“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.
Zinn Chapter 2
In chapter two of Zinn, “Drawing the Color Line,” he tries to explain to the reader how and why exactly racism began in the United States. He says that racism wasn’t something that came naturally, yet a choice made by a group of people. One idea Zinn seemed to express was that racism wasn’t around until slavery, and that before then it didn’t really exist.
Zinn, being a very opinionated man, started the chapter with his opinion that the U.S has made racism more of a problem than any other country has. In the attempt to show how racism started, Zinn points his finger to slavery. English settlers, were lazy, and decided that they could have somebody do the hard labor for them rather than them do it themselves. To do this, they tried to enslave those who were readily available, the Native Americans, and they ended up being too hard to control. The Native Americans knew the area much better than the settlers and were able to escape into the wilderness never to be found again. Because of this, they then turned to the alternative. They began to enslave the Africans, whom were seen as hard workers, and strong. The English saw this as a possible better alternative, because the Africans had no knowledge of the land and therefore were less able to escape and hide. Also now that they were in America, they had to adjust to new “culture” and learn a new language to survive. This is something that they could not do by themselves, thus they had to depend on the English to survive.
Slavery in Africa, according to Zinn, was much different than that in the Americas. In Africa, the slaves were treated merely as “surfs”. Still seen as people and beings with rights, the slavery was not nearly as cruel. Where, in America, the slaves were seen as a lesser people who had lesser rights than the whites who were also enslaved. These blacks were given harsher punishments and were shown almost no respect at all. As uprisings of blacks against their treatments began, some of the whites began to get involved as well. As this was seen as a threat to the whites, the state of Virginia passes laws that gave rights to whites that were not given to blacks. Thus making the even the poor whites feel more superior to the black men. In conclusion, Zinn listed a few things that he believed were the keys to racism in the Americas. Things such as: superior status of even the poor whites over the black men, the unfair treatments and punishments given to black men, and never to forget the money and will for the planters and slave owners to earn money at all costs.
How do these key ideas that Zinn named relate to why it may still be around today? I think that the ideas only fit in some people. Only people who are still agreeing with the ideas let them stay around. But to controdict myself, it may be around in everyone in the will to make money. Money has always been a large part of our country, and many may still do anything just to make a little money. Maybe no longer in the idea of selling slaves and making people work for free, but in the idea that many may be paid less than fair, just for someone “superior” to make a little money.
Most of what Zinn had spoken of in this chapter had been previously obtained information. His information was presented maybe a little more clearly, or maybe even a little more biased than what I had known before, but was still made known to the reader. I’ve known that these things had occurred in our history, but it still bothers me to think that people were treated so unfairly, and cruel to the point that the effects of it are still around today.
Zinn, being a very opinionated man, started the chapter with his opinion that the U.S has made racism more of a problem than any other country has. In the attempt to show how racism started, Zinn points his finger to slavery. English settlers, were lazy, and decided that they could have somebody do the hard labor for them rather than them do it themselves. To do this, they tried to enslave those who were readily available, the Native Americans, and they ended up being too hard to control. The Native Americans knew the area much better than the settlers and were able to escape into the wilderness never to be found again. Because of this, they then turned to the alternative. They began to enslave the Africans, whom were seen as hard workers, and strong. The English saw this as a possible better alternative, because the Africans had no knowledge of the land and therefore were less able to escape and hide. Also now that they were in America, they had to adjust to new “culture” and learn a new language to survive. This is something that they could not do by themselves, thus they had to depend on the English to survive.
Slavery in Africa, according to Zinn, was much different than that in the Americas. In Africa, the slaves were treated merely as “surfs”. Still seen as people and beings with rights, the slavery was not nearly as cruel. Where, in America, the slaves were seen as a lesser people who had lesser rights than the whites who were also enslaved. These blacks were given harsher punishments and were shown almost no respect at all. As uprisings of blacks against their treatments began, some of the whites began to get involved as well. As this was seen as a threat to the whites, the state of Virginia passes laws that gave rights to whites that were not given to blacks. Thus making the even the poor whites feel more superior to the black men. In conclusion, Zinn listed a few things that he believed were the keys to racism in the Americas. Things such as: superior status of even the poor whites over the black men, the unfair treatments and punishments given to black men, and never to forget the money and will for the planters and slave owners to earn money at all costs.
