en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/5363548 Comments by jvjoseph91 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/12/07/voices-from-the-classroom-224/#IDComment515525650 For my FINAL BLOG, I'd first like to start by saying hello to chris. so CHRIS WASSUP! Now, this class definitely came as a surprise for me especially. I would have never thought in a millions years there would be a white man teaching a racial relations class speaking on all races from all different race perspectives. He is a fearless man who has experienced many cultures and is free spirit about telling his story. I can not necessarily pin point what I took from this class, it would be impossible. I have learned to be observant and open minded about race. Do not attempt to stay within your own "box", and open up your mind. Put yourself into different shoes, even when it is not the same color as your own. Do not be afraid to let loose, expand your horizons. Sit in the front instead of the same old seat in the back once in a while. In this class, if it was not something I learned, it was something that enhanced my thoughts and given me a bigger look on what goes on in this world. In this class I have learned that we are not always going to have the answers. There will be questions that will not ever be answered until you ask. Now depending on who you ask will be up to you, may that person fill your thoughts with wisdom. The stages in white and people of color could not have been any more accurate. I have learned why most white people feel at times intimidated to speak to people of color, especially when that color is black. I have learned that most white people do not seem to get out of stage 2. They become aware that there are "others" out there but can not put a finger on why that is. They begin to watch the news and maybe see that all criminal acts might be cause from a black person, then broaden that idea and instantly that is their perception on color. They start to look at people of color in a negative way instead of physically having a conversation with them. If one wants to see what they do, you observe, but if one would like to know why they do, one must simply ask. Same goes for people of color, especially blacks. Not all white people are "crazy" or "simple minded", more than half the time, chances are they act like we do, do what we do, sometimes even think like we do. But we (Blacks) continue to be ignorant and ignore the fact because of our history or maybe we learned to grow up that way and that is the way we were taught to live. Like I said if a recent blog, if there was anytime that we (the world) would come together, we would not have any "thoughts" of having differences with one another. No one in this world would live in his or her own "box"; that box would be broken, better yet nonexistent, irrelevant. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 20:49:20 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/12/07/voices-from-the-classroom-224/#IDComment515525650 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/12/07/voices-from-the-classroom-224/#IDComment514948522 For my FINAL BLOG, I'd first like to start by saying hello to chris. so CHRIS WASSUP! Now, this class definitely came as a surprise for me especially. I would have never thought in a millions years there would be a white man teaching a racial relations class speaking on all races from all different race perspectives. He is a fearless man who has experienced many cultures and is free spirit about telling his story. I can not necessarily pin point what I took from this class, it would be impossible. I have learned to be observant and open minded about race. Do not attempt to stay within your own "box", and open up your mind. Put yourself into different shoes, even when it is not the same color as your own. Do not be afraid to let loose, expand your horizons. Sit in the front instead of the same old seat in the back once in a while. In this class, if it was not something I learned, it was something that enhanced my thoughts and given me a bigger look on what goes on in this world. In this class I have learned that we are not always going to have the answers. There will be questions that will not ever be answered until you ask. Now depending on who you ask will be up to you, may that person fill your thoughts with wisdom. The stages in white and people of color could not have been any more accurate. I have learned why most white people feel at times intimidated to speak to people of color, especially when that color is black. I have learned that most white people do not seem to get out of stage 2. They become aware that there are "others" out there but can not put a finger on why that is. They begin to watch the news and maybe see that all criminal acts might be cause from a black person, then broaden that idea and instantly that is their perception on color. They start to look at people of color in a negative way instead of physically having a conversation with them. If one wants to see what they do, you observe, but if one would like to know why they do, one must simply ask. Same goes for people of color, especially blacks. Not all white people are "crazy" or "simple minded", more than half the time, chances are they act like we do, do what we do, sometimes even think like we do. But we (Blacks) continue to be ignorant and ignore the fact because of our history or maybe we learned to grow up that way and that is the way we were taught to live. Like I said if a recent blog, if there was anytime that we (the world) would come together, we would not have any "thoughts" of having differences with one another. No one in this world would live in his or her own "box"; that box would be broken, better yet nonexistent, irrelevant. