Comments for World In Conversation Project

Comment on Voices from the Classroom by unbornkitten

unbornkitten — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:29:28 +0000

Off the top of my head, I can’t recall any interracial couples I know personally. I can also say that I don’t recall having feelings for or being sexually attracted a black woman. I’m sure if I ran into the right person who really wooed me, then maybe. But all the girls I have liked have been of my race. But at the same time I can’t say I have too many friends that are different races (especially the opposite gender AND a different race).
I’m perfectly open to interracial relationships, and pretty much everything else. None of that kind of stuff bothers me, period. If you’re gay, cool. If you’re white and you marry a black woman, cool. But personally, I just wouldn’t want to marry a black woman. I’m white and I want to marry a white woman. I also want to marry a Jewish woman because I am Jewish.
I am a male, and can hardly recall times I have interacted with a black female in any way, shape or form. I guess it is kind of sad that I can’t say I have ever had a real conversation with a black woman, at least a conversation that I can remember. So why would my mind be totally open to marrying a black woman when I haven’t talked to many/any black women?
So what would happen if a black girl sat down next to me one day and we had a nice conversation? Not sure, but if that ever does happen I’ll think of this blog post. I will literally ask myself on the spot, “Hey, what would I think about marrying this black woman, myself being a white Jew.” It’s kind of a strange question to ask because I certainly wouldn’t do the same if some white girl sat down next to me. But I guess it’s sad to say that this blog post is the only thought I have ever given to the thought of myself marrying a black woman. It never really even entered my mind. Therefore, my personal opinions on what I think of interracial marriage and other stuff like that are nothing more than what has been typed in this blog post, and maybe some random mind wanderings I have done in the past that I can’t remember now. If you want to get married to someone, go ahead. I don’t care who it is as long as they are not going to be a physical or mental threat. So why don’t I apply the same thinking to myself? Why should I care about marrying a black woman if she isn’t going to be a mental or physical threat? I’m white. When I envision my future (and maybe getting married) I just picture my wife being white. But if my wife ends up being black, then the white woman that I had pictured marrying all those times simply becomes black too. I just imagine my life in white because I am white.

Comment on Voices from the Classroom by aaron13251

aaron13251 — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:41:33 +0000

I would like to start by making it clear that anything contained in this post is not meant as an attack on anyone and it may just be that I did not select my words as carefully as I could have. Any discussion relating to race is one in which people tend to walk the fine line and express their opinions in a way in which they hope to not upset other people. During class there was a comment made in reference to minorities and acceptance into colleges. Just like every other situation or argument, I do not think there is one simple solution or correct view on this issue. For every “rule” there are thousands of exceptions. This is why I believe it is impossible to say that minorities or people of color always receive preferential treatment while applying to colleges. However, I do believe that at times minorities do receive some extra benefits that are not afforded to the majority. I consider this a fact and do not think it could be disputed. Colleges and universities, some not all, have gone on record and stated that race is sometimes taken into consideration in the admissions process. This is generally seen as an effect of racial quotas or trying to achieve a specific range of diversity within the student population. I am a huge opponent of affirmative action and policies that are all for the sake of diversity. There is no secret formula or perfect mixture for the diversity that should exist. I believe that the amount of diversity that exists in a student population should occur naturally, and be there as a result of performance and merit only. Too often universities try to achieve diversity through forced racial quotas. They have policy that their population must be made up of a certain percentage of different races. At times, these policies negatively affect other races or applicants. One applicant may be denied admission into the school just because the school needed to fill that position with a minority. Also, achieving the diversity that a school seeks is not always possible. There just may not be enough qualified minorities interested in the school or in the general area in order to fulfill the diversity quotas. Due to this the schools must get creative in order to reach the quotas. What seems to be the most common method for reaching the diversity quotas is altering the admissions criteria. This generally is done by lowering the standards that are needed for acceptance into the school. These lowered selection criteria are only applied to the racial or minority group that the school is trying to reach its quota for. Would minorities rather be handed the chance to study at a prestigious university or would they rather that right like their fellow classmates? I know how I would answer that question, but how would you?

