“How Jews became white folks” is an informative article that talks about what allowed Jews to become a privileged group. Brodkin describes how the G.I bill allowed the Jews to get the education that they desperately needed to assimilate into the society. This bill also allowed them to have a place to stay and a job to work at. Brodkin tells about how because of their newfound assimilation, instead of being discriminated against, even they had begun discriminating towards the oppressed groups.
During this time, as described by Brodkin, three different groups of Europeans had immigrated to America. In this large immigration, there were three different groups of Europeans. The Nordics, the Jews and the Mediterranean’s. Of these three groups, one group assimilated easier than the other two. When the G.I bill was produced in 1944, Brodkin says, Jews took advantage. They were able to go to school and therefore become higher educated than the other groups and better educated than those of color. Though they had higher education, this was not the only reason for their slightly easier assimilation. Because most saw the “American” to be a white person with an English language, the Jews seemed to fit right in. This higher education allowed them to get better jobs and better homes to support families. They were still discriminated against in that they were a lot of times unable to hold higher cooperate jobs. To go along with all of this, the other groups such as African Americans were able to take no gain from this experience. The G.I bill was fit to help them, but somehow they were once again “screwed over” on the whole deal. The “red line’ came into play, which once again discriminated against blacks and even what neighborhood they were allowed to settle in. Those African Americans who were here first and had been trying their best to fit in were still looked down upon even by those who had just got here.
Why is it that though the African Americans were here first, they got looked right past? I believe, and many others would agree, that the only reason they were passed by the Jews was because of the color of their skin. The G.I bill had originally been fit to help even the blacks become educated, housed and employed. Our American government, I believe has always found ways to work around what’s on paper and make things just how they want them, which in this case I believe hurt the whole American society.
When I read this article I didn’t know about this G.I bill or anything that came along with it. I believe that those who work the hardest deserve what they get, and when all these African Americans got looked right passed just due to a tone of skin, I once again felt like I need to apologize. Our society has always been so messed up, I think its time we look past skin, and start seeing people.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Why I hate abercromie and Fitch
“Why I Hate Abercrombie and Fitch” Is an interesting article with an authors interesting point of view. The article is started out based on a question. “Why do gay men wear Abercrombie and Fitch?” This question is frequently referred to throughout the article, but it also gives you a little history on the company and what it is supposed to stand for. Along with a history, the author brings into perspective the important things that most of us do not ever realize.
The store of “Abercrombie” was originally opened for those who could afford it. McBride (the author) tells how the store was opened as a store to fit both men and women. This look that David Abercrombie was trying to create was that of the American. The American outdoorsman, fisherman or just what “people should think of” when they think of the American. This quote from the reading helps to better express what I have just stated: “Abercrombie has worked hard to produce a brand strongly associated with a young, white, upper-class, and leisure lifestyle.” The idea that gay men wear this type of clothing was not because of the “style” of the clothing itself, but merely the image that it created for them. The author talks about how in almost every gay bar he had been in, there were many men sporting the Abercrombie line of clothing. This look is one that is now seen by many to be for those of a higher status and a “leisure lifestyle” which is what many fantasize about.
Now that you understand what type of look this creates for people, you must see what is left out. If you have ever seen an add from the Abercrombie stores or anything, you may have noticed the fact that most of the models are white. Yeah, maybe there may be a few other races in there every now and again, but mostly white, physically fit, young good looking people. The idea of supporting their own image seems important to them, but because of this they have even faced a lawsuit. They have been accused of not hiring certain people, not because they weren’t qualified, but because they didn’t fit the look. This store has proven itself to McBride to be a really biased store about their idea of what the image of a real American looks like.
How does this affect everyone in our society? Because this store has been brought to the attention of everyone, many now have all new views. Many believe that this is the “real American look” and others believe otherwise. Not only have they created this image, but they have shown a bit of discrimination by not hiring those of other groups who don’t fit the look.
