posted by Sam and Michelle
Post your 450 word (minimum) comment and 100 word (minimum) response to a classmate. You should be responding to the lectures about multiculturalism and LGBT. You can write anything you want about whatever you hear in the lectures.
I think homosexuality is also more accepted today, as statistics were shown in the lecture. I believe that everyone should have their opinions on the matter, but without offending anyone. Anyone has the right to not support homosexuality, it is the actions that prove how ignorant many can be. There is actually a well known case going on now about a United States soldier that was a homosexual, who died in combat I believe. There were several anti-gay protestors that even showed up at his funeral making their derogatory statements. Many mentioned that the soldier would rot in hell, and that nobody liked gay soldiers. This is where many take it too far.
[Reply]
SaraMae22 Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 3:03 am
I absolutely agree with you.. i myself have had many gay family members and at first i didn't know how to take it. Well of course i would except them for who they are and love them because they are my family but was a little hesitant at first. Like what you said about women flaunting and gay as well. I have seen a couple of gay people flaunting it but not as much a straight people. Women should be ashamed of themselves for doing what they do. last year around this time i went to a local club and there was a sexiest ass contest, first off it was gross but there must have been hundreds of guys video taping this on their cell phones to put all over the internet. Right their not only degres the female race but we do it to ourselves. no wonder men treat us they way that we do because we put ourselves out their for it to happen to. honestly everyone had the choice to flaunt thier sexuality but in my opinion and this is only my opinion keep it to yourself.
[Reply]
lmbrown2006 Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
I do agreed with you on “Keep it to yourself”. I too have had many gay members of my family, some who put it out there some who didn’t. I don’t have a problem with gay/lesbians at all, but I think that it is their own business. My Daughter is Bi and this was a shock to me when she came out and told me. But she is my child and I love and accept her regardless. But I did have a problem when we were on vacation my 15yr old came back to the room and she the her sister and the girl she is dating was holding hands at the mail. This upset me because usually my daughter doesn’t fault her sexuality and especially around her younger sisters. And now she keeps repeating she wants her boobs reduced. My daughter is a very beautiful young woman dressed as a woman or her favorite “tomboy” outfits! And to me being Bi or anything else I don’t want to see my child changing her body. Even since she came out to me she has since had a baby, and she back to dating girls.
[Reply]
June 27th lesson
This lesson was very well put together on the beliefs of homosexuality. I will speak on the beliefs that you should not judge someone for being who they are, because as Dr. Richards mentioned in the lecture, the body does not make sexuality, and it does not define who we are. This is very true. As Dr. Richards also mentioned in the lecture, it is easy for many to point the finger at someone else. There are things in our lives, and things that are going on in our bodies that are out of our control. I took a Women’s Studies course this semester as well, and one of the things discussed was homosexuality.
[Reply]
cosuji Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 3:48 am
I agree 100%! This lecture really helped me become more open to LGBT people and how they feel. I thought that I was totally open about homosexuality, but I realize that I wasn’t as open as I thought I was. I was still seeing some of the actions of gay people as being weird, and now I realize that its perfectly normal, its just my interpretation of their actions that makes me feel like it is weird. One thing that has also helped me become more open to the LGBT community is that I have gay friends, actually living and experiencing life with gay people makes you look at them as people and not as people who are gay.
[Reply]
jjlayton Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 4:18 am
Due 6/30
I believe that homosexuals do not choose to be gay they are born that way. Why do we condemn people for something they cannot change? I do not know why we do or why so many people feel that it’s their obligation to belittle and restrict them. Maybe heterosexuals who are against homosexuality are scared that if the laws change and make homosexuals equal then everyone will turn homosexual. Obviously that is an absurd notice but I find it quite funny that heterosexuals against homosexuality are so against it when it has nothing to do with them. It does not affect them in any way because they are not homosexual. People who are heterosexual are not going to be changed or “change teams” just because they are around homosexuals or if the laws change because you can’t change something you are born with.
[Reply]
There was an example of a little boy that always loved playing with his sister’s doll babies, and he loved to play dress up with her clothing. His mother and father became very concerned about him, but there was nothing that could be done, but to let nature take its course. The little boy ended up from Jonathan, to Natalie. This little boy did not chose to be a woman, it just happened that way. I do believe though, that there are those that consider being gay a trend. I actually have a personal experience of a relative that followed along in her sister’s footsteps because she thought it was the way to go. This was something that she could have controlled, but she thought it was cool to be gay. (These words actually came out of her mouth.) She now gave up on girls, and is 100 percent into guys now. Another thing that sparked my interest in this lesson was the concept of flaunting. It is very true to see that many women are flaunting their bodies in a degrading way and getting props for it, but if you are a gay guy that wants to flaunt it, you are ridiculed. It’s a double standard.
[Reply]
ViciousVirgo Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 3:23 am
As a Human development family studies major, this lesson was beneficial. I like how you mentioned the example with the little boy and the doll baby. I have heard this plenty of times from not only my major but parents and people in general. It makes me really wonder. As a parent, do you stop your child from playing with something that he may honestly enjoy, risking him turning feminine when he gets older or do you allow them to have the fun they want to have as a child and see how they turn out. Is it nature or nurture that affects the way a child grows up when it comes to stuff like what toys they play with when they are younger.
[Reply]
Rockski Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 3:28 am
6/30
I have an older brother who is a homosexual man, and he would draw dressses and want ot be involved in fashion, and modeling while growing up. A lot of people around told him it wasn't what he was "supposed" to be doing, and he is kinda sad because he had his imagination and interests discredited at such a young age. You can tell that he still likes to do those things, but still feels guilty. I believe knocking someone's beliefs no matter the age is incredibly sad. The part about flaunting is a double standard, as most people scream and yell slurs at anyone who is a "flamer" or very comfortable with their gay sexuality.
[Reply]
June 27th lesson
This lesson was very well put together on the beliefs of homosexuality. I will speak on the beliefs that you should not judge someone for being who they are, because as Dr. Richards mentioned in the lecture, the body does not make sexuality, and it does not define who we are. This is very true. As Dr. Richards also mentioned in the lecture, it is easy for many to point the finger at someone else. There are things in our lives, and things that are going on in our bodies that are out of our control. I took a Women’s Studies course this semester as well, and one of the things discussed was homosexuality.
[Reply]
There was an example of a little boy that always loved playing with his sister’s doll babies, and he loved to play dress up with her clothing. His mother and father became very concerned about him, but there was nothing that could be done, but to let nature take its course. The little boy ended up from Jonathan, to Natalie. This little boy did not chose to be a woman, it just happened that way. I do believe though, that there are those that consider being gay a trend. I actually have a personal experience of a relative that followed along in her sister’s footsteps because she thought it was the way to go. This was something that she could have controlled, but she thought it was cool to be gay. (These words actually came out of her mouth.) She now gave up on girls, and is 100 percent into guys now. Another thing that sparked my interest in this lesson was the concept of flaunting. It is very true to see that many women are flaunting their bodies in a degrading way and getting props for it, but if you are a gay guy that wants to flaunt it, you are ridiculed. It’s a double standard.
[Reply]
I did find it to be true that most liberals would check off on a survey that they want to live in a more diverse community just because they are politically correct, or at least they were brainwash to believe that. I strong believe that liberals try to appear to be "not racist" or whatever, just so more people would like them. I wonder how many people out there that answered that question saying that they would hope that they live in a more diverse neighborhood really do care if there were more diverse people around them. I believe most people want to live with people of their own race, and not as much diversity, not because they are racist (even though they never defined the word "diversity") but because they want to feel more comfortable. When you live somewhere it is because you like the area because it is familiar with you. When someone goes home, they do not want to hear loud music that is different to them, or if they are older, they do not want to hear a baby constantly crying. Race and age can affect whether people wish to live in a certain area of not. I live in a neighborhood in Queens, New York ( I feel that I say this a lot so I apologize for those that have to keep reading this) and this city has the highest minority rate in the nation. Within my block, I have had a few minority families that have come and gone, but for the most part it is white people. White people in their late 40s or 50s, or something around that age, but there used to be a high percentage of the elderly. When I was younger, the Indian family living across the street from me had a little girl, and she was one of my good friends. We used to play outside on the block all the time together. When she moved a Greek couple moved in, and no one saw much of them. A few years after that I had a Mexican family live a few doors over. When they moved in, I heard a lot of talk on the block about them, not many good things. No one really spoke to them, probably because of the stereotype and people might have thought they were illegals. I personally would not care if there were a high diversity rate on my block, I would prefer them to be around my age so we would have more in common, and probably want them to be Christians (at least 30% I would say), but race would not bother me. I would just not want a loud obnoxious neighbors who would be blasting music on a Tuesday night before i had work.
[Reply]
COLOUROFCHANGE Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 1:44 am
Reply Due Date 06/30/10
I agree with most of what you are saying. I know I don't want to live around all Whites or All Blacks. And in the words of Chris Rock, "Black folks love Blacks but they hate Niggers!" I find them in all colors and backgrounds. Who is to say how this survey was handled and what type of samples were chosen to participate. That means a lot. I don't have much faith in these types of statistics as the numbers are usually wrong. (meaning the amount of the percentage not the placement) This is where you lost me, and please correct me if I interpreted what you stated incorrectly. You stated that people would "not want to hear loud music that is different to them." Not saying you are a racist because I don't know you, but the way the statement is written it appears to be an implied racial statement. Who cares WHAT type of music it is if it is loud and disturbing the peace. You don't think that police get radio calls for hip hop and rap music in Black neighborhoods or Whites call because Kid Rock and Justin Beiber is coming through their walls? You say you want diversity, but then you say you want them to be your age so you will have more in common. (?) That's discriminating too. Then you put in an order for Christianity. (But you don't want it Supersized, just regular please) I don't get it. Discrimination comes in all forms. That's why Title VII evolved, people were harassed, retaliated against, had to succumb to hostile conditions and fired because of their age, religion, sex, etc. That is how many Whites think, I want this in my neighborhood ONLY! Believe me, I do not want 20 people on my corner selling drugs, loud music, babies crying all day, and trash blowing up and down my street.
But you can get neighbors that are young, with babies, and play different music who are not ignorant.
[Reply]
macwpsu429 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
June 30th- response
I have to say I defiantly agree with you with the neighborhood situation! It seems people only want certain things in their neighborhood and discriminate against others. People don’t want, “those” people in their neighborhood, yet a white person could cause just as much trouble. No one wants those drug dealing’ thugs on their corner, yet it could be those white trash people causing a problem. It makes no sense. I can say from personal experience, my sister is a typical white girl in a nice neighborhood, and guess what; she is the worst neighbor ever!!! My sister will blast her entertainment center through the walls, turn the music up, anything you can think of. It doesn’t matter what color, what age, or who you are that’s the funny thing. When it comes to bad neighbors, they can be anyone!! That is a matter of a persons courteous attitude and own self decisions how they act, not because they are a certain color or race.
