en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2474819 Comments by konstantine2191 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/would-you-help-someone-illegal-immigrate-into-the-country-why-or-why-not-119-blog/#IDComment145284931 One last issue of illegal immigrants is when they travel over the border, and have their children here, those children immediately become citizens of the US. Therefore, when they are found out and taken to trial to be forced back to their native country, they use the argument of the face that their children are here. They are therefore put in a tough position; to either take their children back to poverty or leave them here without their parents. Though this is a terrible thing to have to decide, the face that they were illegally is a difficult thing to oversee. Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:40:11 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/would-you-help-someone-illegal-immigrate-into-the-country-why-or-why-not-119-blog/#IDComment145284931 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/would-you-help-someone-illegal-immigrate-into-the-country-why-or-why-not-119-blog/#IDComment145284878 However, if the illegal immigrants were not taking these jobs than perhaps more American citizens would be either forced to take them, or the employers would be forced to raise the salary in order for attract employees from this country. Also, health care is a well known issue in not only America, but almost any country. The illegal immigrants crowd our emergency rooms looking for free basic health care because they know they can not be turned away. However, they do not have the insurance and therefore they lack the ability to pay. This costs tax payers, Americans who do pay their insurance, and they end up paying for this “free” health care. Most of us are willing to do this for the citizens of our country, however, that is one thing. Taking care of the people who are not allowed to be here to begin with, though I again wish there was a way for us to do, in place of the people who are waiting for their turn who legally live in America, is already unfair to the people living in poverty in the US. Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:39:49 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/would-you-help-someone-illegal-immigrate-into-the-country-why-or-why-not-119-blog/#IDComment145284878 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/would-you-help-someone-illegal-immigrate-into-the-country-why-or-why-not-119-blog/#IDComment145284858 Although I understand the point of business decisions determining how many immigrants are let into the country, I do not support illegal immigration. There are many issues that would cause me to not want to break the law as a born American citizen in helping people enter the country who are not authorized to do so. To begin with, I feel we have enough of our own problems in the US, and we need to deal with these first before we let a significant amount of people into the US. It is not that I do not have sympathy for people who face hard crimes of violence in their native countries, but I also know that helping the less fortunate people who are living in our country is already a very difficult task. Another concern pertaining to this issue is the jobs that illegal immigrants take from Americans. These people are willing to do the more menial, lower paying jobs, that many Americans shy away from. Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:39:41 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/would-you-help-someone-illegal-immigrate-into-the-country-why-or-why-not-119-blog/#IDComment145284858 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142539855 Shortly after 9/11, he received a call from his family who remained in the country, asking him to express their condolences and sorrow for what had happened to so many families across the US. They asked him to please explain that the visuals we were seeing on TV of people celebrating was not how the majority felt, and that they would have never wished any of this on anyone. This goes to show that not everyone is “evil,” but rather it is impossible to truly see all perspectives and gain an understanding. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:29:41 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142539855 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142539836 Just as children from the early 1900’s grew up learning to “hate” people because of the color of their skin or how they grew up, the children of extremists learned to view Americans as the enemy. Now, they see us coming into their country and, if not for our own benefit, they wonder why else we could possibly be destroying their towns and, in unfortunate circumstances, killing their people. Americans grow up having almost anything they can ask for. Although it’s obviously much easier for some to succeed in this country than for others, the opportunities are immense compared to other less fortunate countries. I don’t want to take it so far as to say these terrorists and extremists are “brainwashed,” but rather they grew up only seeing the negativity that our country seems to have to offer. From another standpoint, I worked in a Middle Eastern restaurant where the owner was from Jordan. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:29:37 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142539836 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142539797 Yes I find it heart breaking and angering, but the people who committed this awful act grew up and experienced a life very different from the American victims. Though I am not at all a religious person, I have spent my life trying very hard to understand what it is about certain beliefs that can compel people to do such unimaginable things. There is no doubt that this class changed many people’s opinions on what is going on with the war, although it is impossible to escape all negative feelings of terrorism. Throughout life I have met many different kinds of people with many different backgrounds and seen how it affects decisions they make later in life. Although comparing the life of a terrorist growing up in the Middle East to a peer of mine growing up with a difficult family in a poor neighborhood is a big stretch, I feel it is in a way similar on a much smaller scale. