Comments on: Animals vs. Humans vs. Welfare Cheats http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/ "A tiny act can have profound effects." Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:09:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: ilovesoc http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/comment-page-1/#comment-24152 ilovesoc Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:08:23 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=1630#comment-24152 We all need to be more careful with our choice of words, whether we are around the group being slandered or not. i know that when I now refer to a group with a slang term, I immediately feel guilty and regret saying it. Just as you wouldn't wish to hear bad things being said about you, other people of different backgrounds feel the same way. What might not be offensive to you can be a huge insult to someone standing right next to you. If we were all more careful about the words we choose when we speak about people, there would much less hostility between other cultures. In order to build the bridge to understanding others, we need to understand that we have to work on ourselves first. I doubt this change will happen anytime in my life, but I hope to at least start it. It may sound a little cheesy but it's true. We all need to be more careful with our choice of words, whether we are around the group being slandered or not. i know that when I now refer to a group with a slang term, I immediately feel guilty and regret saying it. Just as you wouldn't wish to hear bad things being said about you, other people of different backgrounds feel the same way. What might not be offensive to you can be a huge insult to someone standing right next to you. If we were all more careful about the words we choose when we speak about people, there would much less hostility between other cultures. In order to build the bridge to understanding others, we need to understand that we have to work on ourselves first. I doubt this change will happen anytime in my life, but I hope to at least start it. It may sound a little cheesy but it's true.

]]> By: ilovesoc http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/comment-page-1/#comment-24151 ilovesoc Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:08:13 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=1630#comment-24151 To add to my earlier comment, I think that we can all learn something from this incident. Since enrolling in Sociology 119 at the beginning of the semester, I have learned that being "politically correct" and using the right terms is harder than we think. However, it is something that we all need to learn so we do not offend those around us. For example, my friend is Polish and I had no idea that the term "Polak" to refer to Polish people was derrogatory in any way. She told me that her mom had been called that at work by one of her male employees as an attempt to insult her. Her mother was offended so much that she quit. To add to my earlier comment, I think that we can all learn something from this incident. Since enrolling in Sociology 119 at the beginning of the semester, I have learned that being "politically correct" and using the right terms is harder than we think. However, it is something that we all need to learn so we do not offend those around us. For example, my friend is Polish and I had no idea that the term "Polak" to refer to Polish people was derrogatory in any way. She told me that her mom had been called that at work by one of her male employees as an attempt to insult her. Her mother was offended so much that she quit.

]]> By: unattendedbag http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/comment-page-1/#comment-21642 unattendedbag Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:13:52 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=1630#comment-21642 I definitely agree with what you said about political figures not watching what they say. Honestly, it's not like they go into these speeches/town halls/whatever without consulting with people about what they are going to say. I can IMAGINE that anyone said "Yeah go ahead. That animal analogy is perfect. It'll come across great." Not a chance. Somewhere along the line that analogy should have been scrapped. Maybe he thought that it would be okay to say something like that to the specific audience he had, but he had to know that he would be in the national spotlight when he's trying to take over Mark Sanford's position. It's just irresponsible and I'm tired of these half-ass public apologies. I definitely agree with what you said about political figures not watching what they say. Honestly, it's not like they go into these speeches/town halls/whatever without consulting with people about what they are going to say. I can IMAGINE that anyone said "Yeah go ahead. That animal analogy is perfect. It'll come across great." Not a chance. Somewhere along the line that analogy should have been scrapped. Maybe he thought that it would be okay to say something like that to the specific audience he had, but he had to know that he would be in the national spotlight when he's trying to take over Mark Sanford's position. It's just irresponsible and I'm tired of these half-ass public apologies.