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 04:37:49 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/12/07/voices-from-the-classroom-224/#IDComment514948522 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/12/07/voices-from-the-classroom-224/#IDComment514893269 For my FINAL BLOG, I'd first like to start by saying hello to chris. so CHRIS WASSUP! Now, this class definitely came as a surprise for me especially. I would have never thought in a millions years there would be a white man teaching a racial relations class speaking on all races from all different race perspectives. He is a fearless man who has experienced many cultures and is free spirit about telling his story. I can not necessarily pin point what I took from this class, it would be impossible. I have learned to be observant and open minded about race. Do not attempt to stay within your own "box", and open up your mind. Put yourself into different shoes, even when it is not the same color as your own. Do not be afraid to let loose, expand your horizons. Sit in the front instead of the same old seat in the back once in a while. In this class, if it was not something I learned, it was something that enhanced my thoughts and given me a bigger look on what goes on in this world. In this class I have learned that we are not always going to have the answers. There will be questions that will not ever be answered until you ask. Now depending on who you ask will be up to you, may that person fill your thoughts with wisdom. The stages in white and people of color could not have been any more accurate. I have learned why most white people feel at times intimidated to speak to people of color, especially when that color is black. I have learned that most white people do not seem to get out of stage 2. They become aware that there are "others" out there but can not put a finger on why that is. They begin to watch the news and maybe see that all criminal acts might be cause from a black person, then broaden that idea and instantly that is their perception on color. They start to look at people of color in a negative way instead of physically having a conversation with them. If one wants to see what they do, you observe, but if one would like to know why they do, one must simply ask. Same goes for people of color, especially blacks. Not all white people are "crazy" or "simple minded", more than half the time, chances are they act like we do, do what we do, sometimes even think like we do. But we (Blacks) continue to be ignorant and ignore the fact because of our history or maybe we learned to grow up that way and that is the way we were taught to live. Like I said if a recent blog, If there was anytime that we (the world) would come together, we would not have any "thoughts" of having differences with one another. No one would live in their own "box" of a world; that box would be broken, better yet nonexistent. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 02:56:34 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/12/07/voices-from-the-classroom-224/#IDComment514893269 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/12/07/voices-from-the-classroom-224/#IDComment514882142 For my FINAL BLOG, I'd first like to start by saying hello to chris. so CHRIS WASSUP! Now, this class definitely came as a surprise for me especially. I would have never thought in a millions years there would be a white man teaching a racial relations class speaking on all races from all different race perspectives. He is a fearless man who has experienced many cultures and is free spirit about telling his story. I can not necessarily pin point what I took from this class, it would be impossible. I have learned to be observant and open minded about race. Do not attempt to stay within your own "box", and open up your mind. Put yourself into different shoes, even when it is not the same color as your own. Do not be afraid to let loose, expand your horizons. Sit in the front instead of the same old seat in the back once in a while. In this class, if it was not something I learned, it was something that enhanced my thoughts and given me a bigger look on what goes on in this world. In this class I have learned that we are not always going to have the answers. There will be questions that will not ever be answered until you ask. Now depending on who you ask will be up to you, may that person fill your thoughts with wisdom. The stages in white and people of color could not have been any more accurate. I have learned why most white people feel at times intimidated to speak to people of color, especially when that color is black. I have learned that most white people do not seem to get out of stage 2. They become aware that there are "others" out there but can not put a finger on why that is. They begin to watch the news and maybe see that all criminal acts might be cause from a black person, then broaden that idea and instantly that is their perception on color. They start to look at people of color in a negative way instead of physically having a conversation with them. If one wants to see what they do, you observe, but if one would like to know why they do, one must simply ask. Same goes for people of color, especially blacks. Not all white people are "crazy" or "simple minded", more than half the time, chances are they act like we do, do what we do, sometimes even think like we do. But we (Blacks) continue to be ignorant and ignore the fact because of our history or maybe we learned to grow up that way and that is the way we were taught to live. Like I said if a recent blog, If there was anytime that we (the world) would come together, we would not have any "thoughts" of having differences with one another. No one would live within their own "box" of a world; that box would be broken, better yet nonexistent. Before I took this course, I didn't know what to expect. Thought it may be just some teacher, teaching us what he perceived as race and then I would have to "agree" in order for a good grade. But I was wrong, completely through me off since the Day 1. Sam is a brilliant teacher and I for one am grateful to have taken this course as an elective. He taught more than just "race relations", he taught us what the world is and then what would it be like without race. YO CHRIS WASSUP Mon, 10 Dec 2012 02:35:00 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/12/07/voices-from-the-classroom-224/#IDComment514882142 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/29/voices-from-the-classroom-213/#IDComment508013178 This is a great topic I feel. No one, to my knowledge, is a murderer or killer however I feel as though some of us, myself for example, if trained the proper way I would do anything to protect my family from someone who is a threat. Like in class Tuesday, we mentioned that killing someone in war, is sought to be liberty, although killing someone outside those walls count as murder and imprisonment; unless the odds were in your favor for self defense. Because this is not just simply killing, it is more or less protecting yourself and loved ones from threats. It would have to take a little of prior preparation to protect the ones I love and be ready for it. For