How do these key ideas that Zinn named relate to why it may still be around today? I think that the ideas only fit in some people. Only people who are still agreeing with the ideas let them stay around. But to controdict myself, it may be around in everyone in the will to make money. Money has always been a large part of our country, and many may still do anything just to make a little money. Maybe no longer in the idea of selling slaves and making people work for free, but in the idea that many may be paid less than fair, just for someone “superior” to make a little money.
Most of what Zinn had spoken of in this chapter had been previously obtained information. His information was presented maybe a little more clearly, or maybe even a little more biased than what I had known before, but was still made known to the reader. I’ve known that these things had occurred in our history, but it still bothers me to think that people were treated so unfairly, and cruel to the point that the effects of it are still around today.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Takaki Chp. 3
“The Giddy Multitude: The Hidden Origins of Slavery” was a chapter that discussed the consequences of the enslavement of Africans as the key source of labor. This chapter talks about how this idea was not only problematic for the blacks, but how it in turn injured the American society. Takaki talks about how the slave owners did not thoroughly consider the consequences of only enslaving Africans.
“The Tempest”, a play written in about a man named Caliban was used to open this chapter. Many Europeans had the viewpoint that Caliban was savage due to the idea that he was black, and that was rare during those times. Many, for some reason, had the idea in their heads that Africans were cannibals, and therefore evil. And on the other side, whites were pure beings. Slavery in the United States was not well thought through. Though slavery had been around for quite a long time, the idea was never just put upon blacks. It originally was composed of both blacks and white indentured servants. Because they both were seen as servants, they were both seen in the same class and viewed each other as equal to one another. Because they viewed each other as equal, neither one had any prejudice toward the other and therefore they had no problem joining together to fight for rights. Once this began to become effective, the slave owners began to split the two groups up, eventually breaking it down to just blacks. This came about because the blacks alone were unable to fight for their rights, because essentially, they had none. After a while of this going on, a man came along who had new ideas. A man by the name of Thomas Jefferson stepped in and began to make moves toward the abolishment of slavery. Though, according to Takaki, Thomas Jefferson believed that blacks were inferior to whites by nature, and he personally owned ~267 slaves, he still felt bad for them. His ideas were to abolish slavery, but then to rid of them out of the United States, and ship them to an island in the carribean. His main reason for this was because, according to Takaki, Jefferson stated that blacks and whites could never live together. Racist ideas were brought about in a few different ways, but Takaki believes that these actions in particular could take much of the blame for how everything is today.
I have seen this information and learned about it before in high school. None of this being new information today, but the idea still bothers me. I personally have many black friends, and these ideas still blow my mind. All my life I have seen myself as equal with everyone, and I just cant bring myself to understand why that idea had to change a long time ago, when they were equals then as well.
“The Tempest”, a play written in about a man named Caliban was used to open this chapter. Many Europeans had the viewpoint that Caliban was savage due to the idea that he was black, and that was rare during those times. Many, for some reason, had the idea in their heads that Africans were cannibals, and therefore evil. And on the other side, whites were pure beings. Slavery in the United States was not well thought through. Though slavery had been around for quite a long time, the idea was never just put upon blacks. It originally was composed of both blacks and white indentured servants. Because they both were seen as servants, they were both seen in the same class and viewed each other as equal to one another. Because they viewed each other as equal, neither one had any prejudice toward the other and therefore they had no problem joining together to fight for rights. Once this began to become effective, the slave owners began to split the two groups up, eventually breaking it down to just blacks. This came about because the blacks alone were unable to fight for their rights, because essentially, they had none. After a while of this going on, a man came along who had new ideas. A man by the name of Thomas Jefferson stepped in and began to make moves toward the abolishment of slavery. Though, according to Takaki, Thomas Jefferson believed that blacks were inferior to whites by nature, and he personally owned ~267 slaves, he still felt bad for them. His ideas were to abolish slavery, but then to rid of them out of the United States, and ship them to an island in the carribean. His main reason for this was because, according to Takaki, Jefferson stated that blacks and whites could never live together. Racist ideas were brought about in a few different ways, but Takaki believes that these actions in particular could take much of the blame for how everything is today.
