Honestly I have never really have come across issue with immigration other then the fact they come into the United States and cant speak English. I went down to Miami for spring break a year ago and got so frustrated because you cant communicate to the store teller cause they cant speak English. I felt as if I was in another country trying to talk to people. I think that immigration as provided a lot of our labor that we as Americans don’t want to do like being on a farm all day picking fruits and vegetables. After today’s class I can see that we sometimes stereotype immigrants as lazy people who have come into our country to invade our resources. I can imagine being in a country were the conditions are horrendous and coming to America is a chance to make a better life for them and their families. It’s a hard subject to talk about because we will never be able to find a solution. I do have to say the gangs and drugs that are poured into our country because of some immigrants cause problems. I’m not saying all immigrants are drug dealers and are a part of a gang but it has been an issue in the past. I can’t say all immigrants are hard working wholesome people that just want a better life. I think as long as people show their dedication to this country by working hard and doing their part they should have the rights to becoming a citizen. I have heard of stories of people working for years and have to go back and forth because it is so hard to be a legal citizen in the United States. For some it should be an easier process but at the same time we cant just legalize everyone cause it will be an over population that our government can not support. Over all there is no real answer to the question of immigration it will remain a problem for a long time. It is hard to create a plan where everyone is happy. There will always be people that agree and disagree with the actions to stop or encourage immigration. I take for granted some times being a legal citizen in the United State and the privileges of being a citizen of the United States. I can’t imagine working so hard to support your family and putting all your efforts to create a better life for your family but that not paying off in the end. For people that truly have the hopes for a better life coming into the US should have the right to become a part of America and benefit from this country.

From Tuesdays class I was truly shocked to see such a vibrant culture deteriorate due to the white mans doing. I have always been intrigued when it comes to the Native American cultures. They embody a culture that no longer exists in American today. We are all industrialized and modernized and rarely to you see traditions like you would see in a Native American tribe. Our past is one that demonized the different tribes and took over the lands that these tribes settled on. I don’t think we are taught enough about the tragedies that took place when the western frontier was taken over. The Native Americans are the founders and owners of this land called America. I remember in high school and in grade school not really learning about the history of Native American tribes. Its ironic to think we talk about the Holocaust and the civil right movement more then we learn about the actual founders of our country being forced out of their homelands due to the white mans needs. I went to a Pow Wow a couple years ago that was hosted in my middle school when I walked around the auditorium I was astonished to see some of the vibrant art work that the Native Americans made. If you ask around today of peoples Heritage you may hear that people are 1/16 or 1/32 of an Native American tribe but you don’t hear too often that one person is 100% Native American. From what I learned in history classes during the takeover of the west we mass murdered tribes causing the distinction of many Native American tribes. I think people need to be more aware of our countries history. In class watching the video of the reserves where poverty has stricken the whole reserve leaving true Native Americans with nothing. In the movie one person made a good point in saying we are spending all this money on things that aren’t benefiting our country. We should be putting some money into helping the reserves. Poverty has developed problems in the reserves including crime and violence. The deterioration of a culture that in so unique and full of life is now being taken over by substance use, violence, and poverty. We need to save a part of our countries history by helping these reserves and teaching our youth more about the different cultures. I think we could learn a lot through the Native Tribes. From what you read they are connected to nature and the earth in a way that bleeds into their culture providing a rich and vibrant society. I think our country could use a little of that. We are so commercialized and modernized we are forgetting what truly is important.

