en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/767586 Comments by lukepsu https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-health-care__trashed/#IDComment70020406 Yes, everyone deserves an equal right to health care, your right to being treated when ill should never be based on wealth or which cover you possess. Every life is of equal value, thus every person is entitled to be treated. The USA is the only developed democracy in the world without free public health care, is this not a clear hint that a private system is flawed. A society that can turn someone away from a hospital with their life at risk, based purely on their inability to gain a insurance policy, whether its due to being an immigrant or from being financially unstable, is one that should be ashamed, and doing anything possible to instigate change. An immigrant is as much a citizen as someone born within the country, and thus deserves the same right to Health care. It is immoral and inhumane to use someones status within a community as justification to exclude them from receiving care. It is everyone right as a human to be treated when needs be. I struggle to see how some of these posts can argue that immigrants are less deserving than American citizens, simply because they were not born in the country. I could understand illegal immigrants maybe not having as exclusive access to health care when it is for minor issues such as the common cold, however, when it is anything serious no questions need to be asked. How can anyone argue that a life is not as important based on social status. It is the governments obligation to ensure that anyone within their land has that opportunity to be treated regardless of any determining factors. I know this is a very divisive subject that splits opinion, but I feel it is a moral duty to offer no selectivity when a life is at risk. One person argued he would be livid if an illegal immigrant got an operation before his son, I can see the argument here, but it comes down to the fact that the illegal immigrants life decision previous to this event should have no bearing on his place in the queue for a life changing operation. Everyone should be dealt with as soon as possible, no system is perfect, but one that selects who 'deserves' treatment based on wealth and status, is as far from perfect as its possible to get. Furthermore, when people argue that by being illegal, they chose to lose access to health care, they must clearly ignore the fact that many illegal immigrant children are not here out of their own personal choice. Equality is not always possible or attainable but when it comes to health care, equality can be sought at all costs, nothing is more important as a basis human right than the right to being treated when life i at risk. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:33:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-health-care__trashed/#IDComment70020406 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/south-park-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment70016616 I think it is ridiculous for this Muslim group to respond in such a manner to this episode of South Park. It is a controversial comedy that thrives on poking fun at everyone and anything, I don't feel that they should be censored purely because of this response, once you censor episodes like this it will never stop. A simple comedy should never warrant death threats, it is a show made for the public entertainment, no one is getting physically hurt. It seems that just because extremist Muslim's react in this manner, everyone must be so careful to avoid causing offense, whereas everyone else is fair game, simply because they can accept/deal with the joking. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:04:01 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/south-park-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment70016616 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment70014886 I think this is a really fascinating and touching letter, stories like this demonstrate that everyone is capable of change, and gives further proof the inhumanity of the death penalty. This man has clearly educated himself and has ultimately become a changed man, although he must still serve his punishment in prison, the compassion he now feels is an amazing turnaround, and demonstrates the success of the prison system. Everyone deserves the right to redemption, men like this can still offer something to society, even from inside their cells, and the death penalty prevents this. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:51:23 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment70014886 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68418102 I'm a guy, but this is an extremely good point, everyone is beautiful in their own way, and despite what society encourages women to believe, most men do actually think in this manner. Speaking for myself I could not have a relationship with a girl who I had nothing in common with, regardless their exterior features. Girls seem to think that guys are only ever interested on their physical features, but in fact many of us use this as a secondary criteria. The more confident and less insecure the girl is, the more attractive she becomes. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:46:47 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68418102 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/creating-terrorists__trashed/#IDComment68417181 I rarely, if ever feel the urge to condemn suicide bombers as crazy people, it is those brainwashing and ordering them to do so for their benefit that enrage me. However, in this case i cannot sympathize with the lady who has the intention of murder, but it is possible to partially understand the pain she must be feeling, and to understand that she believes that this is the only way to avenge her husbands death. It is impossible for an of us to understand what is going through a suicide bombers mind, whilst we can condemn their action as 'crazy' and inhumane, in many situations such as this one they have experienced that we can only imagine. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:38:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/creating-terrorists__trashed/#IDComment68417181 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68400728 I am a male, and I believe there is still a pressure to conform to societies standards, however not to the same degree as women. One example is the amount of men who see it as pivotal to lift weights everyday in order to fit in with the general idea that muscles are attractive, and being skinny is exactly the opposite. I find it baffling that men who don't even compete in sporting activity still find it necessary to spend 2 hours a day lifting weights purely to conform to a sought after image of attractiveness. This is a clear example of men under pressure to reach the standards set by society. Secondly, in male friendship groups there is a huge amount of pressure to be with a girl that is accepted by his friends, in many instances it is only when a males friends confirm that the girl he is seeking is attractive that he attempt to make that girl his girlfriend. If friends make jokes about the situation I know men will go against their feelings. There is an incredible amount of pressure amongst male friendship groups to find a girl who satisfies the standards of the group. However, despite this I also feel girls tend to place higher importance on following societies norms. Perhaps this is because women are given more to worry about by society. For example a man simply needs to be in good shape and stick on jens and a t-shirt. For girls, they are constantly thinking about make up, clothing, accessories, hair style/color. Furthermore girls have more pressure among society to follow sexual rules, their is more of a distinct line that societies suggests girls should follow, whereas for guys they can pretty much go about as they pleased without judgment, when it comes to sexual activity. Much is however the same, men must conform to a macho image of muscles and limited emotion, and girls have to conform to the skinny, fault-free looks set by societies magazines/films ect. The main result of these levels set by society is a feeling of insecurity, and the reason I feel it is worse for women is simply because a higher standard is set by society. Men are sometimes portrayed as care free, and clumsy, obnoxious and arrogant. Whereas, in respect to women, more often than not females in the media are almost always made to llook perfect. It is acceptable for a man to fall short on looks, but make up for it by humor for instance, whereas for women there is a much higher importance on perfect looks. Furthermore, it is also true that women do pay significantly more attention to the media image expected of them. Millions more women buy magazines related to looks, and whereas male television programmes are sterotypically about cars or comedies, majority girl programmes are usually filled by incredibly attractive girls, such as 'the hills' 'the o.c.' 'the kardashians' and so on. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:28:31 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-the-men__trashed/#IDComment68400728 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-if-we-got-rid-of-welfare__trashed/#IDComment66407856 Shutting down welfare completely is unthinkable, and impossible. As we know a large proportion of the people on welfare are children so by shutting down the system you would effectively be allowing many millions of children to starve to death. Welfare serves a very important purpose, and whilst changes are undoubtedly necessary, there will never be a system that suits everyone, that is the nature of welfare. However perfect the system someone will always miss out, or feel they are entitled to more, or feel they need not pay taxes to help 'x' group of people. The overall purpose of welfare is to help people to get out of it, and whilst this may not be currently happening at the required rate, canceling the system altogether would simply set the country back several decades of progress, and leave the country in a state of chaos. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:42:31 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-if-we-got-rid-of-welfare__trashed/#IDComment66407856 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66407003 I'm not really sure how to comment upon this, apart from saying that it should not be allowed to be spread on a world scale. Firstly, it goes without saying that this is sickingly, inhumane, and morally wrong. Secondly, however, it is clearly a part of the Japanese culture, as is shown by its popularity, and by a seemingly muted response from Japanese women. I feel it fair to assume that the men who created, and who play these games are still capable of loving and caring for their family, no less than anybody else. As mentioned in previous comments, the games on offer in American society allow you to kill innocent civilians, be a member of a drug gang, pick up prostitutes, so on and so forth. This is no more or less inhumane than the Japanese rape games, perhaps each of these games are simply a reflection of the worst sides of the two contrasting societies. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:36:10 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66407003 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65119945 The census will always offend, as sam said millions of pounds has been spent on working out which options to provide. Nothing can be done to include every possible race, and nothing can be done to remove every box that will cause someone offense. At the same time I can understand why the term Negro would be seen as offensive by some, yet I think the reasons for its inclusion are more important, if it is the case that older black Americans see themselves under that term only, then it needs to be included to ensure accuracy. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 03:37:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65119945 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65117829 White a history of only white parents, grandparents, ecetera, I have never had trouble defining my race, so I feel bad for this person and his issues over who he should identify with, and how he should be categorized. I would say that it is completely down to the individual and how he feels about the situation, whatever he feels he identifies with more should be the way in which he is classified. Although I am in no position to comment as I have never experienced this issue, I feel that it should not matter, simply relate to whatever side you are most familiar with, and choose how much contact you want to have the other part of your heritage. I don't think this person should even have to consider how he should define himself in society, society shouldn't care. However, sadly, I know this isn't and probably never will be the case. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 03:19:32 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment65117829 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65116631 After reading this article I can conclude that, as a white person it does not concern me in the slightest that I will one day be in the minority. I don't treat racial minorities any different to the white majority now, and I expend very little energy concerning myself over someones race, hence the idea that I wont be in a majority does not bother, interest, or worry me in the slightest on a personal level. However, I do think there may be issues on a national level. I believe that as this day comes near, the privileged whites in power, whether it be business, media, politics or any other well paid and influential occupations, will mold the structure to ensure a continuation of white dominance in the primary positions. Those white citizens born in to extreme privilege will not concede financial and political power easily. I can foresee this causing some problems as the new majority will start to demand a shakeup of society, to ensure it reflects the overall picture. This could cause a very dirty and sensitive clash in many different arenas. There are