]]> By: kec5207 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/comment-page-5/#comment-21045 kec5207 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:39:18 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=1630#comment-21045 I absolutely agree that people say these types of comments all the time. Nobody thinks twice when it’s just, as Sam put it, a guy on a bar stool but people pay attention to what political people, celebrities, and anyone in the spotlight says. Especially someone like Andre Bauer who is looking to run for higher office, people are going to pay attention. I think it is totally disrespectful to call people animals. We actually had a guest speaker in one of my classes today that spoke about child poverty and in relation, the welfare system. I learned a lot I didn’t know about welfare and that I think a lot of people, especially ones who bash the system, don’t know. There are many requirements to even be considered for the system because help is not universally available to all poor people. People who want to attain welfare must make between four hundred and eight hundred dollars a month and have at least one child. So right there is Sam’s point that the welfare is really going to the children, or it is hoped it is. The checks that these people are receiving is only three hundred to seven hundred dollars, so for people who think people on welfare are lazy they aren’t. Why would they quit their job, even if they’re only making minimum wage, for three hundred dollars? And this isn’t based on how many members there are in the family. People on welfare must report to their case workers that they’re spending twenty hours a week looking for a better job or higher education. This is outside of their job and taking care of their children. In this way, the welfare system is emphasizing work and employment skills, not laziness. Finally, if the participants haven’t begun to work again (if they have been laid off) within two years of receiving benefits, they are cut off and you may only remain in the system for five years TOTAL LIFETIME. These people don’t get that much time to get back on their feet. The only change that might be made in my eyes is for the social workers to do a better job of monitoring what the money is spent on so that they’re sure the money isn’t getting wasted on unnecessary things. I think the current welfare system is on the right tract to helping families out who need it and are trying to turn their lives around, especially for the children. These children are the future and 40% of children are in low-income households in the United States. These kids need help to live a productive life and a positive future. On a minimum wage job there is no way a parent is going to be able to pull their family out of poverty without a little help. I absolutely agree that people say these types of comments all the time. Nobody thinks twice when it’s just, as Sam put it, a guy on a bar stool but people pay attention to what political people, celebrities, and anyone in the spotlight says. Especially someone like Andre Bauer who is looking to run for higher office, people are going to pay attention.
I think it is totally disrespectful to call people animals. We actually had a guest speaker in one of my classes today that spoke about child poverty and in relation, the welfare system. I learned a lot I didn’t know about welfare and that I think a lot of people, especially ones who bash the system, don’t know. There are many requirements to even be considered for the system because help is not universally available to all poor people. People who want to attain welfare must make between four hundred and eight hundred dollars a month and have at least one child. So right there is Sam’s point that the welfare is really going to the children, or it is hoped it is. The checks that these people are receiving is only three hundred to seven hundred dollars, so for people who think people on welfare are lazy they aren’t. Why would they quit their job, even if they’re only making minimum wage, for three hundred dollars? And this isn’t based on how many members there are in the family. People on welfare must report to their case workers that they’re spending twenty hours a week looking for a better job or higher education. This is outside of their job and taking care of their children. In this way, the welfare system is emphasizing work and employment skills, not laziness. Finally, if the participants haven’t begun to work again (if they have been laid off) within two years of receiving benefits, they are cut off and you may only remain in the system for five years TOTAL LIFETIME. These people don’t get that much time to get back on their feet. The only change that might be made in my eyes is for the social workers to do a better job of monitoring what the money is spent on so that they’re sure the money isn’t getting wasted on unnecessary things.
I think the current welfare system is on the right tract to helping families out who need it and are trying to turn their lives around, especially for the children. These children are the future and 40% of children are in low-income households in the United States. These kids need help to live a productive life and a positive future. On a minimum wage job there is no way a parent is going to be able to pull their family out of poverty without a little help.

