en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/757472 Comments by missmeliss1189 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68880563 I think that if we do not respect race, then we cannot respect religion, and if we cannot respect religion, then we cannot respect race. They go hand in hand. Christians do not want to take over the world. They want to promote peace, just like Professor Richards wants to create peace by promoting racial equality. However, just as in race relations, some extremists give the whole “entity” a false image, message, and name. Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:14:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68880563 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68880549 I believe religion and race to be very similar in concept, and that they both deserve respect. Yes, we do not get to choose our race, but how many people really choose their religion? I am Catholic because that is what I grew up as a practice of faith because my parents practiced this faith-based religion, and all four of my grandparents practiced this religion as well. If I would have been born into a family who practices Protestantism or Judaism I would most likely be Protestant or Jewish. Religion is meant to draw merit to what everyday life often takes for granted, and it is meant to be a sense of belonging, purpose, and being in this crazy, violent, and often chaotic world. Race is also something that ties individuals together, and something we did not choose. Even though both of these factors tie individuals together, they both push us apart mainly based on the fact that those who are not of our race and religion do not understand or respect others, and they do not think outside their peripheral view of the world in which they live. It is quite sad. Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:14:17 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68880549 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68880530 I am also starting to get annoyed with how disrespectful Professor Richards is becoming when it comes to Christians. I don’t really care if he does or does not believe or find importance in the concept of religion, but he needs to respect the fact that many people in a class of 700 do. I don’t care if he says he doesn’t care what religion you are, and if you are a practicing Christian, but he also needs to understand putting down or the tone of his voice when he says the words “Christian” or “Christianity” come across to me and many other people I know as unnecessary. Tone is everything, and he is teaching us to be respectful towards race when he shows no respect towards religion. I think he thinks he is better than religion. Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:14:02 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68880530 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68880487 I also have a strong belief that the war in Iraq is not necessarily has its basis on “fighting for freedom” like former President George Bush stated, and I do think a vast majority of the reasoning behind the war surrounds oil. I think that it is not necessarily right that we should be there because of oil; however, if we want to make such protests and demands against this reasoning, we need to be ready to find alternatives to our heavy dependence upon oil. I believe that without oil America will not be the great and strong nation it currently has been and still is. Other nations also must realize what America does indeed bring to the “world table” so to speak as well. Without our power, the world better be prepared to not receive as much aid and support from us as well, something easier said annoying in everyday times, but when a crisis, catastrophe, or disaster strikes, we are nine times out of ten asked to come to the rescue. Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:13:35 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68880487 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment67444974 If young children learn Mandarin early on in their education, they will not only be able to absorb this language faster than if they learned it ten years later or never at all, but also they will be able to learn other languages more efficiently and in-depth once they have mastered the understanding of Mandarin. Learning new languages makes individuals more alert and aware of the fact that English is not the only language in the world, and it has exposes individuals to the culture and ethnicity of others who speak that foreign language predominantly. It gets students to want to learn more about the world outside of their range in the central and into the peripheral. It is a detriment that America takes this next step. It will not only improve America economically, but also socially and culturally. All of these benefits put together make for a better America and world. Utopia? Not quite, but more advanced and committed to working together due to being able to better understand the lifestyle, patterns and reasoning behind such differences? I think so! Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:13:56 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment67444974 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment67444935 The world is not stagnant, and it is always changing. No mountain, bridge, or ocean is too big or too far to travel to, which means that business and industry can function and strive almost in any country throughout the world. With this being said, America is no position to let their foreign language system fall behind. America is already starting to see the implications of its math and science fields fall behind in comparison to India and China. America cannot let another sector of education fall behind. Education is what forms and molds the leaders of tomorrow. We can spend millions of dollars of government money a year on unemployment benefits and give out Access Cards that still somehow can be manipulated to still buy cigarettes, but we are not putting enough money into science, math, and foreign language. AMAZING. That is why I think it is a great idea to add Mandarin to the American public school system. Mandarin is one of the most difficult languages to learn. Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:13:36 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment67444935 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment67444815 I really think incorporating foreign language into the fundamentals of America’s elementary public school system is key to the betterment of American society on so many different levels. For starters, when children are younger they absorb much more of the basics and fundamentals of any task, operation, or problem much faster than teenagers, young adults, or adults. With the world being so globalized and race not being separated by borders, it is becoming increasingly important to understand other countries’ and ethnicities’ cultures. If this is not implemented into the school systems of the United States, our country will begin to fall behind economically, socially, and culturally. Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:13:24 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/want-to-learn-chinese__trashed/#IDComment67444815 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64948591 I personally do not find this offensive, but then again I am white. However, I also do not find it offensive that I need to be categorized as a “Female”. I am what I am, and I am proud to express that others. I know that is comparing apples to oranges, but females have had struggles just like minorities have in the past and continue to do so into today. I think if minorities or those at an unfair disadvantage compared to others express how proud they are to be who they are and think and act how they do, then others may view them in a more positive light. It’s worth a try. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:12:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64948591 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64948585 Categorization makes life in a complex world less intricate and complicated, and it organizes. One could make this such claim, but then the counterargument is that it makes life more intricate and complicated due to shades of gray, which is becoming an increasing factor at play now in the categorization of race. Does it organize or does it force us to think we are organizing? These are questions that need to be proposed and talked about in order to more fully understand all sides of this confusion and argument in the issues surrounding the Census and its categorization. I do not think categorization is going anywhere soon, nor do I necessarily think it is a bad thing that it isn’t going anywhere. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:12:25 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64948585 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64948483 Sam does bring up an extremely good point though. Until all of us Americans stop taking everything so offensively, someone will always be offended or insulted by their categorization in society. Society as a whole can never be completely happy with the final outcome. Something always has an edge or push towards one factor more so than another factor. Here is something to think about. Is categorization just a reality of life we need to face and do face all of the time? Is the acceptance of categorization just a fact of life? Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:11:31 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64948483 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64948419 It’s funny that this is being brought about and causing a stir so to speak because as I was filling out the survey a week or so ago, my mind ran back to Soc. 119. I thought to myself, “This is going to cause some kind of commotion.” Why did I think this? Because we are constantly talking about no matter how all of us think we are working towards not taking race so seriously and offensively, we still are far from such a thing in practice. The Census and the ruckus that is being created because of the words individuals are being asked to define themselves by is being taken as offensive. I think this beings up an interesting point about America and our evolving culture in which we live. Are our multiple races being so blended together that categorization is becoming merely impossible to some people? However, such a categorization is detrimental and one of the main reasons for even having a census in the first place. Does this mean we are going to need to alter the way the Census categorizes race? Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:11:01 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/nothing-about-the-census-is-easy__trashed/#IDComment64948419 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63528704 We know very well that our nation could use all of the help we can in order to work towards unity and progression as opposed to more digression and arguing. I just do not understand this. Are we not proud to live in a nation who has leaders and politicians working for us in the state of democracy? Yes, it is not perfect, and it is far from a corrupt system, but do posters such as these posted with such threatening words really necessary? Obviously these individuals have some issues. Regardless of whether politician or not, the “n” word is unnecessary and disrespectful. I do not care how much you like or dislike someone; it is just plain rude to use this. If we want to fix the problems within our own nation, we need to start with respecting one another and putting our energies full throttle to making positive changes in the right direction, and that includes not attacking people who are striving to make a difference. These people need to open their eyes to how ridiculous their words are rejuvenating within our nation and throughout the world. Are they really making a positive impact and outcome? “No, they aren’t”. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:26:49 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63528704 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63528699 Americans also get frustrated at the fact that people from other nations often call use such terms and phrases such as, “stupid Americans” or “lazy Americans” the result of these idiots making such a scene? The outspoken words of a few often are reflected upon the broad, overall group of individuals. Why should they think our system or form of democracy works any better if this is what results from our system? Like I said before, I am not opposed to practicing one’s freedom of speech, but is this really necessary? Why do these individuals need to state such outlandish and threatening words? I really do not understand this in the least. I consider myself a conservative and Republican; however, I try my hardest to put this “block” that I belong to the wayside when it comes to bettering, benefiting, and progressing our nation. We are the UNITED States, and I think we take for granted everything our nation was built upon a lot of the time. I don’t understand why people use their outspoken energies and direct them to something more useful and beneficial to the overall progression and good of our nation. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:26:45 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63528699 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63528664 Here is one of the main reasons why nothing can get done in America, and why our economy is in the current state it is in. Yes, I know protesting is a public display of individuals’ right to the First Amendment and their practice of freedom of speech; however, I still feel that this is more a display of the lack of respect and pride Americans have for being…well…American. Whatever happened to respecting your leaders? Yes, I know politicians may not be the most trustworthy or wholesome individuals, but regardless of this, they are the individuals and figures who represent our voices. If some of our voices are portraying such words and phrases this derogatory are they and should they respect us and put their full efforts forward to work towards our best interests as American citizens? Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:26:28 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63528664 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment62261617 I believe that having any organization, group, club, or any other membership entity that is exclusive to any race leads to disastrous consequences. I think that there is no need for such exclusivity. I also feel that this case is extremely racist. Why would a league composed of "white only" males not be considered racist? Isn't that bringing the racist barriers up and even more to the forefront? As well, isn't saying that these white males need to just find a way to play on their own level asserting the stereotype that black people are better at jumping and basketball than white people? I think so. Isn't this what leads to problems and false speculations, which then leads to the reasoning behind broadening and separating ourselves even further from people of other color? Now you would pose one such question in particular due to my response to whether or not forming an all-white basketball team is not racist. Such questions include are already established and deemed credible organizations such as the NAACP necessary and broaden the color gap we still grapple to overcome within society everyday? The answer to this question is "yes" because I do not think such organizations are no longer necessary, and I think just like this basketball league it just divides us even further. Regardless of color I think there is no reason to separate and set exclusive rules. This just in turn promotes and enhances racism, whether directly or indirectly, and brings it further to the forefront. Do I think these such organizations be eliminated? No. I think that these organizations should allow anyone to join these organizations. I know for a fact that even organizations that are race specific at Penn State welcome anyone, regardless of their race. Now, I am sure these organizations will have the majority of members as the race initially intended to join the organization, but giving other individuals who are not of this race, but who are interested in understanding the culture and lifestyle of this race can bring down barriers and stereotypes previously thought of or possessed by those of other races. These such members can be of inspiration and insight for those individuals who currently stereotype and make incorrect judgments about this such race. Just as what is taught and stated in Race Relations, it only takes one mind and new first-hand insight to change the mind of many others or at least get them to think further or think before using pre-assumed stereotypes to explain ideas, actions, or basketball for that matter. Facts and first-hand experiences can replace these such explanations instead. I do not think there is any need for such separation or sound enough reasoning behind why there should be such a “league of its own” so to speak. This is not what post-segregation era is about, nor should it be. Let’s not take steps backward. I think such actions are unintelligent and unacceptable. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:20:58 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment62261617 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/who-could-compete-with-this-woman-on-a-level-playing-field__trashed/#IDComment58422999 I think it’s interesting that this point was brought up because I have often thought about this “uneven starting line” before this class, but I never really knew if my thoughts had any sound factuality behind them or not until now. As discussed in class we as Americans pride ourselves in being “hardworking” and “deserving” of everything we have, and we call it what we have “earned”. I have an example of this very same thing happen right here at Penn State. During my sophomore year of high school, this senior girl in one of the organizations I’m in sat next to me at one of our meetings. I began to carry on a conversation with her prior to the meeting started, and I asked her if she had any internships last summer or the summer beforehand. She quickly responded with something along the lines of, “No, you see, I don’t really needed to get an internship because my dad knows people in the industry, so I’m pretty much set.” I sat for a moment and thought about what she had actually just said while making sure to compose my facial expressions and bite my tongue at the same time. I just simply replied with something along the lines of, “Oh, that’s interesting.” I was stunned for two reasons. One, was that even if I was “set” I don’t think I would take that for granted regardless of the circumstances, but that has just always been my personality, but then again that could have a lot to do with many of my past personal experiences. Two, I was in shock that she would even make such claims to someone regardless of whether or not she actually is “set”. Anyhow, I guess she stated this to me, so that I would be able to write about it and relate such a story close to us as Penn State students, so I guess I owe her a “Thanks You!” Anyhow, what is being discussed in this article about Yvrose Jean Baptiste is indeed true, real, and alive. Drive and ambition can justify what we “deserve” to an extent, but not the full length or overall measurement of it. The starting line is curved, yet we still try to give and lay out “facts” as to why we are so deserving of what we have and want to receive in the future. In order to satisfy and justify our own privileged lifestyles as the cause of our successes. I am not exception to this either. Yes, I am hard-working and ambitious, and I strive for success in my life. However, I also went to a private school for twelve years, played tennis, skied, traveled, and hung out with my friends every weekend in high school all without ever having a job. Why? Because of my parents, not because of something miraculous I did. I feel very lucky and appreciate, but yet who knows whether I would be here at Penn State receiving a good education that has landed me a job in May. This article and what has been discussed in class is extremely eye-opening. Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:43:31 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/who-could-compete-with-this-woman-on-a-level-playing-field__trashed/#IDComment58422999 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/the-xxx-bible-who-wouldve-thought__trashed/#IDComment57262270 It's funny that this idea has been brought up because this has been the way my father interprets the Bible and incorporates it into his daily life, lightly and not literally. It's funny that this idea has been brought up because this has been the way my father interprets the Bible and incorporates it into his daily life, lightly and not literally. It's a practice I try to instill in myself, and even though I feel the Bible is a help and guide to me, I also do not feel it should be taken literally and factually. I choose to read, interpret, and understand the Bible more fully for the same reason I am taking Soc 119 - to add perspective to my life because I am a firm believer in the fact that when one tries to gain insight into the viewpoint or understanding of someone else, a stronger appreciation supplemented with a stronger perception is attained. I think such a realization and opening up to the other side of the mountain has the power to bring us as individuals more than anything else. I am Catholic. I went to Catholic grade school and high school, church every Sunday, and the whole other "nine" yards that goes along being Catholic. Ever since coming to college, I definitely do not practice my faith as literally as I used to, but in actuality, I feel closer to God, others, and myself than I ever have before. Why do I think this is? I think it has much to do with my attitude towards religion, and the fact that I do not see any religion or tool used to explain religion as an easy way to "filter" right from wrong and wrong from right. I think many people use the Bible as one of those such tools because it is the easy way out and a "source", so many people use the Bible as their backing behind their interpretation of right from wrong. We like the easy route, and this is what the Bible gives many people. However, as stated previously in class, many people choose to take the rules of the Bible they like and use these as their solid basis behind truth, while leaving out other they either do not believe in or wish to follow themselves then choose to judge others who feel so strongly about the facets they choose to kick to the curb. That problem, which we discussed in class, is a problem I have grappled with for years. Religion is a choice, and it is a choice I choose to practice and use to help me in my journey through life. Why it ever became a basis for ridicule and judgement of individuals we do not even know just astounds me and bothers me. I think there needs to be a sense of understanding and consideration we have for other religions and their reasons for such interpretation. We as humans are shaped by the experiences surrounding us, and what shapes us in the past and present will most assuredly impact our future. Also, by learning the perspective of other people of other religions, I think we will begin to understand that religions, in all actuality, are quite similar. I think we discussed in class the fact that "Allah", "God", and "Yahweh" are all terms used to describe and explain a higher being. My term to describe the higher being I place trust in, due to the childhood I was brought up in, just happens to be referred to as "God", so I think we need to stop pointing fingers, criticizing others' religious books, and fighting wars over ideas and beliefs that align so similarly. None of us are scholars or know what happened in the past, but I think we do have an obligation to make this world a better place, and that starts with loving the Earth and others . Love is expressed in all religions, so I don't see why that should be so hard to come to a consensus on. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:20:50 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/the-xxx-bible-who-wouldve-thought__trashed/#IDComment57262270 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/negros-of-the-world-unite__trashed/#IDComment56114634 I think that this article was highly informative and interesting at the same time. I think it's great what they are doing with the Census 2010. I definitely agree that as our nations evolves and changes every ten years, our Census needs to change and evolve as well. Like the article stated, the Census is used for so many different marketing strategies and federal regulations, which are just two areas the Census is used to find the proper method to get important information out to the public and how to center and focus research. What we see on TV and in the newspapers can be greatly impacted by the statistics found in the Census every ten years. This leads to the point of why it is so important that this information accurately does not only reflect our "genetic" attributes, but also that it reflects our emotional perceptions and appeals about our own race and ethnicity. As Americans, we still have a fine line between these two words. Eventually this fine line may be broken, but as of now, I think it is great we are embracing this and working to understand American heritage more fully, rather than place it in only this box, solely this box, or that box and no others. Two factors I think make being able to check multiple boxes important. One is the fact that what makes America the country it is is the fact that America is a "melting pot". With many families now more and more being able to as they have been in America for several generations, more and more people do not identify themselves with solely one race or ethnicity. Like the article said, why should someone have to choose which race they want to put on the Census? To an even greater extent, if someone had to choose between two ethnicities, that does not accurately depict America when the facts come out because a race is being left out, and with more and more people being of multiple races, the facts would be extremely inaccurate. The Census costs billions of dollars, and it is extremely time consuming, so what is the point of going through this whole process if it is not done the right way? Especially considering the fact that the Census has the potential to be make such a huge impact on our society for the next ten years. Really think about that. An inaccurate would make so many different aspects of our society inaccurate, especially in the media, which trickles into all other misinterpreted areas of life for Americans. I think the Census 2010 is a great experiment for the future, and it gives me great hope that Americans are slowly trying to come together and work to finally want to do one thing that makes a world of difference: Understand. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:43:20 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/negros-of-the-world-unite__trashed/#IDComment56114634 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/voters-and-their-senseless-stories__trashed/#IDComment55201037 One thing, the “obvious best thing” is an opinion and varies on different levels to different individuals throughout the United States for various reasons. What may seem logical to you, may not seem logical to me. I want to paint a picture on the defense of voters and explain the facts instead of tripping around and complaining when the facts of the matter are not even being brought out and taken into consideration. A candidate tends to move towards the middle of his or her party on the “Red-Blue” scale during the primary, and then during the general election candidates tend to sway “their views” towards the center in order to attract more voters, especially the undecided voters. Politics is a career, and yes, the definition of a politician is one who is a “public servant and statesman”, they are “statesman, congressman, and legislators”. Politicians get paid, and it is their career. Their goal is to keep their constituency content and satisfied with their votes and decisions in order to get reelected because this is their JOB, and they want to keep their JOB. As well, their other goal is to rise to power within this legislative body. In addition, lobbyists and other Congressmen and women are influencing the vote of these elected officials. And at the end of the day, the overall goal of these elected officials is to: one, keep the majority of their constituents happy, two, keep their fellow Congressmen happy in order to gain power in the system in order to gain voice and fiscal funding for their district or state, and three in order to keep lobbyists happy because they donate funds to these Congressmen and womens’ campaigns. It is what it is, but before we start criticizing take this into consideration. Our political system is not meant to create a free-riding utopia. Our system is meant to create order. Remember, it is not a simple job and lawmaking is not a simple process because if it were, this would just create chaos, which would therefore instill no order. Our governmental system is a complex body, and this complex needs order and needs to have a process to lawmaking in order to get things done, but not get things done too swiftly in a haste and not too slowly that our whole system becomes useless. So before we begin criticizing American voters and why they don’t vote for their own interests, remember that many times we do not even know what we want, nor do we weigh all of the options before we go to the polls. As well, our Congressmen and women do not keep the same views and opinions for various reasons after becoming elected because, as stated previously, their goal, Democrats and Republicans alike, was to get elected. In order to get elected, appealing to the undecided, moderate voter is pertinent. Let’s analyze and use some logic before we begin criticizing one another. Wed, 3 Feb 2010 16:01:23 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/voters-and-their-senseless-stories__trashed/#IDComment55201037 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/haitis-calamity__trashed/#IDComment54037273 This blog brought up a great point. We are all victims of the sins of “desire and jealousy, greed and selfishness” like the blog has stated. We often have a hard time taking a step back through own instinct and reason to realize how quickly and frequently we fall into a “trap” of stressing out over the “little” things in life, such as not getting an “A-” on an exam instead of an “A”, we make rude comments and cross our arms when the line for coffee is “too long”, how a boy or girl we like will not give us the attention we crave and think we “need”, we stress out when we go shopping and can’t find the “perfect dress” or “cutest shoes” to wear to an upcoming formal. One person stresses out over these matters, and the rest of us follow in a line outwardly speaking about our “plights” and so-called “tragedies”. It’s a never-ending vicious cycle which all of us continually fall victim to and will keep falling victim to. Often times, we do not even realize that stressing out and making such a big deal and commotion over such circumstances and slight dilemmas we term with the word “tragedy” are far from this term in the grand scheme of life. In actuality, according to the Oxford Dictionary, the term “tragedy” means “an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe”. I think all of us need to remember this before we run our mouths or cause a big commotion over simple and easily solvable matters. When really put into perspective our daily problems are simple matters when compared to what really are true disasters at hand. Along the same lines as the blog posted by Laurie Mulvey, an interesting question comes to mind. Why does it take a true tragedy such as what happened in Haiti to change our perspective on what the word “tragedy” really means and what the consequences and effects a tragedy really has on people and those directly affected by it. Why does it take something this large and big to make us think beyond what goes on in the “bubbles” and “little worlds” we live in from day to day? Why do we need these “signs” to make us realize our lives really aren’t that bad, and in actuality we have so much to be thankful for and that the simple things in life should be cherished and not taken for granted. Remember, it only starts with one person’s words or actions to influence others. I just think we need to start putting each day’s thoughts, actions, and words into perspective with reality. I guarantee we will spread a fresh and positive outlook on life because nothing in life should ever be taken for granted, but everything positive, no matter how big or how small, should be cherished. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:04:02 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/01/haitis-calamity__trashed/#IDComment54037273