I have seen this information and learned about it before in high school. None of this being new information today, but the idea still bothers me. I personally have many black friends, and these ideas still blow my mind. All my life I have seen myself as equal with everyone, and I just cant bring myself to understand why that idea had to change a long time ago, when they were equals then as well.
Ethnic Notions
The film “Ethnic Notions” was a very opinionized film. This film had a lot of cartoons, figureinge, and photographs that incorrectly projected the image of the black race. These different representations were all overemphasized representations that lead to ideas of the black race that are crude generalizations and negitive images.
Through time, the view of the black race has been changing through the eyes of different people. Though the view has changed, the ideas of the past and negitive ideas are still present. Though many do not express them, they are still present in the minds of many. These past ideas were mostly negitive toward the black race. Ideas such as the idea that black men were careless and always happy and singing instead of being productive. Ideas that the black women were all the “mammy” type, willing to do anything for anyone just to make them happy, and that they were happy to do the dirty work and take care of those who don’t care about them. They general idea for quite a time, was that the black man was a lazy carefree man who was only productive in being happy about life. “Birth of a Nation” the video, has random people take on the roles of black people by using what is called “black face”. Black face was when any person, black or white, would paint their faces black and take on the role of the “Sambo”. Even when the person playing the role was black, they were made to paint their face even blacker and to use other make-up to create a larger looking mouth to create that large smile idea.
This video seemed to bring out a few main points. One of these points being that blacks were seen as savages still. Many had still seen them as uncivilized and unable to be productive in anything they do. The other key point that was expressed was that blacks were happy servants. This was a crude and untrue stereotype that slaves were happy. Obviously the image of the “Sambo” lead many whites and others who looked upon these ideas to perceive them as true. But in reality, the blacks were not happy, but the exact opposite. They were in a struggle to stay happy, and always looking out for a way to gain freedom that could lead them to happiness.
Are these images still present today? Yes as a matter of fact they are. If you look around the media, sometimes cartoons, they often still portray they black man as the “sambo”. Also, if you would look out in stores, and look at certain food labels, you may notice that “uncle bens rice” still shows the face of “uncle ben”. In relation to that, Aunt Jemima is still portrayed on the syrup containers. All of these examples proving that, although not as extreme, these images are still present today.
I found this film to be very informational to me personally. I personally have used “Aunt Jemima” syrup many times, and have never paid attention to the image portrayed. This video opened my eyes, and has me noticing things that I have not noticed before about some of my old favorite cartoons and other media items. I realize that these images are derogatory and prove to me that these image outlooks are still used to this day.
Through time, the view of the black race has been changing through the eyes of different people. Though the view has changed, the ideas of the past and negitive ideas are still present. Though many do not express them, they are still present in the minds of many. These past ideas were mostly negitive toward the black race. Ideas such as the idea that black men were careless and always happy and singing instead of being productive. Ideas that the black women were all the “mammy” type, willing to do anything for anyone just to make them happy, and that they were happy to do the dirty work and take care of those who don’t care about them. They general idea for quite a time, was that the black man was a lazy carefree man who was only productive in being happy about life. “Birth of a Nation” the video, has random people take on the roles of black people by using what is called “black face”. Black face was when any person, black or white, would paint their faces black and take on the role of the “Sambo”. Even when the person playing the role was black, they were made to paint their face even blacker and to use other make-up to create a larger looking mouth to create that large smile idea.
This video seemed to bring out a few main points. One of these points being that blacks were seen as savages still. Many had still seen them as uncivilized and unable to be productive in anything they do. The other key point that was expressed was that blacks were happy servants. This was a crude and untrue stereotype that slaves were happy. Obviously the image of the “Sambo” lead many whites and others who looked upon these ideas to perceive them as true. But in reality, the blacks were not happy, but the exact opposite. They were in a struggle to stay happy, and always looking out for a way to gain freedom that could lead them to happiness.
Are these images still present today? Yes as a matter of fact they are. If you look around the media, sometimes cartoons, they often still portray they black man as the “sambo”. Also, if you would look out in stores, and look at certain food labels, you may notice that “uncle bens rice” still shows the face of “uncle ben”. In relation to that, Aunt Jemima is still portrayed on the syrup containers. All of these examples proving that, although not as extreme, these images are still present today.
