gdp's Comments

World In Conversation : Have you experienced a situation where multiculturalism was a threat or advancement?- 119 Blog

Sat, 2 Apr 2011 03:55:50 +0000

Have you experienced a situation where multiculturalism was a threat or advancement ? Multiculturalism is like a Yin Yang. "opposites thus only exist in relation to each other." Multiculturalism can be something positive in an environment or a society, however, it can be negative and a threat some of the times. Mr. sam made us answer a clicker question related to multiculturalism and it was weather we think multiculturalism is a threat or not. I was one of the people who answered it was a threat. I was telling my friend: "of course it's a threat! look at the United States for example." i honestly didn't mean it in negative way, however, it's the reality we live everyday. Multiculturalism here in the United States somehow makes it's Identity where we all know it's the most diverse place in the world. People come from everywhere. Different cultures, colors and believes coming to this land to live together. I described this coming together as: "differences clash together producing thoughts such as: this specific religion is the right one and this specific group is the right one." Some people here in the US believe that this land their property whereas we all know that the United States is the land of immigrants. Multiculturalism is a threat because some people just don't accept differences and certain cultures or/and beliefs. for example, some Muslim americans have to deal with racism everyday from people who don't believe in Islam or believe it's a threat to them. This is Multiculturalism. Some differences may cause hatred, fear and also being uncomfortable around those differences. Another example black people, let's ignore the fact of racism between black people and whit people. however, Black people created certain behaviors that are included under their culture. such as, Jazz music and rap music where it became something related to black people. This created a separation and the fact of racism between blacks and whites also grows here. Moreover, Immigrants coming from other countries carry their traditions and cultures for example, let's look and Mexican people, Indian people and even italian and greek people come to the United States carrying their culture with them where you can go across the United States and see indian neighborhoods, Mexican , Arabic and even Chinese. It's beautiful to have different cultures together in one place, however, sometimes it can be a threat.

World In Conversation : How have you acted when involved in racist or discriminating events?- 119 Blog

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:10:13 +0000

How have you acted when involved in racist or discriminating events? let me start with an example: state patty's day couple of weeks earlier. We were walking downtown, couple of friends and I. As you know state patty's day here in state college is crazy and everyone is outside celebrating a day where they can drink freely. So we were walking until we ran into two Asian American girls. One of them was shouting in anger of how a bunch of white guys just insulted them by saying: "Go back to your countries etc." We actually didn't see the white guys however, we saw the shouts of this Asian American girl saying: " I am american too, how can they say such a thing etc." we walked up to her sharing her anger and trying to chill her down by saying they are a bunch of racists that you should ignore. This incident made me realize that not everyone is opened to other races and the mentalities differ. It's really hurtful sometimes seeing such incidents where some people might ignore and other might support or not support. In my case i'll totally stand against such acts. I sometimes get goose bumps when i see such racist event where i believe it's my job to stand out there and stop it. Growing up in an environment where the people are the same and the beliefs are the same might be hard to open up to different races and ethnicities. From where i come from which is the United Arab Emirates racism occurred, however, not between colors yet, between classes and nationalities. Where i'd face racism against my friends who weren't Emirati citizens and were actually from other countries such as, Egypt, sudan and Pakistan etc. Girls in my high school believe that since they are from the UAE they are better than another person who is living there. It affected me a lot since i was raised that everyone is equal. I went into couple of fights back in high school just to prove that you girls are racist and can't just act with other girls like that. It affected me also in a sense that it kept my eyes opened to the issue of racism. However, when i made it to the United States i saw the racism but not between classes yet, between different colors and even religion. Moreover, i just remembered an incident where some girl insulted me and couple of arab friends just because we were talking loudly in front of my friends place. Where she opened her window and shouted out : "F***ing Khaleeji guys, can't u shut up .. " I actually got really pissed that day where i promised that i'll get my revenge back. However, within time i forgot about it and just ignored such childish acts. Racism happens everyday. We might see it or not. In my personal opinion and after taking Sam's class i believe that whenever i see such event i'll defiantly stand up there and fight for it.

World In Conversation : Have you ever felt guilt from being of a certain race?- 119 Blog

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:25:04 +0000

I don't believe guilt is the right word to describe such emotions. I believe guilt occur when you do something wrong and it's followed by regret feelings. I don't know why some people might feel guilty for being from a certain group of people or a certain race...

World In Conversation : Are whites racially oppressed?