[Reply]
Due Date 07/30/10
Multiculturalism…
Assimilation is a word that I do not like or use in relations to race. I view assimilation as Dr. Richard described it. Coming into an environment and assimilating (changing) into the ways of that environment. This is what the forefathers of this country have wanted everyone that was already here, came here, or they bought here to do. I have read may books on race issues that speak of the Civil Rights era and they all have a message of Whites who desired for Blacks to assimilate into the communities. I think they understood the message wrong, just as they did when the Tiano People gave Columbus the gold crown and he thought that meant they gave away their country. Civil Rights activist wanted Whites to allow Blacks to INTEGRATE into the community. When you assimilate, you are stripping your culture away, leaving it at the door, and gaining another’s. I was a Republican for years but I changed my party after becoming more involved in the community and fulfilling my civic duties. I started to observe and hear the racism that was cast out from not all but many Republicans. I hate to say this but even then, I had my doubts but one of the hosts on the View (Hasselback) pushed me over the edge! (She is a racist to the core!) I understand what it feels like to move into a neighborhood and feel unwanted. This happened when I was young and in the home, I reside in. I was the first Black to move on my block and the neighbors took pictures on move-in day. They never spoke to me; just stared. I was expecting to see the “Buy Owner” signs up the next day. Unfortunately, I live in the most expensive section of the city, so where were most of them going. Nevertheless, they watched everyday to see how I was going to live. Not knowing where I came from and what I had prior, they assumed. When I opened my windows and they broke their neck to peep in, when I planted exotic flowers, and went way out decorating for the holidays. They were relieved I wasn’t the “Nigger” they thought of when they wrote the word on a paper towel and put it in my flowers. This is a multiracial society and people need to realize that we can now smell each other roses from across the fence.
LGBT
I don’t have a problem with gays, I don’t think it is normal, as I believe that our physical make up is that way for a reason, but who am I to judge? Everyone had better accept it because if you’re not gay you have someone in your family that is whether you know it or not! My best friend who is my favorite uncle is gay. You don’t see one of us without the other. As long as people find love, in whatever they do that does not hurt anyone else. Leave them the hell alone. Another thing, I don’t want to start on this monogamous, heterosexual topic, because I may take people where they don’t want to go. All I can say is that ALL men in America would be pissed to know that one of the real reasons they don’t have as many wives as they could in America is because of slavery. I will leave it there. American’s have too many other issues to deal with at this time and probably forever after 911 to worry about who is sleeping with whom. I don’t have anything in my fruit salad but banana’s and that’s all I worry about. You have six months to mind your business and six months to leave everyone else business alone. That’s a whole year for people to get their own bedroom “lifestyle” issues in order.
[Reply]
dancediva2191 Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Posted: 6/28/10
Due: 6/30/10
I am so happy, and I want to say proud even though I don’t know you but I am proud, that you were able to state that you do not have a problem with gays, but you also don’t think it is normal, but everyone has to accept it. Dr. Richard’s did prove with his reference to other species that it is “natural” and that other species in nature do have homosexual tendencies but that’s not the point. I couldn’t agree more that the government has bigger issues to deal with than who is sleeping with who and that is why I think they should just let it be and give these couples, who love each other, the rights they deserve.
[Reply]
samsmith119 Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I have to agree on the topic of "Natural". The problem I see some people having is not the relationship part but that fact that they can not seem to separate the act of sex from the feelings of love. The act of love between same sex humans has been around for a very very long time, and openly accepted in its form (ie soldiers in many countries) That "special" bond that men form when grouped together has a certain level of love in it, that is not to say they are gay or that they are attracted to the same sex physically, but that they can love each other in a romantic way. On the flip side you can have sex without the emotional connection, as Sam was pointing out with men just wanting More sex. You can find this sort of distinction more in coupled persons who are in open sexual, but not emotional, relationships. They seem to be able to segregate their emotional love for their partner and the sexual desires and/or wants for another person.
[Reply]
AttemptedLife00 Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:59 am
I find it interesting that you say "I don't think it is normal" in regards to "gays." What is normal? My understanding is that normalcy is a relative concept. Something else that I find intersting is that you proceed to say "who am I to judge" immediately after you verbalize homosexuality's supposed lack of "normalcy." This bothers me. If homosexuality is not something that is normal, then clearly it is something abnormal. I think that if you had pointed out how homosexuality was less common than, say, heterosexuality: and as a result of its uncommonness was abnormal: it would be something different. Yet "our physical make up is that way for a reason." I implore you to emphasize on this point.
[Reply]
brumgmt Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 12:12 am
Something that I always wondered is why many people seem to care about the things that others may be into or why it matters to them why others may have different cultural beliefs that may differ from their own beliefs. The world is going to be diverse no matter who likes it and who doesn't like it. That is just a fact of reality. Why not just come to the realization that everyone is not the same, has different beliefs, and that it is okay for everyone to be different? I frequently see this on television with politics in which conservative groups want for a lot of changes to be made so that people will have to conform to certain types of behavior. One of things that makes the United States such a great place is that we have the freedom to express ourselves freely and be diverse. Yet, some groups try and support legislation that would take away from that diversity. It's okay if people are different and don't act or behave in the same manner. If everyone just accepts that diversity is okay, many other issues and concerns could possibly become less of a problem.
[Reply]
Posted: 6/28/10
Due: 6/30/10
One of the first things we talked about during multiculturalism was that in the near future, white people will one day be the minority in America and that the number of people of color is greatly rising in this country. Dr. Richards asked the white people if they felt some sort of way about this and that if they did, this is most likely just projecting their ethnocentrism and their racism and I agree. We can also tie this into the second lecture about LGBT and being comfortable in our own skin. Many men who classified themselves as homophobes actually leaned away from being straight as the research proved. So what does this say? This says that when we often feel so strongly about something, it brings out something else from within us and that something we may often try to hide.
Hiding brings up another good point. Because people of color cannot hide their skin color, so people that are gay shouldn’t have to hide that either. But they so often do and they shouldn’t have to. And we now know that the world is changing and at least the corporate world is becoming increasingly more accepting of LGBT relationships. So when someone who considers themselves LGBT goes for a hob interview in the corporate world, they shouldn’t have to fear that they will not get the job because of their orientation but being LGBT will be embraced. No one should ever need to feel that they have to hide who they are and that who they are will make them inferior.
Another thing is that we so often only see what we want to see. Most of us would think nothing of it when we see a heterosexual couple holding hands and most of us probably didn’t even notice if they were when they walked by. But most of us definitely would notice a gay couple holding hands and I truly think it is because we only see what we want to see and what is “different” from the norm. If I were gay, I probably wouldn’t think twice about seeing another gay couple holding hands because that is the norm for me.
I think Dr. Richards proved quite well that being gay is not a choice, especially when we see children who are gay. This is going to sound so stereotypical, but I am a dancer and grew up going to dance competitions and always saw the young boys dancing and wearing rhinestones. Of course they had a choice to be a dancer and what costumes they were wearing but many of the boys carried themselves differently and had different mannerisms and even when looking at these 8 year old boys, you can tell which are most likely gay. So yes, I do think it happens at a very young age. And another great point, why would anyone want to be part of a hated group, it just wouldn’t make sense. So no, it isn’t a choice, and when I asked a couple of my gay friends if there was a defining moment when they knew they were gay, they all said they knew at a very young age and just tried to hide it until they couldn’t or did not want to hide it anymore.
[Reply]
Blueskies21 Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
6/29/10
Like you I have been cheering my entire life. When I younger we had two boys who wanted to try out for the team, and the guys on the football team would call them gay at every practice we had. When we went to competitions I too, saw boys in bedazzled costumes, even when they had the choice of something more masculine. You could definitely tell their mannerisms were not like “normal” boys, and I’m sure they knew that as well. When I went to cheer camp there was always about three homosexual boys on other teams and the girls would always so “so and so is one of the girls”. The boys would always tell us how they knew from a young age that they were gay. One boy even said, “I tried out for the cheerleading squad – not the football team, if that wasn’t a give away, I don’t know what is.” So in the end, I do believe that people know from a young age if they are indeed gay. I do not think we have a choice when it comes to our sexuality.
[Reply]
brisnug Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 1:26 am
I used to think that most if not all gay people chose to be gay. After this lesson, I still think that a few people choose to be gay. I will share with you an example. In high school a girl that I was friends with came out of the closet during class. She said that she was a lesbian. A few months later, that same girl that said that she considered herself bisexual. I now know that she has a boyfriend in college. This girl is obviously trying to choose what area of the orientation spectrum she belongs to.
[Reply]
6/28
How we feel as people is something that we can only understand. As humans we think that we know everything about someone and how they feel but we are wrong. Watching the gay lesbian and transsexual lecture i thought that it was interesting. I had a different perspective of what the lecture was going to be like until i watched it. When the point of what would send you to hell almost all of those i would be put into the fiery depths of hell for. You have to think about what god really wants you to do. I am a strong believe in God and his following but there is something about the bible and its rule. I think that people made this up and we are expected to conform to it. Why would god create gay people if he was going to send them to hell for being that way, it just doesn't make sense. Looking at the multicultural lesson I found many points interesting. The one that sparked interest inside was about the republican and democrats looking at the numbers it made the republicans look like they were racist. Looking at the numbers it showed that liberal demarcates wanted to live in more diverse communities verses republican. Looking at our nation we are founded on many different races and ethnic backgrounds which the United States gets the name land of the free but what doesn’t make sense to me is that we have issues when it comes to different cultures. Yes I understand that when people from other countries come to live here they should learn our language and culture. However, like Sam stated in the lecture we can change people we have to except them for who they are. I think it gives our nation character with all these different people in the world. It makes me sit and think that at one time we are all immigrants in this nation and yet we still have the need to discriminate against one another. Its almost like we are never satisfied with how things are that we have to constantly be negative towards one another. The other thing that I found interesting about the lecture was the rap song in thirty different languages. Looking at the way that these artists are acting and singing you can almost understand them even though we really can’t. This just proves that we can have so many different cultures doing something in common. The way that these rappers are moving and their hand motions are almost like rappers in the United States. It’s really interesting because we sometime just think that rap pertains to the United States but it really doesn’t. As humans I think that we all have our blinders up and we don’t realize what is really out in the world.