After reading this, I learned something new again. Not only did I never realize what look they were trying to create, but I never knew the discrimination that went on. I personally was thinking about applying for a job there over the summer, but now after reading this, i'm afraid that I also may not fit the look and I don’t even want to try. A real American to me is anyone who believes they are and anyone who stands up for what they believe is right. And by going and applying for a job there, I would not be supporting what I believe is right. This now, “is why I hate Abercrombie”
The store of “Abercrombie” was originally opened for those who could afford it. McBride (the author) tells how the store was opened as a store to fit both men and women. This look that David Abercrombie was trying to create was that of the American. The American outdoorsman, fisherman or just what “people should think of” when they think of the American. This quote from the reading helps to better express what I have just stated: “Abercrombie has worked hard to produce a brand strongly associated with a young, white, upper-class, and leisure lifestyle.” The idea that gay men wear this type of clothing was not because of the “style” of the clothing itself, but merely the image that it created for them. The author talks about how in almost every gay bar he had been in, there were many men sporting the Abercrombie line of clothing. This look is one that is now seen by many to be for those of a higher status and a “leisure lifestyle” which is what many fantasize about.
Now that you understand what type of look this creates for people, you must see what is left out. If you have ever seen an add from the Abercrombie stores or anything, you may have noticed the fact that most of the models are white. Yeah, maybe there may be a few other races in there every now and again, but mostly white, physically fit, young good looking people. The idea of supporting their own image seems important to them, but because of this they have even faced a lawsuit. They have been accused of not hiring certain people, not because they weren’t qualified, but because they didn’t fit the look. This store has proven itself to McBride to be a really biased store about their idea of what the image of a real American looks like.
How does this affect everyone in our society? Because this store has been brought to the attention of everyone, many now have all new views. Many believe that this is the “real American look” and others believe otherwise. Not only have they created this image, but they have shown a bit of discrimination by not hiring those of other groups who don’t fit the look.
After reading this, I learned something new again. Not only did I never realize what look they were trying to create, but I never knew the discrimination that went on. I personally was thinking about applying for a job there over the summer, but now after reading this, i'm afraid that I also may not fit the look and I don’t even want to try. A real American to me is anyone who believes they are and anyone who stands up for what they believe is right. And by going and applying for a job there, I would not be supporting what I believe is right. This now, “is why I hate Abercrombie”
Erasing Race
The article,” Erasing Race”, is an opinionated article that expresses the idea that technology erases race over the internet. By using the internet, people are able to create a “new self” and new identities that may or may not represent who they really are. In the article it tells about how sometimes the idea of race is not apparent on the internet and that because of this our communication over the internet is changed.
This quote: “[you] must assemble a virtual self. While the elements of identity that are offered to users vary from world to world, the general act of creating a persona within the world does not change.”, is a big idea of what this article is about. The idea of creating a “virtual self” allows others to not be so judgmental and actually listen to what you have to say in many cases. Weather it be through words or just your language, many people are able to make their own assumptions about a person. The author talks about how when you’re new identity is created online, no one person can be able to tell your exact race unless you tell it yourself. Because of this many people are automatically assumed white which tends to privilege most people. “The lack of an @race property means that the MUD is an environment where racial identity is presumed to be either irrelevant or homogeneous.” We today, have been more and more dependant on these online networks to kind of create a whole new society. Because our online communication has increased so much, people are now tending to create online identities that are not “true identities”. These are becoming less about who the person really is and more about what looks more appealing to any certain online network.
Why is it that people can’t even be their “true self” anymore? I believe that so many people have been using the internet to communicate now days because they are afraid of what others will think of them. Many people create false identities and make others believe false things about them just to accept. The idea of race has become such a big deal to our society that some chose to hide it from others and allow it to be “erased” by cyberspace.
In my eyes, our society has allowed itself to become so judgmental that it is now causing people to hide who they are. A person should be proud of who they are and not have to use cyberspace to communicate just so they can hide that. Cyberspace has allowed race to be “erased” and I think that this is something that is a big problem in our society and it looks like its just growing rapidly.
