en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/769629 Comments by maritzy https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69958211 I understand what he’s saying and to be honest I never thought of it this way. I know that if I were to go to developing countries I would probably come back thinking that same thing or that I am extremely lucky to be living how I am. I think that you have to think of it a certain way however. Not really that you are better than them but that you have more advantages then some on those people in these countries. I don’t think it has to do with being racist because you don’t think that your race is superior to theirs, just simply that you were lucky enough to have more resources. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:38:04 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69958211 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment69955651 I think this is a very good question. I think in order to be successful you need determination, good work ethic but you also need some money to be able to migrate to a new country and do it. I know this because I am an immigrant and I know that if my parents wouldn’t of had these three things, we wouldn’t have gotten very far. My dad has been in the US since he has 15 and has worked try hard to get to where he is. He lived with a group of men who also came to the US to work and when my mom, little brother, and I arrived he was able to get a place for us to finally live like a family again. It was still very hard for us to settle down in this new country because we had spent a lot of money on the trip but my mom was able to find a good paying job and we worked our way up from there. We first lived in a trailer then we were able to live in an apartment and now we have our own house. I appreciate everything that my parents have done because if it wasn’t for them I would not be here right now. So therefore I think that yea you need hard work but you also need money and most importantly determination. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:17:38 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment69955651 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-health-care__trashed/#IDComment69955587 This question really hits home for me because I am an immigrant and the reason that my family came to this country was because my little brother was sick. My little brother was born with hydrocephalus, which is a condition where liquid is stored in the brain and if not treated can be fatal. In Mexico there is no healthcare and to be able to save my little brother it was going to cost us a lot of money, which we did not have. Therefore, since my dad was already working in the US, we decided to come live with him so my brother could the proper healthcare that he needed. We had heard that the US had a wonderful healthcare. My brother underwent two surgeries and thankfully he is alright now. I am thankful everyday that my parents made this decision to come to the US. I know that there are many immigrant kids that wouldn’t have been so lucky to receive care like my brother did. So yes why can’t healthcare be equal for everyone? Don’t we all deserve the right to live? Would the doctors just let kids in need sick and have in their conscious that they could’ve done something about it? I feel very strongly about this issue not only because of my little brother, but for all the kids that are in need of healthcare but can’t because their immigrants. There need to be something done about this because I don’t think that denying a child health is morally right. Therefore, I am here at Penn State looking to major in the health field to maybe one day help all these kids in need. I am not saying that only kids should get healthcare, I think we all should have healthcare, but especially kids. The US is known to give people equal opportunities so why should healthcare be any different? People need to understand the seriousness of denying people healthcare. I am grateful for Obama’s health care reform because now many people will be able to afford quality healthcare. I am especially grateful for the Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act because millions of kids will be provided with health insurance they didn’t; preciously have. Immigrants that come to this country to work and better their lives have the same rights to have these privileges as anyone else. As far as illegal immigrants and legal ones, I do agree that people should pay taxes to go towards healthcare, so equal rights should be towards legal immigrants because its only fair. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:17:10 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-health-care__trashed/#IDComment69955587 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-are-we-doing-here-really__trashed/#IDComment68129631 I am wondering this same question. Yea we learn so many things about the hypocrisy that there is in the word, but what are we suppose to do with all this information he’s giving us? I remember clearly that he stated that as a teacher he is just trying to make us think an open up our minds a little bit. I think nobody can say that they haven’t been provoked to think by his lectures unless you haven’t been to class. I think that thinking outside the box and looking at things from other people’s perspectives has been the major purpose of this class. So maybe we just have to think about things differently as we continue life and really open our eyes to everything. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:53:41 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-are-we-doing-here-really__trashed/#IDComment68129631 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66636822 I was offended as a woman seeing this news report about this disturbing game. Who could think of such a game? Those people have some serious issues to work out if they think that such a game is fun or that it has a purpose at all. People that enjoy the games also have some problems. I understand that it’s just a game and that there’s many other games that maybe shouldn’t be played, many with violence and killings, but this one to me just crosses the line. Raping shouldn’t be seen as a game. This is also very disturbing because many video games are played by kids, and I just don’t like to think that kids could get a hold of these “games.” The Japanese government should do more to try and stop the making of these games. Getting rid of them online would be a good place to start because everyone could get a hold of these so called game because in countries where women are inferior to men, these games could backup this stenotype on women and put them in danger. These games are teaching people that rape is fun and that sexual assault is ok. I am scared to think that people I may know might like to play these games because I could not look at that person as a normal human being, not to mention the uncomfortable feeling and fright that I would have around a person like this. I think that men should be disturbed by this as well and they should think about the many females that surround their lives like their mothers, wives, sisters, and kids. Banning these games is the only way to decrease their spread. And hopefully supporters of these games won’t come up with ideas of creating their own games and having more sick video games around the world. I don’t see how Japanese women could tolerate these games being sold like any other normal video game, and if they’re not why haven’t these women tried to stop their manufacturing? And for those who support them, why haven’t they stopped to think about all those rape and sexual assault victims around the world and how these “games” could make them feel. And for the government why haven’t they banned these games or why is so difficult. I am not familiar with any Japanese laws but the government members also have mothers, wives, and children they need to think about when it comes down to this sick minded game. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 19:28:28 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66636822 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66486575 I think that this class opened up my mind some. I think I came into the class already expecting how it was going to be since I had attended some of Sam’s lectures last semester, so not everything was completely new to me. And Sam was never trying to change our opinion he was just making us think and I think that he did make us all think. And even though I don’t agree with some of his views, I respect his opinion and see why he might think differently than me. Something that did stuck out to me in this class was the whole genocide of Native Americans, because I never really thought that I could be partially blamed from taking their land but I could be. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 00:14:36 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66486575 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64219493 I have never thought of this question before but I think it’s very interesting. Tampons I think would be free if men had a period. I mean why wouldn’t they be? And everything would be normal and there would be any awkwardness when talking about it. I personally would like guys to have a menstrual period for at least a month one day to see how it feels like to have one. I think they would be babies and complain all the time about their cramps, but that would be a good thing , they would give us more credit because we have to put up with it every month. I t would also make them be less judgmental and look at it for what it is, nature. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:56:37 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/if-men-could-menstruate__trashed/#IDComment64219493 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/in-her-own-words__trashed/#IDComment64219366 I too think this topic is very intriguing. I believe that women should be able to talk about their period without hesitation. I don’t know if I would raise my hand in front of 900 students to announce that I am bleeding but I sure won’t hesitate to let friends know that I am not feeling too well because of it. Guys should get comfortable with this topic they could be husbands or dads one day, so this topic will never disappear. It will be beneficial if they understand this monthly cycle to ease the awkwardness of any conversation brought up about it. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:56:09 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/in-her-own-words__trashed/#IDComment64219366 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment64219234 Before coming to college I think I didn’t know a whole lot about Asians and I kind of saw them all the same and didn’t make any distinguishes between them. But then I learned that I was going to have an Asian roommate, I was very excited because I thought I would be a wonderful learning experience for me, and indeed it was. She is from Vietnam but she is very much American even thought she may have an accent. She likes many American brands like Abercrombie and Fitch and American Eagle. I learned a lot from her and we became good friends. It was then when I started to distinguish all the other Asians. I met a international student form Korea in one of my classes and quickly noticed the differences between him and my roommate. I also have heard other Asians talk that have a clear American Accent. I also learned from my roommate that her parents were very strict and that many parents were strict in Asia, that when they come to America is when they become more liberal. I thought that was very interesting. I can relate to Asians I think because I am Mexican and I too think that sometimes people look at us as a whole as well but never really catch our differences. I have lived here most of my life so I do consider myself very much American. Just like Asians there’s the Mexican Americans that have lived her for many years or were born here and the Mexicans that have just arrived and are still adapting to this country. I know many Mexican American that don’t know Spanish just like there’s many Asians that don’t know their country’s language. I wouldn’t not consider them Mexican or Asian because they are, but they might just considers themselves as just Americans. Like Sam mentioned last class about the Korean girl that considered herself American but not Korean. I don’t think it’s accurate to think this way because I think that they are denying their own race and that’s not right. Other people are not going to look at them too and think that they are just American, they will quickly see that you are something else besides American. Therefore, I learned a lot from having an Asian roommate and about myself as well. I saw where I stood in this university and realized that we all aren’t totally different. We have many similarities and aren’t totally different from one another like I once might have thought. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:55:42 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment64219234 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-three__trashed/#IDComment63084081 I think that many people feel like what happened to the Native Americans is not their fault. I think that many people feel like we really can’t do anything about it anymore and that it happened so long ago to do something about it now. In addition, people haven’t been directly affected by it so it really doesn’t hit home for them. For something to really hit home for someone it think has to closely relate to them, and of course we can’t relate to someone taking land from us. But if you think about it, Native Americans have a similar obstacle because it’s not their fault that they had they’re ancestor’s land taken away from them. They were born into learning that many years ago all this land once belonged to them. Therefore, were in a similar position, nothing was our fault but it happened and we can do something about it. People should stop thinking that it’s not their fault and start thinking about ways we can give