Before taking Soc119, I never really thought about illegal immigrants using such a deep analytical standard. Since my parents moved to Florida after I graduated from high school, I have noticed the amount of illegal immigrants that exist in the United States more than I had while living in New Jersey. Any ordinary morning while driving through Jupiter, Florida to get some coffee, there have always been a large amount of what appear to Spanish immigrants waiting on street corners, riding bikes, or in the back of trucks on the road accompanied with some of the Florida locals. While having an inconsiderate perspective on other people, I was always confused and almost scared of them while they would wait patiently there. I don’t think it regularly crossed my mind that they were waiting for work, and other types of opportunity in order to make a living here in the United States. I have now realized that lucky for these illegal immigrants, their help is almost always needed. We live in a society where times have changed, and American’s don’t want to do hard labor and other unappealing jobs, and that is where the illegal immigrants come in. These people are so dedicated, loyal, and driven, that they are willing to take any opportunity that is thrown their way in order to be more successful than they were in their previous countries. For some middle and upper class American’s, they would rather be unemployed than have the reputation for obtaining these types of careers. Although we discussed the status and desire of illegal immigrants to come to the United States, I still am troubled by confusion when deeply thinking about the topic. Thanks to this class, I realized how unappealing their previous lives must have been in order to risk everything at the chance for making it into the United States. For living in a country that emphasis freedom and liberty, the government and people living here aren’t very open to opening our doors and allowing others to experience the everyday luxury of these rights that most American’s don’t realize are not offered in most countries in the world. I think before illegal immigrants are kicked out or punished from the officials in this country, the overalls that have authority really need to consider the drastic impact their non-existence would affect the United States. Without these people taking careers as gardeners, janitors, contractors, and even more hands on activities, the lives of everyday American’s would not run nearly as smoothly as they did with these people working for us. People would have to step up and start getting their hands dirty in order to experience a positive outcome (such as gardening, or building a new luxurious house or pool). In conclusion after reflecting on my thoughts, I have realized that I have so much respect for these people, and there needs to be some sort of policy in order to accommodate them.

When thinking about the war in Iraq and how it started, I never thought that it would carry out long enough in order for there to be a victim to criminal death ratio. When I heard that the number was 29:1, I was genuinely shocked. When I try to take a walk in the shoes of others, in this case, an Iraqi citizen, I would be extremely disappointed, angry, and scared during every aspect of my everyday life. Their lives have been anything but ideal, and now they have to deal with the invasion of Americans and their constant violence. I would be extremely offended to be considered a terrorist or have association with these hateful people, who really only make up a small percent of their population, and be victimized because of this. It’s hard to understand how they must feel because it is obvious that there is a large amount of their population who do not support these terrorists, but because of their race and ethnicity, they are suffering. I find this statistic to be disgustingly high. Although it is a part of everyday life all around the world for there to be death and rebirth, the killings that take place are absolutely unnecessary. Many Americans do not support the war in Iraq whatsoever and believe that it should be dealt with in a different sense; however, when you experience the reasoning for the war first hand, it has a different impact on ones life.
I wouldn't consider myself a violent person, but I don’ think that those who attacked the US during the tragedy on September, 11 should experience the pain that some of us experienced, but not necessarily in the same way. I live 12 miles outside of New York City, and go to one out of four schools in the country that has a view of the New York City skyline. My sister, a sophomore in high school at the time, watched the planes hit the World Trade Center and watched the buildings fall. My dad was also supposed to be on the plane that hit one of the towers. I happen to have been very blessed to not lose my family, but know so many people who lost loved ones. Since I have experienced this pain first hand, I know that there is a grudge against many Americans. I don’t think that anyone would disagree with the fact that something had to be done after the 9/11 attacks; however, the intensity is not necessary. It pains me to think that others are feeling what thousands of American’s felt years ago and still feel today due to the loss of innocent people. I have witnessed and experienced the hurt and pain, and would never wish that upon someone else.