instance, one day as I was viewing television, there was a show on the A&E network speaking about a family who physically prepares themselves from any or if any apocalyptic tragedy. The Husband of this particular family was a former policeman. Therefore he of the four already had experience with weaponry. The husband of the family also believes highly that one-day the world will experience an apocalypse and must be ready for what he thinks will be the inevitable. From this point, the husband has now gathered up his family and fellow neighbors and friends who were interested in the same deal. Using what he knows from being a cop, the husband is able to use and selected for weapons of choice if anything were to happen to his home; a pistol, a rifle, a knife, and a Samari sword. For the rest of the group, here comes the combat training and the booby traps surrounding the exterior and interior of the home. Friends would come and ask what other things they can do to at least prevent an intrusion and he would respond with recipes for something similar to pepper spray. Simply using water guns and instead of using water, it would be the pepper spray recipe along with some liquid material to spray violators. Finally, maybe twice a month, the family and the rest of the group schedule practical training when testing their abilities with test-runs. They split up between two groups; one group are the intruders, and the other are the ones in the home. They do this to see how efficient their tactical planning is and from there notice what they need to improve on. I hope I never have to kill anyone, whether it was a frenzy or even just one man. I’m not even a hot head individual, I can be the complete opposite. However, if it had to come down to something such as an apocalypse, I would get myself and my family ready in a similar way. Sun, 2 Dec 2012 19:44:18 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/29/voices-from-the-classroom-213/#IDComment508013178 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-211/#IDComment495737613 In my opinion, the lecture held on Thursday might be the most powerful yet. Although Sam was not physically there, his digital self worked just as good. There were many times when watching the video that I remember feeling upset. I enjoy when Sam has lectures that involves putting us in different shoes because not everyone does this! We need this, especially our own military. I was upset to see them just destroy all life no matter how innocent the situation was. Immaturity runs through the soldiers in the army. Why would anyone, and I mean ANYONE turn over a moving vehicle with passengers in it!? This builds up so many questions for our country. Who are we? Are we really defending our country by doing so? Are we just as bad as they are? Are we the bad guys? Is it us, not them, who started this from the beginning? Are we bullies? These were the general thoughts as I was watching the video and without question, I would not be surprised if it did start with us. In my 21 years of existence and being exposed to all this media and government, it would not surprise me. The tables could turn at any moment, and it would be us who are the innocent by-standards who get shot for just showing our face outdoors. Then came the religious side of the video. It became obvious why Muslims came and made it about Religion. Christian Soldiers? Innocent small adolescent kids are training for battle through Jesus? THAT IS NOT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. Who idea was to have a school like that and why would any parent have their child enrolled in something like that? It's ridiculous! Do the parents even know? Are they aware? Maybe the faculty keeps it on the low and does not mention it to the parents. I don't know but that is insane. Children should not have to go through such things and have those thoughts of, "I'm not afraid to die, many have died for Jesus." This should not be the choice of words coming from a 10 year old! It was such a hard thing to watch, I was not aware this country had such schools. If I was a Muslim in Stage 3 like most of which were in the video, and I saw the videos of what Christian Faith was perceived to be, I would be furious! I most certainly know and realize why they feel the need to attack. If that was us, or if we were them, we would do the same I feel like. When Sam asked if we would join them, my answer would most definitely be yes. Because the Muslim people act just like we do, they just live with different circumstances. Put yourself in their shoes. Tue, 20 Nov 2012 06:41:02 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-211/#IDComment495737613 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-211/#IDComment494282149 In my opinion, the lecture held on Thursday might be the most powerful yet. Although Sam was not physically there, his digital self worked just as good. There were many times when watching the video that I remember feeling upset. I enjoy when Sam has lectures that involves putting us in different shoes because not everyone does this! We need this, especially our own military. I was upset to see them just destroy all life no matter how innocent the situation was. Immaturity runs through the soldiers in the army. Why would anyone, and I mean ANYONE turn over a moving vehicle with passengers in it!? This builds up so many questions for our country. Who are we? Are we really defending our country by doing so? Are we just as bad as they are? Are we the bad guys? Is it us, not them, who started this from the beginning? Are we bullies? These were the general thoughts as I was watching the video and without question, I would not be surprised if it did start with us. In my 21 years of existence and being exposed to all this media and government, it would not surprise me. The tables could turn at any moment, and it would be us who are the innocent by-standards who get shot for just showing our face outdoors. Then came the religious side of the video. It became obvious why Muslims came and made it about Religion. Christian Soldiers? Innocent small adolescent kids are training for battle through Jesus? THAT IS NOT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. Who idea was to have a school like that and why would any parent have their child enrolled in something like that? It's ridiculous! Do the parents even know? Are they aware? Maybe the faculty keeps it on the low and does not mention it to the parents. I don't know but that is