I found this film to be very informational to me personally. I personally have used “Aunt Jemima” syrup many times, and have never paid attention to the image portrayed. This video opened my eyes, and has me noticing things that I have not noticed before about some of my old favorite cartoons and other media items. I realize that these images are derogatory and prove to me that these image outlooks are still used to this day.
A challenge to democracy
This film “A Challenge to Democracy” was a very interesting film. From the beginning of the film it was very clear that the idea was to try to justify what the Americans had done to the Japanese and the internment camps during world war two. The film was very misleading, and seemed to have the goal of convincing the world, and the Americans that what we had done to the Japanese was not as horrible as it was made out to be. The removal of the Japanese from their homes, into internment camps was an unjust thing to do, and the American government knew it, thus they felt a need to justify it.
To begin the film, the creators immediately mislead the public. They immediately state that the reason for removal of the Japanese into camps was for their safety. Stating that it was due to military hazard and that there was a major threat of invasion. Many chose to believe that they were removed due to their threat to the United States, and because they Japanese were disloyal. This can be proven to be untrue. Of the many who were relocated, 100000 to be exact, almost two thirds of them were legally American citizens. Despite this fact, they were still removed from their homes and placed in communities far away from their homes. There were about 10 of these major communities all over, mostly located in the middle of nowhere, like desert areas. Wire fences surrounded these communities they were living in as if it were a prison. A whole family was given a small living space to live in with only few supplies, such as: stove, pots, light bulb, mattresses and some blankets. They were provided with places for some recreational freedom, but nothing near what they were used to before. The movie states that they were fed within the communities, but they were only fed in small rations. They were provided with some sort of school system, church services, and their own government within each community. Through all of this they could still not be paid as highly as they were able to when they were home. Even those who were professionals in important fields, such as medicine, were only paid around 19 dollars a month. Though after a while some began to leave the camps, only families who were allowed by the government could do so. These people were seen by the government to have proven in some way, their loyalty to the United States, thus showing no threat toward the government. From the reading of Takaki, he ended talking about how the Japanese had hard times integrating into the American culture and society and how those hopes were devastated by Pearl Harbor. This film seems to build on that toward the end while talking about how many were able to work their way back in and into respectable positions after being treated unfairly and placed in camps. The Japanese have had a lot of overcoming to do, just as many other races have in the United States, and this film expresses more about what they went through to achieve what they have to this day.
How does this film show what the U.S government would go through to make everything just? I think that this film shows that the U.S government is willing to “sugar coat” the reality, to make it more appealing to the public. Obviously what the government had done was unjust and unfair to the Japanese, making crude assumptions that just because a person is part of a race, they are connected with the wrong doings of everyone else in the race. This all relates to the video “ethnic notions” and how there were some assumptions that just because a certain few blacks were the stereotypical “sambo”, the rest of the race was viewed as this too. And the stereotypical “nanny” or “big mamma” figure of the black lady is seen the same way. So what I think is that the U.S has trouble throughout history with refraining from making these assumptions, leading them into situations where what they do is unfair.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the film was a very good example of how the U.S, throughout history has tried to sugar coat things to make the country as a whole not look as bad for its mistakes. Everyone in my eyes is going to make mistakes, and I just believe that it is better for them to except their wrongdoings, than to hide behind a blanket of lies. This is a sort of one-sided view, both from my own perspective, and from the video, yet I think its something we should all think about. Still to this day, our government has a lot to learn about not making assumptions and giving in to generalizations.
