en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2400150 Comments by jallender http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/11/transgendered-complications/#IDComment144646843 It may be possible that these people in society today who can't seem to accept people such as gays or transgenders maybe fear change...ironically, this change is accepting people for who they are- not really a new idea, but one that isn't easy to act on apparently. Personally, I hope Mr. Devoureau gets his job back because this would be a moral victory not only for him, but for those who are in a similar position of prejudice in the work place, including women in some cases. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:06:57 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/11/transgendered-complications/#IDComment144646843 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/11/transgendered-complications/#IDComment144646817 In today's society, we have so many different kinds of people in terms of diversity and variety that it's hard to keep track of who belongs with who- in essence, we abandon the motto "we are all one" when some people act against others like this. I don't necessarily agree with the whole transgender thing, but that doesn't mean I'd discriminate. Gender is described as the subclass based on characteristics..so sociologically speaking, all this man has is a few different characteristics than the "norm" that some authorities live by. If this man has lived his whole live as a man, and who has been considered to be a man his whole life by himself and by those who know him, then his employer or people in general should learn to accept that and get on with life. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:06:47 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/11/transgendered-complications/#IDComment144646817 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/11/transgendered-complications/#IDComment144646683 After reading this, I thought back to a research paper (exploring an issue) I did for my English class about the debate- the issue of gay marriage. One of my three main points I discussed was whether or not gay couples or gay people in general, could positively contribute to society. Well, sure they can- being gay doesn't effect how smart you are; I mean, there are many homosexual people at Penn State, many of which will graduate with a degree. With that being said, to say that this transgender man can't work a job that requires monitoring urine sampling is ridiculous. From the man or group of people who fired him, their standpoint was probably: it's uncomfortable to have a natural "woman-turned-man" monitoring this job. However, that is basically discriminating against L.J. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:06:14 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/11/transgendered-complications/#IDComment144646683 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/03/what-a-man-is/#IDComment142655543 Additionally, many men don't want the image of "secret holder," sensitive, or compassionate partner to go beyond the relationship. However, this is what women look for. Sure, women might prefer a six-pack and a strong willed man over an obese lazy man, but the point this inmate is trying to make is that a real man always cares and loves and is loyal to his wife or girlfriend, and not be afraid to let his guard down. That's another thing that goes right along with the manly man- not being able to put your guard down. To be in a successful relationship, it needs to be equal on both sides, which means that men have to demonstrate emotional empathy and feelings toward their partner, while at the same time be the protective force over her. This guy, C., had to go to jail before he realized that taking care of a women and being a real man has requirements: letting your macho man guard down, being emotionally open, and admitting he is wrong (even if he isn't)- all things which might not be easy to do, but are essential to continue a lasting and meaningful relationship with a woman. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:22:20 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/03/what-a-man-is/#IDComment142655543 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/03/what-a-man-is/#IDComment142655467 I thought this article was pretty relevant to all guys, not in the sense that we're not behind bars, but the theme he wrote about..how to be a real man. In today's society, the word "man" is so often associated with a muscular, violent, manly man who doesn't take no for an answer and will stand his ground "like a man." Unfortunately, this is a stereotype to which many males live up to, and some even beat their girlfriends, wives, and daughters. The man C. explained that being sincere is key to a successful and mutual relationship, and being able to go above and beyond for that particular girl- this is no easy task, but I guess that's maybe the meaning behind all this; that even though it's difficult to adapt to a romantic level is worth it in the end, kind of like an education that takes years to finish. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:22:04 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/03/what-a-man-is/#IDComment142655467 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/28/the-lottery-as-a-blessing-or-a-curse/#IDComment140555240 We hear about these rags to riches stories of people winning the big ticket in run down, very low class areas, but this was interesting to hear about the verbal abuse and threats to the one winning the money. There's a movie with Bow Wow about him winning a ticket (the movie is called Lottery Ticket), and even though I didn't see it, I could tell from the previews that everyone around him tried to get a piece of his wealth, and not in a peaceful manner. Going through big changes in life is no easy task, and getting rich is no different, even though we as citizens of the United States have this "American Dream" hyped up to believing that if we don't get rich there's no success in life. This might not hold true for everyone, but sociologically speaking, we're likely to follow in the paths of our parents. That's not to say getting wealthy is a bad thing, but such a dramatic event as becoming a millionaire overnight doesn't reap all the benefits we believe it to have. Wed, 6 Apr 2011 20:09:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/28/the-lottery-as-a-blessing-or-a-curse/#IDComment140555240 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/28/the-lottery-as-a-blessing-or-a-curse/#IDComment140555173 "Money can't buy me love." "Money is the root of all evil." "Money can't buy you happiness." These are all quotes which we've all heard many times in our lives. I know I've heard the 3rd quote many times now that I'm in college, seeing how my parents and others have stressed to me that I shouldn't choose a profession simply because of the money. While indeed money can't buy you love or happiness, that might not be entirely true. For example, I'm stating the obvious when I say that if someone living in poverty would receive a small amount of money (to get over the poverty "line"), he/she would be happier. Now as for the lottery, we discussed in class the story of the very poor family that won the lottery, bought a house off of a rich family, and ended up dispatching all of their valuables because they had no idea what to do with them or didn't know thier value. Just like going from very rich to very poor, the same tragedy can happen to someone going from poor to rich, as described in the article. Wed, 6 Apr 2011 20:09:34 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/28/the-lottery-as-a-blessing-or-a-curse/#IDComment140555173 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/religion-in-the-future/#IDComment138832868 Would they conform to the "norm" as sociologists seem to think will happen, or are there enough people out there that won't take that for an answer? I seem to think that this would be the case (non-conforming) because one of the things studied in the Christian religion is how the rest of the world is acting one way, and Christians aren't supposed to follow the "wrong'' ways of society. With that said, not all Christians do this all the time, myself included, but that's all part of the learning experience. To say that religions will become extinct based off these censuses doesn't seem like a legit enough of a fact to make that true (the one was conducted in 1968). It does seem like a fact that people like to be a part of a group moreso than being alone, but I don't think that will be strong enough to overcome the millions of Christians, Catholics, Jew, etc in the world that would take thier faith to the grave. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:20:11 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/religion-in-the-future/#IDComment138832868 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/religion-in-the-future/#IDComment138832841 This was very interesting to say the least. I've got to say that before reading this article, I was aware that many people weren't religious, sure, but I didn't know that sociologists predict the extinction of religion. Being religious myself in Christianity, I notice a lot of times that non-Christians act in ways with the mindset, "live for today and who gives a shit about tomorrow" attitude. This then leads to multiple problems, whether that be crime, public drunkenness (which then can lead to crime) and other care-free attitudes. That's not to say Christians never have this attitude because no ones perfect and I often have this attitude, but there is a meaning to life that goes beyond Earth, and because of that, the mindset is an eternal one. As discussed in class, Sam made a good point when he said no side will ever truly win the "God" argument since it ultimately comes down to faith. However, if religions did become extinct as said in the article, what would happen to the believers who lived their whole lives based on this faith? Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:19:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/religion-in-the-future/#IDComment138832841 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/m-s-story/#IDComment137127277 M., the inmate, did in fact assist in a murder, and therefore will have consequences, but I think he should've been put in a juvenile institution and had a lot of counseling instead. He said, "Don't pity me..don't have sympathy for me; I knew what I was doing." Well, that's fine for him, the one who did it, but just going back to an example Sam gave in class was the moral issue over what to do with a little boy who accidentally shoots someone in the face. It all goes back to the issue of what age do we really have control of what we do (sociologically speaking, never) and when can we face the consequences of our actions as adults. But it was nice to hear that side of inmates, which is that they aren't there to receive pity and that they all don't get this extra sense of wisdom from being behind bars for an extended period of time. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:33:12 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/m-s-story/#IDComment137127277 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/m-s-story/#IDComment137127229 As I was reading this, I related to this man. No, not in the sense of committing a crime and going to jail, but at the beginning when he spoke of how when he was a boy, he had all these dreams. It made me think of all the times now when I really just zone out and really ponder on what I want to be, or an ideal future for myself. I never include a potential mistake or slip-up that could result in the termination of that dream. When I read that he was in the slammer at the mere age of 14, that was a little astounding. Sure, it was a little relieving to hear him admit that he was consciously aware of his actions and took responsibility for those actions, but at the same time, he was only 14! And on top of that, he was subtly being influenced by an adult criminals! What I'm saying that just because you can take responsiblity for your actions doesnt mean you're in total control. I was in the 7th grade at age 14, and no one really expected too much of us. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:32:59 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/m-s-story/#IDComment137127229 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/lgbt-families-theres-a-lot-of-fear-out-there/#IDComment135581557 Basically, he was saying that having two parents of the same gender/sex has zero effect on whether or not a person can make it in this world. When I think about it, my mom often functions as if she has 5 arms and legs and takes on 3 full time jobs at one time. If I were to have two of her, I would pay someone money to tell me how that couldn't be a positive thing in my life. Sure, not having two of one parent can maybe have a psychological effect on a child, but then again, there still are two of them. Two parents raising a child are better than one. Two men or two women who work hard and are responsible in life; so by saying they love the same sex means they'll ruin a child's life? Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:30:46 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/lgbt-families-theres-a-lot-of-fear-out-there/#IDComment135581557 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/lgbt-families-theres-a-lot-of-fear-out-there/#IDComment135581503 Well Zach Wahls certainly opened my eyes a bit. Not only was he a very persuasive speaker and made for a very interesting topic, but the points he covered in his speech were simple, but often go so overlooked. One of these was how he and his moms built a family based on love, the same way all families function. I also thought it was very interesting how he followed up that statement when he explained to the court that the way the government would be affecting Iowa is in the way they'd treat families, not by how people marry. I really didn't take time to ponder how the law would actually mistreat gay/lesbian famlies. I myself do not believe in gay marriages, but not because of the way they'd raise children. Rather, it's just the principle. With that said, Zach showed everyone in that room and all the viewers a powerful fact. That fact is that he grew up to be a very successful young man, and only at age 19 with so many years left to go. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:30:33 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/15/lgbt-families-theres-a-lot-of-fear-out-there/#IDComment135581503 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/fear/#IDComment133448622 I'm in college, a place where the fear of failing is as common as the oxygen we breathe. A way to combat that is to study hard and get the grades necessary for that class. With that said, usually we also have the fear of letting someone down like our parents (who pay the tuition for now) or ourselves, and when we fear failing, it can either go hand in hand with the fear of letting someone down or it can be unnoticed. The bottom line is that we all have our fears, some of which we are unaware of and those that we are conscious of; the ones we are consious of can be our motivation to achieve success. The inmate behind bars doesnt get to conquer his fears outside the barb wired fences, but seeing him do it while incarcerated is an eye opener and a great lesson. Tue, 8 Mar 2011 21:55:12 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/fear/#IDComment133448622 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/fear/#IDComment133448566 This was a little refreshing from all of the other letters from inmates discussing certain "freedoms." Stereotypically, some of us think of inmates as people who think about all the freedoms they lost and the crimes they committed every second of every day, and that's it. But the fact of the matter is that prisoners also have many fears on their mind, and I myself forgot this possibility until reading this letter. This man also gave a powerful statement when he said, "Fear keeps you alive." I was like, "What?" because I would think that all the fear built up inside someone would lead to the end of them. But then I thought about some of his fears listed: fear of giving up, fear of not succeeding, and fear of letting people down. Those are all fears, but also things/goals that can drive someone such as a prison inmate to overcome and not succumb to these fears. It's almost like this man is getting the extra push and motivation he needs to