I always knew the importance having ‘connections’ was in society, however, I never realized there was a term for it. After Sam described nepotism as the situation whereby a person in power gives a job to their friends or family over others who may be more qualified, all I could think was how often I have heard or seen this happen. Although, and I am sure most people agree, it is not fair and just it is unavoidable and very prominent in society. In my opinion everyone has or will benefit from nepotism at some point in their lives, and it is hard not to resist. Of course, we all hate to be the more qualified person but as human beings we do anything to get ahead and what we want or need. Therefore, although I hate to admit it, I doubt I would pass such an opportunity. It is all about networking, getting a job, and if I needed it I would not be able to refuse it. I certainly have taken advantage of this recently. I needed a job for the summer, with limited options on location and type, I eventually asked my aunt if she could hire me to work in her doctor’s office. Clearly, being a freshman I have no qualifications or experience. Furthermore, I have no desire to pursue a medical career. I do feel guilty about taking advantage of this opportunity, but for the certain circumstances including the fact I do not have a drivers license and that I live in Europe, staying and working with my aunt would be the ideal option. This opportunity though is not a big or particularly important one; therefore I do not feel as though I am hindering anyone else. Also considering that they do not seek extra workers. Similarly, I have experienced the other side of this situation whereby the person was granted the opportunity although she was younger and not as qualified, simply because her mother was the boss. It is something everyone needs to come to terms with because it will not disappear. Just think if it were you as the employer and you knew someone in your family was struggling and needed a job, I am sure you would do the same thing. For many people the family is the most important thing and always should support each other.
Furthermore, I found Sam’s comment that we always consider ourselves more ‘worthy’ and ‘deserving’ than other very true. I had not thought about it before, and once he presented the idea I could not help but smirk. We always consider and are aware of everything we experience as an individual especially the hard times and the amount of work we put in. But, we cannot assume we are more deserving especially considering the lack of knowledge for other applicants.

I thought this was a very interesting class and a new approach that helped stimulate thought. When Sam asked us to put ourselves in the shoes of the Middle Easterners, I was curious to see what his intentions were. I thought it was a great and necessary idea to help see the point of views of the other side and where they are coming from. We often fall into the trap of being closed-minded and always believing whatever we are told by the media and our own people. We fail to try and understand the opponent and what is provoking them. It was funny because it turns out; they really are just like us. The experience similar fears, feel threatened and are only exposed to certain media. I never realized how Christians were portrayed to them, and after the class I realized why they would feel and perceive us the way they do. Although again, it is generalizations and not all Americans are like what they see or are shown, it is no surprise they react the way they do. Certainly, I felt empathetic especially after witnessing the video of the soldiers destroying the taxi car. That was truly upsetting and made me very angry to see. This class made Americans seem very egocentric and oil possessed. Furthermore, when Sam kept highlighting that the Americans were trying to dictate what to do with “my” oil etc I could see why this would infuriate many locals. It is sad though what propaganda and media can do simply to ensure the support of the nation and to make themselves seem the ‘hero’ and not the ‘wrong-doer’. But, I cannot help but put some blame onto the nation, we are all aware of what the media can do and although it is hard to find other sources and the truth, we should not always believe everything we are told. It is distressing what these assumptions and generalizations have led to in society such as in airports, or a general outlook on muslims or anyone from the middle east. I am sure there are many people there who do not even support what is happening. I feel like the recent build of the community center in New York exemplifies this. Although I understand the threat and the sensitivity, the religion and people will never disappear and we need to learn to live in coexistence with one another. Also, I know see why they view the Christians as the enemy after viewing the images of the bible and the inscriptions that the soldiers had. However, I feel as though they should understand that that is just their faith and I am sure their soldiers also uphold their religion in combat too. But it did help to see where the idea of ‘Christian invaders’ came from.

