en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/765015 Comments by minniemouse22 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69978266 It is a way to stay connected to their old lives and keep their lives somewhat normal and like it was before. It is hard to believe, however, when the gentleman was talking about his business with the charging cell and TV that he was not only doing it for the money. If he was doing it for the people than why charge? I think by saying that it made himself feel better about what he is doing, which I do not judge him for at all. I believe if anyone else was placed in that situation they would turn to the same reasoning. It is an interesting point that the economic market has become more competitive now than it was before. I never looked at it in that way and I also found it really interesting when the guest speaker told us about giving we are actually taking away from them. I would like to say I was surprised when he spoke about the helpers fighting about which idea is the best, but I am not. It is a sad day when people fight over how to help people just so they can be the good guys in the end. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:16:57 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69978266 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69978129 It seems incredible to me that out of all that chaos and pain, people are able to find themselves. I think the thing that surprised me the most was the man charging people to charge their cell phones. And what is more surprising is he is only charging 30 cents. It is a great culture shock to see a community that is working with 30 cents as a charge and that that some is a great amount at this time. I remember in class when the guest speaker said that Haiti was on the cusp of great economy it is disheartening to think that this country could fall so far and yet be able to bring back some sort of semblance of economic culture. It is hard to imagine being placed in a situation like that and being able to think of anything other than being afraid of what tomorrow would bring, but these people have understood their fate and found a way to fight to make it the best they can. I was really surprised that the salon woman was actually making any money. I would think that people would want to save the money they have so it is surprising that they would pay to get their nails and hair done. However, I can see why they would spend their money in that way. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:16:33 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/tent-cities-in-haiti__trashed/#IDComment69978129 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68442084 I thought the class on Thursday was interesting, to say the least. When Sam started the lecture I was not sure how he would approach the subject, whether he was going to push us to one side or be highly against the issue. It was an awesome experience, in my opinion to see the issue from “the other side.” I understand that I would never be able to truly see it from the perspective of an Iraqi or Israeli person but the class gave me an opportunity to view this subject. I can tell you honestly before that class I would have blindly said that I do not understand the other side was angry, why they had any right to fear America when we are over there trying to give them a better life. But by placing myself into their shoes, they are just like me. Trying to defend their home and their land is what I would do. I feel pushed upon by another who was coming into my home boasting freedom and a future that was better. However, the one thing I see as getting lost in translation is the duration of occupation. I feel the people there thought it would a quick take down and then America would be gone, which again points to the animosity the people feel and the animosity I would feel if I were in their position. I find it very disheartening the view of Christianity in Iraq and Afghanistan, however I can see where the image of “God’s soldiers” could be seen and thought to have been across the board. I do see the parallels between my views and the views of others. It is easy to get caught up in one image, especially if that image is focusing the death or torture of a fellow countryman. I can also see, on that same note, the idea of mass patriotism after viewing these actions, so instead of getting all the facts you feed into the mass idea of fighting these foreign enemies that have hurt someone that you may have known, or is a brother of a friend, etc. I find it really interesting when you speak to some people about the war how they play on the emotions of a person: well you have to know someone in the military, or have a family member or have a really good friend who has a family member. It ties you into the cause that you may not have agreed with, but they found a tie and it is one that is really hard to break. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:12:18 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68442084 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66623856 Because of our cultures way of life now a day, we see children becoming more immersed in the video game world and because of this a game of this nature has no place in it. It is a sad reality that these games are molding the children of the world but it is true and if a game of this nature is introduced to the future of this world, I will hope to die young before I see what is spawned from it. The video shows that the genitals of these “characters” are distorted to keep the game from being too graphic. However, I believe that whether they show it privates or not it does not change the message of the game, rape is rape no matter how it is shown. In fact, if you truly think about it is almost teasing those playing this