insane. Children should not have to go through such things and have those thoughts of, "I'm not afraid to die, many have died for Jesus." This should not be the choice of words coming from a 10 year old! It was such a hard thing to watch, I was not aware this country had such schools. If I was a Muslim in Stage 3 like most of which were in the video, and I saw the videos of what Christian Faith was perceived to be, I would be furious! I most certainly know and realize why they feel the need to attack. If that was us, or if we were them, we would do the same I feel like. When Sam asked if we would join them, my answer would most definitely be yes. Because the Muslim people act just like we do, they just live with different circumstances. Put yourself in their shoes. Sun, 18 Nov 2012 19:37:07 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-211/#IDComment494282149 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/11/voices-from-the-classroom-207/#IDComment491202611 I, myself am also going to join in on the whole "Why not open borders" thing. Only for the simple fact of no matter how many walls you build, no matter how many laws are passed down, rules are GOING to be broken whether the government likes it or not. Apart of me after typing that, gives me a sense of racism coming from the government. Not so much about making laws, just racism. The Government above all else WOULD KNOW that rules will be broken, no matter the consequences that are laid out. The Government, I'm sure, is aware of many and this is for sure without a doubt true. I think honestly, they must want to punish those who cross. It's wrong that WE in the US can just automatically go to Mexico with no problem, however for Mexicans in Mexico, it is a whole different story. So what if their from Mexico, put yourself in their shoes! The Government is selfish and wrong for doing so. The world is much larger than that, and for them not to care about it questions their authority a tad bit. What if it was us that could not leave the country, for whatever reason? I mean, probably would not be much of a problem for the simple fact we can still travel within it but even then! It's wrong for such rule to apply and approved. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:47:41 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/11/voices-from-the-classroom-207/#IDComment491202611 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/06/voices-from-the-classroom-204/#IDComment485488180 Being a human being in this day and age, and in everyday society, we will always have a choice. Each of us choose our sexuality. Whether we are heterosexual, homosexual, transgendered, it is our freedom of choice. To believe that one is born into liking a certain gender is ridiculous and wrong. No one is ever born with a mindset that they will be attracted to one gender for the rest of their lives. It is a choice and one's decision can start any time they begin to feel curious. Curiosity can be anywhere from the age of 5 and on. Typically the change occurs in High School as far as I can tell. It is then that you learn more about yourself and want to explore new things. Whether it may be with females or males, you choose! Cannot tell me it isn't. Now back to Sam's question, what is it about the comfort of knowing it is a choice to be gay for gays? It brings, what we call in the US, a sense of pride. A sense of pride; something that you are not afraid to admit. It sends a message to everyone that that's who they choose to be. Same goes with being heterosexual, as well as any other sexual orientation. Although being homosexual in this country is slowly but surely being accepted, the older generation and even some who have not been associated with them, still feel as though it is an uncomfortable situation to be around. Thus begins the worry for gays to come out. When gays start to show pride and show that they love who they are, then just doing that brings other gays a sense that it is okay coming out of the closet. It is not an easy process for anyone to come out, I'm sure. Just as if the tables were turned and only homosexuals were accepted, it would be just as hard for heterosexuals like myself to decide to make such a decision where society does not appreciate the opinion. It's like breaking an unwritten law. Although it may seem harmless, it could also be a drastic change that causes an emotional out-break such as family members. Whereas some families are more accepting, some would not be so much. It varies with different race and generation in families, some more or less than others when it comes to acceptance. The mentality for them must feel at times like everyone is against them, but they continue to be strong and pride in who they are. It is not easy being homosexual in this society that we live in, yet they continue to make that decision and continue to be themselves. Knowing that it is someone's decision to be homosexual brings great triumph, one might say, and it should be respected, not neglected. Fri, 9 Nov 2012 22:32:59 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/06/voices-from-the-classroom-204/#IDComment485488180 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/01/voices-from-the-classroom-199/#IDComment480537634 I guess to start, this is a touchy, and sensitive topic. I feel as though this fits perfectly in the same category as Hidden secrets from the Government. This was always something I felt is never mentioned; the government hides at least 95% of everything, maybe even more. We, as a society will never know what goes on behind the scenes of the government. It's things like this that will always have me hesitant towards any donation that is run by anyone in a US Organization. If the majority of the donations come right back then what is the point of donating? After all the conspiracies and theories backed by the government, I was always curious about this issue; whether or not the government truly send donations out to the third world countries. These countries are in terrible poverty and in need of the most care. Why is the money coming back to the US? For what reason do we honestly need money that is intended for countries who need it more? The government is taking candy from a baby, so to speak. They are ripping the souls out of people's lives who are dying each day to survive and the government clearly we are far more important. If leads me to question so much. What else is the government hiding? Is tax money going to where