en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/6234316 Comments by psupanduh http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/05/voices-from-the-classroom-292/#IDComment621640622 I think that homosexuality is oppressed in most countries because of religious reasons. For instance, in many religions, leaders preach the idea that men and women were created and placed on this Earth to reproduce and make children of their own. People believe that “God made Adam and Eve, not Steve and Steve.” In that case, people who follow those religions feel as though homosexual should be looked down upon and forbidden. However, what people fail to realize is, despite religion, race, age or sex, anyone may be homosexual—even people in those countries where homosexuality is shunned. I think that those countries may have the highest search rate of homosexual porn because homosexuality may be something that is dealt with in the private. In other words, people who may identify themselves as homosexuals may not be able to be as open about their sexual preference as Americans, for instance. Therefore, searching for homosexual pornographic material may be a way for them to express their sexuality. In addition to expressing their sexuality, homosexual people in those countries may feel the need to engage in homosexual activities behind closed doors because they may not want others to look down upon them, disown them, or martyr them as a punishment of their religion. There may be so many strains placed on the lives of homosexuals in which they may not feel comfortable with openly expressing their sexual preference for the same sex. Heterosexual people may also be contributing to the search rate of homosexual pornographic material online. This can occur for a number of reasons: They can possibly be curious about the sexual activities homosexual people engage in behind closed doors. Some heterosexual people may identify as a heterosexual to satisfy the societal norms and maintain the family’s name. However, those people may actually be homosexual and engage in homosexual cyberporn because they are scared to actually “come-out” as a homosexual. Another possible reason for heterosexuals to be consuming homosexual pornographic material may be to further reinforce the idea that they are not homosexual; to solidify their sexual preference as heterosexual. For which ever reason people consume homosexual pornographic material is their prerogative. It is unfortunate that those who are homosexual search homosexual pornographic material in order to express who they are, and heterosexual people who may be confused do it to find themselves. It is unfortunate that people look down on homosexuality as if it is a sin. I think people should be able to live the way as they please, even if it does mean that they identify themselves as homosexuals. Who are we to say what is right, or what is wrong? It may be surprising to see that anti-homosexual countries have the highest search rate of such material online, but as I said before, those in search for such pornographic material may just do so to express their sexuality to maintain social and family norms and traditions. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:18:28 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/05/voices-from-the-classroom-292/#IDComment621640622 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/09/voices-from-the-classroom-298/#IDComment619457741 For this post, I asked my friend to give me his answer to the question pertaining to males. For the female question, I personally feel as though girls do not tell guys whether or not they have reached an orgasm or not because girls may be more concerned about the guy’s ego. For instance, if a girl tells a guy that she has not reached an orgasm, but the guy did, the guy may feel as though he has not done a good job. He may feel as though he has not performed well enough to bring the female to an orgasm; and, therefore, their ego may be hurt. Another reason may be, because some females may be more concerned about the guy’s pleasure before their own, or they may find sex to be pleasurable in another way. In other words, reaching an orgasm may not be every girl’s main concern. Seeing a male reach an orgasm and pleasure themselves may be important to some females. Guys don’t ask the girl if they had an orgasm because it’s all about them. Men normally orgasm MUCH quicker than the women does, and once they are satisfied they can literally go to sleep and have a good night. Unless the man is in a good relationship with the girl he’s engaging in sex with, there is really no point in him actually asking the woman is she had an orgasm. The more comfortable you are with somebody, the more worried you’ll be about their sexual satisfaction. Asking is also just an awkward thing to do. Some men feel that you should just be able to tell if they had an orgasm. There is a saying going around right now that says “if you have to ask her if she had an orgasm, she probably didn’t”. Men feel emasculated when they have to ask the women if she peaked. It’s a macho thing, they want to leave the bedroom saying “yes, I made her orgasm, and I didn’t even have to ask her if she did or not.” Asking takes the value out of whether or not men made the women orgasm. The less we have to talk about the sex AFTER the sex is done, the better. Men don’t feel much of a need to talk sex with the person after it’s done unless we are in a long term relationship with them. I think in order for both sexes to reach an orgasm, and it may not be at the same time, but in order for the orgasms to happen both individuals need to know what the other person likes. I think some people tend to focus less on the other person, and more on themselves. However, sex should be something enjoyed by both individuals. Maybe both females and males need to try showing more interest in one another so that sex is more pleasurable. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:15:48 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/09/voices-from-the-classroom-298/#IDComment619457741 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/05/voices-from-the-classroom-294/#IDComment614173352 As discussed earlier in the semester, I think that people are so constrained to their boxes. In other words, people may be used to certain things and therefore they feel out-of-place when it comes to doing different things. White men may feel out-of-place, or awkward when they are around minority women. However, alcohol is known to give people confidence to do things they normally do not—it may be something they always wanted to. I think that is how it is when it comes to white men approaching minority women. White men may not feel the need to do so, because they may fear rejection. I think the fear of offending minority women may be a reason why white men do not interact with minority women while sober. That fear of offense may also relate to the fear of rejection. As Sam spoke about earlier this semester, people create the awkwardness of race. I think in order for there to be a change in this relation, barriers has to be broken down and that idea of awkwardness and the fear of offense have to be eliminated. We are so used to having tensions and animosity towards each other because of American history. However, it does not always have to be that way and people have to let go of that tragedies in order to move on. People may look at this question as if white men are racist; however, I think that the fears and ideas that have been passed down from generation to generation have only created this idea of separation. Once people come into terms with the problems, and eventually look past them, and then I think there will be a sense of progress. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be fixed immediately, or even in a short period of time. However, I think that the more people spread the idea of open mindedness toward one another, then this problem can diminish eventually. Mon, 8 Apr 2013 03:42:42 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/04/05/voices-from-the-classroom-294/#IDComment614173352 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/28/voices-from-the-classroom-281/#IDComment608586012 I think it was interesting to see how some people in the class reacted to Jazeri’s lecture. I find it most interesting to see how upset people were. However, now that I look back on it, I can see why people reacted the way they did. I personally think that the biggest difference between Sam’s lecture and Jazeri’s is that Sam is a professor and Jazeri expresses personal feelings regarding the social issues people face every day in society. Therefore, the difference would be in the way each presented their ideas during the lectures. We are all used to Sam’s lectures in which he uses statistics, theories, and perspectives as a platform for his lectures. Sam presents us with information which should be used to open up our horizons; instead of just lecturing at us, Sam is looking for us to think about issues with an open mind. However, when Jazeri presented his lecture, his approach was on the different end of the spectrum. I think people may have thought that Jazeri was presenting his views on issues in which it seemed that he was blatantly pointing his finger at white people. Jazeri may have wanted us to open our minds and see the issues in his view, yet his blatant approach may have made people uncomfortable. I think this can relate to one of Sam’s lectures from the beginning of the semester. People may become uncomfortable when they are in a situation in which they try to avoid. Race, religion, sexuality, and economic inequality are some issues in which tend to feel uncomfortable. Why? Because people usually try censoring their expressions of their feelings and ideas on certain issues, and when some people do not censor themselves they may say things that may be true, but also hard to digest. Jazeri is one of those people who express himself in a way which may seem very blatant and without mercy; however, people may fail to realize that Jazeri is one of a number of people who feel to express themselves in such a way. To see people openly express themselves seems uncomfortable because most people try to avoid saying certain things around certain people because they do not want to offend anyone. The difference between Sam’s lecture and Jazeri’s is seen in the expression of some students. I think those who reacted in anger need to open up their minds to issues discussed in class [and elsewhere]. There are some things that people say that may not sit well; those things then make us feel uncomfortable. However, it is important to note that not everything in the world is made up of positive, sweet things. Mon, 1 Apr 2013 02:40:07 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/28/voices-from-the-classroom-281/#IDComment608586012 