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 02:15:23 +0000

Are Whites racially oppressed? as far as my opinion i don't believe they are oppressed however, let me talk from their perspective. I believe that Whites in the United States believe that the United States of America is their country where all the black, latino, Asian and Arabs are the others who are living among them and getting advantage from the land of freedom. Some whites may not know the true history about the United States where people migrated to It years ago. However the white people had control and until this day seeing that they are losing their control they will stand out there shouting they are oppressed. I'm not stating that all white americans think the same and believe they are oppressed, however, there is this percentage of Whites that believe that if they didn't stand up now within time they will lose their power. I'm not against their protests because the first Amendment is "Freedom of Speech" and anyone can express their feelings. On the other hand, it may be argued that the White man did a lot of harm to other races in the past, however, i believe it's human nature to group themselves in different groups due to their beliefs, culture, traditions and identity. The entire world is standing against the white people for all the discrimination against other races especially Black people and recently Arabs or Muslims. Now that everyone is getting their rights; of course there is a percentage of white people will feel oppressed. They are feeling they are losing their power. The US is getting more diverse everyday. People are migrating from everywhere and Now after over 40 "white presidents" a "BLACK" president come along. Of course there are people who will feel oppressed because they are starting to lose their power and anyone i meant anyone who was in their shoes will feel the same way. Some people might find it 'stupid' for white people to feel oppressed and protest about it. however, we don't know what goes in their minds and how do they see the world. We all see the world from different perspectives. Some of us might say: how do they feel oppressed after what they've done to black people? and how they insulted the Arabs by believing all muslim are terrorists? Yes i might agree with that, however, if we think about it deep inside we are all racists in one way or another. The word racism is bigger than we actually imagine it. Racism happens everywhere starting from color to lifestyle and also classes. I believe White men are feeling oppressed now because they didn't try how to be discriminated against. They had control on everything from the beginning and now when the world started to change and others started to get their their rights their power is threatened. I believe that's their reason for protesting and believing they are oppressed.

World In Conversation : Do you think in today’s society people are more racist toward Muslims or Blacks?- 119 Blog

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 04:58:13 +0000

If you're referring to the United States yes i believe the Society is most racist towards Muslims and Blacks. It's not for the fact it's a racist society, yet, i believe that there is a percentage of the people view Muslims as the enemy and black people the others who entered their country. I'm not saying that is true for everyone but some people might still think of it deep inside. Racism in the United States is mostly towards Muslims, Blacks and colored people, however, racism by the color of the skin is mostly only here in the United States. For example, in the United Kingdom you can see some people that tend to act stiff against others who are not from the same country as them. Moreover if i'll go to my homeland, the United Arab Emirates or let's say the gulf countries you can see racism between people, however, it's not racism by skin color, it's more as racism by classes or family names. I believe that people are biased by nature. it's not about the color or family name or region. I think it goes like every environment differs and the people in each group feels that anyone from different groups are different than them. The culture differs from place to place, the language, the society and even the mentalities. Yes we are different when you go from place to place, yet, this doesn't mean everyone is racist. I believe racism is not pointing out the physical differences and putting ourselves into groups. As far as my thoughts go, racism is acting with in a discriminately way with others and having the believe that you or your group is better than other groups. That's racism in my mind.

World In Conversation : How can we bring the experiences others are going through elsewhere closer to us here?- 119 Blog

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 04:25:00 +0000

Globalization.The world is getting smaller and you can connect to someone overseas and any where around the world in like seconds. The internet nowadays makes everything easier for us. For example, you can know breaking news happening in countries around the world live, from the spot. We can see experiences that people go through, issues and latest events easily. YouTube the video sharing website here and now gets over 1 billion viewers daily. As far as my personal view youtube made me notice a lot of video's of people's experiences, music, issues and so on. Us as human beings are born to feel. it's like a part of human existence. for example, sometimes when i watch certain movies that are acted pretty well, i get the vibes and emotions from the movies weather it's sad or happy. It's human nature to feel sympathy. however, globalization is not always a positive thing, there is always a black side. the use of media changed, everything is viewed on Tv, Internet, and cell phones. Technology is making people stuck to their places. Anything they want it's right there. People started to forget about the real issues and experiences around the world and focusing on entertainment. I'm not trying to generalize here.there are people who care, however, there is a big percentage of the people who are not watching what's happening around the world from, poverty to injustice. the processes of bringing the experiences others are going through elsewhere closer to us here is easy and you find it with a click on the internet of by broadcasting. yet, the people may lose focus on what's actually happening to stuff that entertains them.

