en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/769518 Comments by mqp5040 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69845340 I mean in a way I think this is the opposite of racism. Like you're ability to understand that you have been give an ability to change the world more than another person--not because it's your inherent right--but because of your socio-economic conditions you have been given the resources and ability to change the world more than another person-- I think the ability to recognize that gives you the perspective of racism. That you are a part of it--not that you are necessarily racist. You know? Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:36:21 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/how-am-i-not-a-racist__trashed/#IDComment69845340 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/300000-whats-it-mean-to-us__trashed/#IDComment69844748 I mean I think we're just draw to other people in our average proximity. I don't think this makes us bad people. I don't think the means we're careless or insensitive. I feel closer to my roomates than the average person because I live with them. Because I share so many things with them. We go to the same school. We lead similar lives. And its that closeness that would distinguish them from the others random people I walk by every day. Its that same--yet obviously different-- closeness I feel like when I compare Americans to those abroad. In comparison, Americans are my roomates, and the rest are just the random people I walk by down the street. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:31:26 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/300000-whats-it-mean-to-us__trashed/#IDComment69844748 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69843873 Wow. This letter brought me almost to tears. I don’t know this man’s story. Maybe if he was the one to kill or hurt someone close to me I wouldn’t feel the genuine kindness of his words. But I sit here and I think to myself, wow, he’s right. Human emotion--whether anger, jealousy, guilt, --or simply compassion, has the ability to overtake us--our minds or hearts--in the most subtle situations. I can think of many other instances in my own life where I let my instinctive emotions guide my actions--actions that would hurt or heal others. You always try and condemn those whose actions you completely disagree with. “I would never steal.” “I would never hurt someone.” Of course I think these things. I think I am a good person. I know I am. But thats me now--me in the circumstances I’ve been given. My family has provided me with a great deal. They’ve supported me in most of my endeavors--financially and emotionally. I’ve seen a great deal of happiness in my life. I say this because I know the hurt I’ve seen is nothing in comparison to most. But I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if I was hungry. Not temporarily hungry but the consistent hunger, the one that eats away at your soul because there’s nothing else left. What would that be like? Would I steal? Would I hurt someone else in order to survive? In order for my family, my loved ones to survive? I don’t know. I want to say yes. I want to say I would have the courage to steal. But maybe courage is something only the privileged have the ability to feel. Because in desperation, maybe that feeling turns to guilt. I don’t know, maybe I’m rambling but I understand that a lot of people we instinctively think of as “bad” aren’t really bad at all. Or have the ability to change. But it’s hard to think of it that way when you feel like you’ve lived your life the way an average good citizen should. But we’re all people. And I don’t think it’s the bad apples that ruin the whole tree but maybe, just maybe its the good ones that think if living on the other side of the tree they would’ve have been different. Like the environment on that other side would’t have “rotted” them. And for some, it probably wouldn’t have. But maybe you should look beyond that fact and think..well..maybe it would have. I don’t know. I don’t know how I would have acted in a sense of desperation or if I simply just grew up on the other side of the tree. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:22:55 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/letter-from-an-inmate__trashed/#IDComment69843873 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/creating-terrorists__trashed/#IDComment68447337 I don't think I would be brave enough to avenge the death of a loved one. I would like to think I would be but realistically, probably not. It kind of reminds me of that movie Law Abiding Citizen where a regular guy goes haywire avenging the death of his wife and children when the American justice system didn't work towards avenging it. I think pain and suffering can make regular people act completely outside of their realm and I think we can't really judge them because we don't know--we truly dont know how we would act in their shoes. Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:03:16 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/creating-terrorists__trashed/#IDComment68447337 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68446908 I think one of the disturbing facts about the lecture was that that for every bad guy the American army can kill twenty nine innocent civilians. I walked home and brought back that statistic to my roomates and friends asking them before hand how many they thought it would be. Surprisingly, they all guessed in the twenties or thirties—as if that number in any way made sense. I wish I could see the thought process, equation, or formula sheet used in developing this staggering number. I think its crazy to assume the position of an Iraqi student and have that kind of number thrown at you. I think it would be impossible to not feel some kind of way about that—and in some kind of way I mean ANGRY. I also found it interesting that at the end of the class