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/21/voices-from-the-classroom-274/#IDComment602845889 The United States of America is a country that is described as the “land of the free.” The U.S. creates the idea that citizens welcome a number of different people with open arms. Its different states, cities, and diversity draw the attention of foreigners who are looking for employment opportunities and a “better life” for themselves and their family. Some of these people, some who may not have as many talents, skills, or experience as others come to the U.S. in hopes to work hard to build their way up the ladder—they hope to work hard enough to earn a living wealthy enough to support their family. However, they fail to realize that earning such wealth is not as easy as it may seem. As Sam said in class, people of different racial groups may move up the wealth ladder, however, they will remain in the same place. Handouts can be used as helpful resources to help someone get a boost in life. Handouts may not completely make a difference in someone’s life, but it may help them get on track. I do not think it is wrong for one to take a handout. That is because everyone does not share equal advantages as others. We may say they need to work harder, but as Sam said in class, that person will only work harder to remain in the same place as before. People take handouts every day and it can be in the form of affirmative action or nepotism. Although I think it is most ideal for the less fortunate to be given handouts, the reality is people of all classes, life styles, and social status may take handouts. It is unfortunate that those who are more advantageous than others still take handouts from others so that they can move further ahead. I think that this creates a problem in the idea of handouts, because it creates a gap in society—one that may be difficult to close. This gap may seem unfair because it’s as if those of higher social status easily move ahead. While answering this question, I found that I have made mental contradictions. I feel as though it is hard to give one clear answer, because I want to think of handouts as something that benefits people of all races and social and economic statuses. I want to think of handouts as something that helps boost the lives of all people to the point in which it brings everyone on the same level. However, that is not reality. Handouts will only continue to make the rich richer and the poor poorer while those in between remain at the same location. Sun, 24 Mar 2013 05:07:51 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/21/voices-from-the-classroom-274/#IDComment602845889 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/16/voices-from-the-classroom-273/#IDComment597958694 Personally, I feel as though the United States spends an incredible amount of time, energy and money on intervening in the issues of foreign countries. There is nothing wrong with providing another country with resources and aid when we have it, but there comes a point in time when U.S. government should understand that we cannot save and help everyone in the world. Providing Haiti with rice is both beneficial and harmful—Haitians will have food to eat, but will be cheated out jobs. Of course taking jobs away from Haitians creates obstacles in the homes and private spheres of Haitian communities. There are a number of different ways that U.S. government can help other countries, and particularly Haiti. Providing resources to rebuild Port Au Prince, providing resources to develop more jobs, homes, and facilities, or providing aid to the government to help rebuild Haiti are ways in which U.S. government may efficiently help. If the U.S. government truly wants to make a difference, providing rice is not the only nor best way to help. Giving Haitians rice does more harm because it takes away from Haitians. I may not know much about the Haitian-American relationship; however, it does not take a genius to realize that Haiti is not in the best shape. Taking jobs away by giving Haiti rice does not allow the Haitians to stand on their own feet. I think U.S. government should contemplate some questions regarding whether or not their interaction in foreign issues is necessary. It is interesting how U.S. government can be so concerned about foreign issues that deal with people outside of our borders when there is still so much that could be improved in the United States. I do not think U.S. government should continue to give aid to Haiti. Haiti is a country of its own and needs to figure out ways to rebuild itself. The United States should refocus its attention on domestic issues before trying to intervene and “help” other countries. We have Americans living in parts of this country in poverty and horrible conditions. We have Americans who work hard, but still live from one pay-check to another. We have minorities who often times face stigmas which prevent them from progressing up the work ladder. We have white Americans who “get ahead because of their skin color.” There are some things whether big or small that needs to be improved. I think that U.S. government can help Haiti in other ways. Whether it is to help Haiti find a starting point to rebuilding their country, or whether it is just for additional support, I think that if Haiti needs the help, they will ask for it. As far as American government, politicians need to