After today’s class I feel motivated to do my part in helping Haiti and the Haitian people. What I’ve noticed is that we take so much for granted in America and what we have. I think we could do so much for Haitian entrepreneurs based off of our knowledge and advice. It’s shocking to think that Obama can raise billions in order to help his re- election and pay for his trips to go around to different cities in order to promote himself. We should be raising money for countries that need our help like Haiti. From what we heard today Haitians are not even asking for money but just advice imagine what we could do with money and guidance. If we provided the amount of money Obama receives for his election we could change Haiti into a prosperous country. Erenso believes that what Haiti needs are jobs and where those jobs come from is from aspiring entrepreneurs who need advice. We can provide the help and the money to move them up in the world. It is obvious we have the money to spend on things such as this. If Obama can raise billions of dollars to his political agenda we have the money to donate to Haiti. I honestly think people who donate to Obama's campaign are wasting money on such a worthless and destructive political figure. From the videos we saw in class and from stories Sam has told us Haitians have the drive, spirit, and heart to succeed. They extend an arm out when needed not for himself or herself but to help a neighbor out. Our country has become so selfish in the things we do we cannot do anything unless in the end benefits ourselves. We have the resources in which we can provide to help Haiti out in a way that could change a hundred lives. For instance if we gave money to a the woman who makes popsicles in order for her to buy a working machine and giving her advice to further her business we could provide jobs for the many unemployed Haitians along with bringing wealth to the country of Haiti. What shocks me is that the people of Haiti don’t ask for anything just people’s thoughts and advice it shows how humble they are. We have the ability to reach out to Haiti and their people and truly make a difference in many lives. We need to stop spending money on worthless things and give our resources out to the people who really need it and deserve it. Like I said early we have the money to give out we just need to direct it to causes that can benefit in a positive way!

Yesterdays class was not only a great and entertaining lecture but informative. I honestly was eye opened when he started talking about girls needing more time and get more emotional when it comes to having sex. When is comes to sex guys can be so selfish and only cater to their needs rather then the girls. Our society really has grown an image that when two people have sex they have mutual orgasms and its some amazing thing. To me I think for girls we lie to ourselves so much when it comes to sex and we go around pretending it was this amazing thing but in reality not many girls experience an orgasm during sex. I think also that if girls did experience and orgasm during sex they would be just as excited about sex then guys are. I was shocked by the statistics that only 2/3 of women experience a climax during sex. I knew it was common for girls to not experience a climax but I didn’t think the statistic was that high. I think sex can be an amazing thing when to people love each other and the feelings are there but random hook ups always end in disappointment when it comes to girls. I think girls operate so differently then men do and I think its sad our view point of sex is through a mans perspective. When Sam was talking about porn and how it is a man’s creation and we judge sex based off what we see. In reality that’s not how it works a majority of the time. To most women sex is something that can be good or really bad. What Sam and his wife were saying that women’s sex drive is not as strong compared to men’s sex drive. Sex for men is great because they can climax every single time basically for women its not to often, which is kind of sad. To me its almost not fair that guys get the plessure no matter what where girls it’s a once in awhile. I was motivated after class to want to talk about sex and be more open about it. Girls should have the right to speak up about it and express their frustration. After class I felt that everybody should sit through this lecture cause everything Sam and his wife said was so true. There are such big differences between men and women when it comes to sex and how their body works. When Sam’s wife was talking about how women feel and what hormones do to women I wanted every man to understand we have to go through something that they cant possibly get or know how we feel. All in all sex is a great thing but we need to open about it with each other and understand your partners feelings about it.

This question for me holds more meaning then I think a majority of you would answer. For me personally I think dating the opposite race is perfectly fine. I would totally be down dating a black guy as a white girl. I know for me though this might raise some issues in my household and with my family. My parents are somewhat comfortable with race but you can tell deep down they have their stereotypes. As for my extended family whom a majority live down in Kentucky would have issues with me dating a black guy. My family is extremely conservative at times and the way the town segregates the races I can see issues arising if I brought home a black guy. Knowing my family they would not really say anything to my face but deep down I can see how it would bring conflict. Even my cousins who are my age have issues with race. One time we were at the mall in E-town Kentucky and a group of black kids were walking in front of us my cousin made a statement saying they were slow because they were black. When I heard her say it my jaw dropped cause I never realized how much racism still exist in this world. I grew up in a town and in a household that was never talked about or if we talked about it in school it was an awful thing that created conflict in our history. I was taught that race is just the color of your skin and that does not effect how that person acts, thinks, feels, or capabilities. So for me dating a black guy would be totally cool I would have no problems or reluctants. I think no matter what race, religion, or ethnicity a person may be if you love that person then nothing should hold you back. My sister who is younger then me has always been attracted to black guys, which is fine by me (what ever floats her boat) but you can tell my mom has her reservations about it. One day my mom and me were on a walk and my mom made a comment about my sister bringing home a black man. I responded with “would that really bother you” she of course responded with a no but I could tell her was uncomfortable with it. I think today race is becoming less of an issue based on the acceptance of interracial relationships. Mixed race is becoming more and more common in society today. Plus babies of mixed race are usually way cuter than same race babies. Life is too short to miss out on love and happiness based off the color of ones skin. Love whom you want no matter if they are black, brown, purple, or pink.

