Honestly, when I first heard the term affirmative action, I had no idea what it truly meant until now. Like you, I assumed that it was just something for minorities. I was also alarmed to see that it was something that white women take advantage of too. I too know individuals that are getting hired just because they know someone. It may make some upset, but at the same time when you switch it and things go your way, you are alright then. That is why I think that this matter is tricky to talk about in so many ways.
This lecture made me think about how others perceive many things as unfair when it comes to race. I have heard and seen many complain and make fun of how Black Entertainment Television (BET), and the Spanish channel should not have their own channel. There is even a face book group that states there should be a White Entertainment Television (WET) and that it is unfair for Blacks or Hispanics to get their own channel. Honestly, who cares? It’s really not that serious, to me. People just like to talk and focus about petty issues, when there are greater issues that revolve around affirmative action. It’s just a part of life.
Discrimination does still exist, and I believe that no matter what is said, life is not fair, period! Many feel bad for those that are suffering and struggling to graduate high school, go to college, and get a job, but at the same time he or she will take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it hits. I actually knew someone that graduated high school with me that went through this difficult issue. He wanted to get into the college of his choice, but there were a few setbacks. He worked his but off at getting what he wanted, which was college, but he failed. When he found out that a kid in class (a white kid, slacker) got accepted in the college he wanted, he was highly upset. He was hurt. He felt that he worked hard at something, and was slapped in the face. Many would see this as unfair. I do of course, but I also see it as life. Sometimes the hard work that we put into, is not recognized, and it’s hurtful to know that there are those that cannot see past our flaws.
July 6
The video on the trading schools was not at all surprising to me. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to enjoy the school that they attend. It can be difficult to learn when you are surrounded by a crappy school that only upsets you. Think about it, who would be able to concentrate in a room where the floors are dirty, and the walls are moldy and falling apart? I wouldn’t want that type of educational environment. Most of the things in the schools were not even necessary. It is easy for someone to say that they oppose nepotism, until something good happens to them. Dr. Richards proved that with the example of getting hired for a job because of someone that was known. It’s just the same with affirmative action. Anyone can be upset and perceive it as unfair, until he or she benefits from it.
These were some good points you made. I am also a firm believer in the Lord, and I chose not to judge those for who they are, for only God can do so. It is what it is, and as a Christian, I chose to keep my personal beliefs to myself, and allow the Lord to deal with them. No matter what anyone believes in, it is important to remember what matters the most, and that is not judging a person for what he or she is or chooses to become in life. We are to just let them live their own lives, and mind our business.
This girl was an illegal immigrant, and was facing the issue of losing her college career because of being one. This kind of situation is tough. Many think that it’s justified because she shouldn’t be here anyways, but there are those that feel for the girl and go in the opposite direction and sympathize with her. However you may feel about the issues of immigration, I think the most important thing to know is that there are those that are going to fight for what they want, and all we can do is stop getting in other people’s business, and let whatever happens happen. I honestly don’t know how else I feel about the situation, other than we are just to see people for who they are.
Dr. Richards did a good job at pointing out that people are people, and should be respected for that, and treated without judgment. It’s so hard though for many to open their eyes to see what is going on around them. The issue of immigration has changed even more now that the new law was passed. I personally don’t know what is to come of it, but I am only hoping for the best. A couple of days ago I watched a girl on CNN protest the new immigration bill. She was kicked out of her school for refusing to leave the campus when asked to go.
That guy that was going on a rampage made my ears bleed. It is easy to get mislead and respond to the issue with such hatred. It just goes to show how ignorant and cruel people can be. There is the notion that individuals that are immigrants are taking up the work that no one will do, but there is also the idea that they are illegally in the United States. There are those that are just regular people minding their business and doing their jobs hoping to get a better life, and there are those that are smuggling drugs into the United States as well. So, I personally think that this is a difficult situation to handle, but of course we must not judge. It is what it is. Usually anything that has to do with the KKK just gets on my nerves, and we all know how they feel about everyone and anything that is not white, so I’m not even going to go there. I think
Lesson 13
The topic of immigration always catches people’s attention, whether they agree with what’s going on or not. As Dr. Richards mentioned, immigration is not a democratic or republican issue, IT”S AN ISSUE! I’m going to be honest, I absolutely cannot stand Glenn Beck. He is annoying, and I usually don’t pay attention to anything he has to say. (No offense to anyone who likes the guy) But, anyways, immigration has always been a controversial subject. I honestly think that when some people hear the word immigrants, they think of mostly Mexicans, but obviously the statistics in the lecture proved otherwise. I think what is most shocking about the lecture was when Dr. Richards spoke about the dog, Congo. If it were any other person, or child, the dog would have been put to sleep, without a question, and I’m pretty sure no law would be established to spare his life. It’s just crazy. Of course that is racism, without a question. Maybe he shouldn’t be here illegally, but he is still a human being, who was working, minding his own business and attacked for no reason.
I think homosexuality is also more accepted today, as statistics were shown in the lecture. I believe that everyone should have their opinions on the matter, but without offending anyone. Anyone has the right to not support homosexuality, it is the actions that prove how ignorant many can be. There is actually a well known case going on now about a United States soldier that was a homosexual, who died in combat I believe. There were several anti-gay protestors that even showed up at his funeral making their derogatory statements. Many mentioned that the soldier would rot in hell, and that nobody liked gay soldiers. This is where many take it too far.
![[Avatar]](/images/avatar26.png){kind=avatar}
Branch