To begin the film, the creators immediately mislead the public. They immediately state that the reason for removal of the Japanese into camps was for their safety. Stating that it was due to military hazard and that there was a major threat of invasion. Many chose to believe that they were removed due to their threat to the United States, and because they Japanese were disloyal. This can be proven to be untrue. Of the many who were relocated, 100000 to be exact, almost two thirds of them were legally American citizens. Despite this fact, they were still removed from their homes and placed in communities far away from their homes. There were about 10 of these major communities all over, mostly located in the middle of nowhere, like desert areas. Wire fences surrounded these communities they were living in as if it were a prison. A whole family was given a small living space to live in with only few supplies, such as: stove, pots, light bulb, mattresses and some blankets. They were provided with places for some recreational freedom, but nothing near what they were used to before. The movie states that they were fed within the communities, but they were only fed in small rations. They were provided with some sort of school system, church services, and their own government within each community. Through all of this they could still not be paid as highly as they were able to when they were home. Even those who were professionals in important fields, such as medicine, were only paid around 19 dollars a month. Though after a while some began to leave the camps, only families who were allowed by the government could do so. These people were seen by the government to have proven in some way, their loyalty to the United States, thus showing no threat toward the government. From the reading of Takaki, he ended talking about how the Japanese had hard times integrating into the American culture and society and how those hopes were devastated by Pearl Harbor. This film seems to build on that toward the end while talking about how many were able to work their way back in and into respectable positions after being treated unfairly and placed in camps. The Japanese have had a lot of overcoming to do, just as many other races have in the United States, and this film expresses more about what they went through to achieve what they have to this day.
How does this film show what the U.S government would go through to make everything just? I think that this film shows that the U.S government is willing to “sugar coat” the reality, to make it more appealing to the public. Obviously what the government had done was unjust and unfair to the Japanese, making crude assumptions that just because a person is part of a race, they are connected with the wrong doings of everyone else in the race. This all relates to the video “ethnic notions” and how there were some assumptions that just because a certain few blacks were the stereotypical “sambo”, the rest of the race was viewed as this too. And the stereotypical “nanny” or “big mamma” figure of the black lady is seen the same way. So what I think is that the U.S has trouble throughout history with refraining from making these assumptions, leading them into situations where what they do is unfair.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the film was a very good example of how the U.S, throughout history has tried to sugar coat things to make the country as a whole not look as bad for its mistakes. Everyone in my eyes is going to make mistakes, and I just believe that it is better for them to except their wrongdoings, than to hide behind a blanket of lies. This is a sort of one-sided view, both from my own perspective, and from the video, yet I think its something we should all think about. Still to this day, our government has a lot to learn about not making assumptions and giving in to generalizations.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Chapter 10 Takaki
This chapter is a ver expressive chapter. It expresses a lot about how Asians were treated in America and Hawaii. But its primary focus was on the racial discrimination of the Japanese in America and of people and their inability to merge successfully into the American culture.
The chapter opens by informing the reader about the sudden merger of Japanese immigrants into the United States. The main reason for this sudden “flooding” of Japanese into the U.S was because they were trying to get away from the “economic hardships” of their culture and their country overall. Those who chose to work on plantations in America were able to make almost 6 times the amount that they could have made in Japan. This making for a good catalyst for more and more of them to continue to come over and apply their labor here. The immigration of the Japanese was different from that of the Chinese because the Japanese tended to immigrate in families and not just for the good of one individual. Though they were paid more, they still were discriminated against and worked unfairly. A lot of those immigrants who come here ended up working in Hawaii on sugar plantations. Here they were discriminated against, through work and pay. People of other groups were found to be getting paid more for doing the same work and the same amount of it. The plantation owners tried to prevent strikes on the wage differation by separating the workers into different areas and not allowing them all to be in one area at the same time. Many women began to get frustrated as well because of the fact that they went out and did the same kind of work just as well as anyone else and yet they were still paid less for the same work. This raised a lot of commotion but not a whole lot was ever done about it. Many Japanese decided to try to become farmers on their own to get away from the discrimination and everything, but even though they were able to start and run their own farms, they still were able to gain no respect from others.
Takaki also talked about how many Japanese who were born of split heritage (American/ Japanese) were still often considered only Japanese because of their unwillingness to let go of their Japanese heritage.
What have we done to change the way the Japanese were treated when they came over to the Americas? We are still dealing with a lot of discrimination against Japanese in America. This discrimination isn’t nearly as bad as it was at first, but like the discrimination against many other groups, there are still those people out there who have held on to the old ways. I do think though in many ways, we have progressed. There are many companies that have become well known and Japanese based that have become very popular with the world. A few good examples being: Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. These mainly being motor vehicle based, but that is a very important part to out society today.
This information from chapter ten was rather interesting to me. I personally was not aware that all that discrimination went on when they first came here. I was aware that they had come over, and that at one point after Pearl Harbor they were put into camps, but nothing like this had ever been told to me.
