en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/4233563 Comments by moh5122 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/04/03/voices-from-the-classroom-141/#IDComment334750766 I think that the media is a huge proponent of how we live our daily lives – right down to what we wear (or don’t wear), what we believe to be true, etc. The fact the women wear fewer and fewer clothing really boils down to what our culture and society accepts as being “in” right now. Turn on MTV and you’ll see in the music videos scantily clad women that are, usually, doing so in the presence of men. While some of us women choose to believe that how we dress is our free will, our individual decisions, our influence and no one is else’s is completely wrong. What we wear is largely dictated by the media and what message(s) it chooses to send. Today, more skin is in…especially if men are involved. I understand that this is definitely not all women. However, I think this “trend” is growing. Even for me, looking back to how I personally dressed as a sixth grader compared to how sixth graders dress now (especially on the weekends, out of school and in the presence of friends) is amazing. The difference is just that – much less modesty and more skin. For me, this screams less respect for their bodies and is begging for attention from others, whether men or women. This may be due to how I was raised, but I really think that it is our culture, dictated by the media, is what has caused this change. I think younger girls do not understand this correlation. They associated with “showing off their body” and “being comfortable with less clothes” as having more confidence, more dominance. They rarely see that the opposite is true, and this scares me. They do not see that they (unknowingly) are actually showing more skin due to the media and the accepted notion that men are who dominates. You think that showing off skin is a way to exude your confidence? This is so wrong. Confidence and respect for oneself does not come from baring your body or skin, but rather is a demeanor, behaviors, a way of life – it does not relate in any way to being basically naked. Even having confidence and gratitude toward your body does not relate to this. Younger girls need to understand that doing this means to eat healthily, have healthy habits when it comes to your body, and treat it with respect through diet and positive feelings & actions – again, this does not even come close to showing skin. Sadly, this reality is not widespread and is, in fact, just the opposite. Girls today are taught by the media that skin is how you acquire and maintain power when, tragically, the opposite is what is the truth. Sun, 8 Apr 2012 19:26:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/04/03/voices-from-the-classroom-141/#IDComment334750766 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/29/voices-from-the-classroom-139/#IDComment330435943 I feel like what the woman described in this video is a smaller-scale version of what we learned about in class about the inequality and injustice in the prison system. Not only are these kids being arrested or detained at a much higher rate in these less privileged schools, but (like the statistics we saw in class) I am sure these kids are actually doing (or selling) drugs a lower rate than the more privileged schools. This saddens me that the information in class we learned is even perpetuated in schools that children attend. The fact that the injustice is so prevalent, stretching across all areas and all ages, makes me feel angry and almost hopeless for a better outcome. I think that what is worse than those who are disadvantaged being targeted more is that those who are privileged that are unaware or unknowledgeable about why they are the privileged ones and what it means to be privileged. In addition, they should know the results of this privilege and what comes of it. If they are unaware of why they are able to lead the lives they do, they will never even begin to know how to help this dilemma or possess the ability to impart this wisdom upon others. The ignorance of these kids definitely needs to be addressed. I feel as though (especially at a younger age), nothing but good can come from this. Even if they had a class once a week similar to our Soc 119 class (but obviously geared toward a younger age group) I feel as though it would do wonders. If we teach children the roots of these stereotypes and inequalities, it could possibly help them to be eradicated or lessened. Additionally, it would undoubtedly help if these children were taught about the various mediums utilized in perpetuating these stereotypes, such as the media. To fully understand something and be able to do something about it means to be familiar with its beginnings and what has caused it to grow. If children understood its core, as well as its proponents, I feel the future has a good shot at aiding the inequalities and misunderstandings that lead to events such as the ones described by the girl in this video. Whether this is started simply with a smaller lesson or a little time taken out of each week, I feel that the fact it is even being done will reap benefits. Overall, I believe what occurs in classrooms and schools is a reflection of a broader, more frequent, and even more devastating occurrence in the prison system of our society and country today. If we can devise a method that can be started at an early age and carried on throughout their educational careers, I feel that the future of our society can truly accomplish a lot. Tue, 3 Apr 2012 02:42:12 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/29/voices-from-the-classroom-139/#IDComment330435943 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/22/voices-from-the-classroom-128/#IDComment326007110 This makes me feel incredibly angry and sad. I am angry that I was born with a privilege others do not have and, in a sense, are penalized for not having. It makes me angry that others do not have the luxury of having the same justice I do. I don’t know if “white guilt” would appropriately label these feelings. It is not so much guilt as it is disappoint and