Since the United States is considered to be the “melting pot” of the America’s and of the world, there are constant signs and reminders that there are other cultures and races present. My family emigrated from Italy in the early 1900’s. Since then, the Italian language has slowly faded away and is no longer spoken in my household. I am the first generation of my family who has not grown up with another language being spoken in the house. There have been times when I wish I knew Italian as well as English because I love to embrace my culture and where I come from. Although I was not raised in a bilingual or trilingual household, there are many others around me who were. I have always enjoyed experiencing different cultures and have been curious as to where others come from; therefore, when another language is spoken around me, I feel a sense of diversity. Although it is an eye opening experience to witness this, sometimes I feel uncomfortable around it. One experience I can recall when this has happened is at the nail salon. Most salons in my area are owned by Asian women who know little to no English and can only get by with the words they need in order to run their businesses. I’m sure every woman who has gotten a manicure or pedicure has sat at a chair while two workers whispered, laughed, and made jokes in a language that one would not understand. This type of scenario does not make me feel uncomfortable, but it is somewhat intimidating when one is on the other end. Although the conversation could consist of small talk and everyday chatter to pass the day at work, there is always a subconscious thought that they could be critiquing or criticizing you. I have also experienced friends speaking in other languages around me as well. One of my best friends is Persian and speaks Farsi fluently with her other Persian friends. There have been times when we have run into some of these friends and they just communicate in Farsi because it is a bond that helps keep them close together. It can be quite uncomfortable when you are standing there awkwardly and one of your friends has to say “Oh, she was just saying that she went on a date last night”. It can be embarrassing when my friends need to translate to me. How do I know that that is what they were really talking about? They could have been saying that I looked ugly and had food in my teeth but I would never know because I don’t fit in with their “code”. Overall, I respect those who embrace their cultures, but usually I am left out and not included in the pride that they share.

I think that there are many factors in which make it difficult for people to step outside of their boundaries and date outside of one’s race. Since there is not a large population of people who are involved in interracial relationship, one must be willing to take a step outside of their comfort zone. There are many people who would not consider race a factor when determining a partner; however, there are those around them who would judge their choices, which may cause them to feel a sense of discomfort. It is natural for people to want to fit in with their surroundings and follow the trends in which have been created in one’s society; however, are interracial relationship common and the “norm” in all communities? Absolutely not. We have all been raised based on traditions and whether or not we are willing to admit it, the people of our past and their interpretations of others and beliefs have somewhat been a part of who we have grown to be today. Prior to the Civil Rights Movement, it was not even acceptable to use the same water fountains or facilities as those of another race. Although many American’s have moved past this prejudice and racism, elements are still relevant today. The values that families have passed on to their offspring are a factor in which determines the pairing of couples; however, society and the media has affected us as well. When Sam was showing us the LLBean catalog add in class, many students pointed out that there were black or brown couples, and white couples, but they were never any couples mixed together. Although consumers of these catalogs and of the media are not consciously looking for social cues and hints within advertisements, they subconsciously have a factor on what we believe and conceive to be normal and perfect. The LLBean catalog to me symbolizes what the company believes to be an “ideal” American family. It is relevant that we have moved past only photographing whites and now show black or brown couples as well, but that’s it. LLBean sends the message that those who are similar stay together and reproduce together to create the same type of offspring. I would be lying if I said that tabloids and trashy magazines weren’t a guilty pleasure, and after years of consuming them I have never seen an add with an interracial couple. There are always different races of attractive people, but no advertising with mixed couple races. I think that people in the dating world need someone else to tell them that it is ok to cross boundaries in order for it to be acceptable. Overall, I think that most people care about the opinions of their families, friends, and possible judgments that would occur.

