http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/ "A tiny act can have profound effects." Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:09:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/comment-page-8/#comment-19608 kao87 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:46:32 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=955#comment-19608 There are so many things out there that can make people of other races become more “white.” I took the sociology of gender class and during one of the current events presentations someone brought up the story of this glue that they sell is Asia to give Asian women the ability to get eyelids like white women. We discussed this in my soc 119 class a week or so ago and I learned that there are now surgeries that are done to permanently keep women’s eyelids that way. It was interesting to bring up the white wanting to become black through tanning and skin darkening lotions relating to black people wanting to become whiter by using the bleaching lotions. We make such a big deal about why black people would want to do this, but what I find disturbing is that the darkening of white people’s skin through tanning is completely normal. We are being hypocritical, even though it might be considered more socially acceptable to go sit in a tanning bed or put some bronzer on, how is that any different than black people wanting to lighten their skin? The answer is it is no different. Only recently has tanning been deemed negative because of skin cancer and the damage it can do to you. I admit I use those sunless tanning lotions and have never once put myself in the category of wanting to change my skin color, but after reading this post I have definitely thought more about it. I also wonder how many people who are supposedly using this lightening cream actually having the skin disease mentioned in the video. We could also look at this as another example of we should mind our own business and if that’s what someone wants to do, then let them. Plastic surgery is extremely popular in the United States to augment your physical appearance. No one scolds people for getting breast augmentation or a nose job because they don’t like the way those physical features look. However, when people take it to the extreme the media takes notice and tries to say whether it is unsafe or not. This could be getting media attention because of the drastic changes that were taking place in the color of Sosa’s skin. If we really believe that this is a direct result of people harboring feelings of being affected by white supremacy, we should take this opportunity to look at ourselves and see if we are truly being respectful of other people’s cultures, or making them feel like they are less of a human being than a white person. If the latter is what is actually occurring there is something seriously wrong with our society and it needs to stop. If everyone dressed the same, talked the same, or had the same skin color, the world would be an extremely boring place to live so we should embrace our differences. There are so many things out there that can make people of other races become more “white.” I took the sociology of gender class and during one of the current events presentations someone brought up the story of this glue that they sell is Asia to give Asian women the ability to get eyelids like white women. We discussed this in my soc 119 class a week or so ago and I learned that there are now surgeries that are done to permanently keep women’s eyelids that way. It was interesting to bring up the white wanting to become black through tanning and skin darkening lotions relating to black people wanting to become whiter by using the bleaching lotions. We make such a big deal about why black people would want to do this, but what I find disturbing is that the darkening of white people’s skin through tanning is completely normal. We are being hypocritical, even though it might be considered more socially acceptable to go sit in a tanning bed or put some bronzer on, how is that any different than black people wanting to lighten their skin? The answer is it is no different. Only recently has tanning been deemed negative because of skin cancer and the damage it can do to you. I admit I use those sunless tanning lotions and have never once put myself in the category of wanting to change my skin color, but after reading this post I have definitely thought more about it. I also wonder how many people who are supposedly using this lightening cream actually having the skin disease mentioned in the video. We could also look at this as another example of we should mind our own business and if that’s what someone wants to do, then let them. Plastic surgery is extremely popular in the United States to augment your physical appearance. No one scolds people for getting breast augmentation or a nose job because they don’t like the way those physical features look. However, when people take it to the extreme the media takes notice and tries to say whether it is unsafe or not. This could be getting media attention because of the drastic changes that were taking place in the color of Sosa’s skin. If we really believe that this is a direct result of people harboring feelings of being affected by white supremacy, we should take this opportunity to look at ourselves and see if we are truly being respectful of other people’s cultures, or making them feel like they are less of a human being than a white person. If the latter is what is actually occurring there is something seriously wrong with our society and it needs to stop. If everyone dressed the same, talked the same, or had the same skin color, the world would be an extremely boring place to live so we should embrace our differences.