]]> By: MeghanYingling http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/comment-page-5/#comment-20710 MeghanYingling Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:25:43 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=1630#comment-20710 After reading this article, I have mixed feelings. I am surprised a politician said something like this. It is his job to win over the public opinion, not turn half of them against him. I agree that this man is wrong in comparing people, those on welfare, to animals. No one should be compared to an animal, especially poor people that sometimes cannot help the position they are in. Being called animals is derogatory and not the way to address a serious problem in today’s economy. I think this politician has a good idea, but he should have considered carefully the way he portrayed his opinion. I think he made a mistake with these remarks; however, I am sure that he is strongly feeling the reprocutions or will be soon. I think he could have handled this in a much different way because this is a serious issue. I am from right outside of Baltimore, Maryland, one of the worst cities in the United States when it comes to drugs, violence and homelessness. I know what it is like to be in bad neighborhoods frequently. I will not compare myself in any way to anyone that lives in Baltimore city, but I can relate to these issues a lot better than some people who live in better neighborhoods can. I have been subjected to the bad ways and people in this city through my own family and experiences of friends so I will not stick up for those people. I do believe that some people deserve the life they live. I believe some people could make something of themselves if they wanted to or if they tried. I think there are opportunities that are passing by that these people do not take. Why? Because of welfare. I watched a wealthy, clean suburban neighborhood become taken over by the state government to be allocated as welfare housing, or as it’s called, Section 8 housing. I am not trying to make any stereotypes but this once nice, safe neighborhood has transformed into a less safe environment with the neighborhood quality deteriorating. I am in no position to say that some of these people truly need welfare housing and help, but at the same time, from my family's own personal experience, I can tell you that some people only want one thing and one thing only- money. They will take advantage of all the rights they have and turn them against people who are trying to help. They abuse the privileges given to them. I think this is a serious issue that needs to be considered by Politian’s everywhere. I think that something must be done to weed out those simply abusing this privilege and who are milking it for all that its worth. At the same time however, I think this needs to be dealt with in a delicate way because this is a sensitive subject to some, especially to those being called "animals." After reading this article, I have mixed feelings. I am surprised a politician said something like this. It is his job to win over the public opinion, not turn half of them against him. I agree that this man is wrong in comparing people, those on welfare, to animals. No one should be compared to an animal, especially poor people that sometimes cannot help the position they are in. Being called animals is derogatory and not the way to address a serious problem in today’s economy. I think this politician has a good idea, but he should have considered carefully the way he portrayed his opinion. I think he made a mistake with these remarks; however, I am sure that he is strongly feeling the reprocutions or will be soon. I think he could have handled this in a much different way because this is a serious issue.
I am from right outside of Baltimore, Maryland, one of the worst cities in the United States when it comes to drugs, violence and homelessness. I know what it is like to be in bad neighborhoods frequently. I will not compare myself in any way to anyone that lives in Baltimore city, but I can relate to these issues a lot better than some people who live in better neighborhoods can. I have been subjected to the bad ways and people in this city through my own family and experiences of friends so I will not stick up for those people. I do believe that some people deserve the life they live. I believe some people could make something of themselves if they wanted to or if they tried. I think there are opportunities that are passing by that these people do not take. Why? Because of welfare. I watched a wealthy, clean suburban neighborhood become taken over by the state government to be allocated as welfare housing, or as it’s called, Section 8 housing. I am not trying to make any stereotypes but this once nice, safe neighborhood has transformed into a less safe environment with the neighborhood quality deteriorating. I am in no position to say that some of these people truly need welfare housing and help, but at the same time, from my family's own personal experience, I can tell you that some people only want one thing and one thing only- money. They will take advantage of all the rights they have and turn them against people who are trying to help. They abuse the privileges given to them. I think this is a serious issue that needs to be considered by Politian’s everywhere. I think that something must be done to weed out those simply abusing this privilege and who are milking it for all that its worth. At the same time however, I think this needs to be dealt with in a delicate way because this is a sensitive subject to some, especially to those being called "animals."