World In Conversation : Empathy Might Be Our Natural Drive

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 05:03:20 +0000

First of all, it was an impressive clip. It made me think for a while there. I believe it's not impossible to change the way we live, however, it's really hard and challenging. We all have this empathy in us, yet, it might be hard to make it with different beliefs and mentalities. Referring to the Son's of Adam and Eve's story, when on killed another because of jealousy that his brother is marrying the prettier sister. This tells us that even at the beginning of humanity there was some kind of jealousy, hatred and wanting the best for themselves. I don't disagree when it comes to All of us have some kind of empathy in us and can feel the vibes of others, however, i also believe that men are selfish and sometimes they are willing to do things to fulfill their desire. If Human beings really had this empathy with no other distracting feeling we wouldn't end up fighting. Moreover, within the centuries more religions and groups started to raise up, different beliefs of what's right and that's all due to myths said my the people along the centuries. I believe even if the human race loved one another, yet, it's human nature to be biased especially when it comes to religion. They will reach a point of disagreement. This change is possible, yet, hard when we have different mentalities and beliefs. Over 150 countries in the world and every environment and community differs. The question is if people have empathy, yet, biased and believe in a certain thing, is it possible that they forget about all these different issues and focus on equality between people and that all of us go back to Adam and Eve. As far as my opinion, it's possible if we just deep inside put the differences of others aside and consider the human being as one. The feeling it's self is different. believing that we are all brothers from different mothers is by it's self flattering. However, how can you make over a billion people in the world to believe in that? There is always a way of change if we start with "believing" in history and how civilization pushed us all together. the best example is globalization. The world is getting smaller and nowadays you can reach someone in the other half of the world in a minute using the internet. Every generation changes. People are discovering new things in the world and by time realizing the empathy they have to each other. As it was mentioned in the clip that the our world is not Utopia that's why we can see empathy which i believe is true. This clip impressed me a lot and i actually agreed with nearly everything.

World In Conversation : Could G-d be a She?- 119 Blog

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 06:34:25 +0000

If we are talking about believes here, GOD for me is not a He nor a She. as a Muslim i believe that god is beyond that. referring to God 'allah' as a she or he is just making allah on the same level as human which is wrong or let's say doesn't make sense at all. what i see is that we pray to god. God made us human. The earth, the planets, the sun, the stars, animals and even disasters etc. Everything around us is God's creation. How can we refer to 'allah' as a he or a she. However, this doesn't mean it gets on my nerves that other people from other religions refer to god as a he or a she. Every religion believes in different ideas. Moreover, what is see is that the idea of god is a he or she is just a meth used by people centuries ago. As far as my personal opinion on this. referring to god as a he or a she does not irritate me in any way, yet i still believe God is beyond referring to him as a 'he' or a 'she'.

World In Conversation : Disney Teaching Prejudice Against Arabs?

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 01:20:35 +0000

Yes, i agree. we shouldn't say it 'Never' happens. Yet, you are also talking about the minority of people. Stiff mentalities with narrow thinkings are there and we can not deny it. However, Stating that all arab people are ruthless. This by it's self is generalizing. No one is perfect. Yet, people always look for the bad things happening and talk about it and do a big deal and forget about the beautiful part of Islam and right way of thinking. Moreover, if Your talking about Saudi Arabia and certain attempts happening, see it from the other part of the world. Look at the United states and the Chaos happening. If you are going to compare you'll stand speechless at the corruption happening due to not applying the right punishment.

World In Conversation : Disney Teaching Prejudice Against Arabs?

Thu, 9 Dec 2010 23:53:08 +0000

One more thing to Mr. Jason http://www.rasoulallah.net/v2/index.aspx?lang=en < this is a website that states everything about Profet Muhammed *peace be upon him Read this and knowledge your self about Profet Muhammed's miracles and Islam. it's such a useful website for some that don't know about islam and muslims. thank you :)

World In Conversation : Disney Teaching Prejudice Against Arabs?

