en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/762851 Comments by mfg5038 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment70706699 The thing about kidney failure really hits home, because I know how much goes in to having a transplant and the fact that this random stranger was a match for a random cashier is amazing. My mom is a social worker for people with kidney failure and who deal with dialysis. All my life i've grown up knowing about dialysis and knowing all the facts. I know you only need one kidney to live and would donate one to anybody in my family in a heartbeat so that they wouldn't have to suffer. I don't know if i would give to a stranger for the sole purpose, that I'm selfish and want to save it for a potential family member. I've grown up walking through the dialysis unit and seeing the blood trasnfussions that people have to sit through for three hours, because there kidneys don't filter their systems for them. That some random stranger could stop the suffering for someone out of the good of their heart is amazing. My mom or somebody else in her unit always needs to work on holidays. The patients don't go on vacation on busy holidays where accidents are prone because as sick as this sound, there waiting for a kidney that somebody else can no longer use. The transplant list is extremely long and it takes a while to actually find a match and a willing donor. I'm baffled by the fact that two strangers were matches like that. That man not only made that cashier's day, but he changed her life. Growing up with the knowledge of kidneys, the struggle of dialysis and having it constantly surround my life, made this video make such a larger impact on me, then it would for something else. For example, if it was another disease, I would probably feel the same way towards this man and think that what he did was incredible and that he really is a sincere good person, which is rare to find now. However, the fact that it did deal with kidneys made more of an impact on me over most people in the class. I would never wish dialysis on anybody in the world. The pain and suffering they go through is tolerable, but nobody should have to deal with it. I hope that there are more people like the man in the video out there. I hope that those on the transplant list and soon off of it and that people are getting healthier. Dialysis is the only medical condition that takes medcade if you're not of age for it. You're in the hospital three times a week for three hours at a time and people don't understand. With all the bad things going on in world, the news is more focused on that because lets face it, that gets more viewers. However, with all of those bad things, its sometimes nice to be reminded of the good things going on in the world. It's a good reminder that with all these natural disasters and wars going on in the world, it's good to be reminded that there are good people around. I may do something in the world and it may or may not affect someone else. However, if i do something positive that affects just one person I feel like I did something well. It may not be as big a deed as giving away my kidney to improve someone else's quality of life, but it will make me feel better and feel like a better person for it and if each person could do one nice thing for another person, the world would overall be a better place. Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:31:20 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/stories-for-uplift__trashed/#IDComment70706699 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment70018481 Yes, i agree that people do need to work hard in order to make it in the world, however i'm a strong believer that having money to start you off helps. I know that when i work, I'm not working for a salary. In fact, i work at camp and the money that I do make, I never see. It goes into my bank account, into my savings and I don't touch it. I don't actually do 'hard work' i'm running around outdoors and doing something that i love. In fact, for me to actually picture hard work is something I know, but know as a concept. I admit, I work hard as a student, but I would never be able to concentrate on both a job and school. My parents know that, they believe that I'm in school for an education and don't exepect me to work and they don't want me to work. I admire those people who do hold down a job, take leadership position, and get good grades. I respect them for their hard work and understand that most people's lives are not as good as mine. I respect each individual for the different attributes they bring to the community and value what they bring. If it wasn't for those low level jobs, most people wouldn't be able to succeed at the higher. In order for the world to function people need to be performing some task no matter how large or how small in order to get the job done. Theres not one part that can be undone that someone isn't doing inorder for the world to function properly. I'm a strong beleiver in working from the bottom up to earn your respect, but there are people in this world who skip that step. The common phrase that comes to mind is its not what you know, it's who you know and I truley and honestly believe it. I've got most of my resume from the people that my parents know. Surprisingly they know a bunch of people and have connections in what I need and what my brother needs. They help us out each and every way they can and i'm not ashamed of it. In fact, i know thats why i get most of the things i do, because of my parents connections. I know that probablly not the fairest thing and there are people in this world who work harder then me, but if I can get a job, then i'm going to go out there and get it. I want to make a good living and my parents have worked hard in their lives to know the people that they know. I resepect them for the weight they pull and the jobs they have and hope to give my children the same benefits. Therefore I believe working hard does help, but in reality it all comes down to money and whoever has it is going to do well. There are the rare stories of someone working ahrd and doing well, but there rare. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:17:34 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/what-about-people-who-can-only-afford-hard-work__trashed/#IDComment70018481 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68135011 I believe that all women are different and beautiful in their own ways. Talking as a girl who has big boobs, I don't care. Yes boys like them, but I know boys who enjoy small boobs too. I'm short and my boobs are disproportional for my body and I know that. Most of my friends happen to be frat guys and they have boobs on their mind and I have many nick names that have to do with my boobs. People who let what others say about them affect them bother me. It's not a good thing or bad thing, it's just how you are. Yes, the nicknames i'm given tend to deal with my small stature and my large boobs, but that's how I am. I'm fine with it. People who complain about there boobs being to large and in the way bother me because I probably know better then most the complications of large boobs and the few that there are you deal with. When it comes to dressing myself, I wear v-necks for the simple reason that they look better on me. What bothered me in class was the prom shopping comment. It's not that hard to buy a dress the next size up and then have it taken in. You go to the cleaners, or if it's a nice store, they should have their own dress maker. I did that, and it wasn't a big deal. That's like when it comes to buying jeans. I purchase all of my jeans at Nordstroms for the sole purpose that they hem them for free. I shop petite so it's not a big deal and know what fits my body type. I also shop for my body. I know I can fit into a small, but because of the size of my boobs, I have to wear a medium. I vary between a small and a medium and don't care when I have to wear a medium. Girls need to realize that when they go up a size, its ok and for no other reason then other the fact that another size may fit them better. When you go out, you also don't need to dress up for anybody. You dress in whats comfortable for you. I've been to frat parties in sweatpants and although that may not be the regular, I've been completly comfortable wearing that, in fact, I'm happier that way because its less of a hassle. I don't dress to impress because I carry myself well enough that I don't need to. I have my friends, they know what I look like and don't care what i wear. Therefore as long as a girl carries herself with confidence, I don't see a problem in the way they look. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 03:45:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/women__trashed/#IDComment68135011 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment66083172 We talked about this issue in discussion today and I feel how one identifies is really important. I find it sad that people don't know what to relate to and feel that everyone should have something in them that they feel strongly about and can identify with in order to connect with other people. I know I don't go around being like "Oh, I'm white" however, when I have to bubble in my race on scantrons and what not I identify as white. When I do classify myself though I represent myself as Jewish and find it a strong molding aspect. In my life I hang out with my friend and he just happens to be Jewish and gets along with all my friends. His sister however, only likes me out of my group of friends. My friends joke and say it's because I'm Jewish and on some level I agree. It's a good bonding element and really brings people together. Jewish people, or any religion or race do tend to stick together. My friend, his sister, who I'm now friends with and other random friends of friends and me, all had a sedar for passover this week. I got to know them through a traditional dinner, that we wouldn't of had unless the holiday called for it, but I got to know them. Then this weekend, most people went home for easter and the majority of people who stuck around happened to be Jewish, so once again I hung out with them. It was a good time and I had a lot of fun with them. The initial reason for me talking to them, may of been because we were all Jewish and had similar things to talk about, but that was a starting point. We played volleyball and football together and just hung out this weekend, and we rarely discussed or culture. It's something we share and something I believe is important in ones life. I feel that each person should be able to identify with something just as a connection to themselves. I pride myself on my religion and follow the guidelines of what I'm suppossed to do. I've gone out of my way this week to keep passover and eat unleavened bread and it's something that's important to me. I feel like if I didn't have something to connect to, I would be fine. However, I would know that there was something missing, but just wouldn't be able to put my finger on it. I feel that if you're