reconsider the amount of time, money, and energy they are willing to put into providing foreign aid. Sun, 17 Mar 2013 21:17:43 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/16/voices-from-the-classroom-273/#IDComment597958694 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/01/voices-from-the-classroom-265/#IDComment584113879 For as long as I have been alive, the thought of death has never been one of great importance to me. It is not because I am afraid of death, but because living has become so natural. All I think about is waking up, self-maintenance, and working towards my future—there is no consideration, or plan for death. However, now that I dwell on the topic, death is as natural and definite as life itself. With that being said, I do not think the question should be whether or not we fear death, but instead it should be whether or not we fear how we are going to die. As Sam said in class, and as we all know, we will all face death at some point in time—some face death sooner than others. Death is the ultimate ending of the life of an organism, so why is death feared by others if it is a natural thing? Death is a part of the process of life; death is unfortunate and sometimes unexpected, but it does occur at some point. I believe that the manner in which I am going to face death is scarier than death itself. They say that when a person dies “they are now at peace.” Yes, when we see a person lying in their casket with soft satin-like cushioning and they are dressed in carefully assembled outfits, that person does look peaceful. They almost seem as if they passed away in a peaceful manner—without harm, violence, or pain. However, that is not true for all individuals who lie “peacefully” in cushioned caskets. For instance, there are some people who are die a violent death; they may have been shot, or stabbed to death. I remember reading a book which was about a serial killer in Louisiana in which one victim was stabbed 81 times with a screw driver. Those are the deaths I fear to ever face; the deaths that are violent. If we could choose a way to die, I’m sure we would choose to die peacefully. As much of a privilege that would be, sadly, we do not have that power. Therefore, we may die in a violent or natural way. Death is often times a very difficult thing to deal with; they say that overcoming the loss of a loved one is a process that occurs over a period of time. It may take years for someone to get over the loss of their loved one. However, what people may sometimes fail to remember is, death is a natural occurrence in the lives of people. Some face death at birth while others face death later in life. The point is, death can happen at any point in time—it is something we cannot always prevent. With the help of modern technology, death can sometimes be “cheated,” and a life can be saved. However, even after that a person will face death at some point in time. There should be no fear in something that is natural. Instead, we should the fear the manner in which we will face death. Sun, 3 Mar 2013 23:35:15 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/03/01/voices-from-the-classroom-265/#IDComment584113879 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/02/20/voices-from-the-classroom-253/#IDComment578726883 Categorizing races is a difficult thing to do—you can never be quite sure what race a person truly identifies themselves as based on appearance alone. As discussed in class, a number of individuals, or groups, around the globe may share similar traits with others in another area. There is no group that has specific and unique traits compared to other groups. There are a very large number of races that exist around the world, and categorizing individuals into groups, such as “Black,” “White,” “Asian,” “Native American” and “Latino” are not enough. With that said, categorizing an individual who is multiracial is especially difficult because they consist of complex genetic material from a number of different bloodlines. In addition, race could be seen as a social construct. Society constructs race ways that create specific “boxes” for people to fit into. I think that is a reason why it is difficult to categorize people of a number of races, because it is not easy for them to just fit into one particular box. I personally do not think it is necessary to even attempt to categorize anyone—no matter if they identify with one or more races. Society creates such an important focus on belonging that I do not think that no one should ever feel as if they have to belong to any specific category, or box, to fit in. Racial groups only exist so that society can have a sense of who individual people are. I think that is one of the reasons why people find the need to figure out what race a person is. It is almost as if they automatically understand everything about the person based on their race. On the other hand, when society does not understand a group, or individual, they tend to be seen as different. An important thing to consider in asking such question is trying to understand the significance in categorizing individuals; who are we to tell people, or at least try to tell people what, or who, they are? For those who find it necessary to categorize others, I think the question should be what people identify themselves with the most. For example, to others a person may be seen as Asian. However, that person may actually identify with Asian, Italian, and