anger. And, on top of that, I feel helpless and hopeless. And, because of these feelings, I subsequently feel sad and upset. It pains me to see news like this and believe I have nothing valuable to say or do or give back. I feel lost as to how to act or how to go about making a difference in the world regarding unjust tragedies such as this. I am really not sure what needs to be done to change this. I believe it is something that time will tell and cannot be rushed. I feel that nothing monumental and substantial can or will happen overnight. In addition, I think this is a generational entity. As more time passes, some of the stereotypes and negativity will fade out (and hopefully, no new ones will replace them); just like the pattern that can slowly be seen over the past few generations. In time, I believe that perhaps a more open, accepting mindset will begin to grow and ideally, ultimately become the “norm” in various and numerous societies and cultures. I believe simple things, such as exposure to other races and cultures, can truly help others to become better people and to be less narrow-minded. And, hopefully prevent tragedies such as this. However, I think that the majority of people actually willing to do this and to seek change and take action are the ones least likely to do something to that degree and of that nature. The ones the most likely to do something similar or commit a similar crime are the ones least likely to want to change. They are the ones that will stubbornly stay put with their stereotypes and prejudices. They are the ones that do not feel they need to “better themselves”, because in their mind they are absolutely right and just with what they believe and how they behave. This makes me sick to my stomach. I am not saying that all hope is lost to eradicate or lessen one’s prejudices and stereotypes, however, I think the vast amount of those who have the strongest and most wrongful beliefs are the ones who will never budge with their false beliefs and evil attitudes & behaviors. They will not accept others’ advice to be more open-minded. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:53:06 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/22/voices-from-the-classroom-128/#IDComment326007110 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/21/voices-from-the-classroom-126/#IDComment322050720 I definitely have had a similar experience. Although I cannot place exactly which stage I am in, I can relate to what the student in the video had voiced. The more I thought about it, however, I think that because I moved four times when I was younger, it may have exposed me to way more than I will ever recognize, know, notice, or understand. When I lived outside of Philly, I was exposed to a larger amount of people that were of different races than I. The majority of my life (the place where I currently live at home), is largely white. So maybe living in the area outside of Philly for seven years did influence more than I thought. Or maybe not. I cannot really say and probably will never exactly know for sure. I also think my upbringing and how my parents raised me immensely contributed to my openness and comfortableness about race. Even though my grandparents on both sides are very clear about their race preferences and deeply ingrained prejudices, my own parents are extremely different from my grandparents. They have raised me to be open, like the student in the video had mentioned. It was very important to them to raise my brothers and me to be accepting and understanding of all walks of life. I would not say I am “color-blind”, because, as we learned in class, color matters and often dictates the path of our life, but I would say that race is something I openly embrace and welcome, and do not shun it or try to ignore (or fight) it. All in all, I believe that not only your environment (for example, a community with various races), but also your upbringing (for instance, being taught by your parents to be accepting of all races) influence what “stage” you are in or how comfortable you are with race. I do not think it can be exactly pinpointed as to why you are in the “stage” or mindset you are in. I believe that a vast amount of factors go into how much or how little we feel comfortable with race. Not to mention, I think the whole “stage” labeling is very wrong. I do not feel as though you can limit and box-in what stage you are. I do not think it is something that can be clearly defined or categorized. So, with that being said, just because you fall under one “stage” does not mean you additionally have to pertain to all of the other requisites that the label encompasses. Just because you are at “stage 3” does not automatically mean you have to have had grown up in a racially diverse neighborhood. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:38:38 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/21/voices-from-the-classroom-126/#IDComment322050720 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/15/voices-from-the-classroom-122/#IDComment321362218 Places I go to seek truth about the war and the Middle East usually consists of newspapers, major news websites, and also informal websites (such as blogs). I rarely listen to televised news coverage just because I think only a small portion of actual information is shared on these programs, in my opinion. This is perhaps due to the limited time and time restraints of being on the air. I do not think they give a full, comprehensive picture and often times, as a result of the broadness of them, fail to have the entire impact and true essence of the stories they tell. This, many times, leads to generalizations and false portrayals. So this is why I am not a huge fan of televised news. Out of the mediums I do choose to get news from, I do not weight their individual importance or truth any differently from one another. Each has relatively equal value to me. However, with that being said, I still do not believe everything I read or see. I make sure to read everything in its entirety and to also pay attention to other sources that challenge that particular perspective. It definitely helps to take the time to