Anyone living in the current world, especially in the United States, would be lying if they disagreed with the fact that white privilege exists. Although it does not affect all whites living in the present day, it has a large impact on all aspects of the world. Since I was young, I have always distinguished that there were and still are differences between all people in which we interact with on a daily basis. Whether it is one’s race, religion, geographical differences, or other physical traits, a certain group always tends to be on top. If one were to look at fortune 500 companies and the wealth that exists in the United States, whites obtain most of the money and ownership. But is it a coincidence? Absolutely not. This trend of white power has been passed on since the foundation of the United States. Whites have always had an “I'm better than you” outlook towards others. Although the concept of white privilege is very relevant, it is not necessarily a trend that cannot be stopped. To this day, I have never experienced someone who tried to overcome white privilege, point it out, or stop it. It has always been a common concern, especially since racial barriers unfortunately still exist amongst the public, I cannot recall an experience where an “outsider” took a step forward to make a difference. Everyone living in the 21st century should feel lucky. Although the white privilege infuriates others, we all are experiencing different changes in society. With the election of President Obama, although some may consider him white, he still has different ethnic make up than former presidents. I think that if others similar to President Obama continue to go against all odds and take a chance, white privilege will begin to disintegrate. As time goes on, and since the United States is the “melting pot” of the world, we all will be made up of so many various ethnicities that we may become one race. As Sam has said in class, we all have different backgrounds than we were taught to be, so those who believe they do not fall into the white privilege, may be just as privileged if they looked into their background.
As a white female living in the United States, I have never consciously witnessed white privilege first hand, or if I have I was not aware enough of the issue to understand what was taking place. However, given the statistics in class, it has come to my attention that white privilege is all around us, especially in the job market. If a company is willing to hire a white potential employee with a criminal record over a black potential employee without one, there is a serious and apparent line in which gives someone an advantage over another. As I have learned more about white privilege in this class, I am definitely more aware of the issue; therefore, it is constantly present in the back of my mind to consider.

Looking back on the history of the United States and what blacks and slave owners have been through, I become overwhelmed with an uncomfortable feeling. Not a feeling of guilt, but a feeling of disgust. Although I come from a family who immigrated to the United States post Civil Rights Movement, I still feel a sense of shame for other whites. We are all people, and the thought of another human being be able to treat others so viciously is almost unthinkable and unbelievable. The effects of prejudice and slavery are still present today, resulting in more discrimination, but also as a stereotype. I personally have no reason to feel guilty, but I know that others may look at me as a white girl who had slaves, which the thought of drives me insane.
When Sam talked to us about white privilege, I had never thought about it to be such an advantage, as others perceive it to be. I don’t necessarily feel unaware, but I almost feel as though I never took the situation into the perspective of a minority. White’s were given more money, more land, and had the likelihood of receiving jobs over others. Even today, studies have shown that if there are two identical applicants applying for a job, the one with the more white sounding name is going to be offered the job most of the time. Whether this is unconscious on the employers end of the spectrum or not, the one step up that whites have are not fair. Many may disagree, but I never thought of it as a white privilege because it has always been this way in society. Up until I was told the statistics and specific stories regarding this, I think I was blinded to the situation. What kind of person wants to really reflect on the fact that the color of their skin is giving them an advantage in all societal matters? Not me.
This information not only makes me disgusted by the people who exemplify these traits in society, but makes me angry to be white. Some would argue that I should never be envious of those who have to work harder, but in this case I am. I feel as though my whole life has been a lie and I have only been given certain opportunities because my parents could afford it, or because those who don’t know the true me assumed I was a certain way because of white reputation. It’s frustrating that sometimes hard work and dedication aren’t enough in order to succeed. When it comes down to it, I want to be praised and rewarded opportunities due to the passion I exert towards certain skills and interests rather than because of my race. Not only would this help diminish the gut-wrenching feeling I'm now constantly given, but also the pride of succeeding with fair competition.