]]> By: axg5068 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/comment-page-1/#comment-20569 axg5068 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 07:48:37 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=1630#comment-20569 @Samj113: You make a good point about the fact that we, as Americans as a whole have this mentality regarding poor people receiving handouts (thereby pulling the rest of us down) in order to feed themselves and their families and to survive day-to-day. I’ll tell you why we think that way; it’s because many of us, myself included, get what we want, monetarily, whether we worked for it or whether it was given to us by our families, or a combination of the two. We don’t really (at least most of us) experience the extreme financial and social hardships that some of the lowest-class Americans are so used to that it has become ingrained in their way of life. So a lot of us don’t have sympathy for these people and justify this behavior by telling ourselves that these people put themselves in their situations. The reality, in my opinion and, as Professor Richards put it, is a combination of determinism and free-will. Personally, when I look at inequality and the poor receiving government aid, instead of thinking selfishly about it these people as “nuisances to society”, I always think about what it would be like to live life in their shoes, about what it must feel like to not be able to feed your children and not know when the next time it is that you will be able to eat. It’s all about opening your mind and having empathy for those who aren’t as privileged as you are. (I’m not referring to you specifically, but to all who share this viewpoint). @Samj113:
You make a good point about the fact that we, as Americans as a whole have this mentality regarding poor people receiving handouts (thereby pulling the rest of us down) in order to feed themselves and their families and to survive day-to-day. I’ll tell you why we think that way; it’s because many of us, myself included, get what we want, monetarily, whether we worked for it or whether it was given to us by our families, or a combination of the two. We don’t really (at least most of us) experience the extreme financial and social hardships that some of the lowest-class Americans are so used to that it has become ingrained in their way of life.
So a lot of us don’t have sympathy for these people and justify this behavior by telling ourselves that these people put themselves in their situations. The reality, in my opinion and, as Professor Richards put it, is a combination of determinism and free-will. Personally, when I look at inequality and the poor receiving government aid, instead of thinking selfishly about it these people as “nuisances to society”, I always think about what it would be like to live life in their shoes, about what it must feel like to not be able to feed your children and not know when the next time it is that you will be able to eat. It’s all about opening your mind and having empathy for those who aren’t as privileged as you are. (I’m not referring to you specifically, but to all who share this viewpoint).

]]> By: axg5068 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/comment-page-1/#comment-20570 axg5068 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:51:05 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=1630#comment-20570 @Samj113: You make a good point about the fact that we, as Americans as a whole have this mentality regarding poor people receiving handouts (thereby pulling the rest of us down) in order to feed themselves and their families and to survive day-to-day. I’ll tell you why we think that way; it’s because many of us, myself included, get what we want, monetarily, whether we worked for it or whether it was given to us by our families, or a combination of the two. We don’t really (at least most of us) experience the extreme financial and social hardships that some of the lowest-class Americans are so used to that it has become ingrained in their way of life. So a lot of us don’t have sympathy for these people and justify this behavior by telling ourselves that these people put themselves in their situations. The reality, in my opinion and, as Professor Richards put it, is a combination of determinism and free-will. Personally, when I look at inequality and the poor receiving government aid, instead of thinking selfishly about it these people as “nuisances to society”, I always think about what it would be like to live life in their shoes, about what it must feel like to not be able to feed your children and not know when the next time it is that you will be able to eat. It’s all about opening your mind and having empathy for those who aren’t as privileged as you are. (I’m not referring to you specifically, but to all who share this viewpoint). @Samj113:
You make a good point about the fact that we, as Americans as a whole have this mentality regarding poor people receiving handouts (thereby pulling the rest of us down) in order to feed themselves and their families and to survive day-to-day. I’ll tell you why we think that way; it’s because many of us, myself included, get what we want, monetarily, whether we worked for it or whether it was given to us by our families, or a combination of the two. We don’t really (at least most of us) experience the extreme financial and social hardships that some of the lowest-class Americans are so used to that it has become ingrained in their way of life.
So a lot of us don’t have sympathy for these people and justify this behavior by telling ourselves that these people put themselves in their situations. The reality, in my opinion and, as Professor Richards put it, is a combination of determinism and free-will. Personally, when I look at inequality and the poor receiving government aid, instead of thinking selfishly about it these people as “nuisances to society”, I always think about what it would be like to live life in their shoes, about what it must feel like to not be able to feed your children and not know when the next time it is that you will be able to eat. It’s all about opening your mind and having empathy for those who aren’t as privileged as you are. (I’m not referring to you specifically, but to all who share this viewpoint).