over 60% of the people would join the insurgency and I never would have thought that people would be so honest about their response. I think it was truly a moving class and it definitely moved people in their seats. The media images would have made anyone angry and I never really thought about the fact that each side only sees the extremes—the outliers that will arise some kind of emotion—usually anger, which is a necessity for the support of most wars. As for oil—I think its crazy to think this whole time the war—most wars are over the control of natural resources—extracting something you want from someone else’s land and profiting from it. I think anyone could feel some sort of way about that. Its not hard to have these feelings when putting yourself in their shoes—watching those images and watching Americans profit from your nation’s resources. I think this class in a lot of ways at least opened people’s eyes to the other side. I don’t necessarily think supporters of the war would now not support it or the other way around BUT I think the class—if anything brought insight. And I think that was the main point. I can’t speak for everyone else but I know I did gain some insight into the innocent victims of war—not just Iraqi civilians but I think this “thought experiment” can transcend to many wars. There will always be extremists and radicals but I think it is important to recognize them as outliers and not assume all members of that nation or subgroup assume the same position or attitudes or feelings. I found it interesting when Sam said he does not support Iraq in any way but as a SOCIOLOGIST he can understand. And I think that’s the solution—we always talk about well what can we do? What’s left to do? And I think its that understanding that’s the solution. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:58:55 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/christian-invaders-the-turnaround__trashed/#IDComment68446908 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/is-quality-the-question__trashed/#IDComment66723413 I mean I think affirmative action is more aimed at giving opportunities to people who are just as qualified as those not receiving the benefit. Like I don't think institutions are just looking at the fact that these people deserve something because there's this law--but because they are just as qualified as someone else they should get priority because their path was harder...if that makes any sense? I don't know I always have thought affirmative action as one of the most sensitive topics when discussing race and there is no real solution to the problem of inherent systematic racism but it may be better than the alternative. I think its hard to stomach the fact that someone is getting something because of the color of their skin...isn't it? Fri, 9 Apr 2010 04:22:02 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/is-quality-the-question__trashed/#IDComment66723413 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66722326 This is a good question. I think it has to do with open-mindedness. If you have an open mind a well articulated thought out opinion should alter yours in some way--even if at first seeming inconsequential. Personally--yes he's altered my opinions--not completely changed them but because I've take some other courses on race I don't know HOW much I can say my opinions have been altered simply from this class--if anything I think they have been reaffirmed. Also, I think whenever someone speaks so passionately about a certain subject--and you actually take the time to listen--there is no way that your mind can be completely the same after the fact. But hey, thats just my personal opinion. Fri, 9 Apr 2010 04:14:29 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/04/i-really-want-to-know-also__trashed/#IDComment66722326 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/in-her-own-words__trashed/#IDComment64939618 I mean to kind of play devil's advocate here, we women tend to use the whole period thing as an excuse to be a bitch sometimes. I know I've done it. Yes, I become way more unstable, irrational, emotional, and just down right crazy when I have my period, and I use this as an excuse sometimes to act out--to be a down right bitch sometimes, even when I know my actions are being irrational and THEN I use the whole period thing as an excuse for my actions--which may have been probed my pain or hormones but by no means completely the cause of them. So I think its a sterotype thats continued by women as MUCH as it is by men. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:51:06 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/in-her-own-words__trashed/#IDComment64939618 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64939155 This is a crazy video. Baffling to say the least. I mean I was extremely surprised on one end but after digesting it, I can’t say its completely ludicrous—or maybe that it is completely ludicrous but not so much so that I can’t fathom it when looking at our society, even today. I mean I never would have initially thought they would do that. Being white, I’ve never owned a black doll in my entire life. I’ve always wanted the white dolls and I don’t think I would have ever played with a black doll—never wanted to play with a black doll because the white doll—as a child was the closest thing I could relate to. I don’t think that’s racist but rational. Which is why the fact that these kids were picking something they were least likely to relate to at that point in the age seems completely irrational—and there must be some underlying reason for their irrationality. This video was extremely difficult to watch. I literally became upset, and I agree with Sam when he said its been one of the most disturbing videos we’ve watched to date. I think it's a crazy notion that these kids would pick the doll not of their own race but also the most frightening was the reasoning behind it—“because the black ones are