en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/762098 Comments by jzr141 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-health-care__trashed/#IDComment71346315 I honestly do not think health care should be an equal right to everyone. If you are here illegally and you’re not paying taxes and you’re not on the books, then why should you get the same size slice of the pie as everyone who has been doing it the right way? American citizens pay taxes and fees for a reason, including to obtain these rights for health care, and to reap other benefits of the government. If illegal immigrants were to still receive healthcare, it’s almost as if they’re cheating the entire system and unrightfully receiving these benefits. Therefore, I personally think if immigrants want to come to America and make money and improve their lives, as well as receiving other benefits that other citizens receive, then they should realize that they can’t take the easy way out, and have to become a citizen just like everyone else. Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:34:41 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-health-care__trashed/#IDComment71346315 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment71345529 I think if people needed money to obtain their legal rights, then that’s just extremely hypocritical and goes against the whole MO of America. I know when my ancestors came to Ellis Island, they, along with pretty much everyone else on the boat, were dirt poor. Yet they turned it around and put in their blood, sweat, and tears into their work. A main reason why everyone comes to America is because they don’t have money and want to make a better life for themselves and their families. Having to buy legal rights may shut down immigration altogether and those who do purchase legal citizenship will hardly even appreciate it, because it wasn’t even earned. Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:29:05 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment71345529 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment71344778 I think these two stories are very uplifting, and everyone can learn something from them. I found the first video about the kidney transplant pretty interesting. Giving someone a kidney is a pretty serious thing, and the fact that this man just seemed to do it without really thinking it over that much and without that much hesitation is almost shocking. For a family member, I’m sure anyone would give their kidney. For a friendly grocery clerk? Maybe not so much. Just the fact that this video proves that people like this man actually exist is uplifting in itself. Another hidden gem in this video is what this kidney transplant means deep down. Here is a Caucasian male and a Latina (I think?) woman. On the outside, racially and genetically, they probably couldn’t be any more different. Yet, they beat the odds of 1 to 4,000 chances and they were a match. There are instances every day where best friends and family members attempt to match for a kidney transplant, and they never will. This just goes to prove that while we all may be different on the outside and treat each other differently because of the color of our skin, on the inside, we are more alike with those of different races than we may ever imagine. This is science, and science is an objective power. Also, the Tan Hong Ming video on the surface is so adorable. Nothing is cuter when a little boy has a crush on a little girl and wants to ask her to go on romantic dinner dates. You want them to stay that cute and innocent forever. If you dig a little deeper, though, this video has a more profound significance. Children aren’t born with the racial stereotypes that separate and divide our world. They’re all brought into life on equal ground in their eyes, and it isn’t until their parents and society instill social parameters and prejudices in their minds do they lose their innocence. I wish people can stay like this forever. The Chinese boy and the Malaysian girl don’t see any difference between each other, yet when they’re older, who knows how they will feel about different races. They may separate and only hang out with others of their race because of society or what their family and friends have to say about the other. This is a huge step backwards in regards to race relations. It just goes to show that children are born without the colored glasses that filter us away from others of a different race. More people need to be simple-minded like these two children. You should like a person because YOU like them, and you shouldn’t let society dictate who you can and can’t like. These children haven’t been influenced by society yet, and hopefully they never will be. Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:23:55 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment71344778 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment68237188 This is pretty interesting! Personally, if Mandarin were being offered in high school, I would definitely opt out of taking it and stick to French. But that’s just me thinking how difficult it seems after watching this YouTube video. Honestly, he dumbed down a simple sentence to the easiest level and I still have no idea how to say “the weather is good today.” Marketwise, I can see how Mandarin can be important, as the Chinese market is a huge factor in business and global companies, so it’s kind of like a recognition of the power they hold. But honestly, I can only think that knowing Mandarin will be helpful only with helping a college grad get a job. It looks impressive, but realistically, are they really going to translate Mandarin enough times so that it’s relevant in the work force? Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:33:46 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment68237188 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-are-we-doing-here-really__trashed/#IDComment68235828 I think the end goal is just to be able to have everyone become a little bit more aware. Not everyone has to become a humanitarian, but I think everyone should leave this class with a little bit more understanding than when they walked in. I know personally, I have thought more about the differences between myself and others of different race. I used to think that race relations wasn’t such a big deal, but I’m more aware now of the differences of different racial groups when I walk on campus. I think about why everyone’s so separated and why certain races have certain stereotypes. I may not be a master at fully understanding everyone who is different from me, but I am more aware of the fact that those differences do exist, and I think that’s one of the goals for race relations. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:22:05 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-are-we-doing-here-really__trashed/#IDComment68235828 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68235161 I really like this post and I think more women should adopt this attitude. I feel as if girls, especially adolescents, pre-teens, and college-aged, are constantly comparing themselves to who they see in the magazines and on TV and in the movies. I think that’s a travesty. We’re at an age where we’re trying to find ourselves and identify the types of people we will become, and unfortunately, most of the media that showcases the unattainable ideals are geared towards us. The media and society definitely plays a huge role in this issue, and I think that whatever it deems as beautiful, everyone else will want to follow suit. For instance, in the 1600-1800s, most painters painted women who had rounded and healthier looking bodies, and that’s what many people believed to be beautiful. It’s the total opposite today, where rail-thinness is what many people sicken themselves over. The media and society throw these ideas into our faces, and it becomes hard to see past them and think for ourselves. What do we really want? Why do we even care? Why do we keep comparing ourselves to our friends and to those that we pass on the street? To me, all of this is silly and thinking about it is a waste of time. I think that it’s important to realize that that how we look or dress isn’t important, and it in no way has any influence over the type of people that we become. I think that’s what we need to be thinking about. The types of career women we’re going to be, how we treat others, and what kind of role models we are want to be for our daughters is what we should be thinking about. As for our bodies, I think one of the things the play did a good job with was expressing how ridiculous an obsession over your body is. The part that stuck out to me was when one character exclaimed that her aunt with breast cancer could benefit from a breast reduction, and yet the other character was taking her spot just so she can get attention from boys. I find it sad, because I know someone who cares so much about what others think of her appearance, and I could see her going to such lengths to fit in. Personally, as a woman, I find that utterly embarrassing. I don’t think anyone should compromise themselves or their bodies just to get someone to like them. What the play really made me realize is that you should live for yourself, not for anyone else. You’re body is beautiful no matter what shape it comes in, and the person who agrees with you and loves you for it is the one that you should stick with, not the guy (or girl) that only wants the Hollywood stereotype clone that so many girls strive to be. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:16:07 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68235161 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-if-we-got-rid-of-welfare__trashed/#IDComment66640918 I think there could be many benefits and many negatives to shutting down the welfare program, but overall, I think it would be a pretty bad idea. I say benefits because I think a lot of identifying with poor socioeconomic status comes from whether a person is on welfare or not, and that seems like welfare just stamps an unwarranted label on someone’s forehead that they need special treatment. Also, I think sometimes people who are on welfare are more likely to rely on it more heavily for money to buy food and other necessities, and might be less likely to venture out and find that job and find those means to get ahead in the economic world. However, I think getting rid of it would be a bad idea too, because the job of the government is to help out the citizens who they represent. What would happen to those who really, seriously, could not afford food and clothing on their own? This might drive more to go out and work harder to make more money, but in reality , society doesn’t work that way . When you’re down, you’re more likely to stay down. The welfare program needs to find that happy medium where they can provide for those who qualify and need it, educate those who are on it about getting ahead and saving, but it shouldn’t ever be used as a crutch. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 20:02:01 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-if-we-got-rid-of-welfare__trashed/#IDComment66640918 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66640151 I feel like we were in the same discussion group, because this sounds very familiar. But anyway, this class has changed my opinion on a few things, but most of the time I can’t say that the issue of race has been radically transformed in my mind since before the start of this class. The one aspect of this class that really has taught me the most is the discussion group. Like mam5474, I’m in section 033 so I only got to do it once, but I must say, I kind of regret not being able to do it every week. The group dynamic was amazing and I think we had a really great and open conversation that seemed to help me come to my own conclusions about how I personally feel about people who come from a different race and background as myself. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 19:54:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66640151 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66639255 This game is absolutely horrifying. As a woman, I’ve never felt so disgusted in my life. Taking such a traumatizing event such as rape and making it into a video game (let alone one that people could BUY this in public places) is not only despicable and full of perversion, but it’s absolutely the most morally corrupt someone could get. I would be willing to put money down that this video game was made by a bunch of old horny men who will most likely die alone, and now, thankfully disgraced. As a woman, seeing what this video game entails just makes me really really angry. It objectifies my gender in the worst way and reminds me why men can be so disgusting. If the premise of the game “Rapeplay” (ugh that title is atrocious) actually happened to me in real life, like if someone happened to stalk my sisters and I in a subway station and proceeded to grope me and rape me, I’m pretty sure I would be left with serious psychological damage. And to think that people can make a profit off of this sick and twisted shit just sickens me to the core. What also makes me really mad about this post in general is the woman from England who test drove this video game. The fact that she didn’t find this disturbing or wrong AT ALL astounded me. She wasn’t even fazed by it the tiniest bit? She didn’t find it degrading and demoralizing and completely horrifying? I’d like to think my reactions to this videogame aren’t overreactions and that they’re warranted. Maybe it has to do with the fact that censorship in Europe, especially regarding sexual images in the media, is much more lax, but there is nothing about these Japanese video games that are meant to be sensual and nonviolent. No, this video game is strictly sick and disturbing. Sure, maybe if a rapist got his hands on this game, he would be able to play out his fantasies without actually harming anyone. But what if this game fell into the hands of a child or an impressionable teenager? They’ll play it and they’ll think it’s fun in real life, but what would happen if they decide to take it out into the real world and try some of these things? This argument reminds me a lot about violence in the media, which is a major problem here in the United States. It’s giving the youth these crazy ideas that certain things like walking into school with a handgun or raping women in a subway station is actually OK, because they don’t see the consequences of these horrifying actions in their video games. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 19:46:41 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66639255 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65347200 I think that the fact that minority groups are soon to become the majority is an interesting sensation. As a white person, I’m not worried that my race is going to be forgotten and left behind. If anything, I think that this is a great thing for our country. Maybe in the future, when those minority-turned-majority babies grow up and start to run our country and take charge, there will be more equal benefits and opportunities for everyone. Sure, whites may lose some control, but some may argue that they have too much control now, which is a very bad thing. More people from different backgrounds and cultures need to be included in the decision making to truly have a society where everyone can have a fair shot at success and equal opportunities. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 23:07:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65347200 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65344135 A psychology minor, I found this video to be absolutely fascinating. It’s sad to see the internal conflict in the children’s minds show up on their faces when they say that the doll that looked like them is the one that would be considered the “bad doll.” They may be too young to understand it now, but I feel as though this could cause some serious issues in the future. This video seriously shocked me. I can maybe understand why they would rather play with the white doll. Barbies and Polly Pockets and American Girl and characters on TV are all white, with very few representations of any other ethnic groups. In commercials for the Barbie doll, Barbie was always front and center in the convertible or whatever with the black doll and whoever else in the background. It’s hard to believe that the media can reach out and affect children so young, but there you have it. No matter how surrounded the children are by black or brown family members and members of their community, the media will still influence them to believe that the way they should be is white. Another thing that bothered me about this movie: when the girl talked about how she began to wear her hair naturally, and her mother told her to stop it because it looked too “African.” Well what is so wrong with that? She should be proud that her daughter wants to wear her hair that God gave her with pride. She made it sound like her mother was ashamed and she wanted to hide her roots. This idea makes me seriously sad and is another way that the media is oppressing real beauty with a completely fake an scrutinizing image that is hard to obtain from anyone who’s not tall, blonde, white as snow, skinny, etc. I mean, bleaching cream regiments at SIX YEARS OLD? WHAT?? Seriously, I think this is all at the hands of the media, and it’s corrupt and sad. I think cable companies, the entertainment industry, and just products that are marketed to women in general need to take a step back and completely reconsider their marketing plans. Why must women of color, who happen to be beautiful, intelligent, and completely undeserving of this neglect, be subjected to an exclusive idea of beauty. It just doesn’t seem right or fair to me at all. More women of color need to be showcased in ads and celebrated for their beauty so the four year olds don’t consider the doll that looks like them to be the bad doll. It’s sad that this needs to be said, but the change is long overdue. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 22:57:02 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65344135 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/flip-the-script-for-a-moment__trashed/#IDComment65336532 I completely agree with this post. We are all going to die at some point or another and life can be very short. So why not take this opportunity of the short time we have and QUESTION EVERYTHING. Why can’t women talk about their “bleeding?” It’s something we have no control over and it’s completely natural, so why should we be ashamed of it? Why, in this day and age, are people still closed-off to reaching out and learning about other races and cultures that are different from their own? That’s completely natural and out of our control, too. We can’t change our ancestry or our backgrounds, but we can break the cycle of ethnocentrism and change the way we approach others who we may not understand, and try to learn form them and enrich our own lives. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 22:31:58 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/flip-the-script-for-a-moment__trashed/#IDComment65336532 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/native-hawaiians-ever-think-of-them__trashed/#IDComment64136893 When you think of Hawaii, what usually comes to mind is some locals chilling on a beach a la Forgetting Sarah Marshall or 50 First Dates. Everyone seems so laid back there that it’s weird to think that anything really bothers the natives. In fact, it’s hard to imagine that they once had a kingdom, their last princess ending her reign in 1893. However, this article was very eye opening. Many Native Hawaiians face the same struggles that Native Americans face on the mainland, yet I feel like it could be way worse for them. They’re struggling right next to some of the most decadent resorts that host the richest of vacationers. The tourists’ freedom to make wonderful memories on the same land that has treated the natives like dirt gets thrown in their faces, and almost mocks them and the lives they could have had. I believe that this money granted to the Native Hawaiians and give them a boost in reclaiming their own government back, however, it can only take them so far to get them back on their feet. This article makes a very good point when it claims, “Native Hawaiians are truly empowered to make their own decisions, it's not that we'll make better decisions than anybody else. It's that we know our communities and we know what will work.” Native Hawaiians have been in a state of destitution for so long, that I wonder if they did even get the power to govern themselves back, would they even know what to do with it? They’re going to literally have to work themselves back from the ground up, which is definitely no easy feat. What would Native Hawaiians even do with the proposed $338 million and 1 million acres? If they were to reestablish a monarchy, surely the American government would have to intervene, which just goes against the whole point of this legislation. Hopefully, the money can go towards something useful, like healthcare or housing projects, to help Native Hawaiians take charge of their lives again. I think this issue sheds light on the very important issues that face the people who first lived in our country. After reading this article, and comparing Native Hawaiian’s struggles with the struggles of other Native Americans, it makes me wonder about the paradoxes of the United States. We claim to welcome people from all over the world and promise a life of opportunity, yet to the actual people who were here before us and who were forced aside, our nation pretty much leaves them for dead and leaves them off in the poorest conditions. It’s sad to see that some native groups are just now regaining the power to govern themselves and revert back to the ways they used to live, but I think too much damage has been done for their efforts to truly be successful. It will be interesting to see how Native Hawaiians fare with this new opportunity. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 03:15:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/native-hawaiians-ever-think-of-them__trashed/#IDComment64136893 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64131423 I completely agree with this comment. Yes, periods are gross and extremely uncomfortable, but they’re not all that horrible. And as a woman, I personally dream about the day when I have my first baby, and I believe that going through this every month will be worth it. However, I feel that society has made periods so uncomfortable to talk about. I feel like sex is always censored on TV as opposed to other things such as violence that are given free reign. People just aren’t that comfortable and are more uptight about talking about things like this. Also, I especially agree with you here and thought it was kind of despicable to describe in detail Laura Mulvey’s menstrual cycle. Sure, we can talk about periods more, but really? Sam talked about respecting women in class today, but I think that was truly disrespectful. At least ask for her permission before you go off on a tangent about her periods to a room full of 750 (mostly immature) college kids. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:18:57 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64131423 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64130303 This is an odd question, but it’s probably only odd because when talked about outside of all-women social circles, doctor’s offices, and health classes, the menstrual cycle is seriously off-limits. As a girl, I honestly don’t have any problem talking about it with my friends or with other women, because having a menstrual cycle is honestly like being a part of a club. Men don’t know what it’s like and will never understand it, which gives us women a type of bond that holds us together. But coming back to the idea that this question is odd . . . I think it’s an issue of maturity. The first time guys really and truly face this natural bodily function and begin to care about it is more often than not when they’re older, in a stable relationship, and trying to have kids. And by the time they reach this stage in life, they’re (HOPEFULLY) mature and responsible adults. Why else would they care about it beforehand? Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:08:57 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64130303 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment62823989 This is a very interesting question, and I think it has a lot to do with the questions being posed in class. I think it just all boils down to the majority and the minority. When a rude thing is said about the minority, then that person who said it will most likely be targeted as a racist or a bully or something along those lines. However, when a negative comment is posted about the majority, then that comment could be considered as just resentment towards not being included, and can easily be brushed off or ignored. This is not to say that colored people WANT to be a part of the majority at all. It’s just how life is and how people usually react in these situations. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:35:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/does-this-rudeness-thing-cut-both-ways__trashed/#IDComment62823989 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-world-is-full-of-surprises__trashed/#IDComment62822499 I found this article to be extremely interesting and pretty neat. Being Jewish myself, it’s always nice to hear of more people who are different from you, but you can still identify with them on such a profound level. It’s also pretty cool that this group is located in Zimbabwe. The only black Jews I thought existed were the Ethiopian Jews, and I always considered them to be such a novelty because they are so different from the expected. It’s also good to see that this group is coming out more into the public eye, showing the world that race and skin color doesn’t dictate culture and religion. The lines between races can always be blurred through shared cultures and beliefs, and we’re not all as different as we think we are. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:22:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-world-is-full-of-surprises__trashed/#IDComment62822499 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62820237 First of all, I would just like to point out that the school board in Missouri referred to a girl bringing a date of the same sex a “distraction to the educational process.” I believe that this statement is an absolute joke and a cop-out to mask the real prejudiced reasons behind cancelling this prom. If you go to any high school in the United States in the month of March, April, and May, and ask any student (boys and girls alike) what is on their mind, the answer will have nothing to do with school or a test or an assignment. It will more likely than not have something to do with prom. Prom as a whole is a “distraction in the educational process,” so clearly, the fact that it was cancelled because one student has decided to bring her same-sex partner, is complete bullshit. Not only that, but come prom night, most students who would have attended would only be worrying only about themselves: how they look, who they’re with, and just focusing on having a good time during the last few weekends left of school. Sure, people will be looking at who came with who, but who are they to judge if a same sex couple comes together? It’s extremely unfair that the school board, which has no business in one student’s personal life or affairs, only their education and safety, to strip away the same basic rights to attend prom as every other high school student, just because she’s a lesbian and wants to express herself in a tuxedo. It’s ironic that many people look to the generations before them for guidance on the right way to act and appropriate actions to take in certain situations, and this school board is thinking completely backwards. What are they teaching the students at Itawamba County Agricultural High School? If they were worried about Constance Mcmillan being the subject of ridicule and slander, and they cancelled prom to protect her, then their plan completely backfired. Now hate will be directed towards her from her peers for having prom cancelled. If that wasn’t the reason why they decided to cancel prom, then the only other alternative I can think of is because they are afraid of what is different. The school board obviously has a poor understanding of what it means to be an adolescent today in a world that is opening up to homosexual awareness. I truly hope this is one of the last cases we hear about that concerns the unfair treatment of people because of their sexual orientation. Mcmillan, as well as every other gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender person is harmless, let alone an innocent eighteen year old who just wants to have fun at her senior prom. It’s truly disgusting how older generations are trying to hold back our own. Maybe they’re the ones that need to go back to school and learn a few new things about the world we live in today. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:05:11 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62820237 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59760315 I can see where Moose’s train of thought lies and I can see how white people would want to play in an all-white league: because when playing in a sport dominated by amazing black athletes, they could tend to get shut-out and not get enough playing time, or just might not be able to keep up with the fast pace of the game. However, my solution to this all-white basketball league? Tough luck, it will never happen. If you want to play in a game of basketball that you can keep up with, then play a game with your white friends who are equally awkward at basketball as you. You can’t form an official league that excludes one ethnic group without coming off as a complete and utter racist and suffering some serious backlash for it. Thu, 4 Mar 2010 17:05:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59760315 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59759276 When I get invited to a themed party, the issue of race never really crosses my mind. Most of the parties I hear of happen to be very sexist and have the words “hoes” in the name (and weirdly almost every girl obliges), but race is never really issue. The only theme I can really think of where I can see race being a huge component is CMT vs. BET, but again, it’s not like blacks are the only ones being stereotyped. Yes, half the party will be dressed up like rappers and “thugs” but the other half will personify trailer trash and rednecks. Thu, 4 Mar 2010 16:56:49 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59759276