Thu, 9 Dec 2010 23:06:51 +0000

Yes, Long time ago like around 1500 years ago arabs were barbarous. Their mentality was based on this idea. The idea of burying young born girls, cutting of ears and hands in case of a rubbery and other issues against the law. They had all those mistakes. Yet, After the profit Muhammed *peace be upon him came all those ruthless acts were changed. Amputation of hands for stealing is just there to scare the people to not steal and if stealing happened more than once i think attempts of cutting of the hands Must occur. I believe if you know nothing about Islam and the arab world you don't talk about it. You don't state your opinion about something based on Actions that minority of people do. Stereotyping is everywhere, yet, there are limits to stereotypes. In Islam we never consider making fun of other religions and making videos about jesus. We as muslims we should show our respect to all different religions. Moreover, when some talks come out as "arabs are ruthless". Yes ,some people might be ruthless but this doesn't come out from Islam. This comes out of personality, environment and mentality. Moreover, your fingers are not alike. Never throw statements based on the minority of people. What do say about American soldiers in Afghanistan, and other parts slaughtering innocent people? What do call Child molesters ? what do you call massacres happening in schools? Isn't that ruthless?! Moreover, if we come to cartoons and kids drinking the idea that arabs are ruthless. What would you say about cartoons such as Cow and chicken, south park and movies about profets etc. is this really what you want your child to watch? If the media here is corrupt; don't blame what happens to teenagers and little children. Talking about arabs and Islam in a bad aspect is wrong and shows how shallow can people get. As an advice to some people, before talking about something knowledge yourself about it. Stating nonsense ideas is not acceptable.

World In Conversation : U.S. Health Care Not So Muslim Woman Friendly?

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 05:01:59 +0000

As a country that stands on 'freedom' i believe that the United States should accommodate their Muslim patients' religious practices and the right for Muslim women to refuse a male doctor. The United States is a diverse Country. People migrate to the States from everywhere. People here have different beliefs, ideas and even religion. Therefore, the respect to all religions should precede. In Islam, having the 'the same sex' doctors is not forced, yet if 'same sex' doctors are the preference then why not. I was so impressed after reading this article. Despite the issues and stereotypes there are still the majority that believe in equality and respect other beliefs in certain religions.

World In Conversation : 'Arab on Youtube'

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 02:33:17 +0000

This was one of my Fav. youtube videos. He just gives his point, yet, in a Funny way. I personally think Humor is one of the best ways to make the video sticks in the viewers head. I believe he made us think about this video. The face that there are still people who strongly believe that Islam and arabs are the enemy. Look at it from the other side, how would Islam be terrorists and it is obvious that the enemy are Extremists that defined Islam in the wrong way. I believe this stereotypes about Islam and Arabs has to stop in some stage. Here we can see a start a Student in the states with a Youtube video that all the world can see.

World In Conversation : Do You Feel Excluded?

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 02:18:51 +0000

I always say that there are people who believe they can do something and do it. a smile caught my face when i saw this. An Islamic sorority, What a beautiful surprise. Islam should be noticed all around the world of what really islam is. A religion of Peace and faith. If we think about it more Christianity, Judaism and Islam has the same base. All religions believe in god and world peace. Yet, every generation changes and in every generation there will be a new beliefs that separates the three religions away. it is sad how an average of people until this day view islam as a threat or the enemy. This sorority is a start to a change in the stereotypes about Islam and muslims. It is such a joy to see such a sorority in different states and to see such an improvement since 2005.

World In Conversation : 'What Would You Do?' - How Muslims Are Treated in US

Fri, 5 Nov 2010 19:12:38 +0000

I'm touched. I got stuck with words for a while and after i saw this video it brought a bunch of emotions back into me. People in the United States are very diverse. You can find an Asian- American, a Black-American, a Muslim-American, a White american etc. You find different people with different beliefs. The fact that there is a percentage of people who will judge you from the way you dress is wrong. In Islam we were taught not to judge people. We are all equal and i bet it's taught also in Christianity and other religions. it's said in the Holly quraan : " O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful." ( Al-Hujurat,12) People have different beliefs, yet, this doesn't mean you mistreat them or judge them on the way they dress or act. Moreover, i was impressed with the people who stood up for the Muslim lady in the clip. It shows that there are still people who are against discrimination towards Muslim people because deep inside they know it's wrong. in conclusion, i think it was a successful experiment.

World In Conversation : Dealing with Islamophobia

Fri, 5 Nov 2010 01:40:34 +0000

Finally, Someone stood out there and said what every Middle eastern/ Muslim want to say. I give all my respect to everything she said. Islam a religion of Faith and peace. As Deborah C. Lindsay mentioned, people have to open their eyes and see what's Islam and what kind of a religion it is. Moreover, understand that Christianity, Judaism and Islam have the same base and all three religions seek for the same message. This Speech said something that all of Muslims try to send to the western part of the world and what ever happened from september 11 to other attempts of bombing are done by extremists that Even us as Muslims are strongly against. Deborah C. Lindsay also mentioned the muslims that didn't make it through at September 11. Let's think of that, Muslims were also killed at that massacre, Innocent people were killed. And in a Religion of faith and peace this is not acceptable. Islam as we know it is our purpose of living and all muslims are against extremists because their actions are not what islam and our families taught us. Moreover, I thank god that i listened to this speech. It just made me gain hope back and believe.

