en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/3583173 Comments by kys5223 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/29/voices-from-the-classroom-80/#IDComment231324198 The actions of certain American soldiers who are the ones treating the civilians of Iraq poorly should not represent our military as whole. I personally just believe that this war needs to end soon I believe that we went in with a goal and that goal was reached. After Sam’s lecture, I am now realizing more that this is no longer a war on terrorism but instead just the US trying to take their oil. I will forever respect and hold in my heart the compassion I feel for our US military and soldiers, but watching these videos truly opened my eyes to the facts of what is really happening. Thu, 1 Dec 2011 22:33:48 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/29/voices-from-the-classroom-80/#IDComment231324198 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/29/voices-from-the-classroom-80/#IDComment231324092 These civilians have caused no harm, but then the American soldiers are treating them awfully and taking oil from them. I now understand that the videos we usually see of our soldiers, are depicting them in a very biased American way when really yes, they may be brave but at the same time are not making good choices, and actually harming innocent people. We grow up as children learning and knowing that the men who fight for our country should be treated with admirable respect and that we should be grateful for their services. Although, I will continue to have this respect for the large number of soldiers who are doing their duties correctly, I will now also have greater knowledge that many are not. Thu, 1 Dec 2011 22:33:39 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/29/voices-from-the-classroom-80/#IDComment231324092 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/29/voices-from-the-classroom-80/#IDComment231324021 During Tuesday’s class, Sam showed us a video of the way civilians in Iraq were being treated by American soldiers. This was extremely hard and sad to watch and as a result has changed some of my views on this war. One of the disheartening moments was when American soldiers ran over a civilian’s car just because he was stealing wood to try and keep from freezing. In actuality, they had just destroyed the car of an innocent taxi driver that thought of his car as what defines him as a person. It is so shameful to me to know that this is happening over there and there many, including myself back over here in the US are unaware. I hate to now sit here and think about the soldiers that we all have so much respect for over here, to then turn around now know what their actually doing across seas. Thu, 1 Dec 2011 22:33:28 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/29/voices-from-the-classroom-80/#IDComment231324021 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-78/#IDComment222715326 Overall, I think the most crucial thing I have learned is the ability to love our community and the ability to move on. Yes, it will be hard at times thinking about the various events that happened and the possible consequences still yet to come but it is all we can do now. Nothing good will come out of dwelling upon it, so as the Penn State community we are we need to do our best as a whole to help those in need and start the rebuilding process. WE ARE all Penn State and ARE all the many great things that we have accomplished. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:03:55 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-78/#IDComment222715326 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-78/#IDComment222715242 The way everyone practically changed the whole story and scandal to Joe Paterno was just heart wrenching for me. I grew up living and breathing JoePa, he was a celebrity icon to me my whole life and always got the butterflies when seeing him walk across the field or spotting him somewhere in the community. It angers me the way he was treated. Being a Crime, Law and Justice major, I fully believe in the statement that you are innocent until proven guilty. Joe was not given this justice and instead was fired via telephone call, and had his whole world turned upside down without any facts being presented. I really hope that the day will come when the whole thing is factual and set straight, and on that day justice will be served. But in the meantime it just surprises me and I guess I have learned that anything is truly possible in this world. After the last two classes, I have gained a new perspective that it should be all about the victims now. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:03:38 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-78/#IDComment222715242 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-78/#IDComment222715141 After seeing how this scandal was not presented fairly and all of the scape-goating that was involved, I realize the media does not care about the people that they hurt but instead are just doing and job and making money. They don’t care about the thousands of students and staff here at Penn State that they have hurt and distressed, or that there are actually many sexually abused victims here too at. Because of this, the media has led the outside world to believe that everyone inside the Penn State community is a child molester which is just crazy, since once again there are victims here too. All of this talk from outsiders on social media sites it’s ridiculous. They can give as many opinions as they want, whether factual or not, but they truly don’t understand what it feels like to be on the other side trying to explain the truths and just in the situation in general. People are so quick to make opinions and most of them just sound ignorant. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:03:17 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-78/#IDComment222715141 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-78/#IDComment222715109 Looking back at this past week is still so shocking and amazing to me. So many of my views on life and the way I think about things has changed. As a result of this past week, I will never be the same but I think that at the same time it has bettered myself and the community. I believe that Penn State was already a family before this event occurred, but I think that this belief really shined through most of our behaviors and actions towards it. I know that it is the media’s job to make and cover stories, but you would think they would cover it correctly. I learned that you cannot in fact, believe or read everything you hear and see. This to me is very sad because when I go to read the newspaper or turn on the news I would like to actually see the factual events of what is happening throughout our country and nation. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:03:11 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/15/voices-from-the-classroom-78/#IDComment222715109 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/09/voices-from-the-classroom-32/#IDComment220582350 For me personally, when I think of happiness, I think of my loving family who has always been there for me no matter the situation, my friends who no matter the time of day I know I can always give them a call and just the awesome healthy life I’ve been blessed with. These non-materialistic things are the essentials in life, and are the things that no matter the financial state of a country, or even the bank statement of a family, will keep you smiling and upbeat knowing that you always have a place to go where you will be loved. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:27:19 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/09/voices-from-the-classroom-32/#IDComment220582350 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/09/voices-from-the-classroom-32/#IDComment220582279 Another view on this topic would be that certain things that people buy who have a lot of money does not bring happiness. Growing up, I’m sure everyone had that friend who always got what they wanted, always got the brand new game console and had a brand new car waiting for him or her after passing the driver’s test. My thought is that these people who had money and got whatever they wanted were not truly as happy as those who merely had a loving family to come home to everyday or those who worked their butts off to buy something they had been really wanting. In this case, these are the people who have learned discipline over the years and have learned to appreciate everything in life, a different kind of happy then having everything always brought to you on a silver platter. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:27:07 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/09/voices-from-the-classroom-32/#IDComment220582279 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/09/voices-from-the-classroom-32/#IDComment220582210 Consequently, in order to not lose their home and not break their family apart they are forced to work more than one job to keep up with bills and feed the family. Money is one of the most stressful topics because realistically without it life can be very stressful and tear relationships apart. I have noticed over the years that many couples have been torn apart because of financial reasons. This is so sad to me because as a humanitarian I like to think that how much money someone has shouldn’t matter and shouldn’t be a factor in a pair of people who truly love each other. However, I have learned that indeed, it actually does have a great effect because all of the stress over bills and expenses is a big deal because no one wants to be put into the position of losing a house or going bankrupt. Looking at this topic from that viewpoint, I would say that yes, money does bring happiness because without it many fights and stress form. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:26:52 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/09/voices-from-the-classroom-32/#IDComment220582210 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/09/voices-from-the-classroom-32/#IDComment220582135 The question, “Does money really equal happiness?” is always one of those controversial ones because I think that depending on the person you ask and the situation they live, it could be a different response for different people. Personally, I agree with this view because I think it truly does depend on a person’s situation if they feel that with money you can live happier. As of right now, during this recession I think that yes, if you are well off and have enough money to do more then get by you are indeed happier. As a result of the recession, many people have lost jobs which then have resulted in many losing their home and much stress for monthly bills. When losing a career like that, the person then has to do what they have to in order to get by and try their hardest to still provide for their family and wellbeing. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:26:38 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/09/voices-from-the-classroom-32/#IDComment220582135 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/01/voices-from-the-classroom-20/#IDComment216885376 I think that immigrants should have to learn the language in order to make a living, and build a future for them by creating certain tools and meeting the right people by interacting with them. People from other countries also say they want better for themselves and for their families, but in order to achieve this they have to understand that it takes hard work and certain tools. It is understood that when you pack up your family, and all of your belongings only to set them down in a brand new country is hard, but that is the only way to achieve the American dream that many people want. In life it is the hard work that you put in that allows you to meet certain people, who then could open many important doors for you to succeed in Fri, 4 Nov 2011 17:53:04 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/01/voices-from-the-classroom-20/#IDComment216885376 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/01/voices-from-the-classroom-20/#IDComment216885321 My grandparents and other family members immigrated here from Russia and Greece. After hearing their many stories over the years it is apparent to see the many struggles they faced just trying to make it to the United States and then even more so when they arrived and were faced with culture shock. The culture and language is very different over here so in order to fit in they were forced to learn English and also, to a degree adapt to the American way. Although, they were not forced to do this by law but my grandfather said they felt personally that it would be the most beneficial thing to do if they had any hope to make a living and get by. Even though this was very hard on everyone at the time, they all agree that looking back they would not have made it if they had not learned English. Fri, 4 Nov 2011 17:52:54 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/01/voices-from-the-classroom-20/#IDComment216885321 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/01/voices-from-the-classroom-20/#IDComment216885252 I think that this is a very interesting question because of the many opinions and cultural differences on the outlook of it. After hearing the lecture and listening to the many opinions, I finally came to form my own. My look on this topic of whether or not you should have to learn the language of another country if in fact you are spending a lengthy period of time there or even living there is that learning the language would be a sign of respect and shows that you want to learn about the other culture and feel welcomed. Also, if a person were to move to another country it would be most ideal for them personally. Learning the language is more practical and ideal because the person would need to be able to function everyday whether its grocery shopping, at a job, or even in case of emergency. Fri, 4 Nov 2011 17:52:40 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/11/01/voices-from-the-classroom-20/#IDComment216885252 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/20/voices-from-the-classroom-50/#IDComment210263234 As the years went on and I entered high school they did however start to become more lenient or maybe just accepted the fact that I had friends of different races. I hope that as time passes, I can explore more races that I have not encountered as much as others and bring those such as my friends together and help them to be on the path to becoming a state 4 also. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:08:31 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/20/voices-from-the-classroom-50/#IDComment210263234 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/20/voices-from-the-classroom-50/#IDComment210263173 My parents and grandparents grew up in rural areas, having very conservative and “old school” type views where a person of one race should date and marry a person of the same race. They don’t believe that not only should a white person date a white person but also that a black or brown person should date someone of the same color also. Also, they feel as though other cultures feel the same way that they would only want their son or daughter dating and marrying within their race as well. Although, it is almost difficult to say that my parents fall within stage 2 because of the fact that they very much so see the differences, have their opinions and act on them is frustrating to me I see where their thoughts are coming from. As stated above, coming from a very diverse area made it very easy to have friends of all races and when I wanted to bring these friends home (mostly males of a different race) it was hard on my parents because they did not whole heartedly agree with it. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:08:20 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/20/voices-from-the-classroom-50/#IDComment210263173 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/20/voices-from-the-classroom-50/#IDComment210263056 I believe that I am in stage 5 of the white people. I grew up in a very multi-cultural area filled with diversity and I loved it. I find it to be so much fun when different cultural groups get together and hang out. It’s almost like everyone has something different to bring to the table just like any person of any race does. I also really love it when I meet someone of a different race and truly click with them, making a new friend. I get excited to bring them back with me to meet my other friends and start one of those multi cultural gatherings. At this time I feel as though I have to almost impress them and make it the best time they have ever had which in the end just turns out to be no different than hanging out with any old other friend that I have. This feeling or belief differs however when it comes to my parents, grandparents and other family. The older generation grew up in a different time period and therefore; don’t believe the same thing the younger generation has. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:08:01 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/20/voices-from-the-classroom-50/#IDComment210263056 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/11/blog-about-happiness-for-soc-119-and-learn-something-useful/#IDComment207505342 I believe that happiness is living in the present, making the most of our days and just not waiting around for things but instead being pro active and achieving things because of hard work. Overall, I feel that life is one of those things that just keeps moving and because of that we can’t stay in one moment forever. Happiness is going to go and come but all in all there will always be great things to come and always something to be thankful for and happy about. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:50:26 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/11/blog-about-happiness-for-soc-119-and-learn-something-useful/#IDComment207505342 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/11/blog-about-happiness-for-soc-119-and-learn-something-useful/#IDComment207505210 . I think if you make your goals and things you aspire to do the only ways of happiness then that quickly turns from putting a smile on if you do achieve them to unhealthy if you don’t. I agree with them that you should treat a goal as an extra plus if you do get it but don’t sweat it if you don’t. Stressing over various goals and things that you would like to do/accomplish will only add to the idea that it’s a spurt of happiness rather than a longer lasting feeling. Also, I agree with the thought that freedom of choice affects our happiness because people who have to make these big and maybe even life changing decisions will for the most part end up asking the “What If” question down the road questioning if their life is where they want it to be. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:50:06 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/11/blog-about-happiness-for-soc-119-and-learn-something-useful/#IDComment207505210 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/11/blog-about-happiness-for-soc-119-and-learn-something-useful/#IDComment207505014 This article about the reasons why our thoughts of happiness are actually wrong was very interesting, enjoyable and eye opening to me. I like to think of myself as a pretty happy person due to the many things that I have been blessed with in my life and at the moment life is good. I have a very loving family who stands behind me no matter what, I am attending a very good university, I have a great group of friends who are also always there for me and also, I think I have finally found the true meaning of happiness after reading that article. My definition of happiness before reading that article was that you are just content and “okay” with how your life was going and where you see it going down the road. If that road is on a path that you see a good continuous future then a smile is not hard to put on, but on those days when it is just a bad day or you don’t see yourself making it to the next day it’s hard to not frown and just think “it will never get better.” Throughout the article the author made many points about the various aspects that truly go into happiness and the things you do. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:49:35 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/10/11/blog-about-happiness-for-soc-119-and-learn-something-useful/#IDComment207505014