multiracial that's cool because it gives you a chance to identify with more then one subculture. It may be hard to identify or classify yourself, but the way I look at it is that you're not only one specific thing and can only be that one, but you are multi. You're given the chance to identify and relate with multiple races. This I feel allows you to broaden yourself and live a more enriched life since you're so immersed not into one culture, but two. Mon, 5 Apr 2010 18:39:42 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-about-multiracial-people__trashed/#IDComment66083172 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65579251 The video I thought said a lot about children and how society brings them up in the world. I remember when I was little I always did service groups like that because my mom would bring me along and I would be excited because I would get paid. I remember doing a survey with dolls, I don’t remember much of it, but I do remember that I got to play with dolls. I wonder if I did a similar survey to the one that we saw in class. Being white, I don’t think it would have been a major shock if I did pick up a white doll because that would have been similar to me. Growing up I had Barbie and Skipper, but I didn’t have the African American doll. In fact, what I did have was the dress up Barbie game on the computer, and even then I rarely used the African American one. It wasn’t because I didn’t like her because of her race, but due to the fact it was harder to do the make up, etc. Thinking about it that’s a form of beauty and a form of me as a child When I saw the video, it really effected me because I hate that our society and media portrays white as being a “good” form of beauty and other races as “bad.” Now for the first time Disney just made a black princess and that was a huge deal that there was a black princess and personally that annoyed me because Disney princesses are very diverse. Mulan is Asian, Jasmine is arab and Pochohantas in Native American. I grew up watching all of those movies and never once though I didn’t like them because they weren’t the same as me. I love Disney and there princesses because my entire childhood was spent watching it, but I don’t think I would of liked a princess more or less depending on their race. It all had to do with the story line behind what made each princess great. For example, the Lion King, was one of my favorite movies and I loved Simba and Nala, and they weren’t even human, so I don’t think it should be made into as big a deal as other make it out to be. When I was watching the clip I felt horrible that at such a young age children feel like this and hope that society will alter that in the future. Growing up I never thought of black and white as equivalent to good and bad and feel horrible for the children whose minds are programmed that way. I believe that our society is developing more and hope that in the future people will be able to look past race and look at a person as an individual instead. Fri, 2 Apr 2010 17:24:45 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment65579251 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-to-do-about-white-guilt__trashed/#IDComment63657342 I believe that 'white guilt' would be around regardless if we were taught the what happened in the past differently. Most likely the textbooks that our society uses are already written by somebody who is white, meaning that we could be less inclined to feel for those of color, however people still take responsibility for the past. For example, say somebody of color wrote the textbook about the slave trade, how could that eliminate white guilt. Clearly that person would put more of their feelings into the text book and aim towards having more white guilt in the world. Even if they were completely bias it would still come of the page differently. Secondly, white guilt wouldn't just go away. For example, if we were to change the textbooks to try to eliminate white guilt, whose job is it to say what would make individual person feel a certain way. Also, due to the fact that were are a society that does have 'white guilt' those feelings aren't just going to dissaper when we tach a younger generation with a new approach. Each high school/school district, etc has the ability to choose whichever textbook they like, thus making what the teach completely different from something somebody else teaches. For example, a text book that is used in the North is going to tell the story of the civil war differently then a textbook that is used in the south. I had the chance once to talk to a very southern person, who was convinced that the North didn't win and that the South just generously gave up and decided to be the bigger person. It's about what you're taught and say the school alters a little, there parents were taught to have a 'white guilt' and some of it is bound to rub off on their children, so in my eyes that feeling will never go away. For me, I don't think I have 'white guilt' just because I don't think about it. I don't see a Native American, or a black person and think, oh I'm better then you because of what my ancestors did, so I'm going to alter who I am to acomidate your needs. I see someone and I may think I should smile at them because if I make eye contact, I smile, but I don't think about race that often. When I'm in Sam's class and when i'm in section, clearly the topic is on my mind, but it doesn't run my life. When I hang out with my friends, as bad as this, we talk and think about things that directly pertain to us. I don't feel that most people sit around thinking, my ancestors did this, how can I personally make up for it. Maybe I experience a little bit of 'white guilt,' but i feel that so does each white person. Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:27:18 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-to-do-about-white-guilt__trashed/#IDComment63657342 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62270902 In the past it would have been more easily acceptable to cancel a prom due to a same sex couple wanting to go. However, in the world today, its not that easy for this controversial to be considered a means for canceling a prom that is a culmination of your high school career. Its something you look forward to since you were a little kid, every movie displays "prom night" as this huge thing and something people enjoy going to and having this magical time. In my high school, we had a club called the gay/straight alliance and it was a big deal for those who were homosexual because it showed them that people do support them. We even had a day of silence that the teachers were understanding of and people in that club wore a ribbon and didn't talk to represent those who are homosexual and haven't come out since there to scared and therefore don't have a voice. There were same sex couples who did go to my prom, so I don't see it as a huge deal that needed to shut down a prom. Although, I personally am not ok with public displays of affection. I don't personally enjoy opposite sex couples making out either, however i'm more comfortable seeing those of the opposite sex hookup rather then those of the same sex. Also, I don't think it would be the biggest of deals, but I would find it strange if a girl wore a tuxedo to prom. It wouldn't be the biggest deal, and wouldn't personally affect me, but i can see myself talking to my friends and commenting on the girl wearing the tuxedo, but after that, the issue would be settled. Maybe I'm more understanding then other people, maybe it's the generation that I grew up in, but I don't think that the school needed to go to the extremes of canceling the prom for everybody because of one girl who wanted to bring a girl as her date. Another reason why I feel like it wouldn't have been that big a deal is because I know at my prom, I was dancing more with my girlfriends that my date. When a song that I connected with with my friends came on, we would all go crazy, make our private circle and dance with one another. Yes, our dates who were all boys came up to us and would dance with us and most of us were with our dates, however it was a dance floor. There were boys, girls and it didn't matter who you danced with. I danced with boys who were not my dates and my friends who were girls, so if the ratio of boys to girls had one more girl in the mix, I don't see it being a big deal. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:29:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/prom-or-no-prom-just-dont-let-the-queer-students-dance-together__trashed/#IDComment62270902 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59480662 I think that theme parties are hosted by people who are white, however they are also hosted by those of different races. Especially if a fraternity hosts a theme party because there are brothers of all races who are having these theme parties. It shocks me to hear that theme parties are just being held by white people. Yes Penn State does have a large white population, so I can see where that may look like the case, however I know for a fact that people of other races are going to these so called "white hosted" theme parties and having there own. On the basis that they may be offensive, I personally don't think that these themes are intended to disregard anybody's feelings and there are only a select few in which the themes don't offend a particular group. There are the common, toga, beach, high lighter and pajama parties that we attend. There are also holiday parties most college students attend such as holiday (christmas/chanukah) parties, halloween parties, valentines day parties and penn states very own State Patty's Day! For the main themes though, they tend to be directed towards one group in particular. A main one in the current light of things is a jersey shore party and that picks at guidos and Italians take offense. There are themes such as BET v CMT however, that doesn't only pick at black people, but white westerns too. At the same time there are high school clique parties and many other themes out there. Each individual takes what people say and do to there own account. I know that I've been told lets have a bar/bat mitzvah themed party and many Jewish stereotypes have been brought up as a result of that. Personally, I don't take offense because I know it's all in good fun and would love to attend a themed party such as that. People tend to bring up Jewish stereotypes and take notice that I wear my star of david across my neck and usually talk about that, however I never do get offended. I know that black people have had a harder time then Jewish people in this country and I would never get understand unless i was black, but at the same time, I don't think that themed parties have such a negative conotation. People who host them have them to have a good time and most of the time, those who are the 'negative themed' target audience usually get really into them as well. I know that I once went a black oriented party and the black people were into them. I don't know if this was the