The chapter opens by informing the reader about the sudden merger of Japanese immigrants into the United States. The main reason for this sudden “flooding” of Japanese into the U.S was because they were trying to get away from the “economic hardships” of their culture and their country overall. Those who chose to work on plantations in America were able to make almost 6 times the amount that they could have made in Japan. This making for a good catalyst for more and more of them to continue to come over and apply their labor here. The immigration of the Japanese was different from that of the Chinese because the Japanese tended to immigrate in families and not just for the good of one individual. Though they were paid more, they still were discriminated against and worked unfairly. A lot of those immigrants who come here ended up working in Hawaii on sugar plantations. Here they were discriminated against, through work and pay. People of other groups were found to be getting paid more for doing the same work and the same amount of it. The plantation owners tried to prevent strikes on the wage differation by separating the workers into different areas and not allowing them all to be in one area at the same time. Many women began to get frustrated as well because of the fact that they went out and did the same kind of work just as well as anyone else and yet they were still paid less for the same work. This raised a lot of commotion but not a whole lot was ever done about it. Many Japanese decided to try to become farmers on their own to get away from the discrimination and everything, but even though they were able to start and run their own farms, they still were able to gain no respect from others.
Takaki also talked about how many Japanese who were born of split heritage (American/ Japanese) were still often considered only Japanese because of their unwillingness to let go of their Japanese heritage.
What have we done to change the way the Japanese were treated when they came over to the Americas? We are still dealing with a lot of discrimination against Japanese in America. This discrimination isn’t nearly as bad as it was at first, but like the discrimination against many other groups, there are still those people out there who have held on to the old ways. I do think though in many ways, we have progressed. There are many companies that have become well known and Japanese based that have become very popular with the world. A few good examples being: Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. These mainly being motor vehicle based, but that is a very important part to out society today.
This information from chapter ten was rather interesting to me. I personally was not aware that all that discrimination went on when they first came here. I was aware that they had come over, and that at one point after Pearl Harbor they were put into camps, but nothing like this had ever been told to me.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Stigmatism: not going anywhere?
Stigmatization, to me hasn’t seemed to change much over time. Though in ancient Greece, where branding and cutting were involved, the same effects are still here mentally and emotionally. The Greeks used to do the branding of people to show their inferiority to the others in society. This was done because these people were seen as “criminals” or “slaves”.
The United States, “the Melting Pot” of the world, still has stigmatization going on. We claim that all can get equal opportunities and treatment here, yet we totally throw that idea off when it comes to the work place, a lot of times. Statistics show that “white males” have the majority of high positions in large corporations, and are the highest paid group of people. Does this really support the idea that all have the equal opportunities? I believe that in these positions are mainly held by that group because many still have the stigmatism towards others. Other groups such as “Latino’s”, “blacks”, “women”, and “Arabs” don’t seem to be getting the equal shot at it because of their race or gender. Many still hold the stereotypes that “irresponsibility” and “laziness” are connected to these groups, and don’t have the will to look past those stereotypes. These negative qualities can be found in any group of people, but yet seem to be single out on only a few.
Any group of people in my eyes has the ability to do just as well as any other group of people at any task. But a lot of times, because of stigmatism, one group may get the opportunity over the other. This is because a lot of people expect the job to be done better by one group than the other, and the other not even getting close. If given the opportunity, for example, I believe that in an acidemic contest of knowledge, a female has just as much knowledge if not more than a male. They have the same ability to retain information and apply it as a male and possibly more drive just to prove others wrong. If these opportunities were presented in the workplace, then possibly the lesser thought of group would do better than the “normal” group.
In conclusion I just think that the idea of stigmatism going away will not be occurring anytime soon because of the bullheaded ness of different people. All persons deserve a chance, and who knows, maybe one day you will be persuaded to feel the same.
The United States, “the Melting Pot” of the world, still has stigmatization going on. We claim that all can get equal opportunities and treatment here, yet we totally throw that idea off when it comes to the work place, a lot of times. Statistics show that “white males” have the majority of high positions in large corporations, and are the highest paid group of people. Does this really support the idea that all have the equal opportunities? I believe that in these positions are mainly held by that group because many still have the stigmatism towards others. Other groups such as “Latino’s”, “blacks”, “women”, and “Arabs” don’t seem to be getting the equal shot at it because of their race or gender. Many still hold the stereotypes that “irresponsibility” and “laziness” are connected to these groups, and don’t have the will to look past those stereotypes. These negative qualities can be found in any group of people, but yet seem to be single out on only a few.