Black. According to how they interact with others, what groups they relate to the most, and their customs, they may actually say they are more Italian than Asian and Black. We may believe that we can identify a person’s race based on a few attributes. However, how can be we so sure? There is no guidebook for races—there are no rules set for each races. Who are we to judge? I think that last week’s lecture was striking—we are all the same. Mon, 25 Feb 2013 04:01:30 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/02/20/voices-from-the-classroom-253/#IDComment578726883 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/02/07/voices-from-the-classroom-240/#IDComment570657586 At first the question seems easy to answer—we would all want to inform our child that their sexual orientation is homosexual to prevent them from going through the trials, tribulations, pain, and embarrassment that comes with dealing with feeling “different.” We would definitely want to tell them that what they felt was natural, and that being “different” is what makes a person interesting and full of life. We would want to tell them that there was absolutely nothing wrong with having feelings for a person of the same sex. However, I think that I would not tell them at first until I felt as though my child really needed my help. It is not that I want to seem cruel, but I feel as though in doing so my child would really see that I supported and loved them just the same. I think that when going through the challenges of accepting homosexuality and being seen as different, the most important contribution is family support. Most people fear that “coming out” to their friends and family may result in rejection and abandonment. However, once they see that they have the same love and support, if not more, from their loved ones [especially their parents] the process of accepting homosexuality may become a bit easier. Personally, I feel as though waiting to tell my child about their homosexuality builds a bit of strength and character for my child. Think about it, if I was to explain to my child what homosexuality was and associate it with their identity, it would be a little vague. I would want my child to go through a little struggle with homosexuality so that they can learn from experience. I do not identify myself as a homosexual, so I feel as though I can give an explanation based off of other peoples’ experience and what I have been taught about homosexuality. However, my explanation would not be as enriched as personal experience, because it would not include the emotional attachment and emotional relation to the subject. Of course, without a doubt [being that I have been informed of some signs of severe struggling with a certain topic] I would help my child understand, accept, and learn about their homosexuality if they needed help. It may seem as though I would leave my child alone to understand their homosexuality. However, that is not the case at all. For me it is all about working with my child to help them understand and embrace themselves naturally. I would want my child to be exposed to certain things so that they would not be close-minded. Personally, I would not be the person that I am if my parents had handed me everything that I know or have now—I would be very dependent on them for helping me in life. In addition to that exposure and independence, I would play my role as a parent as the supporter and backbone for my child if they needed. I do not think my job as a parent consists solely on informing my child on everything; they need the experience to build their knowledge as well. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:30:06 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/02/07/voices-from-the-classroom-240/#IDComment570657586 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/31/voices-from-the-classroom-236/#IDComment563978265 I feel as though individuals will always go have at least one or two personal concerns that are influenced by the public. I believe this to be true because the public, especially the media, plays such a vital role on the lives of others. Ranging from the way we look and present ourselves, fashion, technology and gadgets, to love and family situations—the things we are exposed to creates the idea that we “must have what we see.” For instance, everyone may feel as though they may not be in shape as they should be, why? Because of the things we constantly see in the media—the media sets the “standard” for what the ideal person should look like. Some of our personal troubles are almost inevitable because of society. Personally, I can say that some of my minor personal concerns are influenced by the public. For instance, I find that there are times I feel torn between losing weight, or keeping my figure and simply working on it. I feel pressured sometimes because being that I am only 5’’1, I feel as though I could lose a few pounds. Not because I am fat, but because I feel as though it would contribute to a better energy. However, my boyfriend complains because he does not want me to lose my figure. Another personal concern is fashion: As a female, like most, I want to always dress to impress—keeping up with trends is something I always love to do. However, sometimes other obstacles prevent me from doing just that. Other than these minor issues, my major concerns are less influenced by the public [I believe]. Those major concerns are