]]> By: axg5068 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/comment-page-5/#comment-20566 axg5068 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 01:55:27 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=1630#comment-20566 What an appalling and absurd thing to say. As a politician, one of your key goals is to make sure that you are representing your constituents and those who voted you into office in a positive light. Lieutenant Governor Bauer’s words don’t only make already-embattled Governor Mark Sanford look bad, but reflects poorly on the Republican Party and those that he represents. Sure, it was probably a misstatement. But, in the context of the quote, it could have been what Bauer honestly believed toward those people who are collecting welfare. The whole Republican Party and the “conservatives” have made it their goal for a very long time, to discourage the government from providing essential benefits to those citizens who find themselves facing financial hardships. Yes, this is probably an extreme case of such views, but, these words and similar rhetoric from members of the far-right are simply getting out of hand. I love how the Republicans like to call Democrats and Obama elitists when you see some on the far-right exhibiting much more elitist views, such as the one discussed in this post. What’s most disgraceful about Bauer’s comments is that he most likely comes from a very wealthy background and had everything given to him his whole life on a golden platter. Talking down on people, whom, many of which are ashamed at having to collect welfare, from his “high-horse” is shameful and selfish. I mean, calling these people who collect welfare “animals” is bad enough and then describing them as people who “will reproduce, especially ones that don’t think too much further than that” really dug Bauer in a hole. It’s important to note that some of these people who collect welfare are middle-class working Americans who have been laid off due to the difficult economic conditions and are collecting welfare in order to survive and feed their children and family. Many of these people are no different than us in what they pursue in life. They want happiness, and good health for themselves and their families. Additionally, collecting a small sum of money from the State each month as they try to get back up on their feet is not asking too much. The Lieutenant governor, a person who is meant to represent the people of his State, poor or rich, should, above all, acknowledge that. It is pretty clear to me: Bauer should not be elected to Governor after making such comments. He completely insulted many of the struggling working-class Americans who elected him to high office. What are the poor in Georgia to think? That, because many of them lost their jobs during the recession and are not as privileged as others such as this Lieutenant governor, they should not be assisted by the state in any way, shape, or form because a greedy and somewhat rude politician doesn’t believe they should? Absolutely not, and electing this man to governor would be a bigger disappointment than his poor choice of words and that he should have “used a different metaphor.” What an appalling and absurd thing to say. As a politician, one of your key goals is to make sure that you are representing your constituents and those who voted you into office in a positive light. Lieutenant Governor Bauer’s words don’t only make already-embattled Governor Mark Sanford look bad, but reflects poorly on the Republican Party and those that he represents.

Sure, it was probably a misstatement. But, in the context of the quote, it could have been what Bauer honestly believed toward those people who are collecting welfare. The whole Republican Party and the “conservatives” have made it their goal for a very long time, to discourage the government from providing essential benefits to those citizens who find themselves facing financial hardships. Yes, this is probably an extreme case of such views, but, these words and similar rhetoric from members of the far-right are simply getting out of hand. I love how the Republicans like to call Democrats and Obama elitists when you see some on the far-right exhibiting much more elitist views, such as the one discussed in this post. What’s most disgraceful about Bauer’s comments is that he most likely comes from a very wealthy background and had everything given to him his whole life on a golden platter.

Talking down on people, whom, many of which are ashamed at having to collect welfare, from his “high-horse” is shameful and selfish. I mean, calling these people who collect welfare “animals” is bad enough and then describing them as people who “will reproduce, especially ones that don’t think too much further than that” really dug Bauer in a hole. It’s important to note that some of these people who collect welfare are middle-class working Americans who have been laid off due to the difficult economic conditions and are collecting welfare in order to survive and feed their children and family. Many of these people are no different than us in what they pursue in life. They want happiness, and good health for themselves and their families. Additionally, collecting a small sum of money from the State each month as they try to get back up on their feet is not asking too much.