Many whites have always been victimized as being prejudice and racist. Although in some instances this may be true, a lot of the time the past reputation of whites during slavery still shines through. Most white people living today would never deny that the past treatment of Blacks during slavery was unacceptable and disgusting, but hundreds of years later why has the reputation stuck? No white person would pride himself or herself of this, but many of us were grown up living in households based on traditions. Because of this, our older family members who were raised in a racist environment have put out prejudice thoughts into our minds, which have led us to question the differences that exist between all of the races. Many white people also would be embarrassed to admit that they have racist tendencies. After the treatment of black slaves in the 1800’s, why would anyone want to admit to himself or herself and to others that their personal judgment and opinions haven’t changed much since their ancestors? Sam made a good point in class the other day that I had never thought about previously. When asked if we would adopt a child from another country who was of a different race, I was neutral towards the situation. I don’t find this to be racist, but I found myself being precautious to my fictitious family. In the society that we live in, inter-racial relationships and families are not always accepted, so I would not want my child being victimized and judged for having white parents. Then Sam asked if the women in the class would use a sperm donor from a different ethnicity, and I found myself being doubtful. I admit that this may seem racist to an outsider looking in, but if my husband was not able to impregnate me, I would want my child to still be able to blend in with our family since he or she would be sharing half of my genetics. I think that societal status has a lot to do with this issue. No one wants to be an outsider or have his or her family judged upon; therefore, will do what it takes in order to fit into the social norm. I think that a lot of white people also won’t admit to being prejudice because they want to prove to those previously victimized that not all people are the way our ancestors were, and we have changed our tendencies to be more accepting to different types of people. In society today, it is also not openly acceptable to be racist due to how far our country has come as a whole to develop and move past our history in the subject matter. In conclusion, I think that all people are going to have some sort of prejudice those who are different due to past and present factors which have shaped their lives.

Young children will always believe whatever someone of authority tells them. Initially when they begin their educational journey, they are taught that they have the ability to do and be anything that they want as long as they work hard. Many aspire to be astronauts, the president of the United States, doctors, actors, the list goes on and on, but as time passes on they realize that their options may not be limitless. It is a cruel reality when one realizes that not all of his or her dreams can come true with just hard work. Although work ethic has an impact on the outcome of every situation, there are many other factors that can affect the process. Many would argue that it is unfair to say but wealth and social status has a large impact on the destiny of offspring. If one has parents that have a large amount of wealth, they can pay their way to achieve status or participate in opportunities that should only be to those who are sophistically eligible. Even at an age where teenagers do not have to support himself or herself, a high school or college student, interning at a top-notch company thanks to a family connection will help boost his or her resume and also keep an open airway to that specific company. I happen to come from a family that was able to afford to put me through private school since the 4th grade. Every year, the school does an auction of internships donated by the richest families in New Jersey for their companies and workplaces in and outside of New York City. The only requirements necessary to be eligible for these internships are that the student must have attended or does attend the private school, must be of college age if no longer enrolled in the school, and the family must be able to outbid the others in order to secure a legitimate internship. Luckily for me, I have two internships waiting for me this summer, one with a fashion boutique to attend fashion week (more for fun than for an experience), and the other at a blogging company in Manhattan (which is perfect for a resume for my Telecommunications major). I am well aware that most students my age who attend college do not have the luxury of obtaining these types of opportunity with little to no effort, but it is the reality of the recent world. Family connections also play a large part in destined success. There are so many stories circulating through the Internet and newspapers regarding those who inherit businesses and companies only because of a family name and legacy, and nothing to do with their academic achievements. As I grew older I realized that hard work without a doubt can be nothing but beneficial, but a lot of the time it is a plus and almost necessary to be able to name-drop, or use other sources to get an extra step ahead.