]]> http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/comment-page-8/#comment-19531 MeghanYingling Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:48:44 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=955#comment-19531 I think the idea that everyone wants to come white or subconsciouly wants to become white is a little out there. I guarantee if you pulled over 100 "colored" people on the street and asked them if they would rather be white, they would think you were nuts. The idea of white supremacy might be appealing, but who says whites are the best? Certainly not most black people. Many people, who are not white, are proud of their culture and background that has to do with the color of their skin. I personally would not want to become a different color. I am proud to be white, just like I am sure a Mexican is proud to be Mexican with their color skin. I agree that people all over the world want to look different, but I do not think it is a overall theme. People are always going to want to be something they are not, thats just how it is. People are always going to want something better, or to be like someone better. The reality is we will never be fully satisfied which is a problem with our generation in general. Our generation has been corrupted by media telling us we should look a certain way and many people fall victim to it, myself included. I admit to wanting to be tan. I will go tanning over the winter sometimes just to have a little color. I think I look better when I am tan, and it makes me feel better, making me feel more confident. Others may think I am crazy but its a personal preference. I would hope they would not judge me for doing something that makes me happy, just as I would not try to judge an asian woman for wanting to become white. But the reality is I probably would judge her, even though that would be hypocritical. Along with everyone becoming white, I think that this concept could be considered racist. For example, the movie White Chicks came out a few years ago. I personally believe that if a movie called Black Chicks came out, there would be an outrage. Racism is still a large part of our society today, being felt by both sides. There are always going to be white people racist against blacks, but at the same time, there are many blacks racist towards whites. This is something I dont l believe will stop any time soon, its just the way of life. I think that people are always going to do what they think what makes them happy in the end, regardless of what society tells us or how much other people judge us. I do not think everyone becoming white would be a solution at all. Many people would agree with me that this reasoning is rediculous and that we are all individals. But for those who want to become white, go for it. Whatever makes you happy, because in the end, thats all that matters. I think the idea that everyone wants to come white or subconsciouly wants to become white is a little out there. I guarantee if you pulled over 100 "colored" people on the street and asked them if they would rather be white, they would think you were nuts. The idea of white supremacy might be appealing, but who says whites are the best? Certainly not most black people. Many people, who are not white, are proud of their culture and background that has to do with the color of their skin. I personally would not want to become a different color. I am proud to be white, just like I am sure a Mexican is proud to be Mexican with their color skin.
I agree that people all over the world want to look different, but I do not think it is a overall theme. People are always going to want to be something they are not, thats just how it is. People are always going to want something better, or to be like someone better. The reality is we will never be fully satisfied which is a problem with our generation in general. Our generation has been corrupted by media telling us we should look a certain way and many people fall victim to it, myself included. I admit to wanting to be tan. I will go tanning over the winter sometimes just to have a little color. I think I look better when I am tan, and it makes me feel better, making me feel more confident. Others may think I am crazy but its a personal preference. I would hope they would not judge me for doing something that makes me happy, just as I would not try to judge an asian woman for wanting to become white. But the reality is I probably would judge her, even though that would be hypocritical.
Along with everyone becoming white, I think that this concept could be considered racist. For example, the movie White Chicks came out a few years ago. I personally believe that if a movie called Black Chicks came out, there would be an outrage. Racism is still a large part of our society today, being felt by both sides. There are always going to be white people racist against blacks, but at the same time, there are many blacks racist towards whites. This is something I dont l believe will stop any time soon, its just the way of life.
I think that people are always going to do what they think what makes them happy in the end, regardless of what society tells us or how much other people judge us. I do not think everyone becoming white would be a solution at all. Many people would agree with me that this reasoning is rediculous and that we are all individals. But for those who want to become white, go for it. Whatever makes you happy, because in the end, thats all that matters.

]]> http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/comment-page-1/#comment-18663 Dlj13 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:12:44 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=955#comment-18663 I agree there is NO reason that anyone black, white, or anyone else should want to change their skin color. Everyone was born a certain color for a reason and also a lot of times it doesn’t turn out so good as you can see. Sam makes a good point with guns and if everyone can’t afford them they should be illegal, and if everyone was the same color there would be no problems. But I’m thinking even if everyone were the same color it would lessen the tension between people. Although everyone has different personalities so of course it wouldn’t surprise me for them to argue about skin color I agree there is NO reason that anyone black, white, or anyone else should want to change their skin color. Everyone was born a certain color for a reason and also a lot of times it doesn’t turn out so good as you can see. Sam makes a good point with guns and if everyone can’t afford them they should be illegal, and if everyone was the same color there would be no problems. But I’m thinking even if everyone were the same color it would lessen the tension between people. Although everyone has different personalities so of course it wouldn’t surprise me for them to argue about skin color