keep going from these fears, which I now understand. Tue, 8 Mar 2011 21:54:55 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/fear/#IDComment133448566 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/09/4092/#IDComment129854833 Sociologically speaking, the strings that came down on this man in prison forced him to either change his way of living or be destroyed by the depression and guilt of being in the slammer until the day he dies. The reading ended with a positvie note, with how he found God, the only one who could truly forgive him. Unfortunately, finding God in prison and becoming a better man and person does not free him from the murder he committed. While I feel tremendous sympathy for this man, I know that taking the life of another deserves consequences. The question that arises now is: Should a man of 48 years old, apparently changed spiritually and emotionally, be released since he now longer might be a threat? Well, he's not getting out, but he's made the best of what's around (in the words of Dave Matthews), and being able to get the burden of murder off his back is a lesson in which we can learn from. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:13:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/09/4092/#IDComment129854833 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/09/4092/#IDComment129854781 Well, certainly like the rest of the students who read this, I felt a depressed and gloomy mood throughout this poem/letter by an inmate. With twenty-six whole years behind bars, he has had plenty of time to reflect on his crime and the freedoms and people he's missed or been neglected by. It was sad to read of how everyone close to him in his life abandoned him, leaving only himself in his cell the rest of his life. This inmate also said he was young and drunk when he commited the murder, so this also is a message to all the teenagers and young adults in regards to getting intoxicated; the consequences could be lifelong. He also spoke of how he couldn't remember the names many men he's met in jail, or even the dates of the last time he's spoken with his "loved ones." However, he could recall the whole series of events after the murder, which all goes to show how much he truly is sorry for what he's done. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:13:39 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/09/4092/#IDComment129854781 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/30/conformity-rules-the-day/#IDComment128420849 This guy was obviously thinking, "What the fu#$," but still he went with the crowd because in the moment, the invisible strings Dr. Richard always talks about were making him a puppet to the things around him, which is to conform. Just look at the zebras. The one with the ass hanging out is the only one we look at. We think, "hey that's funny, and the message this picture is sending us is saying that that zebra is a nonconformist." A lot of times we like the idea of being the zebra with our ass out (figeratively of course), but realistically we're all socialized to do what everyone else was socialized to do, which is not to go "out there." That's not to say people shouldn't be who they are or want to be, it's just many times we look at people expressing their free will (different from what we're used to) and we have to take a second to let it sink in before moving on. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:25:26 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/30/conformity-rules-the-day/#IDComment128420849 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/30/conformity-rules-the-day/#IDComment128420799 This statement can relate to the section in "Intersections" about the "looking glass." There isn't a sign in the elevator that says, "stand facing front," so no way is wrong, however; we are just socialized and used to stand facing toward the door so when it opens, we walk out instead of having to turn around. This guy was obviously thinking, "What the fu#$," but still he went with the crowd because in the moment, the invisible strings Dr. Richard always talks about were making him a puppet to the things around him, which is to conform. Just look at the zebras. The one with the ass hanging out is the only one we look at. We think, "hey that's funny, and the message this picture is sending us is saying that that zebra is a nonconformist." Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:25:11 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/30/conformity-rules-the-day/#IDComment128420799 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/30/conformity-rules-the-day/#IDComment128420224 This statement can relate to the section in "Intersections" about the "looking glass." There isn't a sign in the elevator that says, "stand facing front," so no way is wrong, however; we are just socialized and used to stand facing toward the door so when it opens, we walk out instead of having to turn around. This guy was obviously thinking, "What the fu#$," but still he went with the crowd because in the moment, the invisible strings Dr. Richard always talks about were making him a puppet to the things around him, which is to conform. Just look at the zebras. The one with the ass hanging out is the only one we look at. We think, "hey that's funny, and the message this picture is sending us is saying that that zebra is a nonconformist." Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:22:10 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/30/conformity-rules-the-day/#IDComment128420224