[Reply]
kac5293 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 3:34 am
Hey Sara,
The reason why I decided to comment on your post was because I saw "God" in it. Just like yourself, I am a strong believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. I just wanted to clarify your first few sentences a bit about the Bible and homosexuality. God did not create people to be Gay or straight. He designed all humans and their intentions were for Him and only Him. Them being Gay is a sin, and that is caused by Satan, like all of our other sins. God is good and He doesn't cause anything bad. Because God loves us, He gives us free will to choose and do what we want, so some of us get tricked and happen to listen to Satan, believing that being Gay is OK. There's a verse in the Bible that states "A man shall not lay with a man, the way he does with a woman…" and vice versa for women. Homosexuality was going on back then, probably the very early stages of it. But none the less, like all sins, God forgives us for it. Most Christians may not believe that Gays can go to Heaven, but I believe it is possible. I heard of this Pastor that was gay but married to a woman. He was very much aware of his desire for men was a sin, and was struggling with it. He said that he knows its Satan trying to tempt him every day, but he knows God is just and will forgive him.
[Reply]
lovinglife1126 Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
These were some good points you made. I am also a firm believer in the Lord, and I chose not to judge those for who they are, for only God can do so. It is what it is, and as a Christian, I chose to keep my personal beliefs to myself, and allow the Lord to deal with them. No matter what anyone believes in, it is important to remember what matters the most, and that is not judging a person for what he or she is or chooses to become in life. We are to just let them live their own lives, and mind our business.
[Reply]
6/30/10-Lesson 12
The numbers in this lecture definitely caught me by surprise. I never really put thought to the hypocracy of conservative republicans or republicans. I myself am a republican and feel that the Doctor is making a lot of sense in his argument regarding hypocracy considering this country is supposed to be a “melting pot” yet a significant portion of the country does not wish it to be. I like to think of myself as someone who embraces multiculturalism having grown up about an hour outside of New York City for most of my life. Because my “suburban” town lies within an hour of the city it is a “bedroom” community of New York City meaning that a lot of people that work there live in the suburban areas on the outskirts of westchester county (the county that NYC is in) I have seen the inevitable rise in the minority population in our community as well as their assimilation. It sounds horrible but one significant event I can remember is since I have been 11 years old (im 25 now) my entire neighborhood about a mile long and 50 households was indeed 100% white. I know this for a fact. Then two years ago a black family moved in up the road, seem very nice and their kids are always playing. But, for 9 years it was 100% white and I can't lie some people were shocked when they had moved into our neighborhood. I can't help but think hoe uncomfortable they must have felt when they moved in. They pretty much fit into the 13.8 percent of people who wish to live in a neighborhood that is 100% white. One part of the lecture that really stood out to me was the discussion of how many times you have done things with people of color. I found it funny because I have shared saliva with a person of color but I have never sat down and ate dinner with a family of color. I just happened to find that pretty interesting. Looking at the learning to speak a different language example given by the Doc, it is quite true. You will make infinite more money if you learn the dominant language say japanese or chinese because they are international business hubs. There is a great line in a favorite movie of mine called “Layercake” one of the crime bosses states “The art of good business is being a good middleman”. If you have the bridge of language to connect two people your possibilities can be endless in the world of business. I find it unnerving when I come across a spanish person speaking spanish within the U.S. arguing, I would make an attempt to speak our language when I would make a great attempt if I were in their country? When our ethnocentricity drives them from wanting to learn our language and stick with their language, culture their comfort zone so to speak.
[Reply]
6/30/10-Reply to kac5293
I also found it to be true that most liberals would check that they would like to live in a more diverse area because it is the politically correct thing to say and in most of their decisions policitical correctness influences their answers tremendously. It does indeed seem to me as well that quite a few liberals go our of their way to seem to be non-racist to either secure votes politically and or just to get more people to like them and agree with them in general. I also agree with you in the fact that I do not think people dont want to live in diverse communities because they are interest but because they want to feel comfortable and at home in their surroundings, you can see this all over the world. Not just in America with KoreaTown and China Town, Little Italy etc. It's okay with the living in Queens example I live outside of the city and fully understand where you are coming from, whenever I take a trip to see the Mets at Citi Field, I know it's bad to say but it seems as if 70 percent of the crowd does not speak english as a first language.
[Reply]
So what is Natural vs. Normal? If so many people are in the middle wouldn't that be the norm? Yet like so many things we allow a few that are screaming loudly to be the judges of normalcy and right/wrong, why do we continue to put up with this and allow them to roll over us?
In so many ways we allow the few to rule and lord over the many. We see it in politics all the time. The old saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. We consistently act like sheep and let others tell us how our world will be shaped and run even when the true majority does not prescribe to it.
Changing topic: I have a very dear friend of mine and his husband visiting right now and we watched the LGBT segment together. It was interesting to see what they thought about it over all and the discussion we all had during and after it. The statistical numbers are looking good in regard to people being more accepting. In regard to mixing LGBT and race relations language there was some very strong opinion on the term Partner. My friends husband did not like the term at all for what he is. He is not his partner. You get that in a law firm, a Dr.s office, a cop etc. But wife/husband denotes clearly what that person is to the other. The term Partner to them seemed a straight persons PC way of referring to them without accepting them for what they are, a "married" couple. In the Norwegian language there is a term for committed loving partners that are not married and it represents a persons relationship and Not their gender or sexual orientation. I think its high time we as a nation begin to practice a concept that we have said we follow but never really have….separation of church and state. A couple should be able to be bonded by clergy (married) or by the state (joined) so long as the end result is equal in its entirety. I asked my friends if they would accept the term civil union if that term was applied to all persons being joined by the state regardless of gender/SO. and that the term Married was used to denote the joining of a couple by clergy. They said that would be fantastic. It is not the term civil union that gets them pissed its what it represents, inequality and bigotry. It also shows that the nations is run and guided by the church and not by civil authority.
Multiculturalism: Sam asked why not just accept the Chinese flag and why the tie to ours. Yes I sure do feel a certain way about that LOL. Its not the cloth, its what that cloth represents that I hold to. I hold to a set of ideals that in spirit drive me on to be better, but in practice can sometimes get hung up. The flag stands as a symbol of history, belief, convictions, vision and bonding. That is not to say others do not feel exactly the same way for their nations as I do for mine, I dont have any problem with that. I dont want the policy of business running my life when it comes to the belief sets. I do not want greed and back stabbing to become to norm everywhere. If you think you can't trust politicians, how do you feel about massive corp CEO's? Ya I thought so, so do you really want those people deciding everything and wiping away the things that give us focus in our beliefs? I can respect a thief that breaks into my house and steels some of my tings in order to feed his starving family. I may not be happy about it by any measure, but I can respect it. But I will be the first in line with a rope to hang the SOB CEO who steels out of greed for More. I know that sounds better in my head that on type but that the best way I can put it.
Ding fries are done.
[Reply]
Mycouchpullsout Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Blog Response Lesson 12 6/29/10
I understand what you are saying about the Chinese flag. I mean people that grow up in their respected countries are going to have a set ideology towards their country and the symbols that represent them. Obviously people are very offended when something disgraceful is done to an American flag not only in our country but all over the world. The idea here is that I am sure if North Koreans saw the U.S. stomping on their flag they would be pissed too. I just like Sam's idea on how he says if we were totally stoned out of our mind that it would not matter because it definitely would not matter.
[Reply]
nrd5040 Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
6/29/10
I also thought the idea of the chinese flag as really interesting especially because I happened to partake in the good herb shortly before watching the lecture. To me, the flag does not really mean anything as I see it as only a piece of cloth and I do not put any symbolic meaning on it. The constitution is what represents the set of ideals and values of my country. I think the flag is just an easy rallying point for many people to get behind. If you were born in China you would hold a very different set of ideals and see the chinese flag as representative of your culture. Flags are just an easy way to seperate between countries which is useful if you are at sea or in a conflict zone. I do think that the American flag looks cool but why do all flags have to rectangular. Countries should try some different shapes to make theirs really unique. Just throwing an idea out there.
[Reply]
jav5188 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 3:16 am
I completely agree with you with what you are saying about the difference between a Chinese flag and an American Flag. To me, the American flag holds a certain place in my heart. To me it stands for liberty, freedom, justice, and that pursuit of that dream that is possibly here. I feel like I could be the same way with the Chinese flag because our values that are in our flag such as freedom, is a fight that is still being fought today in the Middle East. That flag embodies everything that I believe is right and wrong. It embodies the country that I love (even when they blow it in the World Cup) and will forever love as long as I live.
[Reply]
Blog Lesson 12 6/29/10
I definitely think that because people now go to college their minds are opened up more for multiculturalism. In high school you only build your thoughts around the people who surround you such as your friends, family and community. In college you break away from what is the norm to you and you get to experience different ideas that you never have experienced before. This is a perfect example on why people who go to college are more open to a multicultural atmosphere. They are able to break away from the norm and learn about other cultures that they have always thought of as not normal because of the community they lived in when attending high school.
I would not mind living with immigrants. Actually that is a lie; I probably would mind a bit just because it is out of the norm for me. I would get a little frustrated if I was walking in my town and all I heard was Spanish or Chinese or Japanese because I have no idea what they are saying and since I have lived in that community for a long time then these languages would be out of the norm for me. I am not racist or anything but I would just want to understand what they are saying. I would want them to speak English because that is the normal identifier for me.
If we are becoming more and more diverse then why is there such a race wars still in the country? I mean I know it is not as bad as before because we have grown as a country but there still is a significant amount of racism. It just seems that if we had more and more multiculturalism in the country then we should not have as much as a race war that we do today. Maybe we are just heading towards that path and we just are not there yet. I have no idea but the concept just does not make sense in our country.
If I had the time and the will power I would definitely learn Chinese. Can you imagine the business you could do with that language? I know some Spanish and would love to keep learning about the language more just because I think in the near future and this language will compete with our English language.
That rap video was crazy. Even though those people were all speaking different languages they all looked like American rappers. I mean basically they were all dressed alike and had the same beats and I am sure if you could translate all those songs and put them next to each other they would be talking about some of the same things. I just think it is amazing how globalization can happen like that.
[Reply]
DrCandle Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
6/30/10
I also thought that rap video was really amazing. People can bash rap all they want and when it comes to the commercialized, auto-tuned, pop bullshit that's taking over the radio and the music industry I wholeheartedly agree, but there is another kind of rap music, its real, it poetic, and it transcends language. This is most likely why rap has managed be the first completely global form of music. The only component of rap music that is necessary for it to be considered rap is the structure of the lyrics and rhyming. The music changes to suit international tastes but the tough gangsta version of poetry is what it all really boils down to.