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:29:24 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142539797 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142539759 Unfortunately, because of the tragic events that have occurred in our lifetime, our generation has grown up in an era where terrorism is a prevalent and constantly talked about topic. Although I was only 10 years of age when the horrific tragedy occurred of September 11th occurred, it is no secret that I, along with my peers, remember everything about that day. As I grew up and learned more about issues regarding government, religion, and terrorism, I found myself looking back to what happened and trying to pick a stand point on the issue. As a rehabilitation major and, hopefully, and sociology minor, I find it very difficult to blame anyone for what occurred. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:29:15 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142539759 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142536079 Obviously money too can help long term but food supply for a day is not the answer. This money needs to go other places such as building businesses and rebuilding homes that have fallen apart. It needs to go to other simple things such as transportation and skill training so that once the aide of our country is able to step out of the picture, these people are ready to work on their own and earn a living for themselves. No one wants to remain a charity case for the rest of their lifetime, and if all the money is going to food this is what the outcome will be. These pictures, though they catch the viewer’s eye and attention, aren’t showing the real picture of what needs to be done. It is human nature to live in the moment and attempt to fix a problem temporarily right then and there, and this is the instinct that goes off in people when they see these children in need. However, we can’t do this forever and things need to be thought out in order to help these people on a longer time line. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:12:04 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142536079 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142536046 Not only do these poor children need help, but so do the rest of their families which include the adults in their lives that need to be strong enough and able to raise and take care of them. Also, though these donations may give a family or two food and possibly other necessities such as clothing, etc, in the long run this will not highly benefit them. The parents of these children need a steady income in order to continue to raise and care for their children into adulthood. This requires a lot more than a couple donations a year. People need to actually get involved by helping to rebuild Haiti and find a way to help these people use their talents and abilities to obtain jobs that will allow them to feed and clothe their families themselves. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:11:50 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142536046 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142535988 I was unfortunately unable to attend the lecture regarding this matter, however, as I read over some of the responses from other students and acquired the general idea of what was discussed I am torn between the uses of these images to influence Americans. For the most part, I disagree with these pictures and feel it exploits the children and does not address what these countries, such as Haiti, really need to help them get back on their feet. However, it is the sad truth that many Americans are ignorant to the facts of what is going on in other parts of the world and these commercials and pictures are sometimes the only things to capture their attention, whether it is right or wrong. When it comes down to it though, there has to be better ways to sending this information to Americans in order to encourage them to donate not only some of their money, but time and effort as well. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:11:30 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/after-this-class-do-you-still-blame-terrorism-119-blog/#IDComment142535988 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/for-the-white-females-would-you-ever-date-a-black-guy-119-blog/#IDComment137268967 I think this a very interesting topic that is rarely discussed and I’m glad it was brought up in class. After a great conversation during our group discussion, I’m intrigued by what others had to say on the matter. Although I’ve never dated a black guy, I don’t see any reason why I would not, assuming they had the same interests as me and we were similar in certain ways. I think it would be interesting and exciting to date someone who most likely grew up differently than I did and have the opportunity to meet his family and see how the way they interact and the things they value are different from my own and my family. Although I know for many white young women they feel that their parents and families would disapprove and not accept the boyfriend for who he was. I’ve never had to deal with this because it has never been an issue, but as long as the boy had good values and was an over all good influence on me, I can not imagine that my parents would ever have a problem with it. The only serious boyfriend I had was white, but in the end caused me a lot of trouble and grief and came with many issues of his own stemming from his family and childhood. While I was dating with him my parents struggled with it a lot and couldn’t understand what I saw in him, although I was young and had a lot to learn. Because of the trouble this caused me and the difficult things I experienced I feel that as long as my boyfriend was good to me and did not have too many personal issues that would seriously affect my life there would be no problems. Not only is family a factor, but so are friends and other people who may be quick to judge. My roommate has dated a black man in the past, and said that in all honesty it was a lot more difficult than she had first thought it would be. Not because her family and close friends necessarily judged, but because of the rude comments and abuse that the couple received from others around them. Although I would imagine it would be less difficult as you got older and people matured, the truth is that there will always be people who disagree with your actions and feel the need to voice it. With all that being said, if I found a black man that I could relate to and that I enjoyed spending time with I assume it would be worth any judgements that people had. I’m sure one day bi racial couples will no longer share a stigma. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:57:00 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/for-the-white-females-would-you-ever-date-a-black-guy-119-blog/#IDComment137268967 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/28/the-lottery-as-a-blessing-or-a-curse/#IDComment134359786 Although we all dream of winning the lottery, we also constantly hear about the horror stories associated with it. People who go from almost nothing to suddenly having everything they could ever imagine don’t know how to handle it. I must admit it, I feel as though I would be the same way. I am a college student who survives off the money I earn day to day and if I suddenly landed with millions in my lap, without someone to consult me, I would spend it in the worst ways. I would choose luxuries for my friends and family when there are so many important things I could save it for. Most people want to spend the money for themselves and the people they love, but at the same time once people you haven’t spoken to in years hear about your recent wealth the calls begin coming in from all over the place. However, though this seems to be the norm and the stories that make the news, my mom’s best friend’s father in fact won the lottery and handled it in a very noble way. Because he was agreed of random people contacting him after hearing of his luck he vowed to himself that he would not tell anyone, not even his wife. I cannot imagine doing such a thing because I personally cannot hold in anything exciting or good that happens to me. However, this man went about setting up college funds for every one of his grandchildren so that their college career would be fully paid for. Imagine the joy his children felt several years later when they discovered they had no worries about their children receiving the education that they deserve. This story represents a truly selfless man. However, he did reward all of children with a hummer and another present of their choice. And once he had spent the money on the things he found most important he purchased electronics and cars that he had always wanted. This is an ideal situation of someone who wins all this money, but unfortunately there are so many more people who just cannot handle it. Marriages break apart, parents lose touch with their children, and relationships that people thought would last forever are suddenly gone. We all want that kind of money but it is something that needs to be worked for and earned if we are not mature to handle it. I have seen stories on the news about men spending their money on strippers, booze, and parties, and in the end fully regretting their decisions. Unfortunately, while this pattern will continue as long as the lottery exists, something needs to be done in the way the money is given so that people have the chance to spend it in a more responsible way. Sat, 12 Mar 2011 04:25:00 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/28/the-lottery-as-a-blessing-or-a-curse/#IDComment134359786 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/16/do-arrests-of-different-races-occur-more-due-to-racism-or-more-police-in-urban-areas-119-blog/#IDComment128992646 Although there is no doubt about the fact that racism does unfortunately still occur in this country, I believe that arrests of certain races occur more because of the population of people in those areas. Certain living areas in cities such as Philadelphia like the projects tend to house people of the black race. Because people are concentrated in a specific area it is easy for cops to bust a substantial amount of people at one time. Therefore, it may seem the cops are being racist when really it’s the easiest way for them to find drugs and crime. For example, at Penn State drug busts are more common in places with a large amount of students like a fraternity or East Halls. It is less likely for a house or apartment with 5 students living together to be a place for cops to investigate. However, with frats and dorms people are constantly in and out of these places and it becomes known which ones have drug dealers, heavy drinking, etc. This same scenario applies to life on a bigger scale. For example, it is a known statistic that people of the white race use crack cocaine substantially more than any other population, however black people are arrested more often for this offense. It is easy to accuse the police that make these arrests of being racist, when in fact it may the population they are dealing with. When you walk around down town Philly you notice that the majority of the population is black, and it’s a very dense population. Though there’’s students of the white race at schools such as Temple and Drexel, it’s harder for police to have a reason to investigate these people and arrest them for drug or weapon charges where as the common people walking around the city have more of a chance of being exposed and are less protected. Also, it is a known statistic that black and hispanic people are less economically privileged and therefore don’t have the resources to afford a lawyer, etc to help plead their case and dismiss there charges where as white people tend to have the money to get out of difficult situations. People living in suburban areas have a much less likely chance of having a cop walk up to their door and search their house for paraphernalia. When you live in a city however, it is much easier to be aware of where the drugs are being used because things are much more out in the open. Although the cops are not intentionally racist, talking to