en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2417650 Comments by kav5044 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment144675046 I really liked the idea that everyone but the Native Americans are illegal immigrants. That is an incredibly valid point that I had never really thought about, what would the Europeans have done if the Native Americans would have been able to keep them out? What nationality would I be now? In that sense, how do we as Americans have any right to keep immigrants out of the country? I really do not think that we do, however if we let everyone in it would probably ruin this already flailing country. The wealth needs to be more evenly distributed throughout the classes, instead of keeping it tied up in the interests of rich business owners. If I were a business owner, I would like to think that I would hire the hardest workers possible. If I could get these workers to work for a lower wage than the American workers who are unable to keep up with the immigrants than that would help my business. It’s just business right, nothing personal? I have never agreed with this statement, and if I ever own a business I will hire the hardest workers but also pay them fair wages. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:21:08 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment144675046 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment144675008 I guess that I tended to believe that illegal immigration is a bad thing, but not necessarily because these immigrants can potentially compete for jobs with Americans. It is incredibly dangerous to illegally immigrate into the country. The fact that people are willing to put themselves and their families at risk is really disheartening to see, because as much as I love my country, I just don’t understand how bad it must be for people in their home countries to risk their lives in order to get over here. At the same time, I feel like the whole American dream idea is a type of propaganda. Our economy is not doing well, and the conditions that illegal immigrant workers face is terrible as well. I think that these immigrants really think that they can make a better life for themselves but this is not always the case. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:20:57 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment144675008 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment144674968 Before this lecture I did not really have a solid idea about how I felt about immigration, and truthfully I still do not. It is a tough issue for the many reasons that Sam mentioned in class, but also because in my perfect world, people would be able to travel freely and live where they felt at home. I realize that this will probably never happen, but ideally that is what I would hope for. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:20:43 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment144674968 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/do-you-think-you-would-actively-try-to-not-benefit-from-nepotism-if-the-situation-presented-itself-119-blog/#IDComment142549263 In answer the posted question; no I would not actively try not to benefit from nepotism. I know that I am a good worker, and the relationships and reputation that I have built among my friends, family, and coworkers reflects this. In a way, even though nepotism already has given me a foot in the door, I have spent years building my character and to foster positive relationships, these did not just suddenly appear out of nowhere. Therefore, in a small way at least, I have earned what tiny advantages that I have. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:15:53 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/do-you-think-you-would-actively-try-to-not-benefit-from-nepotism-if-the-situation-presented-itself-119-blog/#IDComment142549263 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/do-you-think-you-would-actively-try-to-not-benefit-from-nepotism-if-the-situation-presented-itself-119-blog/#IDComment142549211 While it is true that nepotism does give somewhat of an unfair advantage over other applicants who are not as connected, I think that it is fair to a certain extent. Most people will not recommend a friend if they do not think that can do the job. Because those who have that job are acquainted with the applicant they have intimate knowledge that may lead them to believe that they will perform the job well. Most people are not willing to risk their reputation in the company by recommending someone who they do not believe will be a positive asset. To me, this idea is the most in favor of nepotism. Employers often receive many more applications than they have either the time or the inclination to look through, and often the job is one that could be performed by any individual with the necessary qualifications. In this sense, it makes sense for the company to recruit an individual that has shown a good work ethic, not only through their resume but through what a current employee has seen and can attest too. It could almost be looked at as a kind of risk reduction strategy. Is that fair? No, it absolutely is not, but like many other instances, you have to look at the bigger picture and weight the pros compared to the cons. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:15:40 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/do-you-think-you-would-actively-try-to-not-benefit-from-nepotism-if-the-situation-presented-itself-119-blog/#IDComment142549211 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/do-you-think-you-would-actively-try-to-not-benefit-from-nepotism-if-the-situation-presented-itself-119-blog/#IDComment142549180 I would like to start out by saying that I had no idea what the wide range of nepotism was before this lecture, and it really made me think about the connections that I have and how important they are. Every job with the exception of one has been gotten as least in part because I knew someone that put my resume in front of the right person, or someone who already worked within the company gave me an excellent recommendation, which then led to an interview. I always had to successfully finish the process, do well in the interview, pass whatever skill test that was necessary, but to initially get in I had to know that person. I actually would like to know what jobs I would and would not have gotten if I did not have connections. I also wonder if nepotism matters more or less in certain fields. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:15:31 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/do-you-think-you-would-actively-try-to-not-benefit-from-nepotism-if-the-situation-presented-itself-119-blog/#IDComment142549180 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/29/do-you-ever-feel-uncomfortable-around-two-or-more-people-speaking-another-language-119-blog/#IDComment138725148 I am also semi used to communicating with people who speak a different language. For a previous job I had to figure out how to communicate with members of the immigrant Russian population of Centre County. There were times when it was extremely difficult and times when it was less so, but my experiences with the members of this population have always been very positive. While it can be difficult to communicate, communication is always possible I believe that these experiences have made me a better communicator overall. I have learned to pay more attention to nonverbal cues, and I think I can pick up on different cues that other people may not necessarily be able to. Communication does not merely happen with words, it is a process that involves your entire body. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:20:17 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/29/do-you-ever-feel-uncomfortable-around-two-or-more-people-speaking-another-language-119-blog/#IDComment138725148 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/29/do-you-ever-feel-uncomfortable-around-two-or-more-people-speaking-another-language-119-blog/#IDComment138725111 I can think of a few instances of when I have felt uncomfortable around others who were speaking a different language. Most of these times have been in a service setting, either at a nail salon or at some sort of eatery. Once, a friend and I were getting a manicure and after talking a little with the manicurist we had settled into our seats and were just reading magazines while having our nails done. The manicurists talked to each other and one of the manicurists motioned to my foot and said something to her coworker. Then they chuckled and continued talking. That situation made me feel uncomfortable because I felt like they were saying something about me right in front of me, and I had no idea what they were saying. It usually does not bother me if the employees had been talking in their native language, I felt uncomfortable because I felt left out of a conversation that may have included me. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:20:02 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/29/do-you-ever-feel-uncomfortable-around-two-or-more-people-speaking-another-language-119-blog/#IDComment138725111 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/29/do-you-ever-feel-uncomfortable-around-two-or-more-people-speaking-another-language-119-blog/#IDComment138725062 I think that this is a really interesting question because it is something that people really do not think about until they are in a situation. I think that it could be uncomfortable for some, but for me, I think that whether or not I would feel uncomfortable or awkward would depend on the situation. For instance if I were to be in a public place and overhear people speaking in different languages I would not feel uncomfortable. There have been many times when I have walked past different groups of people conversing in a different language. This is never something that bothered me; I have tried for years to learn Spanish, and would love to be able to be fluent in two or more languages. I think that it is an awesome skill to have. I have no problem with people speaking in their native tongue, and I think that it is important that different cultures keep their language alive. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:19:45 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/29/do-you-ever-feel-uncomfortable-around-two-or-more-people-speaking-another-language-119-blog/#IDComment138725062 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137108737 Since then, my brother has dated a Black female and my parents have significantly loosened up. They believed they had to protect their little girl and they could not get past the color of my ex’s skin, but they believe it is acceptable for my brother because he can take care of himself. This is a terrible, annoying double standard but at least they are growing at least a little more progressive. Still, even at this point in my life I would have to be in a very serious relationship with someone of a different race before I introduced them to my parent’s or to the rest of my family. Now that I am no longer under my parent’s roof I have asked how they would feel about me dating someone of another race and they kind of shrug and say that I am an adult and I have the ability to make my own choices. I do think that if I were to bring someone of another race home they would give him a chance, but I’ll never know until I meet the right one. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:44:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137108737 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137108689 When I confronted them on what their issue was, they said that it wasn’t that they did not like my boyfriend at the time, but they were afraid that I was going to get pregnant (because of course that would have happened). My parents claimed that they had known children of mixed race when they were growing up and these ‘unfortunate’ children were not treated fairly from the rest of the population. To sum up what is possibly the most twisted logic that I have ever had the unfortunate opportunity to hear, I should not date a Black man because I would get pregnant and it would not be fair to the child. Even at the time I realized how absolutely ridiculous and bigoted my parents were acting, but honestly at that point I just went with it because I did not want to have to deal with any more drama. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:44:40 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137108689 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137108649 I think that the main factor that influences the race of who people date is the individual’s family. I am a white female who has always been attracted to men of other races, but I was told at a very young age that my family would not approve of an interracial relationship. I actually tried to date a Black guy when I was in the eighth grade. He lived on my street and we had always been friends. But when we tried to date suddenly my parents would not let me out of the house as much as they used to. I suddenly had a ridiculous curfew and if he happened to come over my parents would make it so unbearable that it was just not an option for him to spend time with me at home. Dating can be stressful enough without all of this extra baggage and eventually we just broke up because we could not take the negativity anymore. It drove us apart. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:44:26 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-factors-in-your-race-make-it-difficult-to-date-outside-your-race-119-blog/#IDComment137108649 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135947854 Whenever my friends from home visit they are surprised at the lack of diversity and always comment on how the campus is for the most part, white. They also comment on how when they do see minorities they are more likely to stay in groups together, and the only integrated groups (for the most part) are sports teams, and they are almost forced to work together. It has also been noted that Penn State tries to talk up how diverse it is, when really, the school does not seem that diverse. I guess that the school is located in the middle of Pennsylvania, and as such it is pretty representative of the general population. With that being said, I do think that Penn State tries to attract a diverse group of students, and it does to a certain extent, but that if the university were in a different location or had better tuition prices, it would be a much more diverse, well-rounded place to attend school. I think that Penn State is a great place to attend college, but it would only be made better if the school could find a way to diversify its student population a little more. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 01:00:36 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135947854 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135947796 As stated above, the amount of diversity was not something that I gave any thought to when I was making my college decision. I come from a very diverse area, and as a result never really thought about diversity or the importance that it plays in our daily lives. The saying that you don’t realize what you missed until it is gone exemplifies this idea. Diversity is important because it can help us branch out to both try and learn about things that we otherwise would never have been exposed to. It helps people to grow. A school setting is a safe setting to learn about different cultures and is an excellent place to foster diversity. I do not think that Penn State is very diverse, and I think that if I had realized this before I decided to come here, I may have made a different decision. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 01:00:20 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135947796 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135947757 I think that whether or not Penn State is diverse depends a lot on the environment of where each individual grew up. For instance, those from the more rural areas of Pennsylvania are more likely to consider this school diverse, than say someone who was raised in Philadelphia. I was raised in the Baltimore-DC area, so coming to State College, where the majority of the population is white, was kind of a culture shock to me. I went from being an almost-minority to the majority. When I was applying to different colleges, the amount of diversity was not even on my list of things to consider because I never saw it as being an issue. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 01:00:05 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135947757 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/do-people-feel-guilt-about-their-current-positions-when-knowing-about-the-disadvantages-of-the-freed-slaves-119-blog/#IDComment134271063 I think that Sam made a good point when he said that those of us who do not face discrimination daily should not feel guilty, we should accept the fact that I as an individual who has white skin, we have been given extra advantages even before we were born. I did not ask for these advantages, but I subconsciously use them in my daily life, just as I have always used them in the past, and will continue to take advantage of in the future. It is important to understand and accept the roles that these inherent advantages play, so that eventually, when I am in a position where I can really make a difference, I can use that power to change things, to make this world a place where equality reigns. To sum up, while there are some feelings of guilt, these feelings can be utilized to encourage positive change in the world. Most importantly, our society needs to accept that it has done wrong and do our best to create positive change in the world. Instead of placing blame, people need to accept that the past is the past, negative events have occurred, but the people who make up our society now are largely not directly responsible. There needs to be open dialogue between different races and cultures, and we as a society need to believe that change is possible, and hope is more than a campaign slogan. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:55:55 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/do-people-feel-guilt-about-their-current-positions-when-knowing-about-the-disadvantages-of-the-freed-slaves-119-blog/#IDComment134271063 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/do-people-feel-guilt-about-their-current-positions-when-knowing-about-the-disadvantages-of-the-freed-slaves-119-blog/#IDComment134270914 If I had been asked this question before the lecture, I would have said that no, I do not feel guilty about the disadvantages that freed slaves have. I do not participate in any kind of discrimination that I am aware of, and if I ever get to the point where I have the opportunity to hire and fire people, I will make sure that the most qualified diverse group of people is hired and those that do not adequately perform their jobs are fired. However, after this lecture, I do feel more guilt. It is true that I try to give everyone a fair chance regardless of the color of their skin, but that does not change all of the hardship that these individuals go through on a daily basis. I see it being incredibly frustrating, but also I think that people get to the point that they just get tired of dealing with ignorance and just start to go with the flow of the tide because it is easier. Everything can be explained away, logic can be twisted and things that should not be accepted are because it is easier to grasp happiness than it is to fight for it. People are only able to make the best of what they have to a certain extent, after that the uphill battle becomes an uphill slide, impossible to traverse. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:55:06 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/02/do-people-feel-guilt-about-their-current-positions-when-knowing-about-the-disadvantages-of-the-freed-slaves-119-blog/#IDComment134270914 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/23/why-are-white-people-so-reluctant-to-admit-to-having-discriminations-119-blog/#IDComment130081651 Also, people in my generation have not had to live through the race riots or segregation, and for this reason people consider racism to be on its way out the door. As illustrated by the examples in class, this is obviously not true, but since most people are ignorant or choose not to believe that a white man with a felony is more likely to be hired than a black man without any criminal charges, no further progress can be made. It is sad, but it really is easier for people to rally behind a cause when it has a ‘face’. For example, most Americans did not have much of a prejudice towards Muslims until after September 11th. But after a tragedy like that occurs, and you hear the stories of those that lost their lives, people become more attached to the movement, they see the ‘face’ and they get behind it. Without the faces of Emmitt Till or the Scottsboro boys, the prejudice that African Americans face is much harder to label, and much harder to combat. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:56:42 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/23/why-are-white-people-so-reluctant-to-admit-to-having-discriminations-119-blog/#IDComment130081651 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/23/why-are-white-people-so-reluctant-to-admit-to-having-discriminations-119-blog/#IDComment130081624 I think that for many white individuals it is just simply that they do not want to hear about it anymore. It is universally agreed upon that slavery was a terrible inhumane ordeal, and our country should be ashamed for encouraging it and giving this awful living style a place to call home. But slavery has been over for a decent amount of time, and at least for the people of my generation, no one has any ties to slavery. It is something in our history, absolutely, but the past is the past. As the old adage goes, there is no use crying over spilled milk. It is hard to continually feel guilty for something that has not even occurred in your lifetime. I am not trying to belittle the struggle that African Americans had to go through then or the struggle that they go through now, but there comes a point when people just want to say, enough is enough, you have our guilt, now you have to do something about it. You have to educate yourselves and do what any other member of the human race is expected to do- live the best life that you can. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:56:30 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/23/why-are-white-people-so-reluctant-to-admit-to-having-discriminations-119-blog/#IDComment130081624 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/23/why-are-white-people-so-reluctant-to-admit-to-having-discriminations-119-blog/#IDComment130081591 One of my worst fears is being called racist or having someone tell me that I discriminate against people of other races. My parents, and my father especially, have been known to make discriminatory statements in public, and this was a source of supreme embarrassment to me when I was younger. I do not want to be associated in any way with racism, so I have always tried to avoid it like the plague. When I was younger, I was actually prejudiced when it came to anything Southern. I thought that all Southerners were Confederate flag touting, uneducated individuals that I wanted no part of (I realize now that I was committing the same offense as my parents, just towards another group of people). Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:56:18 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/23/why-are-white-people-so-reluctant-to-admit-to-having-discriminations-119-blog/#IDComment130081591