view each perspective and side of the scenario. It also helps to pay attention to all stories – not just the big one that are labeled “breaking news” or are on every news station. All information from the media about the Middle East and war, whether big or small, counts to some degree. It is important to not turn a blind eye to individual, personal accounts or seemingly trivial stories in the news. I do not know of any other ways to gain more information about this topic. What comes to mind is generally: the television news, newspapers, articles (both online and in print), and informal websites (such as blogs). I truly wish I knew of credible, reliable source to alternatively obtain information from. This certainly would help to broaden my horizons and make me more knowledgeable about the Middle East and war. I think if everyone had this source or these sources that they were confident in its credibility, that it would immensely benefit a vast amount of factors and people. Unfortunately, this is many times not the case. With the media comes faulty stories and information, which is in return circulated and misconstrued even further. This cycle of the media and its misleading tendencies seems to be a cycle that is powerful, and, thus, will never end. I am unsure of how to break this cycle. Furthermore, every time we read any news, we all run the chance of possibly reading false or deluded information and news. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:46:39 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/15/voices-from-the-classroom-122/#IDComment321362218 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/13/voices-from-the-classroom-119/#IDComment316226812 I think there are many different reasons why people are often so closed-minded when confronted about something that goes against their beliefs. One reason is that a lot of people refuse to hear something that goes against their beliefs because that would mean their whole way of thinking about that particular topic or issue would have to be uprooted and accommodate for those changes. They do not want change and are content with what they believe to be true or taught to them to be true. Often times, it is easier for a person to shake their head, stop listening, and maintain whatever prior beliefs they have over taking the time to listen to the differing perspective and to spend time evaluating it. Another reason might be that the person truly does want be open-minded but is too afraid or ashamed to go follow through or take any kind of initiative. Some fear the implications and repercussions of going through with changing their opinion or close-mindedness about something. If they change their mind about that one thing, then what else do they believe to be true that, in fact, is or was a fabrication? In regards to the army or military “closed-mindedness” that occured in class that day on the Twitter feed, I think it is an entirely different beast. I am not sure if I would label it as close-mindedness, because people did question what he said – some may have not whole-heartedly listened to or considered his explanation, but some people, at the very least, did question it and did not immediately dismiss it. I also think that because military ties are so numerous and hit close to home for many in that class, it might have felt like an attack on what their families/relatives/friends stand for and what they do by fighting for our country. Which, by the way, no one’s “beliefs” are wrong in a sense, because who is one person to judge how another person should live his or her life and what he/she should believe? Many of the arguments against Sam’s statement I can also see as being correct. So it is not so much that everyone was close-minded, rather, they were able to surmise a valid challenge against what Sam was claiming to be true. I could see those who were stagnant with their actions or thoughts in this case to be close-minded, but I think for the most part many people did take action by questioning what was said or presented a legitimate argument. Not to mention, this topic is sensitive to many and is not a light one – because it may pertain to family members or close friends, it is hard to really open your mind to something that has a high pertinence with your intimate, personal life. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:19:45 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/13/voices-from-the-classroom-119/#IDComment316226812 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/12/voices-from-the-classroom-118/#IDComment315494006 I think that International Racism is an awful thing that, unfortunately, is underrated and known by a very small percentage of people in our country. Again, as I have also written in my other blogs, I think this is a ‘fish in water’ kind of thing – we, as a country, are so submersed in it that it truly becomes invisible around us, or at least until someone points it out. I, for one, have never heard of International Racism before Sam’s class today, yet, it still makes a lot of sense and I do not doubt its presence or pervasiveness. I think that because so few in our present-day society know about it and its pertinence, International Racism should be something discussed in all schools and at all ages. The power that awareness brings about is sometimes underestimated. For one to be simple aware about an issue can lead to and ignite numerous actions. However, on the other hand, it makes me angry that International Racism exists, but I feel helpless as to how to (myself) eliminate it. The people with the most power and wealth, I assume, are the ones who really have an influence or can directly sway it. Although I know that I am still more ‘well-off’ than numerous others in many countries, I feel as though in THIS country I do not have a say because I am not of the prestigious, wealthy backgrounds as others. So, all in all, while I feel compelled to do something, I am at a loss as to where to even begin. I do not think International Racism has an easy or an immediate fix. I am sure that it is complicated and intricate, and would have to be gradually tackled, but I am positive that something can be done. I know that there has to be some way to eradicate (or at the least, lessen or reduce) it – but how? In a culture and society where wealth and money dictate power, it is difficult for me to understand how I, personally, would have much influence on this process. Additionally, I do not have faith or trust in the political system and do not feel it would do the issue justice if I were to call upon someone of this profession to help this cause. So, ultimately, I feel stuck – I want to do something about International Racism and to change it, but every option I think of I feel limited to how much I could truly accomplish, due to my status or standing in this country. Even if I did have some sort of political-pull or connections, I would not feel confident that my wishes, thoughts, and ideas would be justly represented or carried out in the most efficient or appropriate way. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:50:36 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/12/voices-from-the-classroom-118/#IDComment315494006 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/29/what-more-do-you-want-to-think-about/#IDComment305627267 What really struck me as astonishing and as something new was also something I learned last semester in another sociology class: the disparity in the prison system regarding race. Not only did I learn that blacks (and other minorities) are immensely disproportionate to the number of whites in jail and prison systems, but also that it has nothing to do with more crimes (or more serious crimes) being committed by those particular races or ethnicities. I found this amazing yet really frustrating at the same time. I was angered that these groups were being targeted and, in a way, being kicked while they were already down. I hated that those races, especially blacks, are already disadvantaged by white privilege with generally lower incomes and worse housing opportunities (on the whole) and then are further disadvantaged by being more susceptible to being arrested and convicted of a crime, although they are no more likely to commit one and to commit one that is more serious. It makes me upset that, because of its prevalence and persistent, many voices are probably going unheard. Lastly, I am infuriated by the prospects of these men and women when they finally do (if ever) get out of jail or prison. They are most times better off staying in prison than they are when released. Job opportunities, housing options, and their role in the community are so often compromised and deprecated. Essentially, they are robbed of their rights before, during, and after prison. If I were to be in their shoes I would feel total defeat and helplessness. Looking at it the other way around, a white who has a criminal record still has much better chances of being hired than a black with absolutely no criminal record. This astounds me and I really wonder nothing substantial has been done yet. Furthermore, after learning this information, I became worried and feared that this perhaps will not get any better and possibly even worse. Because I have no experience in the world of corrections, I really cannot think of where to start in terms of aiding this issue. Also for this reason, I am certain there are issues much worse that I (or the general public) am not even aware of. Something definitely needs to be done regarding the rights of the prisoners and detainees. I am sure they have numerous things to say and crucial opinions that must be heard. Why there is no outlet for them to do so is beyond me. I do not understand how this has gotten so bad and why no one (especially our government) has felt the need to correct it. Even the goals of the correction system have changed from rehabilitation to punishment. I am not sure of the exact steps that need to be taken in order to fix these problems, but I do know that something definitely needs to be done and soon. Thu, 1 Mar 2012 18:24:16 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/29/what-more-do-you-want-to-think-about/#IDComment305627267 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/29/what-more-do-you-want-to-think-about/#IDComment305626945 What really struck me as astonishing and as something new was also something I learned last semester in another sociology class: the disparity in the prison system regarding race. Not only did I learn that blacks (and other minorities) are immensely disproportionate to the number of whites in jail and prison systems, but also that it has nothing to do with more crimes (or more serious crimes) being committed by those particular races or ethnicities. I found this amazing yet really frustrating at the same time. I was angered that these groups were being targeted and, in a way, being kicked while they were already down. I hated that those races, especially blacks, are already disadvantaged by white privilege with generally lower incomes and worse housing opportunities (on the whole) and then are further disadvantaged by being more susceptible to being arrested and convicted of a crime, although they are no more likely to commit one and to commit one that is more serious. It makes me upset that, because of its prevalence and persistent, many voices are probably going unheard. Lastly, I am infuriated by the prospects of these men and women when they finally do (if ever) get out of jail or prison. They are most times better off staying in prison than they are when released. Job opportunities, housing options, and their role in the community are so often compromised and deprecated. Essentially, they are robbed of their rights before, during, and after prison. If I were to be in their shoes I would feel total defeat and helplessness. Looking at it the other way around, a white who has a criminal record still has much better chances of being hired than a black with absolutely no criminal record. This astounds me and I really wonder nothing substantial has been done yet. Furthermore, after learning this information, I became worried and feared that this perhaps will not get any better and possibly even worse. Because I have no experience in the world of