case because they are black so they didn't have to dress up and wear what they normally wear or because they were excited for it, but I've never viewed themed parties as a racist issue. Wed, 3 Mar 2010 04:10:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59480662 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment58861586 I believe there is a double standard when it comes to guys and girls being homosexual. We talked about it in my discousion group and it really is true. The way that guys are viewed when intimate with another man is different from the way a girl is viewed when having a relationship with another girl. Being socially acceptable with society, i feel as if male relationships are more accepted then female. That what happens behind closed doors without people seeing is more commonly accepted with males. However when public displays of affection are being viewed, i feel as if girl on girl action is more commonly accepted. If two girls hook up at a party, it would be considered hot, there doing it for attention and doing it to turn on guys. At the same time, if two boys are seen hooking up at a party, it can be viewed as disgusting and innapropriate. I don't think it's right that there is a double standard depending on the sex of the same sex relationship, however there is one and the way that society has brought us up to view same sex relationships, I know that seeing two guys kiss would make me feel weird. Even on television shows, you don't commonly see guys kissing. If there is same sex kissing, its usually portrayed as females kissing each other. Just because thats what people are more comfortable seeing. Even when we discuss them, people to tend to talk about them differently. For example, girls can be called homosexual, gay, or lesbians. There called many different things because people are ok with that. When it comes to men, they can be called homosexual and gay, however there are many negative contations that go along with being a gay man as well. There referred to as fudge packers, fruits, and many other negative names, just going off the point that its more commonly acceptable for women to have an intimate relationship with another women, then for a man to have one with another man. Personally, I've never had feelings for another girl, but in society, I don't know how secure I'd be parading the fact that I did have feelings for someone of the same sex. I feel that to first admit it to yourself and then to admit it to others is a big deal and takes a lot of courage because of the implications, society and religion play on viewing same sex couples. Therefore, if you are a guy whose in love with another man or a girl whose in love with another girl, I say be proud and embrace it. Society as a whole is evolving everyday and becoming more accepting and therefore people should embrace who they really are, regardless of there sexual preferences. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:44:46 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-six__trashed/#IDComment58861586 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/men-and-women-were-really-this-different__trashed/#IDComment56971477 I've personally have never spent money on sex toys and don't find the need to ever. I think its ridiculous that somebody could be so bad in bed and relationships that they need to get off and be stimulated by a life like doll. I'm at the point in my life that if and when I have the need, I know i can satisfy my needs. I can walk into any fraternity house and know that if i want to get some that night, I will be able to find it. If you put yourself out there, get drunk enough, it's not that hard to find somebody. I believe that i'm good looking and I can hold a conversation, so that may make it easier then what some people have to deal with, but I don't see the need for toys. I guess as people get older, that type of fraternity situation is harder to come by, but i still feel as if bars can do the same thing for you. The bars don't need to be in a college town, there are many in the city and in local towns as well. People can go there, have fun, have a nice talk with the opposite sex and then proceed to sexual actions afterwards. If you cant find a real person and have a real relationship then there has to be something wrong with you. It may be harder for some, but I still feel as if you want it badly enough, you're able to find someone somewhere, it just may be an issue of lowering your standards. If its still that bad, then yes, everybody has there needs, so I can see that if one is desperate enough where a sex toy may come into play. Also, if you just want to experiment by playing with it once, thats fine. People are also kinky, have fetishes or it may just be be the fact that they enjoy props. There acceptable in our culture today, however spending $7,000 on a real life doll that will engage with you, both physically and in some way emotionally, is crazy. I can think of probably 7,000 things, that $7,000 would be better spent on. If somebody really needs to stimulate themselves that badly, and has to use a toy in order to do so, I say fine. However, go out, buy a dildo and call it a day. Yes, the new technology is cool and can be fun and its amazing that with all the problems in the world, people are spending the time to invent these kind of dolls. People get off with them and may enjoy them, but to me spending that type of money isn't worth it. Especially because I know that i can do my own thing without the aid of a doll. Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:48:35 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/men-and-women-were-really-this-different__trashed/#IDComment56971477 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats__trashed/#IDComment56542612 I dont believe in the statement that humans should be regarded as animals. We are all people and some my live more privileged lives, however everyone deserves to be treated with the same level respect. I agree there are some towns by me that i try to avoid when driving. I drive on the throughway to get to the mall for two reasons. One, its safer and two, route 59 has some 'sketchy' towns you have to drive by. I intentionally lock my doors when i do drive by those areas. Not to be rude, but for the feeling of my own safety. My grandparents moved 9 years ago to South Jersey. Before that, they lived in one of the towns that route 59 goes through. There house was beautiful, they paid the gardener to keep the lawn trimmed and there street was one of the nicer streets still around. However, it was to the point where if you went further into town you didn't know your neighbors anymore. Everybody either got older and went to college or got older and moved away. They were happy in there house, but not in town anymore, because those who were not as socially well off as them were around them. In high school, if i played them in sports, or if something is mentioned about them in the news, my grandparents do comment. It was nice growing up there. My mom grew up in that house and she even is dissapointed in what its become. I have never heard the words animal been tossed around by my family when describing other people. I feel as if they have the common decency not to use it and I therefore was brought up that way. My mom is a social worker and knows the hardships that people's lives are faced with. The area has become rundown and now a lot of people who are less economically well off live there. That doesn't mean, yes they should be considered animals, but its just a different subculture living in the town. The fact that people do refer to other people as animals isn't degrading for those who are being picked at, but those who are poking the fun themselves. I feel that if you have such little respect in yourself that you have to call others animals, people you don't even know, then who are you to have the right to call them that. If you know the person, and feel they are deserving of the term, fine. By all means, call them whatever you want. However, if you're just going to look at somebody and decide you don't like them, then you yourself deserve to be called an animal, not those who are leading a troubled life and doing the best they can. When who knows, maybe living in a bad area is the best they can do. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:45:36 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats__trashed/#IDComment56542612 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment55047452 I admit that my track record for going to the movies is better then yours. Over break I saw the blind side and Sherlock holmes, one with with my family, the other with my friends, just for something to do. However when I'm at school I find it hard to see movies. My schedule and work load is so much that I don't have the time to get in my car, drive to the movies, enjoy a film for two and half hours and then proceed to the do the rest of my work. I enjoy movies and in high school went practically every weekend. If Chipotle wasn't put up and there was still a movie theater downtown, i feel as if i'd go more often, but that isn't the case anymore. I wanted to see Avatar over break with my friends, however we always ended up doing something else instead. It would of been really easy for me to go considering I have an imax theater in my mall, but I always got lost in shopping and doing other things when I went there. The general views i got from people who did see the film was that the story line wasn't that good, but the special effects and action of the movie was what made it worth going to see. The last 3-D movie I saw there was Hannah Montana, the concert. I thought it was really good and worth the money I spent to see it, but to spend thirteen dollars on an Avatar when I only wanted to see it because it was supposed to be good and not because I actually wanted to see it, didn't seem worth it. I'm not exactly sure of the story plot, because I never put the time in to find out about it, but if it's about the "white Messiah" i believe that he didn't come yet. Being Jewish, i was taught that the Messiah will come when everybody in the world is 'good' and in the world we live in, it will be a long time for the Messiah to appear. The world at large as to much violence in it. There's hate towards others who are different from people who don't take the time to understand or get to know others. There's also hate among groups of friends. I know from personal experience that my friends who act and seem like 'best friends' are actually NOT best friends. They talk about one another often and don't consider the other's feelings in their actions. Until petiness like this can stopped, it will be a long time, until the messiah will show up. Hopefully people will come to an understanding that it's better to stop the violence and hate and make the world a better place. Tue, 2 Feb 2010 18:19:30 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/avatar-and-the-white-mans-burden__trashed/#IDComment55047452 