After watching this guy speak about his accomplishments in life and his family at home you can see that kids who grow up in a house hold with two mothers or two fathers can achieve and excel just as much as a kid with one mother and one father. This kid was able to go to school for engineering, be an eagle scout, and get an outstanding score on is ACT’s. I strongly believe that kids in a gay household receive the same amount of love and guidance they need, as they would in a straight house hold. A gay couple is just as qualified to raise a child as a straight couple. There may be a point in the child’s life where he/ she might be judged or made fun of because of his different house hold but with the right support they will over come the diversity. The key components that are needed in a healthy household exist not only in straight homes but also in a family that has two moms or two dads. They can provide that love and affection that child needs along with support that the child needs. I consider myself a conservative and I know its common among the conservative side to disagree with equal rights for gays and honestly I think it’s ignorant for them to think that. It is every humans right to live a happy life with whom ever they want. It is something that is coming more excepting in today’s society and I think it’s a positive thing. I don’t think people have a choice if they are gay or straight so if they were born attacked to the opposite sex they shouldn’t have to hide who they are just because certain people disagree with their life style and who they love. The video shows how the sexual orientation of your parents has no effect in how you turn out it’s the amount of love and support they provide. Just because one couple may be gay doesn’t mean they can’t provide a child with the needs that child needs. Their should be no reason why out government cant provide equal rights to gay couples compared to a straight couple. Religious reasons are understandable and as a Christian I can understand marriage is between a man and a women but I also know that God does things for a reason so when he made gay people I think he wants them to be able to live a happy prosperous life. I think at that some people use the bible too literal and I believe that gays should be excepted into every aspect of life and should be able to have everything a straight couple wants and can achieve.

From what we talked about in class and from what I learned in other classes it makes me think if I were back in the era of slavery would I get to the point where I excepted it. Right now in today’s society it is unheard of and the vulgarity of slavery is something that holds true in all our minds. It shocks me the inhumane things that humans do to other humans and the acceptance of violent acts on people of different race or culture. In today’s society we don’t have slavery in the United States but races are still affected by prejudice and racism that in the long run makes one of different race then white harder to succeed in life. This makes me see what I am grateful for but also makes me feel slightly guilty too. I come from a great family that is surrounded by love and support. My family and friends give me guidance and help whenever it is needed. Some one who live in the urban era and is living on almost nothing and who doesn’t have a family that promotes him to go beyond his capabilities it makes it hard. I honestly believe that no matter who you are you can achieve anything if you really put your mind to it but when you don’t have someone behind you pushing you to excel it makes it difficult for that person to even acknowledge their options. I am grateful for the fact that I am able to do anything in life and always have the support of my family but it makes me feel guilty that some people don’t have that in life. With all the statistics when it comes to jobs, education, and the criminal justice system blacks and other races other then white struggle and are treated like shit. This is America and even though people here no matter what race are better off then other deprived countries people should feel freedom and justice. Our constitution is something that we should follow but today and through out history we violate some of the key things in the constitution like freedom and justice for all. We need to stop judging the color of ones skin and acknowledge the similarities we all share. Even though this seems simple it isn’t we have been struggling with this problem for the last couple century’s here in America. We develop these gaps in our systems that show the inequalities. Our SAT scores reflect the type of household you come from and the majority of low-income families consist of people of a different race then whites. We are separating ourselves when all honestly we are the same and need to be treated the same. I mean we share 99.9% of our genes.