numerous statistics to support an overwhelming bias towards whites and the likelihood of financial success, and although things run more or less smoothly right now as the population percentages begin to change significantly, the stress for change from people of color will grow, and the resistance from the whites in power will also increase, created a highly destructive racial climate. However, despite the inevitable growth of resistence to most of the power being dominated by whites, I don't that the whites being in the minority will make America anything less than a White country. Wealthy areas, and powerful positions will undoubtedly remain majority white, even when white people are in the minority. It will take more than a percentage change to change the institutions. Yet, on the flip-side, with increasing numbers, there will be an increase in people of color filling prominent roles in society, just not at as significant rate as the numbers would suggest. Another, negative possibility of the rising birth rates of many minority groups is that I suspect many of these are being born in to the poorer families, as the lower classes have traditionally had more children. This could simply lead to an increasing lower class of people of color, further widening the gap in wealth between white people and people of color. Another possibility is, if we imagine that the shift in majority races does bring about a significant shift in power, that the minorities will discriminate towards whites. It is very possible and understandable if, after years of living in the shadow of whites, that the new power holders seek to reverse the situation, in an attempt to hold white poeple back. If this is the case we can expect racial tensions to reach a severity we have not experienced for a while. I have given mainly negative possibilities, as I really don't see this future shift as holding much possibility for a positive and trouble free outcome. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 03:09:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment65116631 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64281350 A period is a bodily function, so I feel there is no need for us to talk about periods with girls. How would girls feel if I commented every time I needed a shit! What is the difference from passing faeces and bleeding? They are both bodily functions. I think some things are better left unsaid, and periods are one of them. We shouldn't need to talk about everything, with everyone. Its great you love having your period, but im just as pleased that I dont have a period, yet I am also pleased to be fertile. p.e.r.i.o.d. Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:44:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment64281350 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64280721 Firstly, I feel like men are as educated as necessary. I would argue most men are considerate of girls during their period and are aware of the hormonal changes taking place. Furthermore, why would tampons be free if men had periods, is toilet paper free. no. Also, I feel like girls dont really want guys talking about periods. Most girls i have spoke to prefer to have it as a conversation amongst female friends, as 'guys will never know what its like. Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:36:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64280721 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment59610078 I believe there is a problem with people assuming or deciding that it is simply not their place, when discussing race, or intervening in a race related issue. Political correctness has become so absurd across the world that in some case it is creating a barrier towards racial assimilation. Many are so cautious of how they will come across to someone of a different race, that they feel more comfortable to simply 'stick to their own' and 'stick to what they know'. Once poeple start to feel comfortable when expressing their opinions on race, and when we decide it is our place to comment regardless of the involvement of race, maybe then we will start to break down some of the imaginary barriers that exist in today's racial discourse. Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:42:08 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment59610078 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59607479 I don't think there is much of a debate to be had in this instance, Moose, and his proposals are inherently racist. Whatever the validity of his claims for their being a demand for slower paced, less exciting, less intense form of basketball, the inclusion of racial limitations to his argument automatically invalidates any proposal. Even if we are too assume his point are valid, there is simply no way that soicety would, should or could accept his ideas to exclude enture racial groups from competition. If he were to ignore race, and propose a new league for those of all colors seeking this new form of basketball, then providing he is correct in his assumption of interest, then his idea would be a perfectly acceptable issue to raise. However, he does mention race, he is racist, and his idea should be disregarded on these grounds. Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:33:08 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment59607479 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment59604736 I think it is obviously a serious issue that television shows such as this one are inherently racist. There are several possible explanations for this, firstly it may be that the makers made the decision to appeal to their key demographic, a white, perhaps middle age audience. ABC's main shows do clearly appeal to an older demographic, arguably this audience may be much less open to interracial dating, hence ABC have decided to avoid a possible loss of viewers by ignoring the diverse nature of American society to focus on the majority white population. This way ratings stay up. However, this is not true for networks with younger audiences, such as MTV and VH1. On these networks, 'A Shot of Love', 'A Flavor of Love' and 'For the Love of Ray-J' all have main stars and contestants of color. These shows are geared to a much younger and more diverse audience, thus the shows have a very multicultural feel. Although, the poor representation of people of color on the Bachelor is discouraging to see, I believe the fact that shows appealing to younger generations demonstrating diversity, highlights the progress that has been made, and provides an insight into a possible future of assimilation once the younger generations age. Finally, I believe reality TV to be a poor way to judge racial prejudice/assimilation as the whole concept is degrading, and gives an unrealistic representation of social, racial and loving relations. However, in response to the question Sam has posed, I don't believe it is only whites willing to humiliate themselves on such shows, in fact I have seen men and women of all races embarrassing and degrading themselves on reality television. Unfortunately, reality television and its popularity has taken hold of all races. Furthermore, I don't agree that the choosing of white contestants is linked to wealth and income. In fact, I would argue that the opposite is true, as it is generally those with a small income and little wealth that choose to enter reality TV contests in the first place. The main issue with contestants of color, on the Bachelor is its linkage to marriage, there are still many American's unsure of interracial marriage, especially in the older generations, and across racial boundaries as well. Therefore, with a white lady/man being the person the contestants are fighting for, would be the determining factor of the contestants color. Unfortunately, in today's society it is simply too risky for the network, ABC to mix up the races of a TV show, where marriage is the ultimate prize. For this reason it would be interesting to see what would happen if the main star of the bachelor was black, for instance. Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:24:06 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment59604736 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57696397 I don't believe that the sex of the gay couple should even come in to the equation, other factors such as, would the couple porvide a safe, loving environment for the child are more imoportant. Gay couples seeking adoption, whether they be male or female, should be considered in the same way as straight couples adopting. Gay males and females can create just as loving environment as a straight family. Anyone who cannot have a child, but wants one deserves the same consideration, regardless of gender. There is nothing to prove that being raised in a family with two male parents is safer and more loving than two female parents, or vice versa. Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:18:38 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57696397 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57695015 I'm not sure I completely agree with this statement, perhaps the male stereotype of tall, blonde lesbians appearing in teenage television shows are more accepted amongst men, but in general I wouldn't neccessaily agree that gay men are more acception than gay girls. However, in answering the question, I can guess as to why gay men are sometimes more accepted. Firstly, men are stereotypically less accepting, and more cautious around gay men, perhaps as they see a gay aquaintence as a threat to the male masculinity. Secondly, gay men are perhaps more of a contrast to their straight male counterparts. Gay women are less recognisable in many cases, maybe because women, whether straight or gay are inherently more openly caring and emotional, whereas these qualities are thought to be possessed primarily amongst gay men, contrasted against the stereotypical, hard, macho heterosexual male. Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:07:55 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57695015 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/another-reason-why-gay-marriage-matters__trashed/#IDComment57681342 This is a very sad and moving story, its unbelievable that such outdated, hypocritical laws are still in operation. The US government has constantly stressed the importance of two parent households, with a divorce rate hovering around 50%. Yet, depite this they continue to tear apart happy families, as a result of the an unjust discriminative refusal to recognise same sex marriage, hence immigrants are deported despite unions with same sex US citizens. I can kind of understand the stance of religion refusing to recognise same-sex marriage, even though I wholeheartedly disagree with the Church's position, it is their right to use their beliefs to guide their rules and regulations. However, the government, a government of a country supposedly based on freedom and equality, does not have this right. There is absolutely nothing different from this family in the video, and many millons of other happy families with opposite sex parents. They do not love the children any less, yet simply because they share the same sex, these families don't have the same basic rights as a 'traditional' American family. Even if these relationships are not recognised by the church as official marriages, the government must adjust legislation to guarantee such families the same basic rights as opposite sex marriages. It is outragous to think that 36000 families are facing this same predicament. I cannot believe with all the issues faced by the government in this current climate, financial and human resources are being allocated to help facilitate the break up of harmless, happy same-sex families. It is impossible to watch this video, and to remain in support of such narrow minded, backwards legislation. There are millions of illegal immigrants living in the US, and many thousands of these are involved in criminal activities, with this in mind it seems barbaric that resources that could be used to catch the law breaking illegal immigrants, instead it is used to deport immigrants that in a fair and equal legal system would not even be classified as illegal immigrants, who are law abiding individuals involved in the raising of children. I believe that gay people are in no way different to straight people, they were simply born or developed a different sexual orientation. Therefore to be granted different rights to straight people in respect to marriage and immigration laws is utterly shameful. If legal protection in this case is based on being involved in a union of marriage, and marriage as a gay couple isn't recognised, then we clearly have a highly hipocritical situation, where the simple solution is for legal recognition of a union between a same sex couple having the same legal standing as a heterosexual marriage. Gay people deserve to be treated in the exact same way as straight people, most especially by the legal system. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:13:03 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/another-reason-why-gay-marriage-matters__trashed/#IDComment57681342 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56553071 It is true that race conversations do always seem to revert to Black vs White. I also believe that Laurie is to a large extent correct over why this is. Whereas I feel, as a result of the civil rights movement, we are for the most part fairly knowledgeable of the struggles black poeple have faced over the years in America. Whereas, on the other hand, there has not been any similar event to assist in native American understanding, and as a result they are neglected in these race debates, primarily due to a severe lack of cultural understanding. The same can be said for latinos, much less is widely known about their struggles with discrimination and mistreatment over the years. It seems very likely that the prominence of the Black vs White debate arises from our witnessing of a huge black civil rights movements, something which hasn't materialized for Latinos, Asians, Native Americans, and other minority races. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:13:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56553071