This article has shown me an idea that I had never really thought of. I now am realizing these things online, little things I have never noticed before, and I can say that I am in a way upset about what our society has come to.
This quote: “[you] must assemble a virtual self. While the elements of identity that are offered to users vary from world to world, the general act of creating a persona within the world does not change.”, is a big idea of what this article is about. The idea of creating a “virtual self” allows others to not be so judgmental and actually listen to what you have to say in many cases. Weather it be through words or just your language, many people are able to make their own assumptions about a person. The author talks about how when you’re new identity is created online, no one person can be able to tell your exact race unless you tell it yourself. Because of this many people are automatically assumed white which tends to privilege most people. “The lack of an @race property means that the MUD is an environment where racial identity is presumed to be either irrelevant or homogeneous.” We today, have been more and more dependant on these online networks to kind of create a whole new society. Because our online communication has increased so much, people are now tending to create online identities that are not “true identities”. These are becoming less about who the person really is and more about what looks more appealing to any certain online network.
Why is it that people can’t even be their “true self” anymore? I believe that so many people have been using the internet to communicate now days because they are afraid of what others will think of them. Many people create false identities and make others believe false things about them just to accept. The idea of race has become such a big deal to our society that some chose to hide it from others and allow it to be “erased” by cyberspace.
In my eyes, our society has allowed itself to become so judgmental that it is now causing people to hide who they are. A person should be proud of who they are and not have to use cyberspace to communicate just so they can hide that. Cyberspace has allowed race to be “erased” and I think that this is something that is a big problem in our society and it looks like its just growing rapidly.
This article has shown me an idea that I had never really thought of. I now am realizing these things online, little things I have never noticed before, and I can say that I am in a way upset about what our society has come to.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
My facebook analysis is from a guy that I randomly met a few weeks ago. This young man is a white male, who is gay. On his facebook page, it shows that he is “interested in men” so everyone else now is aware of it. Under his interests he also has things and events that aren’t considered very “masculine” by many. Activities such as tennis, singing, and piano playing. This is about the main thing that I was able to find that seemed to relate to our course work. This young mans sexual orientation hasn’t seemed to effect his ability to thrive socially, which in a way contradicts a lot of what we have talked about in class. Though many of his pictures give good reason to prove that he is “homosexual” that’s just a perception that everyone has at one point or another about a certain person. Many things on this page give hints to a “homosexual” lifestyle. I have a lot of respect for this young man because of his pride in who and what he is. I don’t think that it’s fair for people to look at gay people any different than anyone else, or for employers to do so as well. A person is still a person, no matter what their sexual preferences may be.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Takaki chp. 6
Once again, this chapter, going along with all his other chapters, is an informational chapter. Takaki uses chapter six to focus on the Irish immigrants, and their immigration to the Americas. While doing this, Takaki talks about the reason for their comming over and how they were treated once they were here.
To open the chapter Takaki tries to clear up the false general idea that most Irish came to America because they had to. Takaki states that this is incorrect, because it was actually a matter of want versus need. They felt the need to escape the English, and the English’s will to take over the land. The English began to force the Irish into poverty, thus creating a strong will to escape to a place with more opportunities (America). Takaki gives a crude figure on PG 143, that about 1,000,000 Irish died because of them being forced into poverty and making them starve and become easily exposed to disease. On top of the English taking their land, they also had to deal with a famine where their key crop (potatoes) was ruined. The Irish were able to be more successful Americas, one reason being that there were many job opportunities here. Railways were in need of workers and many other ways of transportation were in need of improvement. Even though the opportunities were plentiful, the treatment wasn’t what they had expected. They were treated poorly and were seen only by their stereotype. This being that they were lazy, drunk bums who were no better than blacks. Even though many saw them as equal to blacks, they became racist against the blacks as well. Takaki finishes up the chapter by telling us about the women and their work in America. Most women became maids or housekeepers, and did the best they could to get their children educated so that they would never have to go through what they had. The Irish were treated badly when they immigrated over here by the English, but yet were more quickly able to blend into the American society because they were a white group of people who were brought up Christian. The American society saw this as acceptable and what was wanted to help the country grow. Takaki explained all of this and was able to once again emphasize the privilege of being part of a white, Christian group.