Any group of people in my eyes has the ability to do just as well as any other group of people at any task. But a lot of times, because of stigmatism, one group may get the opportunity over the other. This is because a lot of people expect the job to be done better by one group than the other, and the other not even getting close. If given the opportunity, for example, I believe that in an acidemic contest of knowledge, a female has just as much knowledge if not more than a male. They have the same ability to retain information and apply it as a male and possibly more drive just to prove others wrong. If these opportunities were presented in the workplace, then possibly the lesser thought of group would do better than the “normal” group.
In conclusion I just think that the idea of stigmatism going away will not be occurring anytime soon because of the bullheaded ness of different people. All persons deserve a chance, and who knows, maybe one day you will be persuaded to feel the same.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress
The article, Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress, had a few different controversial issues within it. The idea that Columbus came searching for wealth and good fortune, and created shame and destruction is true. He had good intentions for the world, but ended up helping to create the idea of prejudice and the idea that one person is superior to another. The Indians were found as a lesser being just because they were less “advanced” in society than Columbus and his men, thus creating the temptation of slavery and creating prejudice between the two groups.
Yet another controversial issue in my eyes is the issue of hiding behind the truth. The other clearly states that this happens a lot in today’s society. He says, “one reason these atrocities are still with us is that we have learned to bury them in a mass of other facts, as radioactive wastes are buried in containers in the earth”[Howard Zinn]. We as a society, seem to be able to state the truth, but will always seem to want to shy away from it automatically. We all know that it is there, but are rarely willing to put it out there and talk about it.
Our history seems to be “hypocritical” if you will, at times. History has shown that many people and or nations, become victims at some point in time, of some type of negativity. These people and nations always seem to look for sympathy and help from others because of their misfortunes, but then turn around and make others victim as well. “In the long run the oppressor is also a victim. In the short run (and so far, human history has consisted only of short runs), the victims, themselves desperate and tainted with the culture that oppresses them, often turn on other victims.” [Howard Zinn].
I found this writing to have a lot of meaning to it. These issues all seem to still be with us to this day and are not seeming to go away. The idea of prejudice is all over, still with the ideas that maybe Caucasians are above African Americans, or any other race above another. The idea of good intentions turning to destruction is ongoing as well. For example: the war in Iraq. Also we all still seem to want to shy away from the negatives and focus on the positives, leaving everything else in the dark. All of these issues, I believe, need to be talked about, even though they may never go away they may be lessened and more understood by the world.
Yet another controversial issue in my eyes is the issue of hiding behind the truth. The other clearly states that this happens a lot in today’s society. He says, “one reason these atrocities are still with us is that we have learned to bury them in a mass of other facts, as radioactive wastes are buried in containers in the earth”[Howard Zinn]. We as a society, seem to be able to state the truth, but will always seem to want to shy away from it automatically. We all know that it is there, but are rarely willing to put it out there and talk about it.
Our history seems to be “hypocritical” if you will, at times. History has shown that many people and or nations, become victims at some point in time, of some type of negativity. These people and nations always seem to look for sympathy and help from others because of their misfortunes, but then turn around and make others victim as well. “In the long run the oppressor is also a victim. In the short run (and so far, human history has consisted only of short runs), the victims, themselves desperate and tainted with the culture that oppresses them, often turn on other victims.” [Howard Zinn].
I found this writing to have a lot of meaning to it. These issues all seem to still be with us to this day and are not seeming to go away. The idea of prejudice is all over, still with the ideas that maybe Caucasians are above African Americans, or any other race above another. The idea of good intentions turning to destruction is ongoing as well. For example: the war in Iraq. Also we all still seem to want to shy away from the negatives and focus on the positives, leaving everything else in the dark. All of these issues, I believe, need to be talked about, even though they may never go away they may be lessened and more understood by the world.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Introduction
My name is matt phyillaier (Fill-air). I am from Piqua, Ohio. My major as of right now is physical education. A random fact about myself is that I played basketball in high school, and it is still one thing that I love to do.
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