reproduce, it is true that the baby’s appearance is a beautiful mix of both parents. This mix sometimes involves skin color as well, and I don’t mean to sound biased with my example, but if a white female and black male have a child, the child is more likely to take on the dominant gene , which reflects a darker skin color. This is of course just a theory and I may be completely wrong with what I’m saying, but it also may be partially correct. However, regardless of the theory the statistic still leaves me questioning a few things. Firstly, I’m sure a surprisingly decent percentage of our country is still racist against the current minority groups. Is it possible that as whites, people will start leaving the country to avoid becoming a minority? Is it possible that the current white majority still feels so guilty for the discrimination experienced by the current minority over the years that they simply couldn’t endure the same pain themselves? Maybe I sound a little extreme, but who is to say that one day in the future, a white man walking in a US city will be a very strange sight. If the minority population will become the majority, is it even slightly feasible they will completely take over the USA, and maybe even start discriminating against the minorities? With this change in white population in the world, will the changes follow in other countries? It’s quite frightening to think that future minorities might be in a position they’ve never experienced, reversely facing the discrimination that was once so ordinary against minorities in the past. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:17:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65096521 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65089065 It has honestly gotten to that point in our culture, that no matter what you do, someone will be offended and shout discrimination, because that is what our society has come to. We don’t think before we speak (or accuse for that matter). Some African Americans have not considered the fact that perhaps some of their grandparents and fellow elders prefer to be called Negro, and if that category is not present, our racial diversity in the USA may be inaccurately represented. It’s pretty clear, when millions of dollars are put into testing a survey instrument, these “idiots” are simply trying to account for all types of racial groups and names. Unfortunately, however much we spend, it is still difficult for many multiracial individuals to identify and “assign” themselves under one specific race. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:17:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65089065 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65045326 I can totally understand the confusion you’re experiencing in regards to this issue. I believe it’s all really up to your own discretion. How do you feel racially? Do you consider yourself white because of your skin color, or do you identify yourself on the black and brown team (Hispanic/Latino) because of your experiences growing up. It’s not really about what other people think, but what you believe, personally. Sure, people will still make judgments about you based on skin color, but judgments aside, in the end you make the decision for yourself. This is after all one of the most difficult fundamental questions of multiracial identification. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:10:00 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65045326 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64277495 This whole doll experiment is indeed very interesting, but also very sad. It’s hard for me to understand why you wouldn’t choose your own skin color of doll to play with. It makes you question the generally accepted ideas we’ve introduced into our society, and how this whole idea of a minority group still feels oppressed. I feel as though our racial instability (although much better in present times) is a result of a domino effect, and also largely enforced by Sam’s theory of “King of the Mountain.” Once upon a time, our leaders decided to market the idea of beauty possessed by the light-skinned. Whether it was intentional or not, this domino effect is everlasting. Why haven’t we ever really been introduced to the idea of “black and beautiful.” As a white male, there are numerous black women I’ve seen whom I recognize as colored, but it doesn’t affect my idea of whether I consider them beautiful or not. For me, color has nothing to do with it. But I guess it all depends on what stage your at in racial identity. What I really question is what makes these kids believe that one doll is better than the other. Whether one doll is prettier, or nicer, the fact is these kids have been somewhat brainwashed by our culture, and the belief that life is easier and better for the majority group (whites). These kids’ innocent mentality clearly shows the affects of some oppression at a younger age. I honestly can say that I would not be able to justify one doll as being nice and the other being bad because of their skin color when I was their age. To me, it wouldn’t make a difference, and if anything I would probably choose to play with the doll that resembled me best or the doll with the skin color I’d been most exposed to in my life. But somehow, most of these kids have the uncanny ability to continually pick the doll that was white. Does it prove that this is the doll they would most likely want to be? Is it at all the fault of their parents who may have possibly hinted at discrimination and the kids were able to pick up on it? I’d like to understand a little better, but it really is like the tale of the white fish. It’s hard for me to understand because I’ve always been exposed to white people so although I knew I was white, it didn’t really affect my life any differently. On the other hand, for some I’m sure, being in a minority group affects how you live your life, because as you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, you see your skin color isn’t like the “majority’s”, and you need to go on living your life wondering if that difference affects your life decisions and outcomes. Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:01:08 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64277495 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment64274771 I personally don’t agree with looking at the minority as a separate group of its own. I believe there are many individual distinctions within the group itself, in addition to being placed in the minority category. Although scholarships and financial assistance. In the battle between Asians and Asian Americans, I think it’s pretty clear to many individuals what the difference is. At first glance it may be a little difficult to make that distinction, but usually observing your clothes, style, language, and who you hang out with is a good way to make that judgment. Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:31:12 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment64274771 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64273559 It would be nice to know what exactly is going through your mind when you’re saying these things. Simply stating, why are guys not educated about menstrual cycles is very general. What evidence has led you to the assumption that men are uneducated about menstrual cycle?. As a guy, I’m personally very comfortable and aware of the menstrual cycle, and I think I could say the same for a lot of my guy friends. If anything, when Sam said his wife was bleeding, although the image was unnecessary, I think girls in the class responded more poorly than the guys. And no, tampons wouldn’t be free. If you’re making the comparison to free condoms you see every once in a while that’s plain ignorant. One item is for a systemic bodily function, while the other serves a sexual purpose. A correct comparison would be free female condoms; in that case, take as many as you want. Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:18:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64273559 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment63067398 I would never to expect a stern coach-like behavior out of this cute, seemingly friendly woman. It is an amazing achievement, in my personal opinion, to become a football coach for a team of men. I would even go so far as to say that in many cases, if the team is male, a male coach accompanies them because he represents authority and will be respected and listened to by the players. I mean no offense, but I just don’t think many women are fond of screaming at young men during practice, which therefore deems them somewhat ineffective in their coaching ability. Just from the interview, I can tell she’s dedicated to the overall development of her football team, and she doesn’t see it as overwhelmingly special due to the fact that she’s a woman. In fact, her love for football has overcome any speculations people may possess as to her true intentions in becoming the first female coach for a male high school football team. She recognizes that her name will go down in history, but right now she’s just concentrating on doing her job well and focusing on the kids. Supporters of her special circumstances are everywhere, and I think they serve as a good representation of just how exciting her achievement is in the world of sports. Imagine what levels we can reach with a society that has slowly become open to inviting a woman as a coach for a male football team. The possibilities are endless. Is it possible that eventually our society will be in agreement that women are on an equal playing field with men in almost all aspects? It would be nice to see professions and industries that aren’t dominated by a specific sex, and that would surely represent that harmony can be achieved in an ever changing society. Even so, there just seems to be something missing. Maybe it’s a matter of getting used to seeing a woman in the stereotypically altered position that is so often possessed by a male. But even with going down in history, Natalie Randolph needs to focus on her performance, because she needs to live up to the fact that women can in fact do the same, or even a better job at coaching as men. I think the fact that this is broadcasted as a news article is truly expressing the progress we’ve made. This male dominated sport is now being introduced as a sport that can, and now will be coached by all sexes. That’s what you really call a love for the game. Hats off to you Ms. Randolph, as congratulations are in order for your accomplishments. We wish you the best of luck in continuing your great work so far. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:21:30 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/women-and-sports__trashed/#IDComment63067398 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment63059577 It’s really interesting you bring this up, because it is in fact one of those things that is so commonly used in society, but you don’t really ever give it a second glance because you’re so used to it. We’ve become accustomed to using the term “colored people” to classify, more than anything, those people who aren’t white. They can be black, brown, yellow, you name it. The fact is plain and simple, white is a color as well; don’t you remember learning the “colors” in 2nd grade? We are indeed, all people of “color”, but I find the phrase “colored people” being used simply as a way to segregate everyone else from the white people. It is immoral, and if you really consider how we’ve come to using this terminology we’ll stumble onto a little something called inequality. In fact, keeping this in consideration, I find the term colored people to be even more offensive. But all things aside, since when was describing someone by their skin color considered derogatory; it is after all, just a color. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:43:04 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment63059577 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment63051934 I think we’ve hit a point in our society where acknowledging acceptance of differing opinions and beliefs possessed by individuals is crucial. Gay relations exist amongst those who prefer same-sex partners; it’s a fact of life, and it’s something we need to accept and become comfortable with. Now prom is quite an important time in a high school student’s life, and completely erasing such a universal tradition is taking away from these kids’ experience as a senior graduating high school and moving on to college. I’m pretty sure the kids weren’t the problem here; rather, I find it easier to believe that the school board and committee are really the ones who aren’t comfortable with same sex relationships, and they’re doing it to preserve what they’ve been used to as normal for all their lives. Times change; rather than accepting this change, they are trying to prevent it from occurring. By doing this, they are essentially fostering discrimination against gay couples, effectively ruining their image as role models in the eyes of the students. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:15:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment63051934 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59797805 Okay, so first of all, theme parties are only hosted by white people? That’s possibly the most absurd and biased comment I’ve seen posted on this blog. Ask around; I’m sure there are more non-white people around you hosting themed parties than you would imagine. For your second question, why do people host themed parties? I think the answer is pretty simple; they’re fun and they give you a reason to dress up. After all what’s better than dressing up ridiculously and consuming greater amounts of alcohol so you can forget how ridiculous you look. It would be pretty boring if every weekend you would have the same type of party with the same type of people and the same type of alcohol. Theme parties allow you to mix it up. You questioning the existence of party themes is like questioning why a boy who loves Disney Movies is having a birthday party that is themed Toy Story instead of just the original cake and presents. It tends to make the occasion more fun. Let’s keep in mind that most parties we attend year round have some kind of theme. You wear green on State Patty’s, wear red and green at Christmas parties, wear costumes at Halloween parties, and sparkly masks on New Years. Now those are all based on holidays and seasons. Any other parties created by the student body are simply a means of making the night more entertaining. I apologize in advance, but is that really so wrong, or are you just a little bitter you haven’t been invited to these parties… Now, for your second statement, claiming us white people are throwing racist parties mostly generated towards black people. Wow, I’d love to know where your getting this information from, because during my entire academic career at Penn State, I’ve never once encountered a themed party that was racist towards any racial group whatsoever. Maybe if you were a little more specific about what exactly you had in mind, people might be able to understand where your coming from, but that second comment was completely out of the blue. Unfortunately, your whole stance on theme parties is what I consider a result of lack of perception. As Professor Richards said in class, the one thing Penn State students are really truly amazing at is drinking large lethal quantities of alcohol without dying. Is it something we’re proud of? Of course, that’s why we created a holiday like State Patty’s as another excuse to drink all day. Similarly, that’s why we create absurd themes for parties as an excuse to drink more alcohol and different types of alcohol. Take into consideration party themes like, Beerlympics, Shots Around the World, and Blunts and Forties. These themes are for the overall entertainment and benefit of the drinking community; in no way do they attempt to target and discriminate a race. Thu, 4 Mar 2010 22:15:46 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59797805