I thought this was a very interesting class and a new approach that helped stimulate thought. When Sam asked us to put ourselves in the shoes of the Middle Easterners, I was curious to see what his intentions were. I thought it was a great and necessary idea to help see the point of views of the other side and where they are coming from. We often fall into the trap of being closed-minded and always believing whatever we are told by the media and our own people. We fail to try and understand the opponent and what is provoking them. It was funny because it turns out; they really are just like us. The experience similar fears, feel threatened and are only exposed to certain media. I never realized how Christians were portrayed to them, and after the class I realized why they would feel and perceive us the way they do. Although again, it is generalizations and not all Americans are like what they see or are shown, it is no surprise they react the way they do. Certainly, I felt empathetic especially after witnessing the video of the soldiers destroying the taxi car. That was truly upsetting and made me very angry to see. This class made Americans seem very egocentric and oil possessed. Furthermore, when Sam kept highlighting that the Americans were trying to dictate what to do with “my” oil etc I could see why this would infuriate many locals. It is sad though what propaganda and media can do simply to ensure the support of the nation and to make themselves seem the ‘hero’ and not the ‘wrong-doer’. But, I cannot help but put some blame onto the nation, we are all aware of what the media can do and although it is hard to find other sources and the truth, we should not always believe everything we are told. It is distressing what these assumptions and generalizations have led to in society such as in airports, or a general outlook on muslims or anyone from the middle east. I am sure there are many people there who do not even support what is happening. I feel like the recent build of the community center in New York exemplifies this. Although I understand the threat and the sensitivity, the religion and people will never disappear and we need to learn to live in coexistence with one another. Also, I know see why they view the Christians as the enemy after viewing the images of the bible and the inscriptions that the soldiers had. However, I feel as though they should understand that that is just their faith and I am sure their soldiers also uphold their religion in combat too. But it did help to see where the idea of ‘Christian invaders’ came from.

There is a lot more to girls dressing up than to simply impress guys. Well for me anyway, it is not necessarily true of all women. I chose to answer this because I do care a lot about how I look and what I wear when I go out.

One reason I dress up is not actually just for guy attention but for girls too. It is funny but lots of the times, girls dress up for girls. Girls are very harsh critics of each other, and appearance and fashion is one of the main sources they ‘compete’. Whether it is the need to be accepted into a certain group of people, or just generally, or even if it is to prove you are prettier or just as pretty as someone else. Yes, this may seem petty, but confidence and acceptance is a big thing for girls. Clothes and make up is a simple way they can try to boost their self esteem and likewise it is unfortunately used to shatter someone else’s.

For me, believe it or not but one factor is simply for my own self and liking. I am not going to lie and say it is not for guys or not for girls, but it is significantly also for myself. I do feel good when I wear a nice dress, or a skirt and put on a pair of heels. I feel special because its not something I do often and it is fun. In terms of heels, I am a short girl so most people probably think I do it to appear taller. In fact, I simply have a shoe addiction. I love shoes and if I could I would wear them around school more often (if I would not get judged) because I just like the way they are. Nevertheless, I agree with Sam that lots of girls wear them because they think it makes their legs look nicer, or taller, or more attractive. In my opinion, those are not reasons you should wear them. Especially if you cannot walk in them and you do not even like them as they hurt too much.

It is also interesting how culture plays a part. A lot of girls here do not tend to wear skirts or dresses unless they are going to a party. This is not the same in Europe, girls and women wear them everyday and night time as well. It just depends on how and what you wear it with. So, what some girls here wear to ‘dress up’ you may see people in Europe wearing during the day. This seems to show that for some cultures fashion is more about taste, or that some feel the need to ‘dress up’ and make an effort on more occasions. You could interpret this in various ways.

For lots of girls it is a habit and norm now, like for me putting on makeup or a skirt does not necessarily feel like dressing up. This is because I feel like I need to do it anyways for myself and to feel comfortable. But this should not be the case to a certain extent. Lots of girls do find it frustrating sometimes if they spend a long time to get ready when all a guy does is shower and change tops; especially if there is no acknowledgement. I do wonder though apart from maybe a nice top, there is not much of a variety for guys and not much they can actually do or wear in comparison to women. Then again, they are not being asked to get dressed. In today’s society though, if a girl went out one night not dressed up, guys and girls would stare and judge because it has become such a cultural norm now.

You can sometimes tell when a girl is dressing up for herself or someone else. Similarly, everyone recognizes you can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress. Does this impact the way we all try to portray ourselves when we get dressed? How many people actually dress for themselves? But more importantly, why do we all care so much about what people think? This is something though that will probably never change. In my opinion everyone should dress how they want, if it makes them feel good, or because it is comfortable.

There is a lot more to girls dressing up than to simply impress guys. Well for me anyway, it is not necessarily true of all women. I chose to answer this because I do care a lot about how I look and what I wear when I go out.

One reason I dress up is not actually just for guy attention but for girls too. It is funny but lots of the times, girls dress up for girls. Girls are very harsh critics of each other, and appearance and fashion is one of the main sources they ‘compete’. Whether it is the need to be accepted into a certain group of people, or just generally, or even if it is to prove you are prettier or just as pretty as someone else. Yes, this may seem petty, but confidence and acceptance is a big thing for girls. Clothes and make up is a simple way they can try to boost their self esteem and likewise it is unfortunately used to shatter someone else’s.