Comment on Voices From The Classroom by granesele

granesele — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:30:26 +0000

Language is a very important part of a person’s culture. I believe that having a universal language is a ridiculous notion. As an American citizen I think it is wrong for us to expect others coming into our country to learn our language. We are known as the “melting pot”, taking in different cultures, and conglomerating them into our own. The diversity of the people in America makes it what it is, and language is an essential part of communication. Communication makes up culture, and thus comes back around to make up the diversity of America. I will talk about Spanish speaking people for a little why only because it is the most prevalent issue in America. Coming to America and speaking Spanish is very important for Hispanic and Latino families. When you enter a new country, it is one of the only way to fluently communicate. If you have ever been in foreign country that is not English speaking, it is very frustrating trying to communicate. Even if you do know a little bit of the language there, its hard to have confidence when speaking their language, because you do not want to sound stupid. With more and more Spanish speaking people coming to America it makes it easier for them to communicate and live comfortably. Why, if in a few years our population will be mostly Spanish speaking, should we make them speak English? English is required to learn in most other countries at a very young age. Shouldn’t we, having English as our first language, learn a second language (such as Spanish) because it will help us out in the long run? Especially people going into helping professions such as nursing, social work, or teaching, where communication is essential, wouldn’t it be best for the people we helped to communicate to them in a language that they already know? If they are already in a tough situation, shouldn’t we help them out as best we can, which includes speaking to them in a language that they are must comfortable speaking? Who are we to be so narrow minded to say that they must be the ones to conform to our norms? Why can’t we change, open our eyes a little, and see that there are other people out there besides us, who would have just as much trouble learning a new language? We need to put ourselves in other peoples shoes and stop being so narrow minded. Language is essential to culture, and family, something that is the bas of all societies. Without culture, we lose a sense of family, heritage, kinship, and ties that is essential for us as individuals to understand who we are. Language is just at the base of it. Instead of narrowing our minds to say that non-English speakers should learn English, we should be more accepting, and learn someone else’s language.

Comment on Voices From The Classroom by flyingprinters

flyingprinters — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:01:29 +0000

This really is not an illegal immigration issue, nor an issue unique to the United States. Throughout the years of the United States’ history, there have been multiple periods where certain ethic groups immigrated to the United States in mass numbers. It just so happens that the current group is people from Central America. Regardless, these groups throughout history brought their own cultures and languages with them. In fact, many of our family trees’ stretch back to someone who did just that. Coincidentally, English happened to become the dominant language. Popular opinion seems to be that in the past, ethnic groups that immigrated to the United States were more than willing to learn English and that current Central American immigrants are not. This, however, could not be further from the truth. These peoples were simply interested in a better life for themselves with the language and culture of the place they were moving to being an afterthought. The same is somewhat true for the current wave of immigrants. Speaking predominately Spanish, Sam in class claimed that by the third generation of these immigrants, 95% of them will speak English. So is English endangered in the United States at all? Hardly.

Moreover, the topic of illegal immigration itself is a hot topic in politics today. Is it worth spending the amount of money spent fighting it, or better to just accept it? The answer to that question quickly slides into another topic completely; the War on Drugs. The biggest problem with southern border security is the flow of illegal drugs across the border and the violence that comes along with it. Quite simply, if any politician was truly serious about curbing or even stopping the vast majority of border violence he would work to legalize at least Marijuana. This would immediately cut off the drug cartels main source of income and force many of them out of business. From here, border violence would dramatically decrease and the threat to the security of the United States posed by the southern border would also dramatically decrease. This would mean that the illegal immigrants crossing the border would be those looking for a better life, rather than those trying to smuggle drugs (yes, some drugs would still be smuggled as they are still illegal, but the majority of them would be no longer).

Furthermore, all of this talk from the Republican camp about stopping illegal immigration by force by simply throwing money at the problem goes against current Republican rhetoric in two ways. 1.) Throwing more money at a problem does not necessarily help solve the problem and will only causing government spending to increase; something that any would-be Republican is essentially must be against. 2.) Republicans are die-hard capitalists; believing in working one’s way to a better life. Immigrants from Central America want to come to the United States to work for a better life, why should they not be allowed? That seems a little hypocritical.

In all, I believe that illegal immigration needs to be taken a close look at and have the laws relating to it relaxed, but that it should not have the flood gates opened to immigration. Like everything else in life, it is only beneficial in moderation, or in this case, government regulation.

Comment on Voices from the Classroom by ava703

ava703 — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:41:37 +0000

I agree with that statement. I think that white people would not get offended if a black person said that they didn't want a white baby but they might think black people would get offended vice versa. I think the issue of racism to black people is more offensive than racism of white people because white people don't really have history of being racially discriminated against. For example a black person could get seriously offended by being called a nigger, but a white person wouldn't normally get offended after being called a cracker or a honky, those words just aren't very offensive. So white people might see the race issue a very touchy subject to black people and hold back what they think when around black people, but black people don't see a touchy race subject for white people.