World In Conversation : A Radical Experiment in Empathy - Sam's TEDxPSU Talk

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:51:38 +0000

i felt that is experiment would make a lot of people understand how empathy feels like. Here in the United states Media plays an strong role in manipulating the mind of people. Showing the Bad aspect of the middle east and war gives a bad and dishonest stereotype of all muslims. Back in the middle east as we brought up in many conversations in the past weeks that what ever massacre caused by terrorists are Extremists to us and do not represent Islam. There is a saying in the Quran the holly book that says: 'And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein and the wrath of God upon him, and prepared for him a great punishment'( alnesa, 39). And there is another saying: 'Whoever kills the same or corruption in the earth as if he killed all people live as if it is recited by all people came Our messengers with clear proofs.' (almaeda, 32).Islam is a peaceful religion that seeks to respect all religions. Look at how we great people by saying 'alsalam alaikoum' which means peace upon you. how could a religion that represents peace start a terrorism act against other religions. If people listened and put themselves in other people's shoes they might understand how it feels to see your people die everyday in war. Families, children and innocent people are killed every day in Palestine, Iraq and other muslim countries due to war and wrong stereotypes. And after all that, you come here to the Country of freedom and see this image of islam craved into their heads the wrong way. This makes you feel angry,sorry, a sea of feeling attacks you. what should you do? or How should you feel? I can put myself in The american people shoes and say: i don't know, this is what we see, this is what we learn, yet, if they only read the Quran, See how we live back in the middle east and just know simple knowledge and Yes put themselves in our shoes i bet they'll change their mind about a lot of things. Moreover, I respect the US, because it's the place where i'm gaining experience and meeting different people and different ideas all over world. Plus, there are still people who know what islam and muslims are.

World In Conversation : Can You Call It "Racism?"

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 02:49:43 +0000

i believe Middle eastern countries are not racists, yes back there people are treated differently, yet, this doesn't mean it's racism. Back home we give our respect to every other nationality. However, The local people of the country have the priority in living and every other aspect. If you realize, other foreign people who come from some asian countries to work come by their own will to work and get money to live. This is life. We can't be perfect and people can't be treated the same in some aspects. there are the richpoor, educated non educated. People are just not the same. Yet, we don't discriminate and think we are better. but, Locals in any country have the priority, we cant call this racism. Moreover, when some people talk about the middle east. I believe this is not our topic and we are getting out of track. The class is discussing the West and the middle east and their issues, not the issues in the middle east and how do we change it. In my opinion, i think the problems that some people are raising between the middle eastern countries are not that big of a deal because at the end of the night we are one and the issues between us already have a solution. our main discussion here is about the West and the middle not the middle east and the issues in the country. It's the way we live and deep inside i believe every middle eastern is satisfied with the way they live.

World In Conversation : Men Free, but Women Sacred?

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:32:33 +0000

Women and Men is as i believe a serious topic related to the middle was and the whole world. We saw discrimination, yet, that does not mean it's really discrimination. Why don't we think of it as a different perspective. Like in the middle east when a guy can do what ever he wants, yet a girl can't and if she don't obey the rules she might be threatened not to get married, however, why don't we as the guys said in the video that girls are protected and put on the highest level and gain the most respect because she's a woman, something precious in the middle east. I believe back home woman can work now, go out, drive and even they are join the army in school, which technically means they have the same rights as guys. Yet, people mixed between religion and traditions or let's say got a different understanding where they started to be hard on women. Therefore, of course women will feel the "racism" and say they are mistreated or not treated as men. I honestly think both sides of the argument are true, yet, people's understanding of thing and aspects may change some ideas of how actually woman are treated in Islam.

World In Conversation : Interview with "Pastor" Terry Jones

Fri, 8 Oct 2010 01:06:21 +0000

I think he is not serious enough! First of all, I believe he cannot just come out there and talk about things he does not know about. He had no evidence, no clue what Islam is. In Islam, it is written in the Quran and we learned about Christianity, Judaism and other religions. In Islam, we were taught to respect every other religion from welcoming them to helping them when they need us. Never judge! That’s what every Muslim had been taught. I believe he is living in a box that he should get out of. I can’t believe how could people can talk about something they don’t know about or how can they judge based own stereotypes and talk. I believe it is the lack of knowledge. The fact that most people don’t know basic and simple stuff about the other half of the world. In the last conversation session we talked about this and the conclusion was not to know about every detail in the religion or the country. It’s basic, simple and general knowledge that every individual must know. Sorry to say that, yet, I feel sorry for people with such mentality.