Is there any remaining evidence of this treatment of the Irish still today? I don’t believe that there is really much evidence of this in today’s society. The only evidence that I am aware of is the stereotypes that were given to them. Irish are still seen by some as lazy drunks who would rather be out drinking than working to help their families. Many Irish men were seen as selfish, and were said to spend their little money they earned on “booze”. Just as in many other cases, the stereotype of a group of people has tended to stick throughout our society.
I have to admit that what I read was kind of an already known thing. I’m not sure if anyone is familiar with the book “Angela’s Ashes”, but it is an amazing book that I read in high school about an Irish family. Much of what Takaki talked about was described in this book, and was previously learned information. I personally wish that people could start looking past stereotypes and learn about the person as an individual. People aren’t all the same, so lets make an effort to "see the problem, and talk about what we can do to fix it"(Johnson).
To open the chapter Takaki tries to clear up the false general idea that most Irish came to America because they had to. Takaki states that this is incorrect, because it was actually a matter of want versus need. They felt the need to escape the English, and the English’s will to take over the land. The English began to force the Irish into poverty, thus creating a strong will to escape to a place with more opportunities (America). Takaki gives a crude figure on PG 143, that about 1,000,000 Irish died because of them being forced into poverty and making them starve and become easily exposed to disease. On top of the English taking their land, they also had to deal with a famine where their key crop (potatoes) was ruined. The Irish were able to be more successful Americas, one reason being that there were many job opportunities here. Railways were in need of workers and many other ways of transportation were in need of improvement. Even though the opportunities were plentiful, the treatment wasn’t what they had expected. They were treated poorly and were seen only by their stereotype. This being that they were lazy, drunk bums who were no better than blacks. Even though many saw them as equal to blacks, they became racist against the blacks as well. Takaki finishes up the chapter by telling us about the women and their work in America. Most women became maids or housekeepers, and did the best they could to get their children educated so that they would never have to go through what they had. The Irish were treated badly when they immigrated over here by the English, but yet were more quickly able to blend into the American society because they were a white group of people who were brought up Christian. The American society saw this as acceptable and what was wanted to help the country grow. Takaki explained all of this and was able to once again emphasize the privilege of being part of a white, Christian group.
Is there any remaining evidence of this treatment of the Irish still today? I don’t believe that there is really much evidence of this in today’s society. The only evidence that I am aware of is the stereotypes that were given to them. Irish are still seen by some as lazy drunks who would rather be out drinking than working to help their families. Many Irish men were seen as selfish, and were said to spend their little money they earned on “booze”. Just as in many other cases, the stereotype of a group of people has tended to stick throughout our society.
I have to admit that what I read was kind of an already known thing. I’m not sure if anyone is familiar with the book “Angela’s Ashes”, but it is an amazing book that I read in high school about an Irish family. Much of what Takaki talked about was described in this book, and was previously learned information. I personally wish that people could start looking past stereotypes and learn about the person as an individual. People aren’t all the same, so lets make an effort to "see the problem, and talk about what we can do to fix it"(Johnson).
Monday, March 5, 2007
Johnson Chapter 3
The white male is recognized as the highest paid group of all. “Capitalism” Johnson explains in chapter three is a big part of privilege in our society today. The example above is proof that Johnson shows, stating that it is a big deal in gender and race.