The Lieutenant governor, a person who is meant to represent the people of his State, poor or rich, should, above all, acknowledge that. It is pretty clear to me: Bauer should not be elected to Governor after making such comments. He completely insulted many of the struggling working-class Americans who elected him to high office. What are the poor in Georgia to think? That, because many of them lost their jobs during the recession and are not as privileged as others such as this Lieutenant governor, they should not be assisted by the state in any way, shape, or form because a greedy and somewhat rude politician doesn’t believe they should? Absolutely not, and electing this man to governor would be a bigger disappointment than his poor choice of words and that he should have “used a different metaphor.”

]]> By: Gwillakers http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/comment-page-5/#comment-20561 Gwillakers Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:04:58 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=1630#comment-20561 All I can say about this article is "Ignorance", sheer ignorance. This guy has been so misinformed in his like its actually sickening to think he has some say in our government. Some people just don't get it. After reading this article and understanding that everybody receives some sort of welfare in their life just makes him look even worse. Welfare is something that helps out people that are less fortunate in this country. There is no reason to look and single out the recipients that are poor and think of them as animals. You don't know their situation, and you don't know them personally, so for you to come out and insult people that are less fortunate is immoral. All I can say about this article is "Ignorance", sheer ignorance. This guy has been so misinformed in his like its actually sickening to think he has some say in our government. Some people just don't get it. After reading this article and understanding that everybody receives some sort of welfare in their life just makes him look even worse. Welfare is something that helps out people that are less fortunate in this country. There is no reason to look and single out the recipients that are poor and think of them as animals. You don't know their situation, and you don't know them personally, so for you to come out and insult people that are less fortunate is immoral.

]]> By: KWO5020 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/2010/02/animals-vs-humans-vs-welfare-cheats/comment-page-5/#comment-20552 KWO5020 Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:31:58 +0000 http://www.racerelationsproject.org/?p=1630#comment-20552 ...I fail to see the connection between gay marriage and a politician having a mistress, especially considering said politician is a heterosexual male. “I believe in equal rights for everyone, but this just seems to be totally morally wrong.” I think that invalidates believing in equal rights for everyone. People consistently use the Bible and religion to back why they’re against same-sex marriage and it never fails to confuse me. Separation of church and state? Also, should we start basing civil rights on what makes people uncomfortable? Let’s not allow certain groups to get married because so and so feels it’s wrong, let’s stop letting this group vote because we don’t feel comfortable with them in power. I think it says a lot about a person when they’re against rights for all simply because they don’t see it as normal. Can normality even be defined or is it just what you think is right or wrong? I’m glad many countries don’t have such backwards opinions on homosexuality and allow these couples to get married. As for would I be proud to have Mr. and Mr. Smith as parents? I’d be glad to have parents who didn’t force such close-minded views down my throat. And yeah, it was Mark Sanford, not Bauer who made trips to Argentina to see his mistress. …I fail to see the connection between gay marriage and a politician having a mistress, especially considering said politician is a heterosexual male. “I believe in equal rights for everyone, but this just seems to be totally morally wrong.” I think that invalidates believing in equal rights for everyone. People consistently use the Bible and religion to back why they’re against same-sex marriage and it never fails to confuse me. Separation of church and state? Also, should we start basing civil rights on what makes people uncomfortable? Let’s not allow certain groups to get married because so and so feels it’s wrong, let’s stop letting this group vote because we don’t feel comfortable with them in power.

I think it says a lot about a person when they’re against rights for all simply because they don’t see it as normal. Can normality even be defined or is it just what you think is right or wrong? I’m glad many countries don’t have such backwards opinions on homosexuality and allow these couples to get married. As for would I be proud to have Mr. and Mr. Smith as parents? I’d be glad to have parents who didn’t force such close-minded views down my throat.

And yeah, it was Mark Sanford, not Bauer who made trips to Argentina to see his mistress.

]]>