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/i-guess-it-pays-to-learn-a-bit-about-other-people__trashed/#IDComment54103738 As somebody who is Jewish, I believe I am more practiced then others. I am a conservative jew where I know most people who are reformed. I have two seperate sets of dishes for meat and dairy and continued hebrew school past my bat mitzvah. I stayed on at my temple, not furthering my Jewish studies, but teaching kindergarten and first grade. It was a rewarding experience and I feel it made me have a better understanding of what was going on. My dad had lost a lot of family members early on in life and goes to minin often in the morning. Whenever the rabbi calls him, he goes to help out. I have a tallis from my bat mitzvah that i'll wear when i go with him, but he does it all in where he puts on the tefilin that he got from his bar mitzvah. I feel that if people are comfortable enough to practice there beliefs in the public view, whose stopping them? By judging others customs, it lessens you as a person to disrespect somebody's faith. Not being able to go home for each Jewish holiday, I still feel that its important to practice the customs I was brought up with. For each holiday since I started Penn State I have been able to celebrate it the right way. As a Freshman, I celebrated most holidays with my brother since he was a senior here last year. He even dragged me to temple on the high holidays since we weren't able to make it home, seeing as the holiday fell in the middle of the week and we live in New York. I also have a tight group of Jewish friends that for each holiday we go out to Wegmans, buy the proper ingrediants for a good traditional meal and follow all the traditions. Yes passover, we drank more manashevitz then I do with my family and read less of the Hagada, and yes, Chaunkah we lit the candles each night and said the blessings, but invented new ways to play dreidel. At school, my Jewish friends and I also include our non-jewish friends who are very accepting of the customs. In fact, my one friend loves our Jewish holidays so much, she even knows when they are before me. I agree, I know where each holiday falls around since the Jewish calendar is different from the one we follow I don't know the specific date. My one friend who isn't Jewish knows the exact date and somehow our passover seder from last year is always brought up in conversation. I believe that it's important to know who you are and where you come from. I believe in my religion and follow it more then others. They are others who practice more then me and I believe that if you're comfortable and want to follow your customs, who can stop you and tell you no? Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:08:22 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/i-guess-it-pays-to-learn-a-bit-about-other-people__trashed/#IDComment54103738 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/haitis-calamity__trashed/#IDComment53408778 I admit, that when it comes to hearing about things around the world, I'm not the first to know, by any means. I don't go out of my way to read a newspaper, even if it is the Collegian, and I don't enjoy watching the news on television. I heard about Haiti through word of mouth and when I heard about what happened, it affected me greatly. I never dealt with the destruction that a natural disaster causes, but I live in the suburbs of New York, half an hour from the city. When September 11, 2001 happened, I was in sixth grade. I was to young to do anything about it, but I knew I wanted to. I remember that day perfectly. None of the teachers would tell us what was going on and half my classmates had been taken out of school. There were only a few of us left and my teacher had us hiding under our desks, since she was older and was going back to her days of bomb threats and doing what she thought was best. One of my good friends was crying because she was so scared, and we didn't know why we were in an environment of such high anxiety. I got picked up from school later in the day by my friends' mom and brought to his house. Everybody was sitting together in the living room and just watching the planes crash over and over. The next day back to school, you could tell there was sorrow. Many of my peers had parents who worked in the city, knew people hurt, or told those miraculous stories of somebody suppossed to be going in that day and due to some reason or another had to go in late or not at all and it actually benefited them greatly because it ended up saving their lives. After the planes crashed people rushed to ground zero to help. Fire fighters and cops from all around came to help and so much was put into the effort of protecting the city. Now, nine years later, the same people are rushing over to Haiti inoreder to help improve their situation. I feel like Haiti's situation is similar. It didn't have the same initial impact, however what happened there was tragedy. People have been donating constantly and trying to help the Haitian population. Those who can are going to down to help improve there way of life and there are constant commercials saying that if you text a number, it will donate ten dollars to Haiti. It's horrible that something like this had to to happen in order for the world to reach out and help Haiti because they were struggling before the Earthquakes, however, I'm glad that when they need it the most, people are reaching out to help. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:56:19 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/haitis-calamity__trashed/#IDComment53408778