Johnson opens this chapter with an interesting fact that had the potential of catching every ones eye. He lets the reader know that white racism didn’t show up in society until the idea of capitalism came about. Many don’t understand what capitalism is, so Johnson explained and defined capitalism to the reader. Pretty much, in Johnson’s explanation, in capitalism money is used only to turn and make more money. Knowing this, he then makes the reader aware of how unfair capitalism is. Some may end up with a lot of money, while there is a large portion that ends up with almost none and struggling to survive on what they have. Cheap labor was a big influence in all of this. Johnson informs us about cheap labor of the Chinese on the western railroad systems. He explains how unfairly paid and worked these people were, and how the whites justified what they did. The whites used their whiteness, as superiority over other groups. Johnson explains to the reader how capitalism and privilege can be so confusing to many. Many people may be able to be in good standing socially because of the amount of money they make, yet because of the certain group they are associated with, this good standing may be thrown right out the window. Race, sexual orientation, gender, and class are all connected in that they can all determine your ability to feel privileged in today’s society.
Why can what group you belong to determine how privileged you are in society still today? I think that there is no legitimate answer to this. I believe that no matter what group you belong to, you still work just as hard as any other, or at least have the ability to work to get where you are. As we discussed in class, any person, no matter what gender, race, sexual orientation, or disability status, can be able to work just as hard as any other and accomplish just as much as any other. The answer many may give is all going to boil back down to history and privilege in history. Maybe its time to reconsider what we have thought in the past?!
I personally found this chapter to be once again, previously obtained information. I had learned in high school, about how different groups earned different amount of money than others. I don’t think that its right that people are able to do that to one another, but its part of our history. I wish it could all change and everyone could be seen as the same equality, but like many say “history just repeats itself”, and as of so far, that’s what has been proven to me throughout my life.
Johnson opens this chapter with an interesting fact that had the potential of catching every ones eye. He lets the reader know that white racism didn’t show up in society until the idea of capitalism came about. Many don’t understand what capitalism is, so Johnson explained and defined capitalism to the reader. Pretty much, in Johnson’s explanation, in capitalism money is used only to turn and make more money. Knowing this, he then makes the reader aware of how unfair capitalism is. Some may end up with a lot of money, while there is a large portion that ends up with almost none and struggling to survive on what they have. Cheap labor was a big influence in all of this. Johnson informs us about cheap labor of the Chinese on the western railroad systems. He explains how unfairly paid and worked these people were, and how the whites justified what they did. The whites used their whiteness, as superiority over other groups. Johnson explains to the reader how capitalism and privilege can be so confusing to many. Many people may be able to be in good standing socially because of the amount of money they make, yet because of the certain group they are associated with, this good standing may be thrown right out the window. Race, sexual orientation, gender, and class are all connected in that they can all determine your ability to feel privileged in today’s society.
Why can what group you belong to determine how privileged you are in society still today? I think that there is no legitimate answer to this. I believe that no matter what group you belong to, you still work just as hard as any other, or at least have the ability to work to get where you are. As we discussed in class, any person, no matter what gender, race, sexual orientation, or disability status, can be able to work just as hard as any other and accomplish just as much as any other. The answer many may give is all going to boil back down to history and privilege in history. Maybe its time to reconsider what we have thought in the past?!
I personally found this chapter to be once again, previously obtained information. I had learned in high school, about how different groups earned different amount of money than others. I don’t think that its right that people are able to do that to one another, but its part of our history. I wish it could all change and everyone could be seen as the same equality, but like many say “history just repeats itself”, and as of so far, that’s what has been proven to me throughout my life.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Johnson Chapter 6
In many cases, people do no know that they are part of a problem, but they really are. This is Johnson’s main theme in chapter six. He believes that in order for anything to change or become solved, people must begin to realize that they are part of the problem. This problem of which we are seeking the solution is the problem of privilege and oppression.
