en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/6189647 Comments by jrf5176 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/18/voices-from-the-classroom-304/#IDComment622874451 Before going to any social gathering; a formal, party, campus event, the first thing on my mind isn’t who is going to be there or what type of crowd will be there, it is what am I going to wear. You only get one chance to make a first impression and you need to make it a good one. From the minute you walk into the door of an event people are looking at you and making inferences about your look and style of dress. Therefore only giving them positives to talk about should be on the forefront of your mind. Although it isn’t that important, the type of people there or coming will impact my outlook of the party overall before and after. Playing into the stereotypes of races as well as subgroups like college undergrads, we expect certain things when going into a specific atmosphere with certain groups of people. For example going into a party where I know it will be predominately blacks, I expect it to be jammed packed, hot and sweaty, as well as play decent to good hip-hop rap and raegee music. At an all white party I would expect people to be more out of control and promiscuous, such as getting obliterated and being uncontrollable as well as hooking up in the party. I also found that at white parties they are more prone to abide by the house rules as well as participate in themes. Because we know these things most likely will happen it governs our actions for the night depending on the group dynamic or mood, at least for my friends and me it does. Going back to the getting ready. Even when you enter people may not vibe with your style, which can create animosity or tension at the party. Similar feelings can come from racism or perceived racism because you may be the only “one” at the party. Growing up in suburbia my school district was about 60/30 whites to blacks, so I was used to being the only black guy at some parties or even in classes. This gave me a sense of confidence and pride, so while I was there I didn’t act differently or feel uneasy it just was what it was and if I wanted to have fun and not miss out that was something I had to deal with in that group of friends. When going to parties like that now I know there is potential for ill feelings but that can happen anywhere so I don’t let it stop my fun. Even though this is true I do find myself a little more on guard and won’t allow myself to go to a certain level as if I were in an all black party or with a more diverse group of people. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:32:36 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/18/voices-from-the-classroom-304/#IDComment622874451 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/09/voices-from-the-classroom-296/#IDComment616265978 I definitely believe there is a positive correlation or parallel between the white standard and the male standard over all. We discussed how the male gaze stimulates the male standard by basically normalizing a perfect Barbie like image. Women base their body, relationships, health and fashion mostly for the benefit of men. Some women may beg to differ stating they dress or do things for themselves, in reality they know we, as men, are always watching and looking therefore they as women put on or indulge in the male standard. Proof of this can be fund in any girls room before they step out for the night. Although they may pick out an outfit because they like the look or its their style, most girls can safely say if they’re looking right, “ They guys are going to be on me tonight”. From an early age women as well as men are taught how a woman and man should be represented from their environment, such as mom or dad and other older figures in their life as well as media. As we grow older and understand the world as well as have experiences the media plays a much more prominent role. In magazines, movies, videos ect. We see only what THEY want us to see. Just as Sam said, straight males mainly are responsible for making the porn watch; therefore they focus and show what they want. The parallel come into play when we see these images. Most of the time the images shown or the bulk of images and things on media are white with the exception of African American centered television channels like BET, CENNTRIC, and VH1 to some extent. From the white male standard women should be skinny, tan, with long straight hair mostly blonde or brunet. This may not be true for all white males but for most that is what they’re looking for and what they have been exposed to or some slight variation of that norm. Evidence of the white male standard is prevalent in the statistics of minorities using skin bleaching creams and products to lighten their complexion basically to be whiter. The reason for this is because in the industry it is important to cross color lines and barriers to be successful. Although I love Beyoncé and she is an excellent performer she is an excellent example this. From a black male standpoint, most of us like curves, hips, thighs overall a women with a fuller figure. These characteristics are embraced in our culture where the term THICK is a term of endearment and perceived as a compliment. In contrast to this using Beyoncé as another example, she has curves and has been on record for loving them and embracing her African heritage. As a summary the media controls and influences what we recognize as beautiful and normal, equally people in control are mostly white men. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:33:51 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/09/voices-from-the-classroom-296/#IDComment616265978 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/05/voices-from-the-classroom-294/#IDComment614121017 I feel as though there is a reason white men don’t or choose not to approach women of color or minorities, the answer is because it is taboo. The same theory applies when White women who date black men. In America there is so much pressure to fit in and stick to the status quo that we will sacrifice our true feelings and desires just not to ruffle any feathers. A common saying is drunken actions sober thoughts or something to that nature suggests that when we are drunk we are more prone to expressing our true feelings and are more willing to step outside the box from the norm. For the situation with white dudes I feel that they always want to be with a woman of color especially black girls. History in America is so divided between blacks and whites and now days white men are expressing what was done in secrecy for hundreds of years. I sort of feel any interracial relationship is sort of a stance like if my race isn’t cutting it on to the next one. Me in particular I don’t discriminate against any race, and I’m open to new cultures. I believe that change is always a good thing and if you get tired of one thing move on, life Is too short and we all deserve to be happy wit someone. Its not that big of a deal and the sooner everyone realizes it the better we all will be. When it starts to become more acceptable we will also see an increase in interracial relationships. Another thing that cracks me up is the way white guys act when they want to approach women of minorities. For example on of my good friends wants to get with a black girl, like desperately. Every time we are together the subject matter always seems to arise. He wants me to set him up and I’m always like bro set your self up, it’s not like you never had a girlfriend! For some reason he feels intimidated by women of color more than usual when it’s a white girl. I also think that white guys think long term and what if things were to work out how would they potentially deal with everything that comes along with an interracial relationship. Overall a big factor is mystery. When we don’t know about something we are intrigued by it, especially when its similar yet different, we want to know more and in a sense see what all the hype is about. Having dated women of different races I can say that each race has certain characteristics and qualities different fro the other just like every woman is different regardless of her color. Mon, 8 Apr 2013 02:00:52 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/05/voices-from-the-classroom-294/#IDComment614121017 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/28/voices-from-the-classroom-284/#IDComment608610289 When Sam asked the class to pair up and discuss the problems Native Americans face I an into a similar problem of becoming stuck. Fist the crossroads of not trying to fix the issue yet not pushing it way was my initial problem. Immediately I thought that if we aren’t trying to fix the problem then we are allowing it and almost supporting it. I also thought that because we know there is a problem, it is in our nature as humans to want to fix things. In the discussion with my classmate next to me, he shed light onto the fact that if we take the time to ask and seek out information we will get a better understanding of the entire situation beyond our fixation on fixing things. So in summary in one word, understanding. In contrast to our views someone else in the class came up with confusion. After the discovery of understanding we still couldn’t get pass the concept of not pushing the problem away or to me not recognizing the fact that there is a problem before class ended. The desire to know more about the people and the problems causes would reduce uncertainty and increase the severity of the issues. By doing so people will get an understanding and work with the people instead of dictating to them. Its hard to find a solid middle ground because the two sort of go hand and had yet we’re playing them against each other. Just now not solving the problem translated to not doing just anything or the bare minimum to get by. By this I mean implementing programs and other resources so that a community or future generations can thrive and not just short term. This can also be seen as solving the problem. This can be true, but I feel if done in a way that can involve the people and then it won’t be like just fixing it for them. An example of this was discussed in relation to the Native American problems but for Native tribes of the South American Rainforests. IN their studies, researches brought along mapping technology to show the natives how to map their land in its entirety not just the village which previously left them susceptible to developments and deforestation. This not only lays claim to their land which aids in the preservation of the people, but also familiarizes them with modern technology adding value to their culture. As with the environment people and government is constantly changing. I think if the choice is made to fix the problem or it can be fixed, constant visitation to the subject must be made. All implications, policies, programs or whatever must be monitored and be held to an agreed upon standard for all parties as a sort of quality control to ensure improvement over time. Mon, 1 Apr 2013 03:29:39 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/28/voices-from-the-classroom-284/#IDComment608610289 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/21/voices-from-the-classroom-276/#IDComment603334859 