it's suppose too? Was 9/11 really Bin Laden's idea or was the government trying to mind trick us into believing that? I question our nation sometimes. Our intentions are not where they need to be, and they have no intention to change. If anything at all, they will only get worse. Charge higher prices along with higher gas prices. This country is in serious debt and as bad as that is, it does not give us the RIGHT to take what is not ours. I feel ashamed, I honestly do. I will, from now on, only donate my money for countries who are in desperate need. I will physically go to that country and somehow MAKE SURE that it is going directly to that specific country. I will not put my money towards any US-run organization fund raising no longer. It is just disrespectful, not towards the thirds world countries, but to US citizens. There are many citizens who are not even aware of the government's actions, and even more who just do not have a care, nonetheless need to be notified! We need and should take a stand, but will it help? That's up to the government, as is all things. Things will only escalate here in the states, and if I cannot find myself a successful enough job to keep me financially stable, I will end up taking my things and buying a plane ticket. Sun, 4 Nov 2012 20:40:26 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/11/01/voices-from-the-classroom-199/#IDComment480537634 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/10/25/voices-from-the-classroom-197/#IDComment475115028 Well for me personally, I come up from a society where it was common to sit that way, it shows a sense of relaxation. As far as being approachable, I would say so. That may only be because I am of Hispanic and Black ancestry and society because to the rest of the world, it is frowned upon. It some cases, in many cases for whites, they would call it "ghetto". A term used to replace an undisciplined, unmannerly individual. When Sam asked that he come in front of the room, he was mentioning how to approach an interview. The way the TA sat down on the chair, will never be respected as an individual. When in the setting of a professional environment, casual must go out the window. The mind set should be what you want to be seen as. I like to go by the phrase "act as if" or "fake it til you make it", by following these phrases you will sit up, be alert, and appear presentable. Even if that is not how you truly are, when you "act as if" you become what you are going for without even realizing it, it brings preparation to the situation. Sure when the TA he was slouching and unapproachable, but never for an interview do you act as such. When you are in a casual environment, family oriented place, you can then act as you would like. In any professional setting, it should be a mental instinct to change your appearance and mannerisms. Make yourself presentable and approachable for potential employers or any business man. It's not the fact that being slouchy is unapproachable; it is because that is how society sees it. If society saw that as being approachable, would we have the same opinion? In many situations, people would love to act how they want to act, and do what they want to do, and many times it involves actions that others would see as "degrading" and "frowned upon". It shows a lack of productivity to many in the country and maybe even the world. If I am walking the streets of Detroit, Compton, or any downtown area and I come to see an individual seating on a chair and slouching as the TA was, he would not look approachable especially if i was unaware of who the person is. One must keep in mind, there's a good chance absolutely no one will go up to that person UNLESS you are familiar with them. No one will see them as being approachable but because there is familiarity with others, you will only attract those individuals. This will not work in just any environment. Do not expect to act like that in downtown LA, 5000 miles from home and expect anyone to walk up to you; you will not be approached. Most people will be prejudice and think negatively towards you. Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:10:31 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/10/25/voices-from-the-classroom-197/#IDComment475115028 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/10/16/voices-from-the-classroom-188/#IDComment468041157 Initially, when Sam asked us the question of, "If your land was taken from you, is it rightfully yours to take back?" and I answered yes. Why would anyone not defend their land, or even pride for that matter? Before that class, I was not even aware of the situation going on with Native Americans. This may sound ignorant from lack of research, but I really thought they were still in control of their land, I honestly think it's sad that Native Americans had to be forced out from their land. It is absurd for anyone to have to be forced from your land. It is like owning a home, and your simply watching television, meanwhile you have the government officials run through your doors and escorting you from your home in which they have just took from you. You have done absolutely nothing what so ever to have it taken away, yet it must be that way because they said so. It must be that way because it suddenly became the law. It must be that way because in a perfect world, that is how they see it. Personally, I am anti-government exactly for reasons such as this. Generally, when you hear the words, "government" and the fact that it is associated with the President, your not suppose to think anything negative of it, however I do. I typically think the government is unfair when it comes to society and their ridiculous laws that are against things as harmless as Native Americans! What was wrong with letting them keep their land? Are the government even aware of what they have done?! Of course they do, they are the government and government know all. Yet as a society, we cannot get away with suing or fighting back because it is not our call. Maybe with help we can come together and fight back but even that is questionable. Our government is the unknowingly disruptive to our society, and the unfortunate part about it is they think they are doing the best they can. Forcing the Native Americans away from their home, along with their children, and their children's children is beyond a criminal act. What they have done now is cause nothing but deaths and more deaths for the Native Americans. The government has forced Native