Although I have always viewed myself as a hardworking student and individual, there is no doubt in my mind that the “cards I was dealt” in life and determinism have impacted where I'm today, how I got here, and what my past has been like. Unlike many other students at Penn State, I began attending one of the most prestigious private schools in the country at the young age of 9. To me, it was always just school, but unlike the kids at public school, I had more homework, was writing papers earlier, and had to wear certain clothes to school. I never thought that my privileged lifestyle had impacted me so much until I watched the Oprah clip in class on Tuesday. When the images and footage from Harper High School were shown, I was shocked that such a place even existed. I have never experienced anything like that. Surprisingly, when the other school was shown, it seemed as though the students around me in class had never experienced anything like that. My high school had an indoor pool, a weight room just as nice as the one in the video, and endless opportunities in any category that I may have had interest in learning and pursuing. I grew up with parents who really were and still are concerned about my future. In high school, I could have had any book, learning resource, tutor, or any other mechanism that would have enhanced my experience and gave me a better likelihood to success. Although many would argue that I had my life handed to me on a silver platter and all I had to do was follow the rules, growing up privileged was not easy. I had such high expectations, and I was forced to utilize all of the resources that I was lucky enough to have been given. I don’t think that the help I had was to take stress off of my shoulders, but it was a learning mechanism to challenge me and teach me that I could do anything that I wanted with the right initial guidance. Yes, there are some people out there who relied on tutors and outside sources to do their work for them, but I only relied on myself. I experienced a stage in my life where I wanted to be completely independent, especially when it came to deciding where I wanted to go to college. Many of my friends went to Ivy League and top 20 schools due to their parents’ connections, which I could have done myself, but I wanted to achieve something on my own. Luckily, I had good grades and very high SAT scores, and could go ideally where I wanted to, which is how I got to Penn State. I never regretted the choice I made once in my life, but I always reminisce how I got here and wish others could understand that there is more than just the silver lining. If I never knew what it was like to have ideally anything at arms length, I would have never been able to grow up and experience life and take on responsibility for myself. My past has taught me how to lead my life with high expectations, but it has also allowed me to realize that I can do anything I want to do with the right determination.

After watching the different clips from comedians today in class, I began to ask myself the exact same question, why does the race or ethnic background of a comedian effect the reaction of an audience? I have actually contemplated my response to this so many times that my answers occasionally contradict each other. When the clip was playing from the Persian comedian, he tended to make a lot of jokes based on his own ethnic background. I believe that if someone is able to make fun of them self and touch upon aspects that others may often find different or funny, it takes the awkwardness away from the audience. For example, I happen to come from an Italian-American successful family, and if right off the bat if I were to make mafia jokes, it could take the edge off of those around me. I also noticed that the comedian was able to make jokes about the misconceptions that Iranian’s are Arab. I think that the crowd in the audience was able to react in a positive manner because it is a popular belief that Persians are Arab, and the comedian almost put it out there for everyone to know that it isn’t true, and other Persian’s know that outsiders find this to be the reality. Some of the most successful comedians in the world today are not white and are what some may classify as a “minority”. There are two ways to look at this from an outsiders perspective. The white person in the audience may be offended and angry that there are racial slurs and jokes directed towards he or she, or they could laugh because they can relate to the situation. It also can be amusing to experience and hear how others perceive one another. If I was from another country, for example India, and I went to the United States and saw and listened to the ways in which my friends from New Jersey speak, act, and dress, I would have a lot to say about them to because it’s different than what I'm used to. When the roles are switched however, the circumstances are completely different. Even though I am white, I can acknowledge that those who lived in the United States before me gave white people a bad name and reputation due to slavery and the way that people to this day still treat those that are different. I think that this is a way for people of other skin tones and races almost get revenge, and finally acknowledge the “elephant in the closet” that no one is perfect. I think that from the mistreatment we have given them, we allow them to make fun of us. If a white person were the one to make racial jokes, it goes back to discrimination against others, which isn’t funny, but a problem that society is trying to get away from. I’m not trying to say that we allow this or it is socially acceptable out of pity because it’s not. The time has just come for there to be different targets.