In the case of affirmative action, I feel as though we as Americans are trained to think of affirmative action as a good thing but when Sam broke it down in class it made me think otherwise. From a sociological standpoint I honestly believe that it is inevitable and people will always help out their kind and use an in when they can even in scenarios where another applicant may be qualified. Going back to the question from Thursday about what would we do in a situation if we were in power, of course most of us would say that we would hire based on qualifications solely but most of also know that this isn’t true and most likely wont happen. The importance in networking is just as important as your resume or degree now days. Think about all the connections and the edge one can potentially have by being a member of an organization such as a fraternity. Members all over the world recognize you as one of them and its first nature to put in a good word or reference for you ultimately leading to employment. For one to think that this isn’t true is naive. I don’t believe that this has an effect on productivity and quality of the job. In most cases there is usually a shadowing or training process that new employees must go through. This allows the companies to ensure that their employees are truly qualified and prepared for the job at hand even if they were not before. What does diminish however is the reputation or standard of said company if qualified applicants are looked over for opportunities especially when race is a factor used to contrast the candidates. Affirmative action makes me think of a pity opportunity, I feel organizations participate in it because the have to not because they want to. For example the Rooney Rule in NFL. If applying for a head coach position they have t interview at least 1 African American. Although this can present opportunity, subconsciously it seems like a handout even though they may be qualified and potentially could have been in the running on qualifications alone. Another flaw with affirmative action is that minorities and non-whites may feel that they can slack off and just get by on the fact that they’re guaranteed their job because the company has to have a certain number on the payroll. Some argue the fact that affirmative action may cause someone, not a minority and more capable, from getting a job. I feel this is a little far fetched. Unfortunately most cases the situation is reversed and more cases than one reiterating the fact that Affirmative action can be both detrimental and somewhat beneficial in the short run. Sun, 24 Mar 2013 22:19:02 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/21/voices-from-the-classroom-276/#IDComment603334859 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/02/14/voices-from-the-classroom-246/#IDComment572381951 As the age old saying states, perception is reality; in retrospect everyone’s perceptions are different therefore it is safe to assume everyone will have a different sense of reality. Culture plays more of a role than one may think contributing to our perceptions. Each ethnic group thinks a certain way about others based on things we are taught, stereotypes, and exposure of a given ethnic group by the media as well as other sources such as personal experiences. According to the stages of perception in interpersonal communication, we partake in selection, organization and then interpretation. The selection stage is where things get fuzzy from the start because we choose what we hear and miss other things. In relation to perspective we all have a different one. Perception and perspective intertwine in the fact that they are both influenced by the same factors. I agree with the thought that we are rich and therefore posses a different and perhaps a brighter perspective of the world and the future. We are rich in the sense that we are afforded the opportunity of receiving an education from a prestigious institution regardless of recent events. We go to college with the thought process to graduate and to either; continue education to become master and doctors of our fields of studies, or enter the work force with an advantage. Although people who aren’t in college or didn’t attend may seem less rich, they are receiving real world experience that gives them a different wealth. Because of our given situation it isn’t uncommon or unfathomable to think extravagantly or the way we do. Others can’t relate and therefore may see the world from a different bleaker perspective. Another way of thinking about perspectives and perception would be to think in terms of race relations. Its harder for white people to understand or believe that there is police brutality and racism targeted at blacks. As a black man I can relate and believe I’ve been a victim. Because of our advantages I try to hold myself to a higher standard of living because I know better and certain things I’m not apart of because it will nullify the richness and sense of wealth I’ve worked for and have as well as diminish my future. To discuss the richness and wealth in non monetary terms is difficult, but I think that one can truly be wealthy and rich in other forms such as love, happiness, not to discredit the monetary forms. Because the media shapes the world and money makes the world go around, I don’t think the non-monetary thought process is at the forefront of our minds if at all. In fact even if we consider ourselves rich now, the bottom line reverts back to the fact we want a successful and comfortable life post grad hence the reason for going to college in the first place. Sat, 16 Feb 2013 07:07:13 