Americans homeless, alcoholics, and by far worse, suicidal deaths among them! I am most definitely against this unforbidden law, it is even outrageous to think of such. I cannot say I am Pro-Government, and I have not been for some time now. It is unfair and unethical for such actions, and to come from them is beyond my mind. I don't believe they think before they do, and by even letting these deaths come to play, what is that telling our society about our government? Sat, 20 Oct 2012 01:25:29 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/10/16/voices-from-the-classroom-188/#IDComment468041157 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/10/10/voices-from-the-classroom-182/#IDComment461293409 The events that led up to coming here to Penn State are 50/50 more or less when it came down to free will and determinism. Everyone has their own story. To be honest with you, Penn State was not even on the pinacle of my mind; and even more mind blowing how unaware I was hearing the name Pennsylvania State University and actually identifying it with the infamous "PENN STATE". I completely thought they were two different universities to begin with. I guess you can say around sophomore year of High School, I played for my school's baseball team. Up until that year, I have never been so committed to the sport of baseball. I was so committed that I would train all off-season, join summer and fall leagues, and play the game of baseball while simultaneously outwork my competition, even if that was myself in some condition. By the end of my Junior year, with my determinism and free will, I've decided to upload a video of me training on berecruited.com. Berecruited.com is a website for high school students who's goal and passion is to play college ball and even further achieve to play professionally. And so this is where it began, as the satellite campus Abington Baseball Coach emailed me based off the video. He enjoyed what he saw, and seen potential in me. With great appreciation, he asked that I play for his team. With no question, I accepted his offer and went on to apply for Penn State Abington. It was from that point on that I decided to look more into Penn State. It wasn't even like I had the free will or determinism to even think about attending Penn State, however, I am more than grateful. Easily one of the best decisions I have made in my short life. After spending two years at abington, I've taken account the free will to come up to University Park and continue my education with the correct system, to obtain a diploma I can be proud for. Over the last year, there has been events that occurred in my life that I am NOT proud of, things I wish I can take back. Surely, I agree life is a lesson, but the events I've experienced could have easily been things you can avoid. Things you learn whether it may be from your parents, friends, or teachers should be enough as to knowing what not to do. But as society these days may be, people choose to use their free will and my free will to make poor choices suffers deep inside. Nonetheless I am still here, I am still attending school and obtaining my education; some things not many can say. I want to continue my studies and achieve the finish line with my diploma. I want this to be the positive turning point that my life well needs. I want a turn around just as Sam did when he automatically decided to take school seriously. He went from a punk rock kid, who smokes pot, failing school, to a modest, open minded man who decided to achieve his degree, and even having a successful career. Determinism is the word for this moment; and yet it is 100% free will to choose this act, determinism is what will get me to the finish line. Fri, 12 Oct 2012 02:46:18 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/10/10/voices-from-the-classroom-182/#IDComment461293409 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/10/03/voices-from-the-classroom-176/#IDComment455298972 Although I may have not know the statistics, I was highly aware of my surroundings and just by observing I'm able to tell that Asians are on top, then its the whites, then non-Hispanics, Hispanics, and blacks. Whether or not people knew the statistics, our society and then environment most of us live in is vibrant with answers where a statistic such as this would not be needed. Coming in, I was not really aware as to why this was so. Of course I knew the Asians had wealth, and so did Whites, but why? Why them and why not the rest of us? Most blacks are in poverty because their family before them were in the same position and no motivation to improve. Most Hispanics migrated into the US and therefore maybe in the past was a disadvantage to them because of their speaking abilities and not being able to speak the native language. But those reasons should not be the answer. Asians were and are in the same position; coming in as English being their second language. In China and other Asian countries, they will already provide schooling to learn just that! Why doesn't other or if any Hispanic country do the same and teach their young?! It benefits you in the long run coming into the US to begin with. You cannot expect to just come into the US and be fine with not having any dialect for English! That being said, it always confused me. Was it our race? Was it the fact of being Hispanic or Black? Was it the fact that or skin was not white? Personally I feel in some circumstances, the answer can be yes, and the answer can be no. Most of the time it's what you know, and not who you know. But if that being the case, it almost sounds like it can be a racial discretion. I hate to say or use the word, but that is what it comes down to. Sadly that is was seems to paint the picture a lot of the time. But I could be completely wrong, and maybe it's not. When the four individuals went in the front of the room yesterday, I was incredibly intrigued by what each had to say representing their race. Each individual answered the question exactly how I thought they'd present it too. When the white guy spoke, he honestly had NO IDEA why, he hesitated at first. Which I think personally any other white person would. Then he goes on to say, "Well my parents work for the government." and BOOM, that easy. It was as if he knew nothing of what's going on, but given the little information growing up, that was enough for him. Not disregarding his position or anything, many people are the same exact way. Next was the Asain woman, who spoke well