Temple students who live in North Philadelphia they feel it’s easier for them to get away with doing things because when walking down the street next to a black person they have noticed the cop will look at them first. Sat, 19 Feb 2011 02:11:03 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/16/do-arrests-of-different-races-occur-more-due-to-racism-or-more-police-in-urban-areas-119-blog/#IDComment128992646 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/08/how-have-the-choices-youve-made-and-determinism-affected-your-life-119-blog/#IDComment127336602 After pondering whether determinism or free will and the choices I have made in my life got me here, and having an intense discussion about it in group, I finally came to a conclusion. Though I have made a lot of decisions about where to apply to school, went about getting the grades to get me into school, and continue to excel in school on my own, I think determinism has absolutely gotten me here more so than free will. Because my major is social work, classes I have taken and things I have learned about how other people live has made me realize how lucky I am and realize the circumstances that get people to where they are. Though I agree at some point everyone has to decide they are not a victim of their circumstances and they must rise above whatever situation they have come to find themselves in, for some people it is devastatingly harder to do so than for others. I come from a family that taught me from day one going to college was barely an option, and if I chose not to attend I would no longer be supported by my parents. Both my parents attended universities, my dad going on to law school, as well as three out of four of my grandparents. My mother and father pushed me to do well in school, instructed me on how to go about taking the SATs, how to apply to school, and are currently taking care of the finances. Though I will have to pay off my loans in the future, as of now they pay for my schooling. I always had a job growing up, but in the end it is my parents who support what I need, pay for my food, housing, and clothes. So how then could I possibly take credit for where I am today? I could pretend that if I had no help from my parents and no push to get into a good school that I would have done it on my own, but I’m afraid this is not the case. If no one had helped me along the way and encouraged me to go to school I would have taken the easy way out. I was only 16 years old when I began to think about applying to colleges, too immature to see so far into the future. Not only did my parents encourage me, but the area I grew up in and the high school I attended certainly played a part as well. All my teachers, guidance counselors, and other mentors always made certain I knew going to college was the right path. Without the education I received, the support from so many adults, and the financial support of my parents, who knows what I would be doing today. Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:15:18 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/08/how-have-the-choices-youve-made-and-determinism-affected-your-life-119-blog/#IDComment127336602 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/01/what-is-the-difference-between-a-colored-and-white-comedian-119-blog/#IDComment126003928 For example, when a comedian like Dave Chapelle imitates a white person in a business suit and glasses his delivery and attitude has both black and white people on the floor laughing. However, when a white person imitates a black person it just does not seem to come across the same way. Perhaps some of this is the delivery along with a combination of white people seen as the racists throughout American history. Obviously, we have come a significant way since the days of slavery and segregation, but the separation of white and blacks is still less than a century old. Therefore, it is the racism that is most clear in everyone’s minds and it will most likely take more time before everyone truly is color blind. Fri, 4 Feb 2011 22:16:10 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/01/what-is-the-difference-between-a-colored-and-white-comedian-119-blog/#IDComment126003928 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/01/what-is-the-difference-between-a-colored-and-white-comedian-119-blog/#IDComment126003869 In my high school, although we had a great mix of different races, the blacks seemed to hang out with the blacks, the Asians with the Asians, etc. From what I noticed, these different groups of people segregate themselves together and separate from others. A black male or female may have never given me the time of day assuming a white blonde girl must be a “preppy bitch.” However, since I grew in up in a place where white was the majority it would seem much more racist if I had made a judgment of them. When it comes to comedy, everything is in the delivery. You can make fun of stereotypes as long as you say it in a way that will make people laugh. Fri, 4 Feb 2011 22:15:53 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/01/what-is-the-difference-between-a-colored-and-white-comedian-119-blog/#IDComment126003869 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/01/what-is-the-difference-between-a-colored-and-white-comedian-119-blog/#IDComment126003781 After viewing the comedians in class as they discussed their view points on race and ethnicity I didn’t put too much thought into it because as a fan of stand-up comedy it’s something I’ve grown use to. However, after putting more thought into the matter I realized there is certainly a difference between what white people can joke about as compared to other races, at least in America. Of course it all starts with a point frequently discussed in Sam’s class: political correctness. With so many contrasting views on what this really is it’s hard for someone to know when they are offending someone and when they are not. Sometimes it depends on the setting, what race the majority of the people in the room are considered, and whether they have a strong connection to their race or country. As a white female watching various African Americans, Asians, and Indians make fun of not only their races but others as