[Reply]
pennstategirl5 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
June 30th, 2010 5:54 PM
I agree with you completely about how as people go to college their minds are much more open to multiculturalism. In the high school I attended I could literally count the number of black people on my hand. Not that I have any issues with anyone who is black, the area I grew up in just wasn’t very populated with black people. When I came to school here, even though many may not think that Penn State University is very diverse, I found it to be eye opening and a great opportunity to meet people I wouldn’t ordinarily interact with in my hometown.
[Reply]
xforeveryoung Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 3:21 am
I have to agree with you when you said that you would actually mind living with immigrants. I feel the same way you do. I know it's probably not right but I know I would have a problem living in an area with a lot of people who didn't speak the same language I did. I would struggle with the fact that I would have no idea what they were saying. I guess I believe this because your home is supposed to be a place where you feel comfortable and I wouldn't be comfortable if I couldn't understand my neighbors. I have nothing against immigrants and I feel they have every right to be in this country however I wouldn't be comfortable living in a community with a lot of immigrants.
[Reply]
Lesson 12 was very well put together. When watching pt 1 lecture I wanted to speak on the statistics of being open to marriage or lifetime partner with someone of another race. But when I watched lecture pt. 2 on LGBT Issues. I knew I had a few things to say. Because this issue is one I am dealing with in my home. My oldest daughter came out to me when she was in 11th grade that she was BI, I had suspected it for some time but would just chalk to up to being a tomboy. I Love and accept child regardless of anything and I do believe you can’t help who you are and who you love, but I do still have some issues with this. The first real relationship she was in that I knew of was a not healthy and this chick was crazy!
[Reply]
And that is my child male or female no one is going to disrespect my child, this stressed my daughter so and after that relationship was over, she stayed to herself but still attracted to the same sex. She even dated or had a few “male friends” as she would say her first year in college. Her second year of college she even had a baby, my granddaughter is 4 months old and I really felt that okay this was a phase and is now over. But she has now started dating another female which I don’t have a problem with her dating a female, this time it’s who the female is, her sister’s step-sister by marriage. She had never been public with any of her relationships but people in our town now that she is BI put the know her heart and accept her al well. And she has never been publicly open around her younger sisters until recently not so much around my twins who are 11yrs old but around her sister that is 15yrs old and she is very upset that these two girls are even dating and when her step-sister doesn’t spend time with her she calls her mom.
[Reply]
Which to clear this up my 15yr old father just died in April the girl my daughter is dating is his step-daughter. She told me she would never marry the same sex when she came out to me but she is now talking about a boob reduction and I have concerns but the issues of adoption. I really don’t know how this relationship will play out these girls are young my child is 21 and the girl she is dating is 18. I am also concerned with what they may be doing around my grand daughter when I am not around although she is only 4 months and really doesn’t understand I want her to grown up making her own decisions and choices not thinking anything that she has seen is right or wrong.
Lesson 12 6/29/10
[Reply]
rmb5202 Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 12:30 am
Your story is very interesting and inspiring and I think you are handling it very well. My cousin is bisexual with a baby as well. Although my cousin is not dating her step sister she was dating another female until things went sour and the girl cheated on her and started treating her like dirt. Now my cousin is on a break with girls at the moment and switched to males. Now although she changed her mind about what sex she is with, I think its confusing for her son at times and my aunt gets nervous they are doing things out of line when she is not around. The truth is (after talking to my cousin) she loves her son to death and would do nothing to harm him so she shows him respect and does nothing in front of him as I’m sure your daughter does as well so I would not worry.
[Reply]
6/29/10
The topic of China and how we as Americans should learn Chinese is nothing new to me. I have had several teachers in high school as well as college make comments about China, and how they will eventually be in charge. Being able to read and communicate in Chinese seems like it is becoming more of a necessity. I wish I had the interest and the will power to learn Chinese. I was discussing class selections with a friend of mine last semester and I was a little taken aback when he said he was going to take Chinese. This friend of mine is big into politics and confessed he wants to be president one day, so it actually seems like a smart and strategic move to me. The part about couples (straight and gay) holding hands was really good. My friends and I are always in the city and it is not uncommon to see gay men walking down the street holding hands. I never think twice when I see two lesbians holding hands, but there are two people in my group of friends who will always point things like that out. These two guys will announce to our group when they see a couple of the same sex holding hands, like its something we’ve never seen before. Maybe that is out of the norm for them, and they feel the need to point it out. Like Dr. Richards said there is nothing different about a straight couple holding hands and a homosexual couple holding hands. I certainly don’t think people choose to be gay. I think that comment the student made about it being easier to be black or brown instead of being gay was a really interesting comment. I totally agreed with her comment. A student who is black or brown does not need to hide behind their skin color or explain their skin color. On the other hand, I know of several people who have to explain why or how they are gay. Just as people have no control over their skin color, they have no control over their sexuality. I’m almost positive that every gay friend of mine expressed they knew from a young age that they were gay; proving that being gay is not a choice. It didn’t really make sense when Dr. Richards said that most gay people who have gay parents will remain in the closest because they don’t want others thinking they are gay solely because of their parents. If I were gay I think I would feel more relieved having gay parents. It seems as if they would have an easier time coming out the closet, and I’m sure gay parents would be more accepting to the situation.
[Reply]
charlan10 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 12:12 am
Yes, we as Americans need to come to terms with the fact that we will no longer be the dominant super power of the world. As Dr. Richards said who cares, how will it really effect our lives. Do we receive a trophy every year for being number one or something? Our lives will still be our lives and we still will have to do what is necessary to improve them. We should be more focused on how to make the entire world a better place than countries competing to be on top of the mountain. The world is not the same it used to be since the development of such sophisticated weaponry. Large highly militarized nations know the checks and balances of what would be the consequences of starting a WW3.
[Reply]
crr171 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
I also had many teachers in high school telling students to learn Chinese. I think that one day in the near future it will be almost necessary to know how to understand some Chinese. However, I have no desire to learn it. I think that it is an extremely hard language to learn because it is so different from English. But English is also a hard language to learn. What I love about Chinese are all the cool symbols that mean different things. I work at an after school care program and one of the 2nd graders there was learning Chinese because he was adopted from China. I was just amazed at all the little differences between symbols that completely changed the meaning. Chinese is defiantly a language that people will begin to learn more and more.
[Reply]
LECTURE 12 JUNE 29, 2010
A classic thing that is always said is people are homophobic because they are scared of possibly being gay and the one statistic of homophobes becoming aroused 80% of the time was hilarious. I have always had trouble understanding why people find such a problem with gay relationships. It’s the constant question I ask them why do you care, how is this affecting your life. As Dr. Richards said most of the scrutiny comes from religious reasons but that still does not explain it for me. Cause as everybody knows very few people have ever followed the ten commandments but somehow they are saving people from hell when it comes to gay marriage or gay relationships. Even if by doing this they will be condemned to hell, why is it religious peoples responsibility to take up the duty of making of assuring their spot in heaven. In my own personal opinion I think the religious reason is a nice cover but I believe it comes from the same area as racism. People dislike and fear what is different from them. I mean you see it in other areas were religious people intervene and try to change your mind on what the bible says you are doing wrong but it is not seen anywhere else like in the gay community. Coming to terms with being gay must be a tremendous and emotional ordeal to go through. An individuals safety, family, friends, job, etc., can all be at risk with this simple realization that you happen to be attracted to the same sex. And being gay is not a choice, as Dr. Richards said who would openly want be exposed to the danger and scrutiny of being homosexual. Homosexuals are just trying to be happy, no different than any heterosexual person. We are all searching for the extra special thing in this life to give it meaning and purpose, but there are to many people in this world that have a problem with that if you do not go about it the way in which they feel you should be going about it. For such a multicultural nation there is still much hate and ignorance towards other beliefs and mainly other peoples choices of what makes them truly happy. With being exposed to different types of people and beliefs that very few countries can offer one would think we would be much more diverse but in actuality we still have a considerable amount of gain to me made in this area. Also, I don’t understand the philosophy of allowing gay people to have a union but not to be able to call it marriage. Marriage has lost it’s sacred value. As a lot of things western culture came in and took the sacred out of it. People should get married if they want to, no matter what sex, just don’t use the sacred part as your reason.
[Reply]
Jevit335 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
6/30/10
I agree with you about the fact that people are homophobic possibly because they are actually scared of realizing they could be gay. Personally, I do not understand why one would be scared. I also do not sympathize with those who are against gays and gay marriages. Shouldn’t everyone be able to be happy and be with the one they love? No matter their sex? While watching the lecture, I also thought about how little society really knows about the LGBT community and how much we still need to learn. I do not think it is fair to judge people about their sexual partner when you do not even understand.
[Reply]
MDD1982 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Blog Response for Grade. June 30th 1800.
I think most people have an issue with the Gay and Lesbian community because for those who are straight it is very foreign territory. I think a lot of people (I'd venture to say most) are taught to fear what they do not know and what they do not understand. I understand what you are saying in that what impact do gay and lesbian people really have on our own individual lives; but some do. For example when I was in Boot Camp I had a large number of gay women in my platoon but in boot camp we had to shower together and run all around our squad bay in our bras and panties. And when I say shower I mean a single pole coming from the ground with about 10 shower heads sticking out of it. Very close quarters. So, it can be quite uncomfortable to know that someone "may" be staring you down in a place (a shower) where you are usually comfortable. I think religion does play a role in it too, even if the person doesn't go to church their parents may have and in turn "brain washed" them into thinking or believing a certain way. I use quotations around brain washed because it is the best one I can think of at the moment but I don't think people get brain washed, per se. What is interesting to me is if, from birth, we were immersed in nothing but a gay community we would probably find those who are straight to be quite abnormal; wouldn't we?
[Reply]
I again found both of these lectures to be very interesting and I can see why Dr. Richards put them together. So of the information and statistics that were presenting during the presentations were amazing. The first thing that was presented, people who would want to live in diverse communities didn’t really shock me at all. With democrats being predominately colored, I can see the similarities in the percentages there. Where I don’t see the percentages connecting is between the whites and republicans. I, being a white republican, wouldn’t want to live in a diverse community because I just don’t feel comfortable in that situation. I was raised in predominately white, hard working; blue collar neighborhoods and honestly I feel more comfortable in those communities because that is what I have grown up with my entire life. That is why I feel like these numbers could be skewed a little because I feel like people feel more comfortable living in the communities and neighborhoods that they grew up in.
[Reply]
Another piece of information that I found interesting was the non-European immigration is rising. I feel like it isn’t that non-European immigration is happening, it is just that the interracial relationships and the acceptance for these relationships are rising as well. With these numbers rising, it is not necessarily that more Mexicans or Asians are coming into America; it might just be that the number of relationships that are interracial is rising.
