en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2450071 Comments by ruz5 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145208565 It is rare to find a person who will go such great lengths to help others in such a big way. Even with his act of kindness just being a few meals, he is stopping these people from starving and allowing them to survive so that they can continue their search for a better life. After the lecture my views and opinions on these immigrants has changed greatly since I am now aware of how ambitious they actually are and how they are willing to risk life and limb for a better life. Maybe, if we were all half as ambitious as these illegal immigrants living among us, our country and businesses would be even more successful than they currently are. Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:34:03 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145208565 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145208334 I guess I had never really thought about the plans that would have to be put into place in order to achieve that nor had I ever thought about how the mass amount of illegal’s that are currently living here. I have found a new respect for these immigrants especially after watching many of the videos and hearing stories such as that of Eric’s. It was a warming feeling how Sam mentioned how those that attempt to start a life here in the United States are extremely ambitious and that the ones who are lazy do not attempt to seek a new life here. I found this warming because like Sam also mentioned it is not a good thing to have a lot of lazy and or poor people living in your society. The video about the man who was serving illegals in New York was very touching. The fact that he had been through the process that those he was helping are going through and then turn around and gives back to others at his personal expense speaks volumes. Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:33:01 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145208334 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145208252 After todays lecture my views and opinions on illegal immigration has absolutely changed. I have never really been aware of all the benefits and costs that go along with this issue. Now that I am aware of these costs and benefits it is evident to me that illegal immigration is not necessarily a negative thing. There are many positive tradeoffs to having illegal immigrants in our society such as lower prices on products such as fruits and vegetables and many other businesses that require intense manual labor. If it were not for these immigrants taking jobs of this kind than businesses would have to pay much higher wages and in turn charge inflated prices to consumers in our country. This was interesting to me because in a way it is illegal immigrants that are saving all of us that live here legally a good amount of money on our everyday purchases. I also found it interesting that Sam mentioned how it is practically impossible to not have any illegal immigrants in the country. Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:32:38 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/19/how-has-your-opinion-changed-on-illegal-immigration-119-blog/#IDComment145208252 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/what-are-your-thoughts-on-everything-we-saw-and-heard-in-lecture-about-native-americans-119-blog/#IDComment143176996 The video footage that was taken from the reservation of the family pushing their car with a television in the back seat was also really sad and provided a good understanding of their struggles. I can’t believe our nation can stand by and do nothing knowing that there is a group of people struggling this hard just to survive. Especially, whenever it is the indigenous people of our nation, the soil we live on, and we, our ancestors are the cause to their struggle. I am glad we were able to see this issue and I hope we get to touch on this issue again in class. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:12:51 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/what-are-your-thoughts-on-everything-we-saw-and-heard-in-lecture-about-native-americans-119-blog/#IDComment143176996 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/what-are-your-thoughts-on-everything-we-saw-and-heard-in-lecture-about-native-americans-119-blog/#IDComment143176883 . On the other hand it is extremely wrong to keep letting the remaining Native American people suffer in the ways of which they are today. I think there needs to be some sort of action taken by our government or our people in an attempt to help these people. I understand that at this point it is not possible to right the wrongs of our countries dark past but I feel that the struggles these Native Americans are going through need to be brought to an end or at least lessened. Another part of the class I enjoyed was the “Don’t Drink the Water” video. As a Dave Matthews Band fan I have heard this song many times but have never really put thought into what these lyrics were in reference to. Having the lyrics on the screen made the meaning of this song easy to understand. Also, the images of the Native people were very intense and touching and they allowed us to see just how severe the struggles these people face on a daily basis are. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:12:23 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/what-are-your-thoughts-on-everything-we-saw-and-heard-in-lecture-about-native-americans-119-blog/#IDComment143176883 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/what-are-your-thoughts-on-everything-we-saw-and-heard-in-lecture-about-native-americans-119-blog/#IDComment143176810 The lecture on Native Americans was extremely interesting and saddening. I was amazed at how much I personally was unaware of in regards to this piece of history, however, I guess it is kind of understandable since Sam mentioned it is a piece of history that we don’t talk about. That is the main reason I actually found the lecture to be very interesting, the fact that we don’t talk about this aspect of our nation’s history. I can kind of understand why we wouldn’t talk about it since it is basically the largest slaughter of an indigenous population in the history of our world. It is such a tragic and dark portion of our history that maybe we just don’t want to be reminded of what it was we did to have our home be here in North America. Also, I feel as if it would in a way be viewed as a bad move to talk about this since we currently have such a high view of our nation and patriotism that it might put a big dent in our since of unity as a nation. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:12:01 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/12/what-are-your-thoughts-on-everything-we-saw-and-heard-in-lecture-about-native-americans-119-blog/#IDComment143176810 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/did-putting-yourself-in-the-shoes-of-the-middle-easterners-change-your-views-on-the-war-in-iraq-119-blog/#IDComment141105021 . I do understand, as the government of the United States of America, their need to protect the people and the resources they consume, however, it is not a resource which is ours. The other way I tried to approach this was through the realization that the Middle East is not exactly a stable region of the world, so the fact that they are responsible for basically the most valuable natural resource amongst us today is not a good situation. Regardless, as the U.S. government you have to be careful and keep the thoughts and needs of the people of the Middle East in mind in your actions as you pursue your goal. Fri, 8 Apr 2011 22:32:34 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/did-putting-yourself-in-the-shoes-of-the-middle-easterners-change-your-views-on-the-war-in-iraq-119-blog/#IDComment141105021 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/did-putting-yourself-in-the-shoes-of-the-middle-easterners-change-your-views-on-the-war-in-iraq-119-blog/#IDComment141104901 . I feel that this tactic was very unique in the ways that it opened minds. The aspect of, well yeah it might not be happening but it’s not happening to me; changed to okay its happening to me and now the situation is more real and how do I react or what do I do. I feel that it did greatly change my opinion on the war in Iraq. From the situation that Sam laid out for us I would feel, as a person living in the Middle East, greatly offended as to why the U.S. soldiers were in my country and trying to take my resources that are on my soil. It is one of those situations that you don’t really think about because it’s not happening to you, but when the scenario is flipped it becomes an extremely serious matter. Since that class I have thought about the issues that are facing the Middle East and now that I have a different view I feel rather uneasy about the United States government and their reasoning as to why we are there. Fri, 8 Apr 2011 22:31:56 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/did-putting-yourself-in-the-shoes-of-the-middle-easterners-change-your-views-on-the-war-in-iraq-119-blog/#IDComment141104901 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/did-putting-yourself-in-the-shoes-of-the-middle-easterners-change-your-views-on-the-war-in-iraq-119-blog/#IDComment141104816 The strategy that Sam used for this class was perfect as well as extremely intense. I liked how he opened up with the theoretical invasion on the U.S. by I believe it was China and asking if we would join in the resistance to fight them out of the country. It added a realistic and home feel to the situation that Iraqis are currently going through, however I did not buy the clicker responses that were given by the class because I feel that more than 50% of the class in that case would fight back. Regardless to my personal feelings as far as the responses it was still a really useful teaching concept and opened my eyes to situations that people in other countries are going through. Then when Sam asked us to place ourselves in the shoes of a Middle Easterner is when I felt things became really interesting. Also, I like how he kept making the point that we (as Middle Eastern people) were the ones being threatened. He did a great job at refreshing our minds into thinking as a Middle Eastern person. Fri, 8 Apr 2011 22:31:28 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/05/did-putting-yourself-in-the-shoes-of-the-middle-easterners-change-your-views-on-the-war-in-iraq-119-blog/#IDComment141104816 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137223434 Although some people may not support the idea of interracial relationships, for whatever reasons they may have, it is great to see that there is a great number of people who are okay with following their hearts and attractions regardless of what people may think of you. And that is what I think the whole point of a true relationship is anyways. Doing what you want to do because it makes you happy. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:45:44 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137223434 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137223422 I think that no matter what if one feels a connection toward another or an attraction toward another then they should make an attempt to get to know the person for who they really are regardless of the color of their skin. My family and friends are very open-minded and they wouldn’t really mind if I were to engage in an interracial relationship. Especially, as I mentioned before I have multiple friends and close relatives who are involved in interracial relationships and my friends and immediate family have no problem with it. In fact it is interesting to get to know them, their traditions, and where they come from. We have mentioned in class on multiple occasions how mixed race babies are the most rapid growing baby born today, which I think is awesome. I think it goes to show that we are making progress as a nation and we are beginning to break down some of these racial barriers that have been built. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:45:38 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137223422 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137223325 I feel like interracial relationships are not a big deal at all. I feel that people have the right to marry or be with whoever it is that makes them happy. I feel bad for people who believe that interracial relationships are wrong because they are still facing this race struggle with themselves. I have certain feelings on this issue because I have some very close family members who are in interracial relationships and also very close friends who are engaged in interracial relationships. I have nothing against them or the fact that they are with someone of another race. In fact I think it is a great thing that they are able to connect with someone on a deeper level even though they may not look exactly like you or your family. I can’t really say I have ever myself been in a serious interracial relationship since the closest I have come as a white male was I briefly dated an Asian girl, and also a half black half white girl. I feel as if I am not only attracted to white girls. Which I guess may be another reason that I feel interracial relationships are okay and should be accepted. I have been attracted to girls of many different races throughout my life and have also tried to have relationships with a few of them. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:45:02 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/22/what-do-you-think-about-interracial-relationships-119-blog/#IDComment137223325 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135915751 However, I feel that if it is a discrimination issue that is leading to the lack of diversity here than the problem does need to be addressed but it may be other outside factors that are beyond the colleges control that are causing this lack of diversity. All-in-all I am happy to be a Penn State student and to be able to experience new people and new relationships with students that are different races than me. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:40:29 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135915751 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135915732 I am not exactly sure as to my feelings about the lack of diversity here. I can’t say that I do or do not like that there is a lack of diversity here all I can really say is that I am happy with my decision and I have had good experiences so far. I was thinking that one reason could maybe be the location of Penn State. It seems that our state is majority white for example we do not have near as much diversity as maybe New York or California have so this could be one reason there is less diversity at our state college. I would like to see a stat that shows where most of the student body comes from because I am sure that has a lot to do with the lack of diversity here. Also, it could be the culture of Penn State that is maybe unattractive to other races. If there are things in culture that other races look for when looking at college’s maybe Penn State lacks in them and other races besides whites decide not to go here. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:40:21 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135915732 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135915622 When I was in high school and looking for colleges to attend I can’t say that I consciously thought about the diversity of the student body. My top two college choices however were Penn State and Colorado State, both of which have mainly white student bodies. I attended a high school in Pittsburgh that was almost all white so maybe it was more of just my culture that had the influence on the colleges I looked into attending. It could have been due to the fact that all of my friends from high school and even those that graduated years before me were attending colleges like Penn State that made me look at similar schools. I am surprised that the percentage of white students is as high as 70 percent here at Penn State. However, until it was mentioned in class I had never really thought about it. It was a really good eye opener and now that it was brought to my attention I am noticing this a lot more. I can’t say that the diversity of a school would change my decision on whether or not to attend it. But it could be a subconscious factor that had an effect. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:39:36 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/what-do-you-think-of-the-diversity-at-penn-state-119-blog/#IDComment135915622 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/how-conscious-are-you-of-your-seat-in-class-before-and-after-todays-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment130740012 . I can honestly say that I have never thought that oh maybe this person sat next to me because I am a certain race. However, having thought about the scenario it is very likely that it has happened in my life. I like to consider myself as being open to other people who are of different races since I had a roommate that was from India and who happened to be one of the nicest individuals I have ever met. He is now a lifelong friend of mine and I have since looked at other races in a completely different manner. I find it hard to believe that sitting next to certain people is such a big deal especially having looked around the class room and seeing that for the most part it is a pretty mixed class. I don’t see too many bunches of people of the same ethnicity sitting together in class which is somewhat comforting due to the fact that class topics are racially or ethnically related. This is shocking because I would think that this is one of the scenarios in which people would be more likely to sit next to similar people in order to avoid awkward situations. But it is nice to know that maybe this issue is slowly slipping away in our current society and becoming less likely to occur. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 01:40:26 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/how-conscious-are-you-of-your-seat-in-class-before-and-after-todays-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment130740012 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/how-conscious-are-you-of-your-seat-in-class-before-and-after-todays-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment130739932 I feel like today’s lecture did not really have any effect on how conscious I am of where I sit however it makes you wonder about your subconscious actions. I just feel like people are always trying to fit in so for example as a white male I am more likely to maybe sit next to another white male because it makes me feel as if I fit in. However, there are many occasions in which I sit next to people of other ethnicities or races without really thinking about this issue. I think it depends mainly on the person and the situation. In a situation where people are trying to learn about others and where they come from it doesn’t matter however if one is trying to fit in to a particular club or scenario they are more likely to pair up with people of equal or similar looks. It is just human nature to attempt to fit in regardless of what other people may say. It is very unfortunate that we look at people of a different color or ethnicity as so much different than us even though we may have very similar backgrounds. It is awkward to think about whether the person you sit next to is considering if you do or do not want to sit next to them due to looks or race. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 01:39:43 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/24/how-conscious-are-you-of-your-seat-in-class-before-and-after-todays-lecture-119-blog/#IDComment130739932 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/08/how-have-the-choices-youve-made-and-determinism-affected-your-life-119-blog/#IDComment127442820 . I am glad that I didn’t take that route because I am hoping and seeing through them that I will have greater success due to my decisions. My middle brother is now at RMU trying to change his ways because after a few years he realized that college was probably best for him as well. I look to my family for support in almost all that I do knowing they have my back and I am grateful for everything they have done for me. Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:54:46 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/08/how-have-the-choices-youve-made-and-determinism-affected-your-life-119-blog/#IDComment127442820 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/08/how-have-the-choices-youve-made-and-determinism-affected-your-life-119-blog/#IDComment127442763 My family is by no means wealthy which is why I had to provide for myself for recreation. I attended Mt. Lebanon High School which is a mainly white school and is known for its outstanding academics and graduation rate. The majority of my high school attends either Penn State or Pitt University. Being that neither of my brothers had attended college I turned to my cousin who was like a brother to me all of my life and who attended Penn State. He suggested I attend here saying I would fit in and he was correct. I didn’t make it to UP my first choice because my GPA in high school wasn’t the best probably because of my jobs and the amount of hours I put in through high school. I got into PSU Altoona which turned out good and now I am here. I feel that I made a lot of choices that shaped where I am today as well as was lucky to have many opportunities provided by my family. I could have made the choices that my brothers made and not attended college and could have tried to just get a job out of high school. Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:54:27 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/08/how-have-the-choices-youve-made-and-determinism-affected-your-life-119-blog/#IDComment127442763 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/08/how-have-the-choices-youve-made-and-determinism-affected-your-life-119-blog/#IDComment127442636 I think Sam said it best by saying that where we are today is the perfect mix of the two. I think if I hadn’t grown up in the area or situation that I did with the opportunities that I had I would not be where I am today. But in the same sense if I hadn’t made the choices that I made throughout my life in an attempt to succeed I also would not be here today. I come from a pretty good background having grown up in the south hills of Pittsburgh and my family is very supportive of me. I have two older brothers and I was the first of the three of us to attend college. My father had attended Duquesne University and my mother did not attend college. I felt that I could kind of change things in my family and especially after seeing some of the mistakes my brothers made I felt an urge to succeed. Throughout high school I worked two jobs logging about 35 hours a week and this was after having a paper route in my younger days. Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:53:59 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/08/how-have-the-choices-youve-made-and-determinism-affected-your-life-119-blog/#IDComment127442636