To solve any problem, first somebody must bring it up. Now that the problem is recognized, people need to begin to talk about it and not shy away from it. Johnson thinks that we, a society as a whole, tend to do not so much of the talking about it, but more of the pushing it away because it’s a touchy subject and we are afraid to create an awkward situation. “Its not my problem”. This is a phrase heard a lot in today’s society. People have begun to think of themselves and how it affects them, and not the people around them. People begin to blame others before even considering how they may have been involved. Most everyone is part of the problem in some way, and they don’t even know it. We do what is “acceptable” based on what our society accepts and not what is right. But we never even know that it is what we are doing because its what everyone else is doing. But at one point or another, we are going to slip up and do something that is not “acceptable”, and that will be the point where most of us realize. We tend to act differently in different situations. Johnson states that depending on whom we are around, we tend to find different things acceptable and not harmful. But what we are doing in many cases, is doing exactly what is opposite of acceptable in any other situation. Many of us also realize this when, once again, we slip up and those other people around you also realize that what you have said or done just isn’t right. For example, “black jokes” around your friends and others, may seem perfectly harmless and comical. But put in a room with strangers who just may happen to be black, and that joke slips out, there may be not as many laughs but more hurt feelings. And though it was not meant in any disrespect or any harmful manor, you may have just brought up that big problem. Johnson finished this chapter by explaining to the reader that we need to stop holding it all in and being silent about it. We need to acknowledge it and talk about how we can fix this problem of privilege and oppression.
Why haven’t we fixed this problem yet? I think that the answer to this is because people are still scared. Scared of a few things. Some are afraid to talk about it because they don’t want to hurt others and their feelings. But still others are only afraid to hurt themselves. Many of these people are happy with where they stand with their privileges and don’t want to change that, thus hinting on the individualism idea again. And finally, there are still those who just don’t know. People are going along in life not seeing themselves as causing any harm to anyone, and they just see no problems.
I personally had never thought about this before I read this to be honest. I was one of those people who have been going on through life seeing myself as causing no harm to anyone. Now that this has been brought about to my attention, I have no worries talking about it to everyone, even my family, making them understand just what I do now. Though it is in many cases unintentional, people are getting hurt every day because of this and I wish everyone could realize it as I do now.
To solve any problem, first somebody must bring it up. Now that the problem is recognized, people need to begin to talk about it and not shy away from it. Johnson thinks that we, a society as a whole, tend to do not so much of the talking about it, but more of the pushing it away because it’s a touchy subject and we are afraid to create an awkward situation. “Its not my problem”. This is a phrase heard a lot in today’s society. People have begun to think of themselves and how it affects them, and not the people around them. People begin to blame others before even considering how they may have been involved. Most everyone is part of the problem in some way, and they don’t even know it. We do what is “acceptable” based on what our society accepts and not what is right. But we never even know that it is what we are doing because its what everyone else is doing. But at one point or another, we are going to slip up and do something that is not “acceptable”, and that will be the point where most of us realize. We tend to act differently in different situations. Johnson states that depending on whom we are around, we tend to find different things acceptable and not harmful. But what we are doing in many cases, is doing exactly what is opposite of acceptable in any other situation. Many of us also realize this when, once again, we slip up and those other people around you also realize that what you have said or done just isn’t right. For example, “black jokes” around your friends and others, may seem perfectly harmless and comical. But put in a room with strangers who just may happen to be black, and that joke slips out, there may be not as many laughs but more hurt feelings. And though it was not meant in any disrespect or any harmful manor, you may have just brought up that big problem. Johnson finished this chapter by explaining to the reader that we need to stop holding it all in and being silent about it. We need to acknowledge it and talk about how we can fix this problem of privilege and oppression.
Why haven’t we fixed this problem yet? I think that the answer to this is because people are still scared. Scared of a few things. Some are afraid to talk about it because they don’t want to hurt others and their feelings. But still others are only afraid to hurt themselves. Many of these people are happy with where they stand with their privileges and don’t want to change that, thus hinting on the individualism idea again. And finally, there are still those who just don’t know. People are going along in life not seeing themselves as causing any harm to anyone, and they just see no problems.
I personally had never thought about this before I read this to be honest. I was one of those people who have been going on through life seeing myself as causing no harm to anyone. Now that this has been brought about to my attention, I have no worries talking about it to everyone, even my family, making them understand just what I do now. Though it is in many cases unintentional, people are getting hurt every day because of this and I wish everyone could realize it as I do now.
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