[Reply]
I felt like the second lecture dealing with LGBT relations was really interesting because not too long ago, I myself had to deal with this issue. I used to be one of those guys who had a problem with it because I wasn’t really brought up thinking that it was acceptable to be a gay man, especially as a catholic. Then, about two years ago, my uncle came out and told my family that he was gay. I had a hard time changing my overall feelings about the LGBT community, but then I realized that he was happy and that there was nothing wrong with being a member of the LGBT community. Just because you don’t have the same sexual wants as a heterosexual doesn’t make you any different than another person. Some people that are a part of the gay community choose to act differently, such as dress differently or speak in a higher tone, or any other of those stereotypes that come along with being gay. Honestly though, if you were to meet my uncle on the street, you would think he is a normal, hard working guy. He doesn’t dress different or speak different. He just has a different sexual preference. That is the only difference between him and a heterosexual man.
[Reply]
6/30/10
The lecture on multiculturalism was very cool and full of interesting information. The surveys in the beginning of the class were an interesting way to look at how people feel about multiculturalism. The only problem with them is that people can interpret more diverse in a lot of different ways. I think that the democratic numbers were affected by political correctness and were not 100% genuine. It was also interesting to me to see that much larger percentages of hispanics and whites would prefer to live in a community made up of people of their same ancestry. I am white and I live in a largely predominant area and neighborhood however there are a few immigrant families (all from the middle east) on my street. I personally like to have more diversity in my neighborhood because things get too boring otherwise. It's interesting to talk to my Iranian neighbor because he comes from such a different culture and its cool to see how he feels about certain issues pertaining to this country. I have learned some new things from him as well as he was the first person to explain the difference between Arabs and Persian. A student during the lecture mentioned something about the cheese steak place in Philadelphia that put a sign up about customers having to speak English. The place was Genos and i remember reading about the sign in newspapers a couple of years ago. It's pretty blatant discrimination against immigrants and those of different national origin in my mind. The sign is not that much different than ones you would see during the late 19th century that read "Irish need not apply". I think that it is a good example of how the people with power demand assimilation of the minority groups. Instead of isolating non-english speaking people, Genos could make a little effort to meet these people halfway. I mean they are only trying to order a cheese steak, it's not like you have to try to explain quantum physics. A lot of people seem to be hung up on the issue of speaking english in this country. While we have no official language I do believe that we are an english speaking country. However, schools in this country, at least to my experience, do not place nearly as much emphasis on learning other languages as other countries. My high school requirements for foreign language was not nearly enough to become any where near to fluent in another language. I did not even start foreign language classes until I was in seventh grade and those classes were only two to three times a week. Whenever i meet someone from another country they are almost always bilingual, and many times know more than two languages. I feel like we are doing ourselves a great disservice by not learning other languages and assuming that everyone should know how to speak english.
[Reply]
This was another really interesting lecture. I actually thought that it was the most interesting one all semester, maybe because I am interested in multiculturalism and LGBT issues. One thing that I have repeatedly heard is the importance of learning Chinese in the future. I think that eventually China will be the most powerful country, so learning Chinese will be very important. I also think that currently it is a good language to learn because not many people have an interest in learning it and I think that it is needed in some fields. I would assume that Chinese interpreters are needed and they most likely make a decent amount of money. Multiculturalism is also important to me because I am studying to be a teacher and we have learned a lot about teaching multiculturalism. I think that it is important to teach children age appropriate things from around the world. For example, in a kindergarten class I volunteer in, this is done by teaching students about different holidays in the month of December around the world. I think that by teaching acceptance of different cultures at a young age children will be less “racist” and more accepting of other cultures and races.
I also never thought about the recent LGBT movement as being a second Civil Rights movement, but it most defiantly is. I mean why shouldn’t they have the same rights as heterosexual people and couples? I think that young adults are more acceptable of LGBT people because all of us most likely know someone who is LBGT or have a friend who is. One of my best friends is a lesbian and I don’t think of her any differently just because she is a lesbian. She is a person who wants the same things that heterosexual people want. I personally think that the people who are against LGBT relationships and rights are people my parents age and older because they are less likely to know someone who defines themselves as LGBT. I however have a few friends and acquaintances that are gay or lesbian. I believe that you don’t choose to be LGBT. You are born that way. So you should not be given less rights because of it. Lesbians and gays should be able to get married and raise children.
I took a class in the spring semester called Child Adoption (HDFS 497b) with Dr. Crissman-Ishler. We learned that not many states allow gay and lesbian couples to adopt. But that research shows that children raised by same sex couples are just as happy as those raise in heterosexual families. In fact, many times children of same sex parents have more self esteem than children of heterosexual families. And that children of same sex couples are no more likely to grow up to be gay or lesbian than other children.
[Reply]
BellaBoo54 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
I took a class ( not the same one but an HDFS class) and i remember there being a topic one lecture about LGBT adoption and the fact that not many states allow gay and lesbian couples to adopt. It doesn't make much sense considering the studies that show that adopted kids with LGBT parents have higher self-esteem than children of heterosexual parents. It is ridiculous to make the assumption that that they would grow to be LGBT if their parents are. That is just ignorant. There are so many children out there that need to be adopted and are crying out for love and couples are being denied because of their sexual orientation. Their sexual orientation is not a measurement of how they could give a child in need a wonderful life. My best friend is gay and he always talks about adopting. I am all for it and i support any LGBT couple or single to adopt a child in need.
[Reply]
ChelAmelia Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 12:23 am
6/30/10
I totally agree that people are born gay or lesbian. Like Dr. Richards said, why would someone choose to be a part of a group that doesn’t get the benefits of everyone else. And like you I also never thought about the recent LGBT movement as being the second Civil Rights movement. This movement is totally necessary. I also know many people who are gay and lesbian. Many of my mom’s best friends are lesbians. Many of them have children but it is only because they were involved in heterosexual relationships before coming out. The numbers are available for the government to see that homosexual couples are just as good at being parents as heterosexual couples. I don’t understand why some states still won’t let homosexual couples to adopt.
[Reply]
psurevelry Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 3:52 am
I defiantly agree with you about this being the most interesting lecture so far. I too am very interested in multiculturalism issues because I think they are so interesting. I think it is something that affects as everyday being involved with so many other cultures. I have never thought about LGBT issues as the Civil Rights movement but I definitely see how it relates to it. How it is inequality in the general sense and how it involves overcoming inequality. I think it is a hard issue more than others because it starts to come to peoples beliefs and they start to feel more about this issue.
[Reply]
The other day I was at dunkin donuts with my mom. We were going through the drive through and it was very early and my mom wasn’t in the best of all moods. We were ordering and the employee was an Indian girl. She repeated the order three times to make sure she got it right, and my mom started to get annoyed. It was difficult to understand her through the microphone. Well when we got to the window and paid, they did not give my mom her coffee and never even range it in even after repeated it three times. Well lets just say mom mom was not very happy and told the girl to forget it and we drove off. My mom is 62 years old, and has always been very accepting of all races, but I think this was her bad day and she started going off about “them” needing to learn better English and stop taking over dunkin donuts and why is it do hard to order a simple cup of coffee. I was annoyed too, more for her I guess. I kind of felt bad for that girl too. She was maybe just having an off day, like many of us have all had. Maybe she got into a fight with her boyfriend before work and she was upset. Who knows, but either way she slipped up at her job and she got called out on it because of her ethnic background not because of her just being a bad employee that day. When I watching this lesson Dr. Richards had said that globalization is upon us and we will always have to interact with forgein people so why not learn Chinese? He had said you can increase your earning power by learning another language. He is definity right with that statement. The benefits of learning another language go beyond just making money. Everyone should learn another language. My mom was in a bad mood that morning, but she is also stuck in her ways. I sometimes feel that older generations have a harder time dealing with and accepting multiculturalism than the younger generations do. But that in itself is important. It means it is getting better and I hope that it keeps getting better along with race relations. It is time to get on board and get over it. I have taken Spanish for many years and I plan on teaching my children from the very start. Many studies show that learning another language is best when started at a young age. I believe that to be true. I mean many of my friends have children now and a lot of the toys they play with speak English and Spanish. It is up to us to produce a better generation than our own and teach them the importance of race relations. Learning another language is crucial!
[Reply]
Easygoing96 Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
6/30 I really liked your story about your mom, it was great because my parents and grandparents do the same thing. I come from a Mexican family and about 7 years ago when my aunt joined the army she meant a man and they got married. He is a wonderful man who loves her very much and he happens to be black. Needless to say, as accepting as my grandparents had said they were, they were not too happy when she told them this. Partly because she just called one day and said oh btw I'm married and partly because he was not Mexican. This opened my eyes to my grandparents racism. Of course they have adjusted and are more accepting now, but I understand what you mean about some people just having bad days and getting into this mindset about "us" and "them".
[Reply]
6/30/10
The first few slides of the lecture caught me by surprise. When Dr. Richards was discussing the questions that were asked along with their statistics, the numbers were very real to me. It was concrete evidence of a lot of unfortunate stereotypes that some face. Regarding living with many immigrants, it did not surprise me that Hispanics were the largest percentage and whites were the lowest. I think that whites are the most against living with many immigrants because of their opinions towards immigrants taking jobs away from Americans, among other things. It was interesting to me that Dr. Richards pointed out the difference between Republicans and Democrats regarding living in a community made up mainly of people of their same racial ancestry. If Dr. Richards did not point it out, I would not have made the connection that the percentage of Republicans is much higher than Democrats, showing that Republicans are more racist. The difference between whites and blacks who would prefer to live in a community made up mainly of people of their same racial ancestry was shocking to me. 23% versus 9%? It just shows how close-minded whites are towards blacks, and other races too. Blacks’ having a lower percentage, in a way shows that they are actually more open to other cultures and multiculturalism, unlike whites. White people would not say they would rather live in a community of their same ancestry if they did not have an issue or something against other races and ethnicities.
Regarding LGBT relations, I have absolutely no problems. I do not understand why anyone would be against gays. Personally, I feel that everyone should have an equal opportunity to be with the person they choose to be with for the rest of their lives. It is a shame that young people who are gay have such a hard time coming out and are forced to deal with so many issues against them. But why should they have to be scrutinized for their sexual identity? As Dr. Richards said, it is not really a choice. I think that is a cause for trouble in young people. It is not a choice, and they have trouble realizing and coming to terms with the fact that they may be gay. I think it is fear of the unknown. They have to face going against the “norm” of society and having to deal with the consequences. Also, while watching the lecture I thought about how little society knows about the LGBT community. I also think that it is hard for people to come to terms with a “label” that those around them do not know much about, thus they will most likely be against it initially. If the world became more educated and more open minded toward these issues, then I think the scrutiny against them will eventually disappear.