Comment on Voices From The Classroom by maw5435

maw5435 — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:20:43 +0000

My views on immigration and illegal residents are always changing it seems like. Before, I did not know much details on the subject and therefore had a misguided opinion. However, after hearing all of the facts in class I think my opinion has really changed. That Colbert Report video was so eye opening, in my opinion, and it really showed how much immigrants are helping out our country. In regards to the subject of if we should make a national language or not, I do not have a strong opinion on either side. I think that because English is the most common language spoken in America, that if someone is planning on immigrating to make a better life for themselves, that it is in their best interest to learn the native language. Because not many Americans speak multiple languages, it would be difficult for them to assimilate into society without speaking English. However, I think that it is rude and disrespectful to deny someone service just because they cannot communicate verbally. The story about Gino’s in Philadelphia that someone brought up in class absolutely disgusts me! It is true that if a customer cannot tell the cashier what they want, then they will not get what they want, but it is not necessary to put a sign out in your store saying to only order in English! Imagine traveling to a foreign country and being shunned for your language! That being said though, I do think that immigrants who are planning to live in our country should try and learn the language to better fit in. Also, I do not think that it is necessary to make a complete national language. What good would it do? The people who are not planning on learning English still would not. There would not be a law saying that everyone who does not know English needs to leave, because that would be impossible to keep track of. Having a national language would also make us as a country sound arrogant in my opinion. We are already known as citizens who know only one language as we discussed in class, and if we made our language a national one, then it would make that stereotype even stronger. One of my dreams is to travel all over Europe and Asia, and I think that I am blessed to speak English because it is the most popular language, however, when I go to a country, I want to try my best to learn parts of the native language there, whatever it might be. Even though I do not have experience, I would assume that people in these countries would be very accommodating in helping me to learn the language, and I hope to become a country that does that as well.

Comment on Voices from the Classroom by aol5210

aol5210 — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:29:13 +0000

I think the issue of discrimination has taken a reversal in role. These days, white people don’t discriminate as much on black people than before. Instead, black people are starting to rise up and discriminate towards others. In a sense, black people seem to think that they have the right to talk about other people in a careless way. The same idea applies to black people adopting children. Because of the history between white and black people, black people have an excuse when it comes to not wanting to adopt white children. Whereas, when white people refuse to adopt black children, it will seem as if they’re discriminating based on skin color. There is really no other reason to why people look at this issue this way. Yet, when asked if they would ever adopt a black child, white people are cautious and say “yes” instead of “no” because they are afraid of offending black people. Even though deep down in their heart they may want to say “no” because of the cultural difference (which is a totally fine excuse), they say “yes” because it will be seen as discrimination if they don’t. This is the disadvantage that white people have against black people. The relationship between them have developed to a point where black people now have the upper hand and can now say whatever they please simply because of the way they were treated hundreds of years ago.
It is clear that many white people still have some kind of prejudice towards black people. Look around campus, all the black people hang out with black people. All the white people hang out with white people. In a sense, our campus is very segregated. In class, there were girls who said that they would be fine with adopting black children. Yet, look at the statistics. How many white people in America actually have adopted children who are black? Not many. They say they will, but they really don’t.
In my opinion, I think everyone should have an equal voice in America. No matter what the history is between white and black people, it should be okay for white people to say “no” to adopting black children without receiving weird looks. Likewise, it should be okay for black people to say “no” to adopting white children. We shouldn’t judge based on one word. We should judge based on reasoning. And that’s one thing I think Americans lack—the ability to reason with others and understand why they want and don’t want to do something. If we can adhere to listening to others patiently and realize every individuals’ ideals, then racial discrimination and prejudice would disappear and a sense of social integration throughout every ethnic group will be established.

Comment on Voices from the Classroom by phw5013

phw5013 — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:10:21 +0000

After this lecture, I really thought about societies perceptions of interracial relationships and adoption. First of all, I am a white female who is extremely liberal about interracial relationships. In terms of adoption, I have always been set and will continue to be set on adopting a baby from another country. I grew up in a somewhat privileged community, and I have always stood by the fact that it is not fair that some children do not have that privilege. It’s not their fault that they were born with a bad stack of cards. The race of adopting would not affect the love I would have for that baby. A life is a life, no matter the color, religion, or beliefs.
In terms of dating someone from another race, I know my immediate family would not care what they looked like. However, I do believe the community and area I come from would have a different opinion, unfortunately. I have grown up in a primarily white catholic area. People are very set in their ways and beliefs. My hometown would not voice their opinions but it would be a hush hush, whisper kind of thing. I believe it would be the same way with sperm from another race. People would question and look down upon that child. For that kind of reason, I will not be moving back to my area. While I know I am making a blanket statement for the area, I do realize that there are people like my family who are more liberal and realize that life isn’t just one way. I believe my aunts and uncles would have the same type of reaction of my community. They have the same reaction with different religions. If I was dating someone who was Jewish they would probably have problems with it. They wouldn’t out right say they didn’t like that person or they had a problem with his race/religion, but there would be gossiping.
Overall, I hope my area begins to realize how close-minded they can be. You cannot help who you are attracted to, so welcoming would be better than consuming your life with gossip and hatred. That applies to children as well. Adoption is a great thing for people who cannot get pregnant or for people who just want another baby or to help an innocent kid. People should not judge or frown upon a child who is a different race of their parents. I hope when I adopt my child, and whatever race that child is, that he/she does not have to deal with some of those statistics that I learned in class. I also hope that the my child doesn’t have to deal with the gossip or whispers of the society I grew up in.