]]> http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/comment-page-1/#comment-17926 erika4179 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:48:11 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=955#comment-17926 It is weird to think how being tan is beautiful in the United States and all young girl go to the tanning salons to look as dark as possible, while in middle eastern countries, Indian, and other places it is considered beautiful to be pale and fair skinned. We go through all this trouble to try and be something we are not, and the worst part of it all is that we damage ourselves in the process of imitating others. By attempting to change the color of your skin, not only are you harming your physical well being, but I also think this messes with your mental and emotional state. You feel your color is not good enough so you have to change it, there is always the feeling of trying to live up to something you are not. When I saw the video of dark people buying lotion to bleach their skin, I thought it was truly sad. I now realize what we do here, for example using tanning beds and bronzing sprays, is just as sad as bleaching you skin. It is scary to think how much disease such as cancer will sprout just from our generation trying to look good. Many think you look healthier and more attractive when tanner, but just think of how healthy you will look in about twenty years when you get skin cancer from the excessive exposure to harmful rays. It is a shame that the society you live in decides what you should look like and what is considered beautiful. We are born with a certain color for a reason, one shade should not be superior to another. This same idea applies to hair color, hair texture, nose type, and the shape of your eyes. Maybe if each country saw what other countries were doing to their skin to go from white to dark and vise versa, we would all appreciate our own skin a little more. Like you said, we are all equal in Gods eyes and I think that is how everyone should see it. The creams, the lotions, the sprays, the tanning beds, none of these can change who you are on the inside. That is what truly matters. I think this is a much bigger problem than most people realize and more action should be taken to prevent people, especially our youth, from bleaching or tanning skin. I hope that these trends of altering your skin tone go out of style and people don't feel the pressure to look like someone they are not, but rather pay more attention to the person beneath the skin. The diversity we posses is real beauty and everyone should embrace it. It is weird to think how being tan is beautiful in the United States and all young girl go to the tanning salons to look as dark as possible, while in middle eastern countries, Indian, and other places it is considered beautiful to be pale and fair skinned. We go through all this trouble to try and be something we are not, and the worst part of it all is that we damage ourselves in the process of imitating others. By attempting to change the color of your skin, not only are you harming your physical well being, but I also think this messes with your mental and emotional state. You feel your color is not good enough so you have to change it, there is always the feeling of trying to live up to something you are not. When I saw the video of dark people buying lotion to bleach their skin, I thought it was truly sad. I now realize what we do here, for example using tanning beds and bronzing sprays, is just as sad as bleaching you skin. It is scary to think how much disease such as cancer will sprout just from our generation trying to look good. Many think you look healthier and more attractive when tanner, but just think of how healthy you will look in about twenty years when you get skin cancer from the excessive exposure to harmful rays. It is a shame that the society you live in decides what you should look like and what is considered beautiful. We are born with a certain color for a reason, one shade should not be superior to another. This same idea applies to hair color, hair texture, nose type, and the shape of your eyes. Maybe if each country saw what other countries were doing to their skin to go from white to dark and vise versa, we would all appreciate our own skin a little more. Like you said, we are all equal in Gods eyes and I think that is how everyone should see it. The creams, the lotions, the sprays, the tanning beds, none of these can change who you are on the inside. That is what truly matters. I think this is a much bigger problem than most people realize and more action should be taken to prevent people, especially our youth, from bleaching or tanning skin. I hope that these trends of altering your skin tone go out of style and people don't feel the pressure to look like someone they are not, but rather pay more attention to the person beneath the skin. The diversity we posses is real beauty and everyone should embrace it.

]]> http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/comment-page-8/#comment-17562 beevee56 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:00:40 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=955#comment-17562 This one is just ridiculous. I can't believe Sammy Sosa would do this. What is he going to do next, change his name to Stanley Stevens? When are people going to learn that color does not determine superiority? I would not be surprised if he gets a nose job next. Sammy Sosa like Michael Jackson send out the wrong message to their fans of how they should view themselves. Imagine the child whose icon is Sammy Sosa. Now say this boy is the darkest of all shades in the world, what will he think when he sees that his favorite baseball player is now “white”? Hey everybody,we are all human! This one is just ridiculous. I can't believe Sammy Sosa would do this. What is he going to do next, change his name to Stanley Stevens? When are people going to learn that color does not determine superiority? I would not be surprised if he gets a nose job next. Sammy Sosa like Michael Jackson send out the wrong message to their fans of how they should view themselves. Imagine the child whose icon is Sammy Sosa. Now say this boy is the darkest of all shades in the world, what will he think when he sees that his favorite baseball player is now “white”? Hey everybody,we are all human!