[Reply]
6/30 I was waiting for this topic to come up all semester, and it was definitely worth the wait. The whole LGBT issue, is something I think about often, just because of the many friends I have that are apart of that community. I agree with Sam when he said that we have come a long way in just 15 years, but we still got a ways to go. Personally, as far fetched as some of the things Sam was saying throughout the class (with his idea of everyone being bi-sexual to some extent) I agree with it. I didn’t always and it’s been a journey for me too, to get to where I am today, but nonetheless I have learned a lot about the LGBT community and really gained some new perspectives from my friends and this class. I enjoyed the reaction he received from the black fraternity members in the front rows, when he mentioned the homosexual tendencies that go on in frat life. Especially because I know a couple of those people that made a rumble at his comment and know that their uncomfortable-ness with that comment was for a reason. The whole issue of LGB couples adopting children and whether or not that is acceptable, is a touchy subject with some of my friends. I believe, they should be allowed to adopt children and again agree with Sam when he says that when you really think about it, these children aren’t accidents, they are carefully thought out and highly-valued children in their families because it was so hard for their gay parents to adopt them. Not to say that children mean any less to a heterosexual couple, but what’s the problem with children being in a home where they are loved and will be looked after? And since I believe that people are born gay and its not a choice they just make one day, being raised by gay parents won’t make a child gay. But I do think it will make them more accepting of not just other gay people, but just differences in individual’s period. Being a women of color I see the hypocrisy in other people of color denying rights to the LGBT community and I try to understand it, but it just makes no sense to me. I’m also a Christian, a faithful follower of God and I believe he made all people the way they are, and we have no right to judge anyone, but ourselves. Overall this whole discussion on Multiculturalism and the LGBT community was very informative. It was nice to hear some of the stats for the Multiculturalism discussion, because it restores hope in me that we are moving in the right direction, even if the process is slow. I especially liked the statistic that said that about 50% of the U.S will be Multicultural by 2050.
[Reply]
6/30/10 part one
I loved the Chinese flag example as well and found it to be a really cool example of how blinding our ethnocentrism can be and how limiting it can be when it comes to building bridges in race relations. I usually partake in a little "inspiration" before watching Dr. Richards lectures and I know what he was talking about when he mentioned how it makes you open to new ideas ad think in different more open minded ways. Any of us could have had parents who were transferred to work in Michigan before we were born and we’d be in Ann Arbor right now saying how much Penn state sucks.
[Reply]
June 30th, 2010 5:31 PM
After listening to this week’s lecture the LGBT Issues lecture stuck the most with me. I started to think about how ridiculous it is to claim that gay people flaunt their gayness. Not only are they just displaying affection in a way that is normal or comfortable to them but also they are also essentially doing the same thing as straight people. It is kind of outrageous for people to think that because they are straight everyone is supposed to be straight and if you are not you are not only choosing to be gay but you are also wrong in your “decision”. Another problem is when people say that you are choosing to be gay. I’m a straight person and my entire life I have known I was straight. I feel that if someone had the same feelings as me they wouldn’t choose to be gay because they wouldn’t be attracted to the opposite sex. If gay people grew up with the same mentality of having feeling for the same sex as I have had for the opposite sex then more than likely they knew of these feelings their whole life and would be hiding their true selves if they didn’t act on it. I will never be able to fully comprehend what being gay is like but if I can compare it to being straight it really isn’t a big deal. You fall in love with a person, what does it matter if that person happens to be the same sex as yourself. As Sam brought up in the lecture, businesses are on board with gay people and it’s only a matter of time that everyone will realize how irrelevant a person’s sexual orientation is to their personality and overall characteristics. Another point that Sam brought up in the lecture was that he found it ironic how people who have struggled with minority struggles, for example people of color, are not nearly as accepting to the gay community as they “should be”. I find it kind of ironic too. I’m not going to sit here being a white straight person and say that the two are similar and if you are a person of color you should be more accepting of gays because they are going through a similar struggle that you faced, because I can’t place myself in either one of your shoes. I do find it odd though that if you are familiar with someone constantly judging you based on a characteristic of yourself, why would you want to wish the same onto someone else? I will say that being a person who is white and straight and hasn’t had any major controversial issues that have “held me back” I am completely willing to accept anyone of a different sexual orientation because I feel that if people are willing to accept my decision to like men, I should be willing to accept and respect their liking to the same sex.
[Reply]
6/30/10 part two
It's the same with the country you were born in; I like to think of countries and our allegiance to them as sports teams. The whole concept is very arbitrary and really doesn't matter. One country is not "better" than the other in every single way. Every country has its pros and cons, some more than others but there is NO country that is without its flaws. I think the understanding of this concept is crucial to the breaking down of the powerful forces of ethnocentrism and growth as humans. It’s for the better not only of our own lives but of human society to be open to new ideas adapting and changing our ways as time progresses to a more fine-tuned one.
[Reply]
6/30/10 part three
If you're a computer enthusiast you could think of a society with racist tendencies as like a beta-release, it’s a not quite finished product, it needs work. And just like computer programs, society is constantly updating, changing, rearranging as bugs in the system are fixed and worked out. At the same time, just like a computer program, society can never be perfected, its adaptations have a sort of rhythm, different people have different ideas and as these ideas grow more popular, society is altered slightly.
[Reply]
6/30/10 part four
Sam made a good point about learning Chinese. China really is solidifying itself as the dominant world power and this title no longer belongs to the United States. He challenges the republicans who have unwavering support for the country and have strong “patriotic” ties to it, whatever that means. He more or less is asking if they are loyal to the united states just because, or are they loyal to it because it is (was) the dominant global superpower. Now that other countries are pulling ahead of the United States, Sam asks if you’d rather change your loyalty to the country that is the new leader in order to reap the benefits that the leading super power can provide. I would. I would definitely do what I need to do to succeed in life and if that means changing some things around that may not be culturally familiar, so be it. Large multi-national corporations (damn them) have been doing it for years.
[Reply]
June 30th
I think the statistics presented in this week’s lesson were not too shocking to me but still interesting. I think I was more surprised to see the amount of people that had never been involved or experienced something, regardless of what that something is, with someone of another race or ethnicity. It is pretty shocking and almost a, “how could you not?” situation. There are so many different races and ethnicities and various cultures in our country. On a daily basis I would be curious to see how many different people I interact with, something I would have never taken notice until taking this class. Just at my work alone I am around whites, blacks, Hispanics, Spanish, Chinese, etc., the list goes on and that’s just 9-5. I was surprising by the amount of people that said they had never even had a meal with someone other than there own race or ethnicity. Crazy!
[Reply]
I think it is wonderful the amount of people who were okay and agreed that a relationship/marriage with someone other than their “kind,” was acceptable. Love has no limits I suppose. Even still, relationships with “those people,” whom ever that is, are values instilled growing up in some families. I would be curious to see these people that were survey, what their parent’s results of the same survey would be. I would imagine that those who answered certain questions certain ways, their parents most likely would answer them the same way as well. I believe that shows how much values, ideas, and thoughts are passed on from one generation to the other. Of course, that is not always the case, but I bet it would be pretty close.
[Reply]
I have to say I wasn’t surprised by the amount of people who would eat food from another culture! If anything, I expected this number to be way higher. Now a days it seems the new trend is to eat sushi!! Everyone I turn everyone is eating sushi. No thanks! I wonder how common it is to come across someone who loves tacos but dislikes Mexicans or someone who loves Spaghetti but doesn’t like Italians. Interesting idea. I am up to try any type of food, regardless of what culture, however I wonder if there are those that won’t eat a certain food because they don’t like a certain culture. I guess racism and bias can come in many shapes, sized, and forms.
[Reply]
The partying question made me laugh; I suppose the number is so high for that because people who are partying could care less who it is with, as long as they are having a good time!!! Either that or they are too drunk or high to realize the person they are with! I have noticed sometimes when I am at a party, people who are drinking may find it easier to talk about things they wouldn’t sober, so I am sure there have been many conversations about race while people are drinking!!
[Reply]
Lesson 12 Multiculturalism and LGBT. Blog Comment for Grade. June 30th 1735.
I think multiculturalism is an interesting topic and has always been a "passionate" one for me. I say passionate loosely because I don't want have that appear as though I have done extensive research on it and am well versed in it; by passionate I just mean that I "feel some kind of way about that." I am one of "those" people who see immigrants still clinging to their culture and it bothers me. I would almost venture to say it infuriates me to some degree – especially when I see the female Muslim/Arabs who are in the US and still dress in their traditional full coverage clothes. I guess that particular aspect bothers me because they have brought themselves into a country where women are required to be treated as an equal and live without fear of reprisal for being at any level in the professional and personal arena. It kind of makes me mad that you want to be here and then conduct yourself as though you are in a repressed country; the United States is not that and a lot of women had to do hard things to make that happen for people of this time. That really could be related to why it bothers me for any immigrant in this country who still maintains strong ties to their culture. What is terrible about expecting people who come to our country to utilize our resources to adopt to our ways of life? I recognize that even within the US we have many different cultures but what I am referring to is if you come here you should learn our language and not dress in what your country expects you to. I live in S.Korea right now and my husband and I both have tried to learn some Korean (even had a class), ask questions about their cultures and what is expected, we try their foods and go to their restaurants…we are guests here so we try and not stick out like a sore thumb even more than we already do. The fact that we and our friends do it kind of makes me more angry that those who come to the US can't.
In regards to Dr. Richards' question about wearing/waving the Chinese flag…well, I have a problem with it. It is a big deal to me. Maybe it is because I am Republican and he did say that Republican's are the ones with the issues in regards to it. I just cannot imagine engulfing myself into another country's flag, especially when it is a country who hasn't done anything for me nor progressed my life in any way. He asks why isn't that okay but I ask, why is it okay? It could be I am more guarded towards to the flag and our country because of serving in the Marines and we have a certain code (God, Country, Corps) and the flag (colors) is a very big deal and is very highly regarded and respected in that community.