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/02/14/voices-from-the-classroom-246/#IDComment572381951 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/02/07/voices-from-the-classroom-240/#IDComment568073973 If I had a child and I knew they were gay I would not tell them. I don’t think it is any of my business or anyone else’s for that matter what or who he or she chooses to do in his or her personal and private life. I would, however, be a progressive parent with an open door policy. By this I mean always being upfront and honest with them as my mother was with me. Although my mother and father were not together growing up, they along with both sides of the family equally contributed to my upbringing. On the maternal side, nothing was hidden from me and I was always told the truth. My grandmother always said I was an old soul, and they thought I was mature enough to be apart of and handle family issues. My Father’s family was more traditional you could say adopting the “Stay in a child’s place mantra.” The lack of communication leads to dissonance in the family environment and I feel families have to stick together. We may not like each other sometimes but we always should love and at the end of the day family should be always be there in my opinion. Being a product of both parenting styles further increases my ethos on the subject apparent in my current relationships with my parents. I can come to them and talk about anything. Although they will have their opinions of each given situations, I don’t feel afraid to come to them. They always said they would have my back even if no one else does and will love me. I want to encourage my children and hopefully they will want to come to me with their life issues and I will do everything in my power to help them. Growing up I want to talk to my children about the things that’s going on in their life and see where they’re getting their information from. Most of the time kids hear older kids talking and make up the rest based on what they think happens or is supposed to happen, which usually ends up being completely wrong information. My kids will have the right information and know better. As far as being gay, I would never out them or put them in an awkward situation forcing them to talk about or bring it to the surface. Coming out is a life changing experience and no one should be forced to deal with what can come ahead especially if they’re not ready. Who am I to assume anyway? Despite the fact that parents, especially mothers, usually know in this type of situation, they may not always be right and sometimes have no clue. If I ask and they say no then I’ll just have to take that answer and if or when they decide to come out I’ll be there to talk. Sun, 10 Feb 2013 19:20:57 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/02/07/voices-from-the-classroom-240/#IDComment568073973 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/31/voices-from-the-classroom-235/#IDComment562180577 Having never struggled with an eating disorder or any other developmental or social disorders, it’s hard for me to imagine what I could say to be comforting to a friend or someone close. The actual action of listening and being there for someone is something I am and would be good at. Sometimes that’s all that people want and need is to vent. They need to get everything out in the open and for their message to be received in a non-judgmental fashion and to be accepted. Showing someone that you are there for them to help make it through I feel is one of the most important factors to helping someone. I’m a very blunt and honest person so I’m not going to beat around the bush with anyone especially someone I care about. Not being honest with them will only hinder their progression to recovery; because you will be giving them what they have been getting and continuing the lie or downward spiral if you act as though nothing is wrong or the situation isn’t that sever. Obviously everyone is different as with every situation so it’s up to you as a friend or loved one to decipher how severe your personal actions need to be to help them. Most recently someone that I am close with, in fact I consider her my sister, has gotten pregnant. It is not a huge deal and may not seem, as threatening as anorexia or cutting but the situation will definitely be life changing especially when you’re twenty years old. On top of that her life isn’t on the so-called right track; problems with school, family and personal life were in her midst. On the advice side I informed her of certain social programs and ways to some cope with some of the emotional attacks. I basically just told her of times when I felt the same way and experienced what she was going through and reassured her of better things to come. I’ve come to a point in my life where I don’t let negative things affect me. Life is too short and we can’t allows the negativity and drama to take that much stock in our lives. I suggested that she uses all that energy she’s sung to scream and yell and cry, to go and do some research on pregnancy and prenatal care. I feel as though the people that mean you harm are not needed in you’re life and we should cut our losses. I told her that now she has to succeed not for herself and them. When she reaches her goals and gets it together they’ll look at you and realize that she made it without them.. Mon, 4 Feb 2013 02:51:24 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/31/voices-from-the-classroom-235/#IDComment562180577 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/23/voices-from-the-classroom-234/#IDComment553197337 From what I gathered from the video the ladies