Comment on Voices from the Classroom by hcp5

hcp5 — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:50:49 +0000

When Sam asked who would adopt a child from another race or have a sperm donor of another race I think people felt like they had to say they wouldn’t care. Obviously no one would raise their hand and say no to either of those questions because they would be looked at as racist and people
would have a lot to say to them. As much as no one spoke up, I think there were a lot of people who would maybe not be so quick to adopt a child of another race and especially not approve of a sperm donor of another race.

As much as I would like to be accepting of having a family with mixed races, I don’t know that would do that. I would be much more open to adopting a child of another race than having a sperm donor, but I still feel like I would hesitate, or at least think about what I was doing. Maybe I don’t understand because I was never in that situation, and if I saw a child who needed a home, regardless of race, maybe I would feel completely differently. As of a sperm donor, especially if I was married, I would want my husband and my child to look similar to both of us.

I’m sure a lot of people feel this same way, but it is awkward and uncomfortable to say. I feel like I am saying the wrong thing and I shouldn’t feel this way. I’m not sure why my views are the way they are. I was brought up in a home that was accepting of various races and I have friends that are all different races. In general I would say the people I am closest to are white, but I don’t purposely avoid becoming close with other races. Maybe society has helped shape my opinions. I am constantly faced with people talking about racism whether it is in person or in the media. I never thought any of those conversations or movies or whatever had an impact on me, but maybe they do. I wouldn’t say I am opposed to people of different races dating, I have many friends who do, I just cannot see myself doing that. I think people who do date people of other races get looked at twice since it is not as common, or “normal”, which is kind of weird considering how things are today. Everyone always says they are so open to any race and try not to be racist, but racism seems to be apparent no matter what.

I try not to be judgmental, and obviously I don’t want to be looked at as racist. Hearing how bad white supremacy is in class was really shocking, because I had no idea it was so prominent still today. As much as I want to say the world is changing and coming closer together, from what Sam said in class, it seems like racism is always going to be an issue.

Comment on Voices from the Classroom by jms6452

jms6452 — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:27:41 +0000

I think that it depends on each individual case but I do know people who have checked off a minority box in hopes of increasing their chances. One of my friends classifies herself as white but has a very small amount of Native American blood in her. You would never be able to tell by looking at her that she has this ancestry, and she has never really tried to learn anything about her ancestors. When we were applying to colleges, I can remember one specific time when this issue of checking off a minority box came up. We were both applying to a school in Boston. I had better grades than she did and I was confident that I would get into the school. I asked her what she thought her chances of getting accepted were and she said, " I don't know. It's a good school, but I have the Native American thing on my side". I had honestly forgotten that she was Native American and I couldn't believe that she was allowed to use this to get a step up in the application process.
She said that her advisor had instructed her to check the box off because colleges have to meet diversity quotes and this would be the perfect thing to ensure that she got accepted. I understand that she had the grades and most likely would have gotten into the college even if she hadn't checked the box, I just think that it is very unfair that she was able to essentially secure her place by being Native American.
While this story is shocking I would like to think that it doesn’t happen very often. I don’t think that minority students all apply to colleges that are out of their reach because they think that being a minority will help them get in. They check the box of their race just like every Caucasian student does. It wouldn’t bother me if they did have a slight advantage over white students because I think if there weren’t diversity quotas that many universities would basically become all white campuses. The only thing that bothers me is when people check the minority box when they have no right to. The question should be, “ What race do you identify with?” instead of “ What race are you?” because my friend certainly does not identify with the Native American race, even though she technically has some Native American blood.
I don’t look at the minority students on campus and think that the only reason they are here is because of their race. I hope that people don’t abuse the minority box on applications, but it doesn’t affect me that much so I don’t think it is a big problem