and knew exactly how her family became wealthy. She knew that her parents had to make enough money in order for their children to afford education, not only just going to school in the US, but to even pay a ticket and to live in the US as well. She knew that her parents were well aware of the opportunities the Unites States offer, and therefore they had to work hard so that in the end the children made enough to take care of themselves and family. The next was the Hispanic, and as a fellow Hispanic, she spoke very well and spoke for most Hispanic families in why they were low in the income line. She knew why she was in the situation and easily any race could fall in the same position, but unfortunately most cases it's the Hispanics and Blacks who do. Last but not least, I thought the Black individual spoke pretty well on behalf of most Black families and societies. He said in his community, people were more about materialistic things, looking good, and showing off, instead of investing the money they made and storing money for future reasons, or family. I never thought of it like that, because I'm so used to people doing that anyway, but that MUST be the answer! 90% of the past, present, and future black communities are just the way he described. The only Black families who are more strict and disciplined are the ones who have a history of it and families who are able to bring it down to the next. Again, this class cannot be more interesting. Thu, 4 Oct 2012 14:13:59 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/10/03/voices-from-the-classroom-176/#IDComment455298972 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/09/25/im-wondering-how-i-would-see-things-if-i-walked-in-this-mans-shoes/#IDComment450327530 Things like this has one to think, "Is it them, or is it us?". Ever since September 11th, America has been frightened and defenseless against the Middle East, and so we always had a feel for being on our toes. Had a feel for always being one step ahead, we attack or get attacked. It's them, or us. Words and phrases such as this should not be the resolution to any of this! Like Sam said, "If you must use a weapon, you already lost." We are using fire power for fire power, and what does that solve? How many lives must we sacrifice before we come to a Peace with the Middle East? The lives lost due to war are so much more significant. And here you have not even soldiers, but innocent Arabian men who get caught up in hostage situations or imprisonment just because they decided to walked outside. What exactly was he doing? Did he even say a word to our men? He could have been walking to the deli or shopping for the family. He could have been walking home from his workplace and his wife and kids had to find out he was taken from em, maybe worse and thought he might have been killed. Imagine us living those lives, to be even afraid walking out your own house? Now that is ridiculous, and absurd. If that's the case then we take granted of this thing called life and being free. It was said when they walked into his home they found themselves a weapon or two, well what else will you expect? Look where the man lives! Have you seen the environment? He has a family to protect! Just like any of us, if I were to be living out in the Middle East, damn right I would do the same thing. You never know what can come up. They wake up everyday and leave their home not knowing if they'll be coming home that night. For those who don't particularly leave home have more of a reason to protect their home and their families. One must hope and pray that they don't have anyone looking for them, if not that then hope to their savior that no altercations or controversy is happening just outside their home. Living a life like that is not pleasant whatsoever, and for those innocent Middle Easterners, behalf on the US Army, I'd like to apologize pray for them. The US Army have been molded to have no sympathy, but that doesn't mean you become the criminal you continue to protect America from. Now the soldiers and commanders that are pro taking innocent lives then become the ones we may have to be worried about. Can you believe that? Who should we be more afraid of, is it them or our own? Fri, 28 Sep 2012 01:25:01 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/09/25/im-wondering-how-i-would-see-things-if-i-walked-in-this-mans-shoes/#IDComment450327530 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/09/18/voices-from-the-classroom-168/#IDComment444186066 Well, coming from a hispanic and black area, I am for the most part somewhat aware of complexion and culture. I can almost tell if someone is Peruvian, Colombian, Dominican, African American, etc but as far as Europeans and Irish and African sent individuals, it becomes hard to tell. We, as a society, because we aren't affiliated with other parts of the world, because not all of us have the luxury of visiting each of the Caribbean islands, Spain, we are so limited to the foreign people. If we had an outburst of immigrants, which we may have but will never know, then maybe we would be more familiar with each individual race. The United States can only have so many, and if you are aware and associate with them then you may be foreign yourself. Now as far as that goes, I was about 50% correct with the identifying, but god damn was I confused and mind blown for most. One slide had 3 people in it, and each person had black skin (the black and white did not help the situation) and so it was quite hard to tell who was black, who was Native American, who was Caribbean. I knew as far as from a culture standpoint not to say or make a suggestion of where they may be from because I learned growing up there were so many other kids and I would hear a new country from each of them, then I began to become familiar. So having that in class, I knew it was going to be challenging, yet interesting to know. I think as a society, as people in the United States, we should be more aware of those things and we should be asked these questions like, "Which one is Hispanic?" because so many people just do not know! They take what they know and apply it, instead of being open minded and maybe getting to know the person. This also brings up another topic, based on yesterday's class, you begin to figure out how society looks at people and color. Because there can be a brown or dark skinned person, who would not even be African, or there may be a white person who is African, but society will judge and look at them only from what they know and can see. It's a sad world. We must expand our minds, and expand life, we are not the only people walking this Earth. That is why when I graduate and hopefully become successful, you will not catch me in the United States too much, other than work, I will be traveling. It gives one a new and beautiful perspective on life and people that you will keep forever. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:03:05 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/09/18/voices-from-the-classroom-168/#IDComment444186066 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/09/12/voices-from-the-classroom-162/#IDComment442140552 I was also one who played this about 5 times before I completely understood! I agree with the topic and I do believe that we should accept them for who they are. Acknowledge them, embrace them, because they are people too. People generally tend to focus on things out of the ordinary. But why aren't they ordinary? There is no answer but to say society make them appear that way. Everyone likes the idea of embracing one another and acknowledging each individual as one, but then why aren't we? I've met and witnessed handicapped individuals who deserve so much more than what they have. Not saying that only those particular individuals deserve more than the next but all handicapped. There should be an annual fund just for them. The other day in class when we spoke of this touchy subject of the handicapped, a young handicapped girl spoke up. She mentioned how sometimes her friends even sometimes forget that they can't take the stairs whenever she's around. That touched me, and I know for her she enjoys the fact that they do that because they don't look at her being immobile. When society looks at her, that's what we see, but her friends tend to forget. And that's fine, it says a lot about the friends she has and how much time she spends with them. Sure it means that they weren't acknowledging the fact, but they are embracing her as a human being; which everyone should do. We are all human beings, but not all of us are treated that way. Society needs to act differently, I feel the way Sam put it, "We must bring them into our universe and let it go from our universe," ultimately states how we should think. We, as people all have a common goals, whether you want to believe it or ignore it doesn't matter. There is a barrier in which should not be when it comes to the human race. We tend to have mixed feelings on certain things and feel a certain way when it comes to uncomfortable situations. But why do we feel uncomfortable at times? Why can't we feel comfortable with most situations like for example, being a white guy in a room full of other races? Cultures in our society have different outlook on life and how to live it. If there were a way we could have all races, handicapped, non-handicapped individuals to be in the same room or same atmosphere getting along, then this world can be shaped a lot differently. Aside from how ridiculous and impossible that may be or sound, at least have a class just as this with every university and school out there because group discussions just as this is NEEDED in the world we live in today. A discussion room where there are no boundaries or rules.Wheres peaking your mind is the only weapon. Listening to different people answering to questions based on the culture they came from. Learning how different one's perspective is from another. Sharing your own and giving others different ideas to think about. You are changing lives when you have a class such as this, along with your own! Mon, 17 Sep 2012 03:31:41 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/09/12/voices-from-the-classroom-162/#IDComment442140552 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/09/04/voices-from-the-classroom-158/#IDComment437042410 Sam is at a stage in his life where he's experience so much. He so open minded and open to new and uncertain things, whether it be from a country's perpective or to his own. He loves to talk about things that people don't normally conversate about outside school walls. Sam loves this because it's an issue that people unknowingly take directly. He likes to test, as people, to see if it is possible to discuss these issues and if we can do it succesfully and accordingly. Sam's perspective to the world is not the same for most. He's at the stage where there are so many unanswered questions that he has successfully accepted the fact that he won't ever find an answer for. Which makes his mind to think creatively. My take in all this, there had to have been a time in Sam's life where he just lost all logic. Why is there this? Where is there that? Am I doing something wrong or am I only doing this because society expects me to do this? So many unasnwered question that society keeps quiet with the world. That's why I love this class, because it is so necessary to speak and discuss race and ethnic issues. Half of me says that he only teaches this class because his love for the topic and doing it for selfish reasons. But is it selfish reasons? Is it self pleasure? Or is only right that we discuss this, to think differently about the world and people. Sam is so intouch with the topic and thinks so differently of the world, and therefore is so calm because he realized that this is just all a system. He realized that there's things you must do in this world to be as success as can be and to live as comfortably as you wanted. However, he realized once he got there, he didn't have to listen to society and teach a normal Algebra class. He knew that as a professor in an elite University would allow him to speak on whatever he wanted, whatever it may be. He realized he did not have to listen to society. He did not cheat the system, he only tampered with it. Sam is open for discussion with anything, of any category. I can tell he is the type to be interested in new topics and questions that he has never thought of. I think he teaches this class just for that, to feed off of new ideas and thoughts. To have even more thoughts about society and why we do certain things. But the man has done his research. But what happened was not only was it just answers he found, but they were answers that lead to more questions. I look forward to this class each week, only because Sam is the way that he is. Sun, 9 Sep 2012 00:21:49 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/09/04/voices-from-the-classroom-158/#IDComment437042410