bad. Or “the white ones are pretty.” It shows you just how much the media—a tool controlled by the majority—can affect and change the views of children even at such a young age and down to the most seemingly simplest decisions—such as which dolls to play with. It's a scary concept. But maybe it does all come down to the fact that its just the doll that MOST kids want to play with and I know as a kid you’re completely influenced by the decisions of those around you. Maybe these kids were just subconsciously peer pressured to pick the white doll. Even if that were the case, that's still a pretty scary thought. One question that stood out to me throughout the entire video is if the people asking the children to choose were white and if in fact that could have affected their choices to pick the white dolls in any way. I mean kids can be kids, and maybe just maybe they—even if subconsciously picked the white doll in order to not offend the person asking the question. I realize this is a bit far fetched but just something that kept jumping into my head as I watched the video. And also I was wondering if these kids were from around the same community/or area. Like is this some crazy white supremacist neighborhood instilling these beliefs in their heads? I realize its most likely not the case—and that's the scary part. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:46:28 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/those-damn-dolls__trashed/#IDComment64939155 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment64936118 I completley agree with you, Veggie man. You're right it's the poor that are consistently at a disadvantage but the fact remains more black people, as a percentage, are poor than white people and thats exactly why this is a racial issue. Why is it that white people are the wealthiest? It all comes down to social classes but if we're continuing to distribute the wealth to a certain race more than another--well that--thats definitley a race issue. Don't you think ? White people, more often than other races, are not in these categories. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:28:15 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/the-white-minorities__trashed/#IDComment64936118 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63887064 “I heard people saying things that I have not heard since March 15, 1960 when I was marching to try and get off the back of the bus." That quote really stood out to me in the article. It just shows you how quickly—despite everything we’ve learned, despite the martyrs that fought and died for the very rights we are proud of in this country—despite all that, how quickly we can revert back to those very feelings of hatred and racist sentiments when things are not going our way. The health care reform act is a pretty sensitive topic right now—many people feel very strongly one way or the other. But this is not a law forbidding some fundamental human right—in fact I personally believe its aimed at only extending a certain fundamental human right—the right to healthcare. And not just for the poor people, or the people that you, or someone else thinks are too lazy to get jobs—or to the people that may in fact be too lazy to get job, who take advantage of the system—BUT to a lot Penn State graduating seniors without lined up jobs. I think living without healthcare is frightening, to say the least, and I’m twenty two years old. There are a lot of older, sicker, struggling people living without it everyday. Yet, I’m not saying everyone has to agree with this. Not everyone will. So go ahead, protest. But don’t do it in the 1950s style of the Civil Rights movement. Don’t openly display your bigotry and erase the last sixty years and the cause some people have died for in this country. I think this protest is just a simple display of how much more time, how much we haven’t overcome yet—how long America still has to go before race is no longer an issue—which I’m not sure is even possible, atleast not within my lifetime. I think certain privlidges or powers may shift but I think race, as long as it exists, will always be a target when hatred is involved. I just can’t believe something like this is happening on America’s front lawn. I think everyone turns a blind eye to this sort of thing. Like, we don’t want to realize the race problem that obviously still persists in this country. I mean I think if everyone in the country were to fully grasp what we talked about in class—the whole determinism/choice thing, the fact that our position in society is not a simple result of just our actions and decisions, then maybe they would be slower to lash out on things such as healthcare reform and the fact that its cutting into their paycheck “that they work so hard for.” Who says the person benefiting from that very tax you’re paying, wouldn't be more than happy to do the very job you’re doing, if given the opportunity? Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:38:53 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/is-this-just-a-few-bad-apples__trashed/#IDComment63887064 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment63883755 I think as a society we don't do a good job between distinguishing--or even attempting to distinguish between Asians and Asian Americans. I mean I'm European-American, I was born in europe, reside in America, and yet to the average "American" Im just "American", or "white" and Asians, it seems like, have always been categorized as something else as simply American. There's always that hyphen or "American" is completly stripped from their title. Its because people are NOT blind to race--to distinguishing facial features that make us who we are. Even so, a lot of "Asian-Americans" are a lot more American than me. Kind of crazy if you think about it. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:12:34 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/what-are-all-of-you-thinking-about-asians__trashed/#IDComment63883755 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment63881777 I think the reaction from class when Sam started talking about periods was kind of ridiculous. I found it shocking. I know not everyone isn't comfortable discussing certain topics but I felt like it was a third grade's reaction to a topic as natural as bleeding. And I even disagree with the fact that using the term "bleeding" is in any way wrong, or should be replaced with the term "menstrual cycle" or even worse, period. I talk about my period all the time in front of my guy friends. Sometimes they don't want to hear about it--like they don't want to hear about the bad day I'm having or the fact that I have a headache--but its nonetheless a part of my life 5 days out of the month. So I'm not going to censor it, and hence they've become more open about hearing about it. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:56:04 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/whats-the-big-deal-with-periods__trashed/#IDComment63881777 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment61562152 This guy is an idiot. First of all, an idiot because who wants to watch a bunch of white guys in slow-mo throwing a ball around? Where is his niche market? I want to see the business plan. But mostly because even if his sentiments were my own I would never express them the way he just did. He could have made atleast a decently sound argument for the need of a predominantly white league except he ruined it as soon as he opened his mouth. I think the ability to recognize your own racism is probably a lot harder then criticizing someone’s own. So I’m going to stop while I’m ahead, put down my finger, and realize we all can be a little racist ourselves sometimes. Still though, this guy—putting the racist title aside—is a fool. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:32:27 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/why-is-this-racist-really__trashed/#IDComment61562152 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment61561352 Yes, the show is very “white” and/or lacking any other race. But to play devil’s advocate for a second there are plenty of other love or dating shows mostly catering to minorities. I’m think Flavor of Love or For the Love of Ray J, or I love New York. There are the couple of token white people on those shows but I think you could definitely compare them to the Bachelor. I think when it comes to dating/attraction some people are just naturally drawn more towards a certain race so to up their odd of finding someone they are attracted to they predominantly cast the race you would find the bachelor or bachelorette most attracted to. But then again its television so I’m guessing the answer can’t be that reasonable. I’m guessing it has something to do with generating revenue. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:25:43 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/are-whites-the-only-people-willing-to-humiliate-themselves__trashed/#IDComment61561352 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/this-is-getting-to-be-too-much__trashed/#IDComment61560662 Okay, I think the fact that someone themed a party “the Compton Cookout” isn’t necessarily racist, or maybe it is inadvertently racist but I don’t think the intention was malicious or hateful towards African Americans. There are plenty of themed parties that can give off racist undertones but no one has ever attacked or accused those of being racist. I think the party was more of a satire for stereotyping than clearly pointing and laughing at black people. I think the way the “hood” is portrayed in most rap videos and movies than should be attacked if you’re going to attack students who just perpetuate that scenery. I mean there are so many other themed parties—gangster parties, white trash parties, golf pros and tennis hoes—so many of those themed parties that probably go on at that same exact campus and no one seems to be attacking those. Look, I’m not saying the particular theme was a good one, or that it wasn’t racist—but it always has to come down to black and white. I think we’re being racist—black and whites aren’t the only ones with issues. Let’s target everyone and everything if we’re truly going to reveal the prevalent racism that is enrooted in the capitalism and wealth of this country. Also, the most alarming—most overtly racist thing I found about this whole thing was the noose hung in the library. But the noose was hung by an African-American? I’m very confused by this. Why did he do it? It makes me think he wanted the community to maybe think it was a white person and further fuel the current racist debate originally sparked by the Compton Cookout. Can you imagine the outlash if it were to be a white person? I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have to be in this race relations course to hear about it. I think the situation obviously spun out of control rather quickly, and should have been settled or addressed more calmly. I think most things like this are a simple misunderstanding between races. I think the real racism dominating out country is institutional and hidden. People are often times too cowardly to be racist like this as the whole world watching. They probably had no idea the party would be perceived in the way it has. I think—yes a line has to be drawn between having fun and poling fun at a specific group of people—but the point is, there is no way to control this type of behavior when it is perpetuated in all of our mass media outlets. How are we going be outraged at the “Compton Cookout,” and ignore such movies as “White Girls”—a movie that clearly pokes fun at the stereotypical white girls of another part of California? My point is—as a society we can’t just pick and choose certain situations under the same criteria wrong—while other situations completely acceptable. When we’re racist across the board, we have to condemn it all. Not just certain “races.” Otherwise, that’s just really racist man. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:20:18 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/03/this-is-getting-to-be-too-much__trashed/#IDComment61560662 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-five__trashed/#IDComment58882238 I think the goals should ultimately be equality for everyone-- I understand the struggles black people have had with white people in this nation historically--and I understand that its the first set of people one thinks of when even beginning to think about race relations but I think thats exactly WHY we need to take courses in topics such as these to realize the struggles and racist tendencies that infiltrate America's schools, towns, and cities. Its not just about black and white. Although solving that problem would get us closer to the ultimate goal: equality for all. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:26:12 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/native-americans-question-five__trashed/#IDComment58882238 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment58881504 I think its always your place to say something when its something you believe in. I f you think something is wrong its always your place to stand up for your beliefs. I don't think thats disrespectful at all and if anything I would feel ashamed for not speaking up. I would also not want someone to supress their opinions just because they didn't match mine, as long as they did it in a respectful manner to those around them--and if not I would stand up for the respect I or someone else deserves. I think it just comes down to the courage to stand for what you believe in--which I recognize is much easier said than done. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:19:42 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/when-do-we-do-or-say-something__trashed/#IDComment58881504 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/who-could-compete-with-this-woman-on-a-level-playing-field__trashed/#IDComment58879952 I agree with your comment on desire and necessity. I think when survival is at the root of business transactions one can learn quite quickly the way of the world. I am in no way undermining or discrediting her intelligence and savvy business decisions. I think if you highlight the fact that she is on a fifth grade education level one can easily recognize the natural intellect, wit, and perseverance. But I also completely agree with Sam. I think most of our prominent business leaders either got where they are because they knew someone or by pure chance and/or luck. I am a Finance major myself, and although I have since lost all interest for the subject, my Penn State diploma could undoubtedly buy me a chair in some fancy corporation or business. Does this mean I am well suited for the position? But even if I can’t—don’t—or won’t get a job in some fancy corporation, and climb the ever steeper corporate ladder—given the fact that I live in AMERICA, one of the most capitalist nations on the face of this earth I am given such an immense entrepreneurial opportunity. I can walk into a bank, qualify for a loan, and set up shop. Does this mean I will be successful? Probably not. Most small businesses fail within five years. So yes, I agree with Sam and NPR for recognizing this women’s guts, and ultimate potential. I’m sure there are plenty of people in her position just cursing the world for their rotten set of cards, while she’s taking a bad hand and hitting a straight flush. She’s definitely and inspiration and a role model for business executives everywhere. Also, after reading her story I’ve realized how even though I recognize the terms mentioned in the NPR show—interest rate arbitrage, credit financing—I never really realized how they can happen on such a small and personal level as this woman is doing. To end, I don’t want to discredit all of America’s businessmen and women and say they are completely unqualified for their positions. Because the fact remains that some of them are completely suitable and fit—but the fact remains that there will ALWAYS be more qualified, savvy people that will just never even get a chance to compete. Which is what makes the whole system unfair. Yeah, some people got where they were because they worked hard and had no one helping them out. They busted their butt and made it. But does that still mean they deserve to be there when so many others do the same and won’t even get a chance to compete in the same ballpark? I think of this whenever I watch the movie The Pursuit of Happyness—like yeah so that one guy made it and so we should get this idea that if he can make it so can anyone right? I don’t think so though. I think that guy was one in a million. And so many others will never make it, no matter how hard they work, because that’s just how the world works. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:08:20 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/who-could-compete-with-this-woman-on-a-level-playing-field__trashed/#IDComment58879952 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57706664 I think I can see how people see lesbian adoption as the better choice but I personally think it shouldnt matter. I mean the mother is always--by society anyway-- deemed as the primary caretaker of a child, so two mothers should be better than two fathers right? I mean I think if you have two loving parents thats better than two not caring supposed normal parents so why is it that there is such an issue. I think gay couples are the ones that absolutely without a doubt want and most importantly are usually the most ready for a child since it such a long process. I think they should be given equal rights-- both lesbian as well as gay couples! Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:03:04 +0000 https://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/lgbt-class-question-one__trashed/#IDComment57706664