were asking; one if the civil rights movement didn’t happen would we be on the same playing field today or be equal, and two were you offended by the guys comment about racist scholarships? To address the first question we definitely would not be on the same playing field today. As Sam stated in class, post slavery wasn’t that great for blacks. Civil rights movement was necessary because of the social injustices in favor of whites. These social injustices like all blacks have to sit in the back of the bus or not sharing the same water fountain could potentially still be tolerated and Jim Crow laws lived by. Whites would still feel superior to blacks and be open about it even in the modern day world. This question could also be asking if at the time of the civil rights movement would we now be equal if there weren’t rules restricting to blacks and minorities. I don’t think this scenario would ever happen just because of our history as a country. People thought/think there is or was nothing wrong with slavery so post slavery some type of movement would have had to be put into action to change people’s way of thinking. If there weren’t any restrictions or laws I would like to think that by 2013 we would be equal. I wasn’t necessarily offended by his comment I just found it interesting as well that he filled out the scholarship even though he had ill feelings or did he? I feel that certain scholarships, grants and other aids for specific minorities is not a problem and said minorities should embrace and take advantage of them. Statistics show that whites do have an advantage in just about every aspect of life at least what we think in terms of race relations. I agree to an extent to what he was saying about being equal and no one should be favored or receive special treatment. But look at it from this standpoint. Back in the times of civil rights and before Black and minorities didn’t have the natural right to go to same schools and such at the same standards of whites. Notice that most scholarships and grants have been around for years and have sent hundreds of thousands of students through school and helped them progress socially and academically in our world. It would be unfair for institutions and investors to stop supporting specific scholarships or programs geared for minorities. That action of eliminating them or the reduction of funds or support in turn could be seen as racist. What I hate and I think is racist and offends me is the usage of the term of “acting white” or “black”. It’s all based on stereotypes and whether we admit to it or not most stereotypes are based on truth, we’re also naive to the fact that we are small-minded. What’s wrong with a black guy liking Sperrys or cardigan sweaters likewise what’s wrong with a white guy wearing a fitted, both stereotypical dress. Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:27:30 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/23/voices-from-the-classroom-234/#IDComment553197337 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/18/voices-from-the-classroom-229/#IDComment549457322 I feel that there was nothing wrong with him putting her on the spot like that. First of all as students at Penn Sate we have heard things about Sam and the class therefore we should know what to expect. She also sat in the front making her a prime target for Sam to use to further prove a point or as an example. If I recall, she also raised her hand proclaiming to be 100% white. Sam was within his rights given his style of teaching and the course to ask if she really believed she was fully white. From where I was sitting she did look as if she may have been mixed with something other than white because of her darker skin tone as well as her curly reddish brown hair. The girl also said that it wasn’t the first time someone has referenced her thinking she was mixed with something other than white calling her “mulatto”. The point of the class I believe so far is to open our minds and broaden our horizons on thinking about race and race relations. In the previous class we learned that what Sam’s genetic makeup was in relation to race. The data clearly showed he had a mixture of nationalities in his make up. This was the class after seeing his results and she still didn’t believe she wasn’t all white. Just by looking at him one could assume he is fully 100% white, so if he is mixed with a few things why can’t she be? Although we usually call ourselves or perceive ourselves as 1 race or nationality, as Americans 1st to really believe we are not mixed wit anything is unrealistic and naive. As a Black or African American man I still know that there is a possibility I may be mixed with other nationalities. Given the brief history I know of African Americans and how they became in this country its safe to assume that cross breeding was abundant and ongoing since slavery. Furthermore my last name is of German decent. For her to think she was only white and there was no chance she could have been mixed with anything other than white I feel, pointed out her ignorance. Perhaps that’s why she wants t take the course. It’s almost not all her fault from one standpoint. We know what we know because of what is taught and told to us. So maybe she’s only going on what she has been told and taught by her family. That being said there comes a pint where we have to start thinking for ourselves and let go of some things. I’m not saying the loss of values and all beliefs but more like the fine-tuning of them in a modern day world. Sun, 20 Jan 2013 23:18:07 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/18/voices-from-the-classroom-229/#IDComment549457322