corrections, I really cannot think of where to start in terms of aiding this issue. Also for this reason, I am certain there are issues much worse that I (or the general public) am not even aware of. Something definitely needs to be done regarding the rights of the prisoners and detainees. I am sure they have numerous things to say and crucial opinions that must be heard. Why there is no outlet for them to do so is beyond me. I do not understand how this has gotten so bad and why no one (especially our government) has felt the need to correct it. Even the goals of the correction system have changed from rehabilitation to punishment. I am not sure of the exact steps that need to be taken in order to fix these problems, but I do know that something definitely needs to be done and soon. Thu, 1 Mar 2012 18:23:48 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/29/what-more-do-you-want-to-think-about/#IDComment305626945 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/22/voices-from-the-classroom-110/#IDComment299278117 To overcome or make the factor of race on test scores better is a huge challenge and mystery to me. As Sam mentioned in class, however, these differences (solely based on race, controlling for income) are very slight. I understand and recognize that the difference is still present and very real, but it is hard for me to think of an easy, broad solution for such a miniscule variation in difference. If this difference between races (controlling for income) was a large difference, then I could easily see that it would be an issue to tackle and to brainstorm ideas about how to overcome it. But because it is such a small difference, these “solutions” to make the problem better is beyond me. I think that the way to go would be to not isolate one variable or factor responsible for the differences on test scores. Instead, I believe what should be done is to devise a comprehensive strategy to encompass a vast amount of factors and variables. Like I said earlier, if the sole factor of race was largely responsible or the main cause of differences on test scores, then I could see why it would be the focus. But a better approach, I think, would be to improve numerous qualities of that child’s life: such as schooling, community, education, work opportunities for the parents, one-on-one free (peer and professional) tutoring…just to name a few. Again, I have no idea how you would go about making an immense difference just based on race (as the person in the video asks). But I think a good start would be to look at the factors that cause significant variations, such as income and education. When looking at the bigger picture, it might be easier to recognize patterns or trends and to begin by deconstructing these and delving further. Dissecting minute factors does pay off in some circumstances or situations, but as far as just focusing on race I think might not be the best way to start off. Once the solutions for the comprehensive factors prove to be efficient, then it would be wise to look into race more deeply. All in all, I believe the best way to eliminate any weight race has on test scores is to account for a broader number of factors rather than simply singling out one. That being said, a way to execute this would include an extensive outreach to children that would be comprehensive and would encompass many differing factors. In this sense, all bases would be covered and substantial number of factors and variables would be addressed and aided. When looking at this issue, it is best to consider the bigger picture at first rather than focusing on a single variable to ultimately make a profound difference. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:24:37 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/22/voices-from-the-classroom-110/#IDComment299278117 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/10/voices-from-the-classroom-101/#IDComment291628119 I think Sam’s experience he shared with us about the Shaman was absolutely amazing. I believe that there are different ways of healing but our modern world tends to only accept one way (usually in the form of, or relating to, medicine or therapy). Just because the Shaman’s form of healing is deviant to what our society accepts or views as “normal” does not mean it is wrong or that it does not work. Who are we to say what does and does not fuel the power of healing? Sam was blessed with a really cool opportunity to be exposed to this type of culture and this way of thinking. I would absolutely love to have a similar experience and open my eyes to a culture different than mine. I definitely do not doubt Sam’s story or believe that he was being deceptive about his experience, as several others sitting next to me in class had expressed. Seeing disbelievers in class illuminated, to me, the true ignorance and close-mindedness of people present in our society today. I would love to see everyone at least have respect for Sam’s input and to not instantly reject it – they do not have to necessary agree or disagree with it. Because his experience sort of defies our logic, or what we were raised to believe as logic or common knowledge, it provokes many to falsify or discredit the story almost immediately. It is important for us to open our minds and allow ourselves to see different ways of thinking and other cultures. Without this, personal growth is impossible. We cannot always simply dismiss other cultures or ways of life, rather, we should recognize them as valid and appreciate their importance. The Shaman’s fascinating skill of “talking to the plants” and deities is incredible. In response to the question, I do believe that it is a legitimate way of gaining knowledge. If, like in Sam’s case, this knowledge acquired (no matter what way it was obtained) provides valuable insight and information then I think we would be insane to not consider it a “legitimate way of gaining knowledge”. In our culture and society, talking to plants or going into a trance-like state in order to communicate with gods may seem farfetched and ridiculous but if it benefits others, then it proves and justifies its effectiveness and worth. I do not think the particular way you receive this information or knowledge has “any particular merits” specific to those means. Each way is valid in the eyes of its beholder. Whichever way is most efficient and beneficial is reason enough to label it as “legitimate”. I believe through the lens of our culture, we often are blind to some of the most brilliant and unique ways of thinking because they are so foreign to us and what we were raised to believe or think. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:26:33 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/10/voices-from-the-classroom-101/#IDComment291628119 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/08/voices-from-the-classroom-99/#IDComment287409293 I believe, on a larger-scale, white people do shy away from the topic of race. It is not every person who is white or just people who are white, but I think it can be mostly seen by and large through the actions of white people. I am really not sure why this is and, to be honest, when Sam mentioned it in class it was the first time I truly was able to see that its presence and reality. Not only this, but it is something I see on almost a daily basis – whether it is through overt, clear actions or words or subconscious, indirect actions or words. The fact that I was unaware of its prevalence in daily life until I heard it stated explicitly (by Sam in Tuesdays class), I think this says a lot about its magnitude and also its ability to become so embedded in our everyday life that it almost blends in and becomes camouflaged. Or, maybe because I am of the white race, this it is why it appears this way to me and perhaps to a person of a different race it appears as more evident or perhaps even less common. After Sam did bring it to my attention during Tuesday’s, I asked myself (as I am sure many others in the class did, too) why this is. I thought back to the places I have lived the past twenty years. I realized that although I was not exposed to a large amount of diversity, the places I have lived that had the most of diversity were the places where I remember others being most responsive and open to matters of race – whether they were white or not. I then began to think that perhaps it is a matter of how much a person is exposed to other races and cultures that contributes to how much or how little he/she welcomes issues or topics relating to race. A familiarity, or at least a certain level of exposure, may lend to why some people feel more comfortable with the topic of race than others and why some choose to shy away from it while others easily embrace it. Additionally, I feel that how you are raised in a huge proponent of how at ease you are with the topic of race. As to why it is the white race that is the most uncomfortable with the topic of race, I really cannot guess why. Maybe it goes back to the “white supremacy” and the “white guilt” Sam mentioned in Thursday’s class or maybe its origins are so bountiful it is difficult to sum them up with one reason why. Even if white people did know the exact answer, I am not positive this would make a monumental change in the amount or way white people shy away from the topic of race. I do not think it would have a large or meaningful enough impact. Wed, 8 Feb 2012 22:43:12 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/08/voices-from-the-classroom-99/#IDComment287409293 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/31/voices-from-the-classroom-94/#IDComment282817997 I feel that everyone should be included, and never excluded, when they come to America. That being said, I think that we are doing just about the right amount of “catering” toward those who predominantly speak Spanish. I do not think it is too much and I do not think it is too little. I only speak English fluently and it is the sole language I know, however, so I am not sure how informed of a judge I am on this. My roommate is fluent in both English and Spanish. Her opinion is that America provides a sufficient amount of accommodations toward Spanish speakers and does so more than any other country whose primary language is not Spanish. I was very surprised to hear her response. Maybe this is because a majority of the arguments dealing with this is issue tend take the opposite stand – I usually hear the side of those who feel the U.S. does not cater enough to those who speak Spanish in comparison to the other side. I am not sure of the reason why we accommodate this language moreso than other languages. If I had to guess, it might be due to simply a larger number of those who speak Spanish than those who speak another language. Any other reason would not make much sense (to me). Furthermore, this made me think about this topic in a new way. Because most of the focus of the issue of language accommodations is mostly on the Spanish language, I never truly thought about why it is not as prevalent for other languages in this country. It makes me disappointed and even frustrated to put myself in the shoes of those who native language is neither English nor Spanish who are living or visiting in the U.S. I could be wrong about the vast number of language accommodations being made for Spanish-speakers because I only speak English and am not exposed as others may be to nonnative languages, but it is what I have concluded from my day to day interactions and observations. This is the only basis for my opinion: I believe that if I spoke an additional language that perhaps I would see a better picture of these deficiencies /overabundance in accommodations and have a more authentic grasp on it. But based on what I know as of now, I do feel like other languages may be cheated or left out when it comes to comparing the number of accommodations against the Spanish language. It makes me wonder if other countries have attempted to do something about this and make a change. Or, maybe it is not as big of an issue as I perceive it to be, and that no changes have been made because no countries have opposed to it or felt a dire need to. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 13:44:25 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/31/voices-from-the-classroom-94/#IDComment282817997 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/20/questions-from-class/#IDComment273699251 In regards to the question of why immigrants believe the American dream more than Americans do; I believe there are several reasons. First, I think that Americans tend to be “disillusioned” by it and thus, it has lost its value to Americans. Over time, they realize it is just that – a dream. It is viewed as an ideal, something strived for but never truly achieved. Immigrants, however, are more hopeful and believe it more readily, perhaps because the situations they come from are far worse than what Americans consider as being bad (and, in fact, may be the very reason they are immigrating to America in the first place). What some Americans may see as farfetched or unattainable, some immigrants view with sheer, impenetrable hope and a go-getter attitude. A different reason may be that the American dream to Americans is like water to a fish. Maybe, we (Americans) are so immersed in what some already consider a “dream” to hardly recognize that is what it is. Who is to say what a “dream” is absolutely characterized as? The definition is relative and easily differs from person to person or culture to culture. We might not see that we are actually living a “dream”, or what others might define as a dream. Furthermore, I do believe that many Americans take America for granted. Because we are often unable to place ourselves (literally or figuratively) in another country’s and/or culture’s situation and possess the ability to grasp an accurate perspective, taking our country granted (or lives) is second nature to some. As for what the American dream actually is, it is hard to say. There is no singular, exclusive definition. To some, it is what our Declaration of Independence states: all men are created equal. To others, it can mean equal and plentiful opportunities for employment and other basic desires. Or, it can simply mean a better life. For numerous people living outside of our country, the living conditions and quality of life is poor. Their outlook of America is almighty and bright in contrast to their own country. For some immigrants, it is a chance to start over and lead a better life in countless aspects. I believe the American dream is not solely for Americans. True, our culture does foster some of the best circumstances under which it can be obtained (and is in which the term originated from and was created for). On the other hand, just because it was coined in this country does not restrict it from being obtained in other countries and the populations that can possess it. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, the American dream is completely relative. That being said, anyone can technically attain it if what they are acquiring fits the bill for what they believe is the American dream. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:44:28 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/20/questions-from-class/#IDComment273699251 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/16/voices-from-the-classroom-33/#IDComment267242824 I have definitely wondered for some time about the origin of self-identification (especially in America) and its proponents that continue to propel it. For me personally, I believe I self-indentify because of socialization and the familiarity of doing so. It is something that was always a part of my culture and something I never questioned or thought twice about. It was not until about four years I ago I began to question why we self-identify and its true necessity and imperativeness. True, self-identification does help in the process of “grouping” oneself with others, as mentioned in the video. A sense of who you are can come from such a simple classification. But, for me, this is easy. I am white. I was never unsure of what to “bubble in” on my SATs, etc. For others, however, the clarity of this decision can be ambiguous and can fuel uncertainty, especially in one’s identity. It further produces more anxiety about who you truly are, and, bring to the surface questions about whether or not there are others like you that you, too, can “group” with. At the same time, this identity has not become a (consciously) dominant factor in whom I always “group” with, become close to, or have relationships with. It certainly plays a role, but, for me, has never been a major determinant of who I have relationships with in my life or how I live my day-to-day life. How I self-indentify has not barred me from any substantial life events or has had an out-right superiority in the way I carry myself and decisions I make every day. Of course, I do understand that there is an underlying subconscious way this self-identification does shape various components of my life, but on the whole (and on a conscious level) I do not feel as though it rules my life or a crucial determinant. The reason I struggle to come to terms with self-identification is not a result of my own race/ethnicity, but because of the frustration I feel on the behalf of others. No matter what the subject matter is of the particular identification being labeled (race, ethnicity, gender, etc.), I feel that categorizing oneself is a total injustice to each and everyone’s individuality. It brings about numerous consequences, such as stereotyping and profiling. It says so little about who we are as a person and is terribly confining and disappointing bounded. With self-indentifying, you are restrained to that particular box/bubble you select. It does not take into account a multitude of other factors that are never (and probably never will be) listed as your options to choose from. For this reason and the ones listed above, I believe self-indentifying yield both negative and positive results. Furthermore, one of the main reasons people self-indentify is sometimes positive (to “belong” to a certain “grouping” and give their life purpose & meaning) and is also negative (to conform to societal norms and culture). Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:29:27 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/16/voices-from-the-classroom-33/#IDComment267242824