[Reply]
6/30/10
Lesson 12 blog response
Sam’s lectures about multiculturalism and the melting pot/ salad bowl were impressive in the sense that the US is so more different from other countries in the world. Everyone in the US was considered immigrants at one point or another in time in the history of the United States. I’m pretty sure that the United States is the most diverse country in the nation due to the opportunities that the US has today. The US is the cool kid in class that everyone else wants to be apart of. So people of other origins come to the US to be the best in the world. And it makes sense; a lot of immigrants come to the US for a better chance of living the life from the American dream. The only people who are truly non-immigrants are the Native Americans that were here first. And even then we are not sure where they come from. So in the beginning of America there were white colonist from Europe that made the US into what it is today roughly 500 years ago right? So with the advancement of technology and transportation, immigration and growth has exponentially increased in the US. So it will not take 500 years, but rather 50 years for immigrants in the rest of the world to migrate and be larger in numbers than the white people who took have been the majority in the US for so long. I think this is the reason for the feeling that white people get when they see that they will almost be minorities to people of color in the US. It just moves so much faster and we are not used to it. It makes us feel uncomfortable about being knocked off the biggest group list. That is the American way sometimes. The bigger the better, like the natural selection theory by Darwin. So I wished Sam did a better job at explaining why white people might have that feeling. That is the best that I can come up with according to my experiences and thoughts.
Also, I think most people are confused by the whole idea of a salad bowl and a melting pot. I generally hear the media state that the US is a big melting pot with all sorts of cultures interacting. This is true, but I think most people should think of a salad bowl of uneven proportions. As of now the white people are the lettuce, and the different minority groups are the add-ins, like walnuts, chicken, tomatoes, dressing. This way se can see how white people compare to the rest of the people of color either with respect to one group of color people or as all of people of color by not seeing the lettuce.
[Reply]
6/30/10
The numbers shown in this lecture were definitely surprising. I had my assumptions but the numbers shown really opened up my eyes. I do agree with Dr. Richards about how many democrats probably marked the answer to be politically correct but I can’t imagine that would make up most of the numbers. For the survey of people who “want to live in a more diverse community,” I was really surprised but the large difference from college graduates and high school graduates. When I thought about it more I understood. I was never aware of the different cultures of the world until I moved to college. I went to a 95% white school. If I would have stayed there after high school graduation, I would have been living a sheltered life. I really wouldn’t mind living with immigrants or in a diverse community. When I recently was in North Carolina, there were many Spanish speaking people living there. It didn’t bother me at all. They were no different from my family. I don’t think it really matters if I want to live in a more diverse community because I will be living in a diverse community one day.
I totally agree that there is no way that we can ignore the growth of multiculturalism. I also strongly agree that the US cannot afford to be xenophobic. I am trying to become fluent in Spanish. I feel that if you are bilingual it will help you out in the corporate world. The US mainly does business with many different countries. The only way that is going to continue is if people change to become more global. The video that showed where the planes travel everyday was amazing. I was just proving that globalism is upon us and it is not going to stop anytime soon. I loved the video of rap music around the world. They all were alike but very different at the same time. Everyone had the same kind of clothing, the same kind of movements and body language. Not only were the people alike, but so were the beats of the music. Rap music really is a global genre.
When Dr. Richards brought up the fact that one day white people were going to be the minority, it didn’t affect me at all. I really don’t think that this is a problem and I really don’t think that anyone should really worry about it.
I ‘m really glad that at the beginning of the LGBT lecture, Dr. Richards escorted God out of the room. I really think that sometimes when people talk about these issues, God is a very large factor that is brought up over and over again. I really don’t think that gay people flaunt their relationships like many people say they do. The examples that we were shown were great. I think that many people say that gay people flaunt their relationships because those people are not comfortable with gay people. I really think that gay people should be allowed to get married. The world has changed and is still changing. The government seems to have realized that in almost every issue except when it comes to gay marriage.
[Reply]
aks5248 Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 12:21 am
6/30/10 reply
About the LGBT community, the fact that god plays a huge role in deciding if LGBT people are allowed to live their lifestyle annoys me. I feel that the LGBT community will take twice as long if not longer than people of color to reach some form of equality, only because of the religion card that the majority of people play who are against the LGBT community. The bible says that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and people who don't agree with that are going to hell. The idea of going to hell is supposed to scare everyone straight. I think we have moved forward as a world into manipulation people with fear into living their lives. Religion works by scaring people from committing murder, and sadly it does the same for being gay or lesbian. If only we could re-write the bible to be more human rights friendly.
[Reply]
itsthatguy10 Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 1:42 am
06/30/10
What you said about not feeling uncomfortable around different cultures and the rap video go together. Sure the people in the rap video were emulating American rap music but reason they do this is because the thoughts and feelings they have about life in Germany or Lithuania are largely the same as in America and this is readily expressed through rap music. We really are not that different compared to other people around the world as we believe.
Also about the College graduate vs. High school graduate really is not that surprising. Going to college, even if it is largely white like PSU, gives you a wider view of the world because of classes like Soc119. So I do not find it surprising that the vote broke down that way.
[Reply]
Every culture forbid’s the gay, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender society no matter where you are raised. I was never taught by my parents that being gay was wrong but going to catholic school my whole life they made it very clear to their students that being gay is wrong and punishment will be made to those who are gay. Even though I am straight I always felt it was wrong for our teachers to say such awful things in class as I knew I was surrounded by many lesbians (going to an all catholic girls high school.)
I found it very interesting yet so true when Mr. Richards stated, “ More color people have a harder time accepting the LGBT group which may seem shocking because they don’t fit into the world because they are black.“ I find it crazy that they would make someone else feel uncomfortable when they know first hand how it feels (although I guess it’s a semi different situation it still seems unfair.)
[Reply]
sillyjuice Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 3:05 am
I can definitely relate to you on this one. I was also never taught by my parents that being gay was wrong either but I did go to a catholic school for most of my life before going to college. It was never really flat out said that LGBT was wrong, but you just got the vibe or it was sugar coded by many teachers and religious staff. I do also find it true that more colored people have a harder time accepting the LGBT group but I also find that older people find it harder to accept LGBT people too. I feel that it is definitely much harder to change an older person’s beliefs on certain issues, especially on LGBT.
[Reply]
I have a grandmother who is very religious and God forbid if I were gay I ever told her because I think she might have a heart attack on the spot. My grandmother goes to church every Sunday and prays over everything and anything. I guess you could say she’s the type of women who does everything by the book (or at least that’s what she likes to call it.) I wish she could have watched this lecture because I think its important for her to understand the gay world. She claims to do everything by the book but if I know my grandmother correctly she does not. That woman curses like a angry truck driver and I have seen her have her fair share of drinks. Also, although I don’t know nor do I care too know this detail,. I am almost sure she used protection during intercourse which is “against the book.” Everything does things wrong so why should the gay people suffer more for doing something “wrong.”
[Reply]
liz_11o Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 1:26 am
I totally understand where you are coming from with your posts. I was also raised Catholic and attended parochial school. At the time, I don't think I put too much thought into what exactly was being drilled into us as students. It was such a sheltered and biased view to be raised on. Now that I am older, and I think back to Catholic school and CCD class, it's almost sickening to really analyze what they were telling us, at such young kids. It is terrible to think that religion can be so hypocritical.
On the other hand, I also understand your story about your grandma. It sounded like you were exactly describing my grandmother too. She is a harmless woman, and has love for every single person on this earth but is simply just old-fashioned. For example, I have a very close knit family and have 10 first cousins that I see regularly. My cousin is gay and simply will not tell my grandma in fear of hurting her. Now it's not that would stop loving him, but it is just not how she was raised and would be too hard for her to change her views.
[Reply]
My step mom has had her gay friend Dave around for as long as I can remember. He is the funniest, most genuine guy I have ever met. My family loves him (even my dad who claims to be homophobic) and he comes over every holiday as if he were blood. Every since I was younger I always wanted a gay friend like Dave because I thought they were the greatest things created. I have yet to find myself a Dave but I can’t say I am not still looking for my gay maid of honor. I think gay people do not choose to be gay. I remember talking to him and he knew he was gay and about the age of eleven.
[Reply]
I remember when my car broke down on a street where cars could barely get by. I remember the cop saying to me “way to break down right here, your car cant move at all?” All pissed off I yelled back at him “do you really think I wanted to break down and if I could have moved my car don’t you think I would have?” Well let’s just say the cop was not to happy with me after that comment but I think the same situation applies for gay people. They do not choice to be gay, it is just something they are born with. I think it is wrong for people to not accept them due to something they can not help.
[Reply]
This lesson was very interesting. The topic concerning rap and hip hop got me thinking. What is the reason for this form of music to be the most widespread form of music in history? Does it mean that this is better than other forms of music? Or is it simply a coincidence that rap and hip hop are becoming popular during a period of intense globalization and the information age? I tend to agree with the latter, not that I don’t like rap and hip hop, but I believe it is just good timing as any ideas such as music can easily spread all over the world like never before due to things such as the internet. If the United States is the most multicultural country ever, then shouldn’t other countries want to be more like us? Instead of us learning Chinese to be able to do business with China, shouldn’t China want to learn our language(s) in order to be more like us?
[Reply]
This is just a thought. When Sam showed the slide saying that in 2050 the country would be almost half white and have people of color, what he said after I believe was slightly inaccurate. He said that this would mean that white people would then be the minority in this country. However, if half of the people are white and half of the people are anything but white, then white people would still be the majority. All white people are white, but some people of color are black and some are brown. Therefore, a quarter of the people would be black, a quarter would be brown, and half would still be white. So this would seem to say that white people would still be the majority. Even when two thirds of the people are of color, white people would have an equal percentage as black people and as brown people.
[Reply]
But none of this matters because, like Sam said, in 500 years everyone will be brown anyway. I used to think that most if not all gay people chose, to a degree, to be gay. However, I say used to because after this lesson I have reversed my opinion on this, though I still think a good number of people chose to be gay. Also, I have a different opinion on the gay erotica topic than Sam does. Erotica, buy its very nature, is intended to cause arousal. Therefore, whether erotica is geared towards your sexual orientation or not, it still would arouse most people at least a small amount. It’s the same thing with gay porn. When the brain or the body is subjected to sexual situations, it will trigger arousal regardless of the nature of the sex. This is a natural response.
[Reply]
ktb5071 Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 1:46 am
your totally right! I was thinking about what Dr. Richards said about the watching gay porn thing and your right. Or at least I agree with your theory that it's not the interaction between 2 women or 2 men that is pleasurable to straight people, it's just watching sexual intercourse in general is hot. With that being said, I think some people may get aroused by gay porn because it’s the "unknown" or the "forbidden fruit" which is always interesting unless it's some sick taboo. Also, I am very happy to hear that Dr. Richard’s made a convincing argument that being gay is not a choice. But, with that being said…I don’t think being gay is a choice (like I just stated haah) but I do think being bisexual might be a choice under certain circumstances.