For me, believe it or not but one factor is simply for my own self and liking. I am not going to lie and say it is not for guys or not for girls, but it is significantly also for myself. I do feel good when I wear a nice dress, or a skirt and put on a pair of heels. I feel special because its not something I do often and it is fun. In terms of heels, I am a short girl so most people probably think I do it to appear taller. In fact, I simply have a shoe addiction. I love shoes and if I could I would wear them around school more often (if I would not get judged) because I just like the way they are. Nevertheless, I agree with Sam that lots of girls wear them because they think it makes their legs look nicer, or taller, or more attractive. In my opinion, those are not reasons you should wear them. Especially if you cannot walk in them and you do not even like them as they hurt too much.

It is also interesting how culture plays a part. A lot of girls here do not tend to wear skirts or dresses unless they are going to a party. This is not the same in Europe, girls and women wear them everyday and night time as well. It just depends on how and what you wear it with. So, what some girls here wear to ‘dress up’ you may see people in Europe wearing during the day. This seems to show that for some cultures fashion is more about taste, or that some feel the need to ‘dress up’ and make an effort on more occasions. You could interpret this in various ways.

For lots of girls it is a habit and norm now, like for me putting on makeup or a skirt does not necessarily feel like dressing up. This is because I feel like I need to do it anyways for myself and to feel comfortable. But this should not be the case to a certain extent. Lots of girls do find it frustrating sometimes if they spend a long time to get ready when all a guy does is shower and change tops; especially if there is no acknowledgement. I do wonder though apart from maybe a nice top, there is not much of a variety for guys and not much they can actually do or wear in comparison to women. Then again, they are not being asked to get dressed. In today’s society though, if a girl went out one night not dressed up, guys and girls would stare and judge because it has become such a cultural norm now.

You can sometimes tell when a girl is dressing up for herself or someone else. Similarly, everyone recognizes you can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress. Does this impact the way we all try to portray ourselves when we get dressed? How many people actually dress for themselves? But more importantly, why do we all care so much about what people think? This is something though that will probably never change. In my opinion everyone should dress how they want, if it makes them feel good, or because it is comfortable.

There is a lot more to girls dressing up than to simply impress guys. Well for me anyway, it is not necessarily true of all women. I chose to answer this because I do care a lot about how I look and what I wear when I go out.

One reason I dress up is not actually just for guy attention but for girls too. It is funny but lots of the times, girls dress up for girls. Girls are very harsh critics of each other, and appearance and fashion is one of the main sources they ‘compete’. Whether it is the need to be accepted into a certain group of people, or just generally, or even if it is to prove you are prettier or just as pretty as someone else. Yes, this may seem petty, but confidence and acceptance is a big thing for girls. Clothes and make up is a simple way they can try to boost their self esteem and likewise it is unfortunately used to shatter someone else’s.

For me, believe it or not but one factor is simply for my own self and liking. I am not going to lie and say it is not for guys or not for girls, but it is significantly also for myself. I do feel good when I wear a nice dress, or a skirt and put on a pair of heels. I feel special because its not something I do often and it is fun. In terms of heels, I am a short girl so most people probably think I do it to appear taller. In fact, I simply have a shoe addiction. I love shoes and if I could I would wear them around school more often (if I would not get judged) because I just like the way they are. Nevertheless, I agree with Sam that lots of girls wear them because they think it makes their legs look nicer, or taller, or more attractive. In my opinion, those are not reasons you should wear them. Especially if you cannot walk in them and you do not even like them as they hurt too much.

It is also interesting how culture plays a part. A lot of girls here do not tend to wear skirts or dresses unless they are going to a party. This is not the same in Europe, girls and women wear them everyday and night time as well. It just depends on how and what you wear it with. So, what some girls here wear to ‘dress up’ you may see people in Europe wearing during the day. This seems to show that for some cultures fashion is more about taste, or that some feel the need to ‘dress up’ and make an effort on more occasions. You could interpret this in various ways.

For lots of girls it is a habit and norm now, like for me putting on makeup or a skirt does not necessarily feel like dressing up. This is because I feel like I need to do it anyways for myself and to feel comfortable. But this should not be the case to a certain extent. Lots of girls do find it frustrating sometimes if they spend a long time to get ready when all a guy does is shower and change tops; especially if there is no acknowledgement. I do wonder though apart from maybe a nice top, there is not much of a variety for guys and not much they can actually do or wear in comparison to women. Then again, they are not being asked to get dressed. In today’s society though, if a girl went out one night not dressed up, guys and girls would stare and judge because it has become such a cultural norm now.
You can sometimes tell when a girl is dressing up for herself or someone else. Similarly, everyone recognizes you can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress. Does this impact the way we all try to portray ourselves when we get dressed? How many people actually dress for themselves? But more importantly, why do we all care so much about what people think? This is something though that will probably never change. In my opinion everyone should dress how they want, if it makes them feel good, or because it is comfortable.