definitely private because they are mostly due to family relationships. Those issues that are publicly influenced, I feel as though I handle them pretty well. In regards to my weight, I try to do both. I do workouts that help me to tone my figure while shedding a pound or two. Yes, there are things that I wish I could change about my body, however, I feel comfortable in my skin and I know that I am not really in bad shape. I cannot help that when I turn the television on, and see a female with a nice a figure I tend to fantasize about working out to obtain the same figure. Knowing that we all have different body frames, and we are genetically different, attempting to obtain the same exact figure just seems silly. In regards to fashion, I try to work on my wardrobe here and there while admiring some of the hottest pieces. Overall, I feel as though the public “invisible strings” will always play some sort of role on individuals. It is just how people interpret what they see that determines how they handle their personal troubles. If people just stop and logically try to determine why they want the things they do, they would understand that some of those personal troubles are simply irrelevant and could wait. Of course there is that great urge for us to belong, to be accepted, and to be seen as “normal.” I think that is why those “individual strings” can sometimes get to the best of us; those “indivisible strings” put strains on our lives at times. However, the only way to break free, as Sam said, is to acknowledge what they are and open our eyes to those influential factors. Wed, 6 Feb 2013 04:11:46 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/31/voices-from-the-classroom-236/#IDComment563978265 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/31/voices-from-the-classroom-235/#IDComment562033431 Society creates this urge for people to belong. The importance of seeming “normal” and fitting in is an important idea created by society. For instance, as portrayed in the media, looking slim, fit, and flawless is socially accepted. A number of individuals look at these images with hopes that they could look like what they see. However, they fail to realize that those images are constructed with the help of photo advancing programs—even celebrities are not as flawless as they seem. This burden of fitting into society and being accepted causes individuals to go to [sometimes] extreme lengths. Those extremes include self-inflicting injuries, eating disorders, body enhancement procedures, excessive use of make-up, and/or excessive use of the gym/ work-outs. Those who feel as though their appearance is not good enough will do whatever they can so that they can look appealing to society, and therefore, by socially accepted. This is definitely what Sam was discussing in class last Tuesday— most things that we believe to be private are shaped by public matters, even if we do not see it. Those “invisible strings” pull on individuals and the way in which they perceive things, which then lead to individuals doing the things they do. In other words, they are not in control of their actions and thoughts, because of those imposing [socially constructed] ideas. I think that when it comes to certain issues and struggles, it is quite hard to discuss them with people that they pertain too because of the concern of privacy. For instance, if I was to confront someone who inflicted harm to themselves, it would be hard for me because I would not want to seem as if I am intruding. I feel as though I could only confront someone with those problems if they were close to me in some way. If it was someone close to me I would definitely try and talk to them to figure out what was the underlying problem which contributed to their self infliction. Based on what they said, I would inform them of those “invisible strings” which seem to have influence in a lot of people’s lives. Opening their eyes to those “invisible strings”, as said by Sam, creates a sense of freedom. Freedom from those public influences will put that individual into control of their lives, and therefore, make more sensible decisions for them because it is what is best for them. Society and the media plays such a vital role on the lives of individuals, because individuals are so wrapped up in what they see [24/7 via ads, friends, family, on television, on the radio, in magazines, etc.]; there becomes an importance of fitting in. There is such an importance of belonging because when society is unsure of something, or a group of people, an emergence of labels comes up. I do not think that this is obvious to most people, but the truth is that no one ever wants to feel unaccepted—no one ever wants to feel like an alien on earth, so I think people will do whatever to feel a part of society. However, for those who feel as though they may never be accepted turn to suicide, substance abuse, or self-inflicted injuries. Sun, 3 Feb 2013 22:16:52 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/31/voices-from-the-classroom-235/#IDComment562033431 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/23/voices-from-the-classroom-232/#IDComment554811715 I agree. People should have the choice to believe whatever they choose to believe in. I feel as though religion is a very touchy topic for the simple fact that people believe that what they believe in is right; it is the best thing to believe in and others should believe the same thing. In