[Reply]
First I’d like to touch on the first part of this week’s lecture – multiculturalism. I think the survey Dr. Richards provided was pretty typical of stereotypes. It makes a lot of sense which groups were more in favor of living in a more diverse community than others. Breaking it down, the first most obvious one that I think most people would be able to predict was that Democrats were more in favor than Republicans – especially the more liberal democrats. To be honest, if the statistics were the other way around I would have been very surprised. But an interesting point Dr. Richards brought up was that maybe many of these people within the statistics, especially in the area of the Democrats, is that maybe they felt they had to answer that way. It is interesting to think that people become sort of “trained” in their opinions based on what political party they are rather than actually thinking through each issue at hand. I definitely think that many people that label themselves Democrats are probably trained to be politically correct and answering questions towards the liberal side is pretty much second nature to them. This is why I truly don’t like the idea of identifying with a political party (which is a whole other topic in itself). But it just seems that once you categorize yourself in these groups, it is hard to form opinions differently from your most typical response. The next group that I was not surprised by was when it was broken into age group. It came to no surprise that the younger generation, as opposed to the 65+, were more in favor of more diversity within his or her environment. I think many of these individuals that can be referred to as senior citizens are just very old-fashioned. This is certainly true for my grandparents. They are in no way racist, but I think it is just hard for people who grew up in such a different time and world all together to really be able to accept the amazing progression our society has today. The last statistic comparison I want to mention is that of college grads versus high school grads. I know this statistic definitely rings true for if I was polled at both stages of my life. College really turns many individuals’ perspectives of the world and society around them – especially when you take classes like this!
The other thing I want to mention is from the LGBT part of the lecture. Growing up Catholic and attending parochial school, my brain was pounded with all the “sins” we commit. It is honestly amazing to me that in religion, being homosexual is a sin. It just makes me really angry to think that while religion and belief in a higher power, is in general supposed to something for individuals to feel accepted and welcomed into. It just seems that so much of religion is truly so hypocritical.
[Reply]
Something that made me very upset in one of the lectures was the obvious feelings from black audience members that they were opposed to homosexuality. (Side note: I’m not only talking to blacks, I’m talking to any person of minority who feels this way about gays but I’m choosing to say blacks because of what I have personally witnessed in both the lecture and my live life). This is an area of great interest to me because of the absolute, inarguable hypocrisy regarding it.
There are incredible parallels of the socially induced struggles both blacks and gays face living in America. To point out a few, both face personal oppression (job discrimination), laws against their freedoms (no need for an example), non-minorities uncomfortable emotions when in their presence (white’s assumption that blacks are judging them and the assumption that a homosexual is “unnatural”), and the utter fear non-minorities have of them (assuming every black person is dangerous and that every gay is checking out their package or in the process of ending the human civilization).
With that being said there are differences: blacks have been oppressed for longer and under much worse circumstances, making bigotry remarks towards a black is very much frowned upon today, but the same “political correctness” does not apply for gays (especially because most men see gays as incompetent at standing up for themselves). In addition, something I have learned from my interaction with white, republican, “waspy” college age men is their opinion on gays is much more cruel than that of blacks. Apperantly gays are “disgusting” and blacks are “loud, annoying”. I think things would be different if I lived in the south, maybe the republicans would be ruder and display more hatred towards blacks and call gay’s sinners or something.
The problem today though is the government gives the American people a distinct reason to have a problem with gays. By not allowing them to get married, or have children is saying to the public “they are not equal” furthermore giving the public permission to discriminate, giving the public permission to think they are better because they have these rights but the gays don’t.
Which brings me back to what I am upset about…If blacks are still talking about oppression and institutionalized racism or even harboring feelings regarding it while supporting gay discrimination, all validity to their words is gone in my opinion; because if they cant see the problem with their own intolerance, how can they expect that whites see a problem with being racist?
Being gay is not a choice. I am not gay. I am not religious. I am not some self proclaimed peace loving to the world girl. I am just emotional about this very subject. I just think it is really sad. I think it is sad that blacks have to wake up every day and know they are going to encounter some type of struggle, and because they know what this emotion feels like, it is really sad that they are not willing to put aside their feelings of homosexuality being “unnatural” and recognize that at one point they too were seen as unnatural. As we all know, at one point whites were so ashamed that they were attracted to blacks they had to hide it, lie about it, just like homosexuals have to hid being attracted to someone of the same sex.
What is “natural” is relative. But what is not relative is the feeling shared by both blacks and homosexuals; that feeling of being suppressed in society, the fear of scepticism on how a stranger will treat you, and the list goes on all because you are different.
[Reply]
JessOver Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:14 am
I agree completely regarding the hypocrisy that occurs when people of color who feel they are not treated equally and who call for bigotry to end themselves are against homosexually and equal rights being afforded to members of the LGBT community. No one can, on one hand, demand that they be treated as equals to others (mainly whites) in this country (and in the world) while on the other hand simultaneously treat LGBT individuals unequally and with the same bigotry they are protesting against. I think that before any semblance of equality is reaches in this country we must all put away our defensive and biased swords and actually believe that we are all equal regardless of our race, religion, sexual orientation, and overall beliefs.
[Reply]
06/30/10
In the lecture Richards made five points for multiculturalism and why MC will continue. I have some thoughts about the second point, globalization. I am not against globalization but I think it is worth arguing that globalization has a negative effect on MC. With globalization we are exposed to more and more cultures from around the world, but along with this comes a mash up of cultures. With the United States of America being a rich nation we see our culture bleeding into other societies and cultures. Capitalism is the important factor that drives globalization and a perfect example of this is McDonalds. McDonalds can be found in 125 countries around the world and there are over 31,000 restaurants around the world. This is just one example but with globalization our own western culture has spread around the world and overtaken parts of other cultures. Whether you see this is a good, bad, or neutral event is unimportant, what is important is to see how globalization does not necessarily promote MC. It can of course spread MC because we are given the opportunity to experience other cultures more and business does well to not be xenophobic but globalization can also cause a loss of culture by mashing multiple cultures together. I guess this goes with the fifth point about amalgamation and how the dominant group ultimately demands assimilation. While the example used for the fifth point was the “melting pot” of the USA I am talking about cultures found in countries other than our own.
The data on people who would like to live in a diverse area should be surprising to no one. There is a reason there was only two or three black republicans in the hundreds of students in the class. I do not like much about democrats but if you think republican policy is trying to help the lower or middle class then you are delusional. Of course people will make the argument that the “liberal” percentage is skewed because they want to appear to be not racist but I think this is overblown. People who voted they would to live in all white area probably would like to believe that the people who voted differently did it for bad or hypocritical reasons, but they are just lying to themselves. I like living in a diverse area, like the one I grew up in. I live in a suburb just outside of Philly that is very diverse. Despite being white when I am walking around Penn State it feels weird to me because of the large percentage of white people. I don’t mean it in a bad why like I hate white people or anything, it is just weird to be able to walk down the street and not see a black or brown person.
[Reply]
I think the statistics on those who would like to live in a more diverse community are interesting. Regardless of the differences in percentages, I think it’s important to recognize that overall those percentages are decently high. Yes, the more conservative Republicans were in the low 30%, but generally there was a higher percentage for the remaining groups. Now obviously to rid the country of racial issues it would be important, and necessary, to increase those percentages to something nearing 100%, but I think this shows progress from where we have been to a country with more acceptance of equality.
I think it’s inevitable for our country to become a more diverse country as the immigration into the US continues at relatively the same pace as it is currently.
I think the video on rap across the world was incredibly interesting. Sam is absolutely correct that it is a genre that has become globalized and that each of the rappers used the same hand motions dressed in similar attire and were most likely rapping about similar ideas. I find it interesting though that American music has infiltrated the world. Artists from here tour Europe, Asia, etc and when I have gone to other countries it was always interesting to see that in music stores the music that was popular here was just as popular in those countries as well. My point is that although genres of music may in themselves be popular in multiple countries, but regardless of the popularity of music made within a certain country, music from America is often just as popular. I just think it’s interesting to see the influence of America, even in something like music, is still quite high throughout the world.
Based on the kid’s comment about the double standard that he felt had been discussed regarding American’s not wanting to assimilate into the culture of another country and having that been looked down upon whereas those immigrants who move into the US aren’t expected to learn English. Now granted English isn’t technically our official language we are overall an English speaking country and if you move here you should be expected to assimilate into the American culture and learn to speak English. I think that should occur in any country. If you are interesting in moving to a foreign area you should also be interesting or willing to learn the culture integral to that country and that in itself includes how to speak their language.
I found that the statistic of only 1.1% of individuals wanted to live in an all colored neighborhood was actually rather surprising. I think it’s interesting that even people of color say they don’t want to live in a neighborhood of all color. Also, those percentage wanting to live in an all white neighborhood was also relatively low which I think it’s a good sign that move people want to move towards a society that is much more racially diverse
[Reply]
soitgoes00 Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:44 am
June 30, 2010
I think you make a good point on the whole “more diverse community” statistics. Though these numbers may seem low they were most likely lower years ago, which does show that we are becoming more accepting of other cultures and of immigrants, even if progress is slow. But some progress is better than no progress at all. Regarding the rap music, I too was really interested in the video. It was interesting to me because a lot of the rappers here are people of color, yet a lot of rappers from other countries were white. Also, when Dr. Richards pointed out that the rappers used the same hand gestures, I rewatched the video and was shocked to see that I had not noticed this before. I have friends who live in Germany and they always say that music from America is the most popular amongst them and their friends, though they release songs later in Germany than they do here.
[Reply]
soitgoes00 Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:45 am
June 30, 2010
I was actually listening to the radio the other day and they play the top song of other countries on their radio show, which is really interesting. I too agree with the double standard comment. I know that if I were moving somewhere I would WANT to learn the language so I fit in and adjusted better. Last, I think it is really great that people are open to somewhat mixed neighborhoods – again, though this may be progressing slowly, it can eventually lead to a bigger change.
[Reply]
June 30, 2010
Another part of the multiculturalism lecture that struck me was when Dr. Richards said “difference creates strength.” Different opinions by people of other cultures can help challenge and restructure one’s thoughts. If we were all brainstorming in a group that was similar to our own, we may not come up with that one “great idea” compared to if we were brainstorming in a group with people of diverse backgrounds. Everyone has a different side and opinion to offer, and this is truly helpful to innovation. Also, when talking about globalism, Dr. Richards said that the best major to take in college would be Chinese. I honestly could not agree more. I do not know of anyone taking Chinese, but I do have a friend who is taking Arabic as his major. I cannot begin to tell you how many job opportunities he has received because he is close to fluent in Arabic.
[Reply]