There is a lot more to girls dressing up than to simply impress guys. Well for me anyway, it is not necessarily true of all women. I chose to answer this because I do care a lot about how I look and what I wear when I go out.

One reason I dress up is not actually just for guy attention but for girls too. It is funny but lots of the times, girls dress up for girls. Girls are very harsh critics of each other, and appearance and fashion is one of the main sources they ‘compete’. Whether it is the need to be accepted into a certain group of people, or just generally, or even if it is to prove you are prettier or just as pretty as someone else. Yes, this may seem petty, but confidence and acceptance is a big thing for girls. Clothes and make up is a simple way they can try to boost their self esteem and likewise it is unfortunately used to shatter someone else’s.

For me, believe it or not but one factor is simply for my own self and liking. I am not going to lie and say it is not for guys or not for girls, but it is significantly also for myself. I do feel good when I wear a nice dress, or a skirt and put on a pair of heels. I feel special because its not something I do often and it is fun. In terms of heels, I am a short girl so most people probably think I do it to appear taller. In fact, I simply have a shoe addiction. I love shoes and if I could I would wear them around school more often (if I would not get judged) because I just like the way they are. Nevertheless, I agree with Sam that lots of girls wear them because they think it makes their legs look nicer, or taller, or more attractive. In my opinion, those are not reasons you should wear them. Especially if you cannot walk in them and you do not even like them as they hurt too much.

It is also interesting how culture plays a part. A lot of girls here do not tend to wear skirts or dresses unless they are going to a party. This is not the same in Europe, girls and women wear them everyday and night time as well. It just depends on how and what you wear it with. So, what some girls here wear to ‘dress up’ you may see people in Europe wearing during the day. This seems to show that for some cultures fashion is more about taste, or that some feel the need to ‘dress up’ and make an effort on more occasions. You could interpret this in various ways.

For lots of girls it is a habit and norm now, like for me putting on makeup or a skirt does not necessarily feel like dressing up. This is because I feel like I need to do it anyways for myself and to feel comfortable. But this should not be the case to a certain extent. Lots of girls do find it frustrating sometimes if they spend a long time to get ready when all a guy does is shower and change tops; especially if there is no acknowledgement. I do wonder though apart from maybe a nice top, there is not much of a variety for guys and not much they can actually do or wear in comparison to women. Then again, they are not being asked to get dressed. In today’s society though, if a girl went out one night not dressed up, guys and girls would stare and judge because it has become such a cultural norm now.

You can sometimes tell when a girl is dressing up for herself or someone else. Similarly, everyone recognizes you can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress. Does this impact the way we all try to portray ourselves when we get dressed? How many people actually dress for themselves? But more importantly, why do we all care so much about what people think? This is something though that will probably never change. In my opinion everyone should dress how they want, if it makes them feel good, or because it is comfortable.

Of course it is hard to generalize as to why it is hard to date outside your own race, but there are some common factors that seem to appear. I am half Finnish and half Egyptian, two completely opposite cultures. If I were to date outside of my race I do not think my Finnish side would have much of an opinion or care about whom the person is. They would probably find it hard to communicate and would not necessarily know how to behave though. However, my Egyptian side is far more conservative and traditional. They are very religious and uphold certain standards and morals. To date someone of a different race or religion is therefore always a little bit of a struggle, but in the end they always realize that it should not really matter and as long as the person has a good personality and similar values it is fine. My cousin, for example, married a Korean woman. When she was first brought over everyone was friendly and kind but hesitant because her background is not familiar to us, and so they cannot ‘judge’ how she will be. Similarly, when my mother and father got married she had to be baptized into the religion. They did not enforce the belief system and religion on her for the rest of her life but it was a required and important step for them for marriage, so my mother complied. I feel like in my family if I brought home a white or Asian boy back to the family, he would be more accepted than if I would bring a black boy. This is probably because they are ‘used’ to the American white culture after living in America and also find some cultural connections to Asians. Otherwise, I do not understand why this would be. Personally, I don’t think it matters the race of the person. As for my family, the person would always be accepted but it may take time for them to get ‘used’ to the idea. Religion is not important to me either as long as there is mutual respect for each other’s beliefs and traditions. In my opinion, what matters more is the values the person upholds.