back. Seeing how they’re the poorest people in the United States we can get people together to start a sort of fundraiser to get them more school supplies, etc. Or we can also donate used books and just start a bond with these innocent people. I think that some Native Americans think that since it was not our fault the genocide happened that we’re not willing to do anything about it but we should show them the contrary. This I think will ease so tension or feelings about this history and will form a special relationship. We need to keep in mind that we can’t change everything but I think that even by trying to do something will count a lot. Ultimately, people will realize that this should disturb us and that just because we didn’t commit the genocide does not mean that we’re completely innocent. We can’t erase history but we can change the future by starting right now. People can make drastic changes as long as they set their minds to it. Coming together for this good cause should be the new “talk” right now and action needs to take place. How to start? By researching the different ways we can help and learning more about Native Americans. Going to visit the closest reservation to do some community service maybe? Most importantly however, is spreading the word. We need to let people know about what’s happened and how to help. By doing so we can move on to a more prosperous future concerning this subject. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:51:54 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-three__trashed/#IDComment63084081 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment62984930 I too think that Sam is dividing the class the easiest way possible: black, brown, and white. Your friend of course represents both brown and white so I don’t know how he considers himself more, white or brown, but he could choose which group to answer to or he could also just answer to both, why not he represents both. This topic is really interesting to me I guess because I never thought of it, since I’m 100% brown. It make me think about the people that are all 3: brown, black, and white. They would of course be a minority but also a majority is part of them, so I guess if I were them I would always be thinking what I consider myself more, or do I consider to be all 3 equally. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:42:08 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-happens-to-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment62984930 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-to-do-about-white-guilt__trashed/#IDComment62982303 I don’t think changing the history books would be a good idea. I remember history class in grade school and remember enjoying it very much. However, if I had learned about the terrible genocide that had occurred here, I don’t think I would be mature enough to understand it. I think that history books are ok the way they are, history is about facts about important events and making one race look superior would be wrong. I think it would cause a big controversy among parents because they would say they’re too young to learn about this genocide. We could however do other things like give back to Native Americans, if we can’t go to a reservation then we could at least take the time to learn more about them. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:26:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-to-do-about-white-guilt__trashed/#IDComment62982303 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-one__trashed/#IDComment59977416 I think that educating children about a genocide when they are in pre-school is not so appropriate. I am not saying we shouldn’t educate kids at all, I am all for education on Native Americans, but I think that it should be when they are able to understand more about what has happened maybe in 4ht or 5th grade of elementary school. I think that at this age they will be able to comprehend more about what went on and how it has affected Native Americans today. The fact that they are the poorest people in the US and how by talking about them will maybe one day ease their hardships. Children I think will be touched my stories of Native Americans and if they ever see one will want to approach this person. Education for pre-scholers and kindergarteners should be more like who they were and what their history looks like. I think that recognizing these people is key. I know that if I was Native American I would want people to know about my culture and recognize what has happened in my history. Knowing that they went through the biggest genocide is essential to know and people should recognize this. Kids could also take trips to the closest reservation where they could interact with other Native American children and do fun activities together. They could also talk about each other’s culture. I know that many people would not waste their time spending time with these people but kids especially are innocent and would not mind playing with these kids. Adults I think would more closes minded into helping or even spending time with Native Americans. I think that kids sharing stories to their parents about these people will make them realize who these people are today and how they affect us indirectly. They deserve to be known around the globe and helped expecially with their poverty problems and alcoholism. Helping Native American kids go to college would be an immense help and will in the long run increase their status economically. I would like to think that after we have done this we will finally come to a “truce.” I know that this will never justify what has happened to these people but at least we will have done something about it and not completely ignored it. I think African American will be happy they are being recognized. Kids will learn to appreciate this culture and teach their kids about the importance of Native Americans and how they have affected us. Sat, 6 Mar 2010 02:57:06 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-one__trashed/#IDComment59977416 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-five__trashed/#IDComment58761167 I understand her point of view very well because like her I’m in the same situation. I don’t really know how I feel either because yes I feel guilty but what can I do about it? I came to this country when I was nine not knowing what this life would be like and to find out that my family has bought stolen land from people that are amongst the poorest today. I acknowledge this and am very aware that this is wrong and that we have to give back to these people that didn’t deserve that. I does make me take action but I would like for others as well to think what they can give back. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:09:23 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-five__trashed/#IDComment58761167 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment58760276 Today’s class was very intriguing to me because I realized how many bystanders really exist in a situation like the Muslim woman’s. I was not very surprised to see that there were bystanders but I was surprised by how many there was. I also think that it is your place if you see someone getting disrespected in front of you to do something about it. For someone to just stand around and do absolutely nothing about it is very upsetting. I think that is worse than the ones that said something against her because they had an opinion regardless of how wrong it was. I think if you don’t have an opinion in this situation you’re saying that you’re ok with this type discrimination happening in our country that you’re willing to do nothing not even express your opinion. That it doesn’t matter to you whatsoever and you could care less. That to me is morally wrong. I understand that there is not many people that enjoy disrespecting others, but in situations like these that need to be put aside and stand up for something that is obviously wrong. I personally am not the type of person that would have been extremely offensive to the man disrespecting the Muslim woman because that’s just not my personality and don’t believe you really get anything with yelling, but I would of seriously tried to talk to this man and make him realize how ridiculous he is being by not serving that woman because of what she is wearing. If this man would get loud with me then there would be no sense in talking to him if he can’t communicate like a civil person. The bystanders also know that if this woman would’ve been their relative they would have done something about it. So why not help an innocent woman that is being treated unfairly? Putting yourself in this woman’s feet should also make people realize that if it were them, they would immensely appreciate all the people that are defending her. I was really touched by the people that stood up for the woman and even got teary eyed as well when the old man and the young girl got sentimental. So for the person that said that it wasn’t their place and that they were not raised to be disrespected, first of all that is your place to say something if you are in that situation and as far as being disrespectful, you don’t necessarily have to be, as long as you voice your opinion that is all that really counts. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:58:38 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment58760276 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/question-on-discrimination__trashed/#IDComment58748671 I think that a colored person would be more likely to choose another colored person than a white person. I think that a white person is more likely to choose another white person because they are more apprehensive when it comes to race. I think that a colored person will maybe put his or her shoes in the other colored person and feel more comfortable with giving them the job. This of course doesn’t justify a white person choosing a white person over a colored person because I also think that a colored person is more likely to pick a white person more than a white person is likely to pick a colored person. I think this is because a colored person may view both people more equally than the white person. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:49:41 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/question-on-discrimination__trashed/#IDComment58748671 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57366156 I think that straight males as well as females should learn to be around gays becuase like meantioned in class, they are accpted by most and the number of gays are only going to increase in this country. Lesbians should not be more accepted than gays just becuase they look sexier together than gays because they are both demonstrating their love to their same-sex partner. I think this is like sayig that Brazillian people are more attractive people than Italians or any other race, so therefore they are more accepted. I don't understand how people could feel this way and think that there should be no difference whatsoever. I think there should come a point in our lives where if we see two men or two women showing their love for each other, we shouldn't think twice about it or give them any second looks. A second look or offensive comment migth not mean anything to serious but to them it can really hurt. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:26:47 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57366156 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57366143 I personally don't mind being around either lesbians or gays because I consider myself really open-minded but I know that close-minded individuals would be very uncomfortable. I actually think it would be very intersting to go to a gay or lesbian club just to get that experience. I don't think that gays think that lesbains being more accepted is fair becuase they feel like there is no difference and I agree and think that if I was a gay male, I also would not think this unfair. They might think that ok these two females love each other and so do we so why is it more ok for them to be toogether than us? Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:26:40 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57366143 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57366076 I agree that there is a greater acceptance of lesbians than gays becuase most straight males don't mind being around lesbians couples, they actaully think it's sexy. On the other hand I don't think they're many straight females out there that think that gay couples are attractive together. They might think that they themselves are attractive but not together unlike straight males that think that think that lesbians are hot when they are together. In addition, I also think that it is more common to see two women together holding hands, hugging, or even kissing than two men doing these acts becuase you might not think that these two women are actually a couple, you can think that they are simply good friends or that they just feel like kissing each other. When two straight men or even straight women see these acts done by gays they feel more uncomfortable than if they were lesbians. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:26:05 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment57366076 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57363730 I also would like to think that they're no diffferences between lesbians adopting vs. gays adopting but in reality I think there is. Naturally and for the most part females do better parenting than males because that is more of theyre role as women. I am not saying that gays would not do a good job raising a child, I personally think that if gays and lesbains want to adopt thay are certainly going to do the best they can becuase they naturally would not be to have a child of their own. I am just saying that people giving their child for adoption might want their child to be with a lesbian couple rather than a gay couple for the reasons that I meantioned earlier. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:04:49 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57363730