other words, you have believers in society that may try their hardest to force their beliefs onto others. However, I feel as though no one can truly say that they are a believer of a certain religion unless they [themselves] understand, accept, and live by the rules of the religion. Going to church, or just praying, does not make you a believer of any religion [in my opinion]. Because of that mentality, I personally do not identify myself with any particular religion. Although I was baptized as a young child, and I attended churches with my family, I do not feel as though I am a Christian. No offense, but I do not know enough about the religion for me to claim it—I do not read the bible, so I do not know what exactly Christianity consists of. I am not an atheist because I feel as though there is a higher divine power that exists. However, I feel as though there is no one religion that is the best. I respect and feel as though other beliefs are suitable. For example, last semester I walked into a store and was almost immediately drawn to a figurine on the wall. After asking the sales associate about the figurine, I learned that it was the statue of the Hindu Lord Ganesh. I did a little research on the Lord Ganesh and felt as though I could identify myself with some of the things he stood for. That does not mean I am Hindu, but I have accepted a few of its ideas. Maybe I can say I’m more spiritual than religious-- I feel as though religion is just one of those things you really have to be sure about to live by it. In regards to the question about marriage, I would say that I would not mind if my child was to marry an Atheist. Religion is such a complex and difficult topic to talk about, I would understand if someone was to say that they do not believe in a higher power. I mean, how do we REALLY know that there is a divine power beyond us? We rely on stories, scientists/archaeologists, and/or other people to confirm our beliefs. It is not like we can look through a window of the past and say “I know for a fact ____ exists, because I saw them with my own eyes.” I feel as though I have contradicted myself at some point in this post, but that just proves my point: Religion is too complex to just simplify in a few paragraphs. In addition, I am not a theologist so this is simply a post of my personal opinion. Sat, 26 Jan 2013 18:22:54 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2013/01/23/voices-from-the-classroom-232/#IDComment554811715 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/12/07/voices-from-the-classroom-221/#IDComment546981016 I think people feel as though those “boxes” are where they are most comfortable. Stepping outside of those boxes includes risk factors for people who either fear change, fears feeling uncomfortable, or they may fear offending other people. Stepping outside of a comfort zone may mean that a person has to be different, and they may not want to be seen as an outcast. I also think that the sense of belonging is so important, and almost overrated in today’s society. That urge, or necessity, to belong may cause people to do things just to fit in—even if that means seeming “normal.” Most people do not want to be looked at as “that” person that did that one “abnormal” thing. That is because when someone is looked at as different, unique, or “not normal,” it creates a feeling of embarrassment and that person may feel as though no one will accept them for who they are. Another reason why people may be afraid to step outside of their “boxes” is because that comfort zone was developed from things that they are used to. In other words, they may be afraid of change because they have been used to the same thing for so long to the point where that one thing may be all that they know. For instance, a person can eat macaroni and cheese every Tuesday night because that is what they are used to—it’s a part of their routine; it is almost second-nature. Another example could be the Thanksgiving holiday: Why is it that most families in America gather for dinners with friends and families on Thanksgiving Day? That is because, according to history, it is an event that has always been around since the 17th century. It is what Americans are used to; it has become a part of our culture. If some families did things like go egg hunting on Thanksgiving, it would seem very abnormal—we do that on Easter. When I was younger, feeling comfortable and belonging was very important to me. I did not want to wear certain things because it was not cool and therefore, made me “look weird.” However, over time I grew to believe stepping outside of boxes requires confidence and a comfort within one’s self. Understanding that being different, eating different food, or even changing a sense of style is a part of building new experiences. Personally, that is what makes a person. Honestly, who wants to be like everyone else? That is like saying I am perfectly fine with wearing the same exact outfits as everyone else. Where is the fun in that? I think that once people understand that the feeling of belonging is constructed by society, they will feel a bit more open to difference. The necessity to belong is not as grand as it seems. Yes, we all want to feel accepted for who we are, but how can we be accepted if we are just like everyone else? Fri, 18 Jan 2013 03:00:25 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/12/07/voices-from-the-classroom-221/#IDComment546981016