I think this idea stems from a couple of things, religion, traditions, heritage, values and culture. Especially for the older generations, they want to continue their heritage and traditions. Also, I sense a tendency to pick someone like them because they are aware and have the same understanding. It is common and shared views, development and culture. Furthermore, for some cultures it could involve shame and honour-this seems particularly true of Asians. Religion can always be complicated, as you would have separate celebrations and beliefs. For some people this is important because they need the support and religion is a united often a family thing. It is funny though, just because someone is of a different race does not necessarily mean they have different values, religion etc. So, why do people have such a big problem with race?

I think everyone sees diversity differently; it depends on one’s background. If you come from a small suburb where everyone is of the same class, race etc Penn State will seem very diverse in comparison. Also perception can vary due to the interpretation of the word ‘diversity’. Many people may not know the diversity exists because we just group based on appearance. This reminds me of the early class example where the two girls had to sort out and group students based on where they are from. You cannot always tell where people are from etc. However, I went to an international high school, so you could say I am very used to seeing diversity. There were students of 70 other nationalities and half of the students were not of a British nationality. Honestly, I was not expecting huge diversity when I applied to Penn State because it is a state school, however, by the way the school advertises they made Penn State sound very broad, culturally diverse and diverse opportunities. Clearly, any university will try use such appeals but I was shocked at how little diversity I came across when I actually arrived. In comparison, I feel like for the size of Penn State there is not much diversity. Penn State is approximately 70% are Pennsylvanian residents. Certainly, this is not that surprising considering it is a state school. Personally, I do not think I experienced a lot of diversity since I have been here so far. The majority of my friends and the people I know all come from Pennsylvania and tend to come from similar high schools. This says a lot to me about the lack of immersion with other cultures and proves people just ‘stick’ to what they know and people they already know. I feel like the problem is also that the different races and nationalities do not mix very much, so it is hard to see the diversity. It is not spread; I guess you could say we are a ‘cliquey’ school. You will notice and spot the large groups of Asians that spend times together, the white group and the blacks. They even segregate themselves when it comes to fraternities and sororities.

In my opinion I think we need to highlight and embrace the diversity more. There are always advertisements in the beginning of class and during class of Italian dinners, and different nationality clubs that are organizing events. This indeed exhibits to a better extent the diversity we hold. But it is not very well advertised, because aside from class I never hear about any of these types of events.

Personally, growing up I have never felt particularly guilty about being ‘white’. To be frank, I never made big associations that if I ever got something or benefitted in a certain way that it was due to my race. I always had stronger connections to culture, given my family is so diverse in itself. So sometimes, I may feel guilty if one culture or country may prosper over another.

There was one moment when I was young, whereby I experienced the sensation of guilt. I was playing with some friends, a white girl and a black girl, and we were going to go to her house to continue and then her mum would take us out. Before we went into the house, the white girl said, my mum doesn’t like black girls so she can’t come in. I was in utter shock. I never even noticed a difference between our skin colours before that moment. In my mind we were just having fun. At that moment when I had to tell the black girl she could no longer hang out with us due to her race, I was filled with immense guilt and remorse. It was not fair.

Certainly, I have recognized white priviledge and it has definitely become more apparent as I have become older and after taking this class. Indeed, I do not find it fair how people are judged based on their race on a day-to-day basis, concerning matters that affect one’s lives. For example, if it can affect the likelihood of getting a job of pursuing a career. I’m sure I am not the only one to say that it should be based on ability and capability. We need to stop making assumptions and judgments.

The problem is many races deliberately try to enforce guilt on other races to get their way. Often history can be used against the white, even though we were not the ones carrying out the deeds or would ever consider it; we still hold a sense of responsibility. As if we ‘owe’ another race and should feel guilty and still pay reparations. . In my opinion, life is not that way for the most part anymore and we should not be held to such actions, especially individuals who would never pursue such actions. This makes me wonder though, why would another race want that attitude held towards them. Personally, I hate feeling pity, because no matter what my race is I will try and do what I want and live as I want. Unfortunately, though as Sam has expressed this is not the case. I always used to refuse to believe this, to believe in the greater good, and that anyone can do or be what they want. It just comes from them. However, since this class I have realized that that is actually the small percentage of what’s needed in society, because you cannot control the actions or attitudes of others.

I also wonder, to what extent other races feel such guilt referred to? Although it was directed to all races, I cannot help but feel as though this question was more focused on the white population. History haunts the white generation, and due to its significant impact, I fear there will not be a day that it is forgotten.