I think that in the past and in today’s society white people get blamed for a majority of the issues with racism. Not saying that all white people are not racist or don’t have issues with race but I think that white people are afraid to speak their opinions or frustrations because it is a bigger deal that white people are discriminatory compared to a black person. I think if white people were out spoken about the discrimination one holds I think people would twist it to them being racist. I am white and I honestly don’t have a problem with race or ethnicity I can say sometimes I am reluctant to go up to someone who comes from a different culture then I do but doesn’t mean I don’t talk to them or help them out when they drop their papers on the floor. Even for white people I am reluctant to going up to them and talking to them because I don’t know them. I feel like sometimes we get blamed for a lot of problems that go on in the world when it comes to race and discrimination and it sometimes annoys me. I can understand peoples perspectives and I will do my best to stand up and be one less white person to make one feel belittled or feel bad about their culture or heritage. We have the right to get blamed for things that have happened in the past but I think with today’s society and young generation much of those issues are gone. There are some issues that still reside from what Sam Richards has shown me and from what I’ve experienced but its not just with the white race as it is with other races. I think we all discriminate and white people are less likely to express that because they don’t want to be seen as racist or someone who has an issue with ethnicity. I know for myself I don’t have problems with any race but I do have problems with people that act like idiot or that are arrogant and I may judge someone on the cloths they wear or how they wear but it isn’t because they are black, brown, Asian, or are from Timbuktu. My discrimination lies in actions and attitude not with race. Through out this class and though the readings to me its just a hate white people fest. I don’t understand how all the minorities and ethnic groups can hate us and blame us for so much of the problems. I think white people walk on egg shells because we are the target for the problems and its kind of frustrating I am not discriminatory based on ones race.

Even after today’s class I still identify my self as a conservative based on my strong beliefs. Being a conservative I believe that people have options and not saying its easy for everyone and it is going to be a lot harder to move up for some people but doesn’t mean its not possible. I understand that life can be difficult for some but I think all to often people make excuses for themselves rather then really trying. I believe in God and I think he has a plan for everyone and he wants the best for everyone. He puts up struggles to test you but I think with faith and hope you can succeed. Even if your not a religious person America has so many programs and aid for kids to move up and I think what stops them is their surroundings. When your surrounded by poverty you don’t know what is really out their and it seems like a far stretch but it is still very much possible for you to go somewhere in life. I think another part of being a conservative is believing in smaller government. I do believe that government should be their for local programs and other programs that help people better their lives but overall I think that people have a right to keep the money that they worked so hard for. I don’t think that the government should take our money and spend it has they wish. Especially what’s been going on the past couple years, Obama has put us in almost 3.3 trillion dollars in debt. That money that he spends trickles down to our pockets. I do think government can be a positive thing but only at a smaller size. People should be able to live their life and use their money as they wish to use it. I think also what holds as a conservative is values linked to religion. An issue such as abortion is something that holds strong for a majority of conservatives. They believe life begins at conception and there fore women shouldn’t have the option to abort it. To me religion is something that makes me who I am as a person. I have grown up in a house highly focused on religion and with that my values and how I live is focused on rules in my religion. People may think that’s stupid and ignorant but I think religion shapes people to do good things. Over all I still consider myself a conservative based on what I value in life and what I believe. I think we all have the option to succeed and everyone has the ability to achieve something in life whether they know that or not.

All my life I have been told that an education is essential for a prosperous life. My parents and other family members have always instilled in me that no matter what you want you can do it if you set your mind to it. Through out my educational career I’ve struggled with ADD and had to deal with being told you’re not at that level other kids are or you can’t take that class because I don’t think you can do it. At time I believe the teachers and thought I just couldn’t do it. If it wasn’t for my mom and dad I probably would have given up and wouldn’t have tried to excel in anything. I also had a teacher in elementary school that worked with kids who had minor learning disabilities she worked with me and taught me skills to help me study and learn. Today I still use the tools I was taught in classes to help me get through. If it wasn’t for my learning support teacher I wouldn’t have been able to manage in class. Where I struggle the most is with reading comprehension and test taking and in college that’s all professors grade you on. College has been a huge struggle for me because it takes a lot more studying to get something and to understand then the average student at Penn State. At times its so frustrating and there are times I just want to give up but I know that I‘m going to school and struggling day to day in order to do what I know I want to do, which is to become a learning support teacher. I want to give a child the tools and the confidence they need to succeed just like my learning support teacher did for me. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t being writing on this blog. The combination of her and my family telling me I can do what ever I want has made me a strong individual who will work hard to get what I want. I believe that with the cards I was dealt with are ones that have made me have to work harder for what I want. I feel like all to often kids give up too easily when they are handed with difficult situation. I believe that no matter who you are you can set your mind to anything and not saying its going to be easy and you will always have someone next to you who has to try half as hard as you do but I believe in karma and if you work hard and try hard it will pay off in the end.