]]> http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/comment-page-8/#comment-17548 Anonymous Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:51:49 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=955#comment-17548 People in the United States are bombarded by the fact that they have to fit into this image. To some the image is being "white", having blonde hair, and light eyes. The fact that they feel they have to succumb to this image is ashame. Many people, from young adults to movie stars, and sports icons. They feel that they have to change their race to fit in and be accepted. People who bleach their skin do not realize that it is dangerous. Even the products to bleach skin are towards positive thinking towards being white. The products have name like perfect white and white power. The labels confuse people to change the way they are. People in the United States are bombarded by the fact that they have to fit into this image. To some the image is being “white”, having blonde hair, and light eyes. The fact that they feel they have to succumb to this image is ashame. Many people, from young adults to movie stars, and sports icons. They feel that they have to change their race to fit in and be accepted. People who bleach their skin do not realize that it is dangerous. Even the products to bleach skin are towards positive thinking towards being white. The products have name like perfect white and white power. The labels confuse people to change the way they are.

]]> http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/comment-page-8/#comment-17337 starjones10 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:59:04 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=955#comment-17337 Everyone has their own reasons for the way they live they life, the religion they practice, how they dress, what color hair they have. Let me pose a question. It’s a big deal when a guy like Sammy Sosa skin starts to change colors but it’s not a big deal when you have black women changing their hair color to blind? Does that mean that particular women want to be white? or do she just like the thought of having blind hair? By watching a 2 minute youtube video on this subject I was a little disturbed because it contradicts what America stands for. America “the land of the free”.Society is the reason why racism still exists today. Everyone has their own reasons for the way they live they life, the religion they practice, how they dress, what color hair they have. Let me pose a question. It’s a big deal when a guy like Sammy Sosa skin starts to change colors but it’s not a big deal when you have black women changing their hair color to blind? Does that mean that particular women want to be white? or do she just like the thought of having blind hair? By watching a 2 minute youtube video on this subject I was a little disturbed because it contradicts what America stands for. America “the land of the free”.Society is the reason why racism still exists today.

]]> http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/comment-page-8/#comment-17333 starjones10 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:58:42 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=955#comment-17333 In reality, I feel one way or another someone will be unhappy with the color of their skin and try to turn: white or"black", just as people alter gender types. The racism issues we face today is a step below the cruel intentions years ago. I believe that there are so many more issues then to be worried about who is changing there skin color and why. America is a free country and if we keep focusing on the little things then our economy will always suffer. As I have grew older and wiser with my choices, I realized that no one person is the same. In reality, I feel one way or another someone will be unhappy with the color of their skin and try to turn: white or"black", just as people alter gender types. The racism issues we face today is a step below the cruel intentions years ago. I believe that there are so many more issues then to be worried about who is changing there skin color and why. America is a free country and if we keep focusing on the little things then our economy will always suffer. As I have grew older and wiser with my choices, I realized that no one person is the same.

]]> http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/comment-page-8/#comment-17332 starjones10 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:58:09 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=955#comment-17332 The media was not mentioned but it plays a major role in why some people believe being "white" means successful or better than. Honestly it goes the same way for those who would like to be darker. It’s the depicted pictures of what society says can be beautiful or morally right from certain stand points. Don’t miss understand I’m a female, I’m all for making myself look nice and presentable but I have never been one to spend money on altering my face or body image. I don’t have anything in common with people who don’t see beauty is skin deep and no matter how much you change your outside appearance, who are inside will never change. The media was not mentioned but it plays a major role in why some people believe being "white" means successful or better than. Honestly it goes the same way for those who would like to be darker. It’s the depicted pictures of what society says can be beautiful or morally right from certain stand points. Don’t miss understand I’m a female, I’m all for making myself look nice and presentable but I have never been one to spend money on altering my face or body image. I don’t have anything in common with people who don’t see beauty is skin deep and no matter how much you change your outside appearance, who are inside will never change.

]]> http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2009/11/the-solution-to-the-race-dilemma/comment-page-8/#comment-17330 starjones10 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:57:03 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=955#comment-17330 As a young adult I strongly believe the only solution to the "race dilemma" is for everyone to accept themselves for who they are. I’m fairly disappointed with Sammy Sosa alleged skin rejuvenating. For a popular role model to young children, he has not set a good example. Personally I believe you were born a certain way so don’t alter it but we all know that society thinks differently. There are so many things in this world designed to make us feel as if we need material things even surgeries to like ourselves or be respected. I blame the ignorant people who believe these social expectations because without any followers there would be no leaders to reiterate racism. As a young adult I strongly believe the only solution to the "race dilemma" is for everyone to accept themselves for who they are. I’m fairly disappointed with Sammy Sosa alleged skin rejuvenating. For a popular role model to young children, he has not set a good example. Personally I believe you were born a certain way so don’t alter it but we all know that society thinks differently. There are so many things in this world designed to make us feel as if we need material things even surgeries to like ourselves or be respected. I blame the ignorant people who believe these social expectations because without any followers there would be no leaders to reiterate racism.

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