game, planting the seed of wonder and giving reason for future actions that may mimic these actions. It is hard to view this game as at all acceptable; however, we see this type of behavior in the shoot-em’ up games that litter stores and televisions across the world. It then comes to a question of: if you ban this game for vulgar behavior and the fact that this behavior is illegal and demoralizing, than how can say Grand theft Auto be allowed or Call of Duty? Thu, 8 Apr 2010 17:53:30 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66623856 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66623815 I am not a video game kind of person. I do not understand how anyone can sit and stare at screen for however long many of these “gamers” do. So to me the idea of even spending time on playing these games makes no sense. But to waste your time by virtually raping a person goes completely over my head, to say the least. I never really gave thought to the idea of video games inducing certain behavior. I know many argue that war games institute an ok image to people that killing others is acceptable and I can now see that argument clearly, especially with this game. I do not understand what type of person not only plays this type of game, but creates it and thinks that this is a subject matter that is ok. I truly do not buy the argument that this is a safe forum for those who have these urges and it is better to have them express their desires in the game rather than in real life. It is just another excuse to push the envelope and allow something so brutal and inhuman to occur. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 17:53:10 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/this-is-totally-off-the-hook__trashed/#IDComment66623815 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65394621 I thought it was interesting that in the video the one man said that he saw why that term was placed on the census but would not mark that as him. I wonder why, if he found this acceptable, why he would not check it as a racial descriptor for him? I also found it surprising about the Latino issue of race. I never really thought about how many different backgrounds one person could have because I have been checking the white box for so long. It is easy to see, now, how upset I would be if I was put in the position to choose only one background if half my family was from Puerto Rican and the other half was from Cuba and then I also had some other ethnicity as well. I do wonder what the typical “white” person would do if they were not provided with the generic white box? If they had to choose, English, Swiss, Norwegian, etc. I see why the census used the term “negro,” I feel like there had to have been a percentage of the population that recognized themselves with this category or they would not have put it on the census. Yet I fear that the point of the census will get lost in a race fight. Fri, 2 Apr 2010 01:53:35 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65394621 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65394502 It is hard to agree or disagree with this argument. On one had I do not believe that this should be as big of an issue as people are making it. Yes race is an important identifier for everyone; however the bigger picture is the good the census does and the point of it. Millions of dollars will be allocated as a result of this census and if people refuse to fill out on bases of offense to them because of racial categories than the entire reason for it is lost and it is not only those who did not fill out that will suffer but the communities they live in. This is easy for me to say though. I checked the white box and went on my way. I can see it from the other side of the coin. The term “negro” was used for so long as a word that had the power to turn a grown man into nothing but a thing, so I can totally see why some people would see this as offensive and not accept this as a term to be used to categorize them. Fri, 2 Apr 2010 01:53:20 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment65394502 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64279459 One thing that I noticed was that when black people responded to the question of why this was, many said that they were instilled with the image that white was beautiful. But what I would like to know is who put these images in their minds? Why or where in their lives was it said that the lighter you are the better? I believe that beauty is beauty no matter the color, size, shape, so and so on of a person. It baffles me to think that anyone is being told they are not beautiful because of the color of their skin. What I wonder is if this idea of white being beautiful is standard in all black communities? Is the thought process the same in say a high income suburb area vs. a low income, inner city community? What killed me the most about the video was at the very end when the little girl is asked which is the bad doll and then asked which one looked like her. Again I just do not understand where this image of “black is bad” got placed in these children’s heads. Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:22:59 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64279459 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64279445 I did not know what to expect when Sam said this would be the most disturbing video we would see all year. I was confused when it first came on but once the experiment was shown I understood what he meant. It is strange for me, mainly because I am white, to see this video and not understand why the children would not pick the black doll to play with. I suppose I have my self tricked into thinking that I would and did play with the white dolls when I was little because they looked like me. I never questioned where the dolls of other color were. I saw little kids that were different from me but never question where the doll was that matched them because I was content with the doll that looked like me. I wonder what would happen in they did that experiment with white children but did not give them the choice of a white doll? What would they choose if they were forced to look outside of their comfort zone? Again I still cannot believe how many chose the white doll to play with and how many said the black doll was the bad doll. It makes me wonder what do they see when the look in the mirror and what happened to them that they believe that this is actually true. Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:22:48 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64279445 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59764745 Ok so I go to theme parties, in fact I have hosted a few and I have never had a theme party geared to poking fun at black people. In fact, if anyone is being made fun of it is the white trash or Jersey shore natives. I cannot deny that most of the theme parties that I have attended have been focusing around making fun of cultural group, but again I have really never been to a theme party that puts the focus on black culture. I think one of the biggest reasons for theme parties is to have fun. Being able to get dressed up as something you are not is fun and exciting. I mean the best part of a theme party is finding what you are going to wear and how you top everyone else there. On a deeper note, I think themes parties give everyone a chance to focus on other peoples differences instead of their own. It is almost a social way of fitting in. You find something about another group of people, be it their habits, ideals, etc. I am not saying it is right, but I do not believe it is a breeding ground for hatred and racism. (THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF MY POST) Thu, 4 Mar 2010 17:44:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59764745 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59764588 We all want to fit in, I do not care who you are everyone wants to be counted in a crowd. It is human nature and if sitting around drinking beer dressed up as Brittany Spears post hair cut then so be it.Now with that said I do understand there are lines that need to be drawn and an understanding of how far too far is. I am not condoning hate gathers where you sit around a bash on a certain culture or race in a violent way. I feel that when you point out a difference in another person, one way or another you will have the racism finger pointed at you. But I do not think that is right. Aren’t race relations about pointing out the differences and accepting them with the understanding that we are all different but adherently the same? I do not think differences are bad, in fact if we were all the same this world would real fucking boring. So if I choose to spray myself orange and have my bangs defy gravity than I will do so, but not with hatred or malice but with the acceptance of a different culture and a chance to see what it is like through their eyes. Thu, 4 Mar 2010 17:43:36 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59764588 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59764382 Ok so I go to theme parties, in fact I have hosted a few and I have never had a theme party geared to poking fun at black people. In fact, if anyone is being made fun of it is the white trash or Jersey shore natives. I cannot deny that most of the theme parties that I have attended have been focusing around making fun of cultural group, but again I have really never been to a theme party that puts the focus on black culture. I think one of the biggest reasons for theme parties is to have fun. Being able to get dressed up as something you are not is fun and exciting. I mean the best part of a theme party is finding what you are going to wear and how you top everyone else there. On a deeper note, I think themes parties give everyone a chance to focus on other peoples differences instead of their own. It is almost a social way of fitting in. You find something about another group of people, be it their habits, ideals, etc. I am not saying it is right, but I do not believe it is a breeding ground for hatred and racism. Thu, 4 Mar 2010 17:42:43 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/whats-with-the-theme-parties__trashed/#IDComment59764382 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58697072 So I have been raised in this country all my life and that goes for my parents and their parents and so on. I understand that we must be aware of the atrocities that occurred to this group of people. I do think what happened was completely wrong and believe that it should not have happened; however, I am a firm believer of what happened in the past happened and instead of dwelling on it now we should move forward to a solution rather than dwelling of the bad. I am in no way saying that what these people had to go through should ever be placed to the side and that this story should be forgotten, because it is the age old saying, history repeats itself. Without knowing this story and what atrocities occurred we may never have stopped it from happening again. The one thing that really bothers me is the amount of guilt that is placed on the generations after. I feel like it is somehow put the our generation to solve these types of problems and as nice as it would be to be able to say, here is land take it and we are sorry, it is not that simple. It is impossible to ask people who have been living in a certain area to just pack up and leave. And I know what you are thinking, but we did that to the Native Americans; however, times have changed and we can no longer go around with either a carrot or big stick option. Another thing that bothers me is the blame that is placed upon us. I understand that Sam said it is not an issue of blame but of responsibility, but there is no way to escape blame. In the society we live in, and even back then, the preverbal finger is pointing. And on that note when is the line drawn where we can say, yes this was a horrible thing and I am sorry for the actions of my ancestors that be ok, because I feel as if we are being ridiculed for saying sorry. I truly have no idea on how this situation can be rectified. I understand educating others about what happened is the first step, what where next? What actions could really be taken that would rectify this situation? Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:50:49 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-two__trashed/#IDComment58697072 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57287858 In my opinion: gay is gay. No matter if you are a man with a man or a woman with a woman and it should not have any effect on whether you get a child. I think it is very funny when people criticize homosexual couples for having children and in many cases they, the gay parents, are more dedicated and, essentially, better parents than their criticizers. Look, as I see it there are hundreds of children in the world that are starving, living in poverty with no families, so why in the world would anyone object to giving these children a home with loving parents and a family to call their own. In the end that is what it is about, the kid and their future and if these two people want to make a child’s life better than who am I or anyone for that matter to say that it is wrong. As for putting a burden on the child by placing them with gay parents I think it is more of a burden to have no family than to have a different family. What I think gets lost is the idea behind adoption to these individuals who want a child. I would put any amount of money on the statement that a gay couple is adopting because they want to give a child a good home with love and care and NOT for an equal rights statement. I feel like many people point the finger at homosexual couples and say the only reason they are doing this is to push the boundaries and that it is to make a statement. I feel when they are denied adoption because they are gay, then it becomes an issue of equal rights, but even then the only reason that is brought to the forefront is because they are being denied giving a child a good life. It is interesting to me that people bring up the point of society accepting this form of parenting and how the children will be hurt by this coupling. I feel like in this day and age people are much more accepting and understanding about the issue. As I had said before, to me, it is not an issue of how the child will be affected by having gay parents (because in my opinion, I do not see that being an issue) but that child would be denied a home and loving parents. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:58:20 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57287858 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56393141 CONTINUED... It is easy for anyone to turn on the TV and make the comment, “oh no isn’t that horrible” and then flip to E! but it someone were to make a big enough splash, like the Civil Rights movement, people would pay attention and see. Before this class I never would have never realized there were still inequalities, let alone inequality of other ethnicities other than the black population. . Before this class I never would have never realized there were still inequalities, let alone inequality of other ethnicities other than the black population. Do I think that slavery plays apart in this recurring theme of race talks, to a certain point yes. It is impossible to say that over 100 years of oppression of a group of people would not play a part in these talks, but I also believe that it is not the whole reason. I do agree with the video, and again, the Civil Rights movement was huge American history. And I say American history, not black or white, because it was the history of two American ethnicities, both playing their roles and as a result of this movement united a country in a way that, in my opinion, even the constitution could not do. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:39:26 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56393141 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56393037 After watching the video I began to really think about all the discussions we have in class and how many of them turn back to the issue of race. It is really connected in to every race discussion that a person enters into. Even if you start out talking about two completely different races, it will always come back to the struggles between black and white people. I do like the point the speaker brought up about the Civil Rights movement. Because there has not been any movement comparable to the Civil Rights movement it is hard to site other examples for struggles of a race. However, this is not a bad thing, in my opinion, I think when this topic is brought up it opens peoples’ eyes and makes them see that anyone can do anything. It shows other ethnicities that equality is not just a word but an action that can be obtained by anyone who is willing to educate others. I suppose I will get the comment “it is easy for you to say, you are white” but I truly think, especially in this day-in-age that people are open enough and accepting enough that if the issue was brought up it could be resolved. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:38:36 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-the-conversation-always-about-black-and-white-people__trashed/#IDComment56393037 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/the-enlightened-west-knows-best__trashed/#IDComment55214005 I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT THIS IS BEING PUT UP FOR DEBATE. IT IS FASCINATING THAT SO MUCH TIME IS BEING SPENT ON THE ISSUE OF FASHION, WHEN THIS TIME COULD BE SPENT ON DISCUSSING WORLD ISSUES: POVERTY LEVELS, FINANCIAL CRISES, AND SO ON. IN MY OPINION IT IS PERSONAL PREFERENCE ON WHAT ONE WEARS AND SHOULD NOT BE CONTESTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, UNLESS IT IS HARMING ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL. I SUPPOSE WHAT SURPRISES ME THE MOST IS THE ISSUE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. I DID NOT THINK THAT IN 2010 A TOPIC OF THIS NATURE WOULD CAUSE SO MUCH CONTROVERSY. IT WAS INTERESTING TO HEAR THE PARLIAMENTARY MAJORITY LEADER SPEAKING ON THE ISSUE. I AGREE WITH HIM WHEN HE SAYS THAT BY COVERING YOUR FACE YOU ARE TAKING A POSITION. THERE IS NO WAY YOU COULD NOT BE TAKING A POSITION, BUT THAT POSITION IS OF RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND AND I TRULY BELIEVE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE GOVERNMENT OR ITS POSITION IN THE WORLD. IT IS, IN MY OPINION, ARROGANT AND VAIN FOR THE FRENCH LEADERS TO VIEW THESE ACTIONS AS AN ATTACK ON THE GOVERNMENT OR HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THEM AS A WHOLE. I ALSO DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS COULD BE AN ATTACK ON THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FIRST PLACE. I AM NOT WELL VERSED IN THE GOVERNMENTAL HISTORY OF FRANCE AND I WILL BE THE FIRST TO ADMIT THAT, BUT I DO NOT SEE HOW COVERING YOUR ENTIRE BODY CAN BE CONSTRUED AS A PROTEST. I FLAT OUT DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY, A RELIGIOUS LEADER WOULD COMMENT ON THE PRACTICE AT ALL. AND WORSE TO SAY IT IS COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. IT IS PERSONAL RELIGIOUS CHOICE AND I BELIEVE THAT IT IS UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL HOW TO FOLLOW THAT INTEROPERATION. AGAIN IT IS A PERSONAL CHOICE AND WHO IS ANYONE TO SAY WHAT ONE PERSON SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT WEAR. Wed, 3 Feb 2010 18:02:26 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/the-enlightened-west-knows-best__trashed/#IDComment55214005 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54097116 While watching this video I was shocked. It seems utterly absurd to even think that this kind of behavior is even occurring and more over being allowed to occur. To see people act in such a manor makes me physically sick. It jolts me to think that a person can internally have these feelings and thoughts, but to see it openly shared by a large number of people in such a forum baffles me beyond belief. And to think that this is not even the biggest issue involved in these actions, the fact that the authorities, both police and the FIFA, allow this behavior to occur, especially while a game is going on, is disgusting. I think the point that hits me the most is the fact that there is still this type of intolerance in the world. Much of the issues dealing with racism that many Americans hear about were early slavery and the civil rights movement. Yet, looking at the European side of the coin me, personally, never really thought about the issues that they may have. In the video it was stated that there was never a real civil rights movement in Europe, which on one side I do understand that since there was no large event that made people sit up and see that these types of actions are inhuman and unfair not only to the second party but themselves. Yet, I also think that it should not take a movement to make people see what they are doing is cruel and brutal. Another point that just confuses me is the fact that these individuals can do this while they see how it hurts these people. The physical reactions of the two players in the beginning of the video really show how extreme this taunting has become. Again it all comes back to the extremism in these cases and the fact that this type of behavior is not only tolerated but supported by some of the players. When the one player was riling-up the crowd, in support of these actions, my jaw dropped. I think that by putting more restrictions on the players and the coaches will help but will not solve this horrible problem. It was a huge step to fine that coach but no matter how many checks are written, unless the mind set of these individuals is altered this situation will never change. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:54:18 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/racism-looks-pretty-good-on-this-side-of-the-atlantic__trashed/#IDComment54097116 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-c__trashed/#IDComment53940117 What up Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:10:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/last-name-begins-with-c__trashed/#IDComment53940117 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/dont-ask-dont-tell-please__trashed/#IDComment53283446 Some people have made the point that we live in a world where acceptance of differences is becoming a part of our national identity. Yet, we still live in a world where homosexual are prosecuted every day for their sexual orientation. Yes, we as a country are changing, but this type of change does not happen all at once and I feel that this policy insures the safety for homosexuals against those people who have a problem with accepting these types of differences. I do hope and believe that one day the ignorance of the world will go away but until that day comes, we have to try to understand the other side. (This is the end of my comment, it would not let me post it altogether because it was too long) Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:32:45 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/dont-ask-dont-tell-please__trashed/#IDComment53283446