well I never found myself offended. However, rarely have I heard a white comedian making fun of races except for their own. Perhaps the reason behind this is that the double standard of racism is found not only in comedy but all over our country. Fri, 4 Feb 2011 22:15:26 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/01/what-is-the-difference-between-a-colored-and-white-comedian-119-blog/#IDComment126003781 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/26/why-do-we-associate-with-people-of-the-same-race-and-ethnicity-as-ourselves-119-blog/#IDComment124444648 When you first meet a person, whether it's wrong or not, you make an immediate first judgement. You decide how the way they talk, dress, carry themselves, and their interests define them. The reason behind this is because we all associate ourselves with people that we feel we have the most in common with. If you’re a “partier,” you tend to hang out with people who also enjoy drinking, going out, and having a good time. However, on the other side of the spectrum if you are someone who has no interest in such activities, which seems to be rare in the Penn State community, you will hang out with people that want to do things that may be considered more “low-key.” I think the fact that commonalities play such a huge part in the people we associate with it also affects the races we spend the most time with. Although this may be subconscious, it’s very evident when you look at the groups of people walking all around campus. The asians are with the asians, speaking languages that the majority of campus would not understand. The blacks hang out with the blacks, which gives us a stereotype of “ghetto” or trouble makers. Obviously this stems back throughout history, however for many it’s not true. I personally, a woman of swedish descent, have mostly white friends. When it comes down to it, I think it’s because we come from similar families with similar values and traditions Our culture and ethnicity celebrates the same values and personality traits. However, people coming from black families may have grown up in different environments. This does not mean that one people’s way of living is better than another, however, racism throughout all cultures in the US is still a relatively recent thing. It is very likely that the generation before us still experienced separation of races and racism to a certain extent. While we are all people, regardless of where we came from, our skin color and features still do represent our heritage and from where our family first began. America used to be referred to as a melting pot: a country where people of all different kinds of ethnicities come to and their cultures mix so that we eventually become one. However, over time this has been said to be “politically incorrect” and now the term salad bowl is more commonly used. This means that although we are all different, and are living together in a society, we do not have to meld into one another. Rather we can remain our true selves while enjoying what each race brings to the table and embrace our differences. Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:59:07 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/26/why-do-we-associate-with-people-of-the-same-race-and-ethnicity-as-ourselves-119-blog/#IDComment124444648 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/27/what-does-the-confederate-flag-mean-to-you-119-blog/#IDComment124437639 I grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania and still reside there, therefore I have lived in the north my whole life. I rarely have been down to south other than to Florida. To me, the confederate flag has always symbolized racism in the south. This is obviously not the case to the majority of people that sport the flag, however, because I never took the time to further investigate the issue this has been my impression. The first thought that comes to my mind is when our country was spilt during the civil war. The north pressed for slavery to be ended, where as the south didn't want this knowing it would greatly affect wealth and the economy. The flag makes me think of key words such as the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr, and Abe Lincoln: black people suffering and fighting for their lives and rights. When I was in high school and various history classes a picture of the confederate flag simply symbolized resent and hatred, such as the Nazi symbol. Though this may seem dramatic, I feel it was what I was raised to think because stereotypes are so prominent in our society. After sitting through the lecture concerning the flag I realized that my previous thoughts were in fact extremely incorrect. The confederate flag simply represents southern pride dating back to a hundred years ago. However, because it is pride it still represents a negative connotation to me because it seems to mainly concern people who have become known as “rednecks.” They drink Miller Lite and own a lot of guns. Obviously, being a redneck is also not an inherently bad thing, however this is where stereotyping comes back into play. Despite where you have grown up, it is likely that at one point or another you will receive a some what biased education, especially regarding the Civil War. From the first day I learned what the Civil War was in elementary school, I left the classroom thinking the concept of the war was very simple; the south was the bad guys and the north was the good guys. The northerners wanted justice for every race, whereas those residing in the south were all cruel slave owners holding whips. Not only did school give me this impression, but so did books I was required to read such as Black Like Me. Obviously, this was an extreme misconception. After hearing from certain people during the lecture I realized that many southerners think of the flag as simply a symbol of the joys and values of being southern. I walked into this class expected to be challenged and for my previous opinions to change and this is a perfect example of just that. Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:06:43 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/27/what-does-the-confederate-flag-mean-to-you-119-blog/#IDComment124437639