Monday, February 23, 2009

Race Discussion

Leaving class on Thursday when we had our race disucssion I felt very confused. One part of me was very irritated by the discussion that we were having because I felt very strongly about the issue and I felt that some comments that were made were completely false and negligent. However, I was very happy that we were actually starting to have the discussion about race. In several other classes I have taken here at Saint Mary's, the discussion about race never really took off. A few very carefully thought out comments were made about the issue but that was as far as it went. So I was just super stoked that we were finally having the discussion about race and the stereotypes that are made and the different sides of the argument. Regardless of my views I was excited to see that we could start to have the discussion on a topic that is generally considered taboo at our university.

6 comments:

  1. I agree that I am too excited that people are now opening up and talking about this issue. Even though I still believe that racism is being passed down through generations, it is a huge step that our generation is beginning to believe that what we are being told is not right, or something that should be repeated.

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  2. I completely agree with Nikki and Ashley. I was really troubled by what was said in class because I believe that some of the oldest, most hurtful stereotypes were repeated, and it is sad to me that these do still linger in people in our generation, what should be the generation of hope and change. However, particularly in light of the statement by the new Attorney General, Eric Holder, about us being a "nation of cowards," I think it as least promising that we are having these conversations and facing these issues. It is inevitable that ignorant comments will be made, but I guess I have to just remain positive and hopeful because of the fact that we are confronting these issues. I think the most important thing is just to remain open minded, no matter what side of the issue you're on, and admit when you are ignorant about something...no one knows everything, afterall.

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  3. I agree that the class was a tough one. There were many controversial comments made. But, I agree that we need to have these discussions. At the very least, the discussion got people to really think about race. You're right, Saint Mary's needs more of that.

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  4. I can't for the life of me understand why people feel so hostile about the topic of race, like honestly I understand that some people don't want to piss others off but how are we going to get further in life if we always put aside our thoughts on the back shelf. I think all discussions about race that we have in class are important regardless of peoples perceptions or points of view. I also think that if people try to have a more positive outlook, (regardless if anyone thinks that this comment is "ignorant") on the race issue it will help us abolish it once and for all. If you try to look at it from a positive perspective, all the progress that has been made over the years, you will see that racism has gotten so much better. It is not abolished by any means and I don't know if it ever truly will be (at least from a comedic perspective I mean racist jokes are hilarious, hello Jerry Seinfeld!) but if we can look at race as just another gap that is being closed, another great accomplishment, which we aren't just working towards but that we are achieving maybe people will start seeing that we truly are all equal. this might piss some people off and I truly am sorry If I offend anyone that is not my intention, but I think future generations have to learn not to take things so personally, there is a difference between actual racists, and people who are joking whose comments are perceived as horribly racist (even though they are not and believed that the other party was aware of the context). If people constantly nit pick and seek out signs of racism they will find them, but not everything that happens to people of a different race is in all actuality racist. I myself am native American, and people constantly bad mouth reservations and "Indians" but I have learned that I can't take offense to everyone who doesn't understand our cultures, who makes funny remarks about my "race" being "losers who are trapped on the res." I have learned that every little comment is not always demeaning, I have learned to be a little more understanding of people, just like people are learning to be a little more understanding of what the say and how they act. I also agree that if the older generations stop passing down these ridiculous stereotypes and the like, racism could eventually be non-existent. Although on the other hand you will always have the child who may ask, "mommy why does he look different then me." I don't know but I am glad that we take the time to discuss these issues.

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  5. I kind of understand some of what Emily is saying, but I think that pushing race under the rug and acting like it's not a big deal is pretty detrimental. I think it's important to acknowledge the progress we have made as well as the long road there is ahead of all of us. Focusing only on the progress we have made gives people a false sense of positivity; there are structures and systems in this country that take away so many opportunities from low income people and people of color, and we have to talk about them in order for them to change. Additionally, I completely disagree that racist jokes are funny. I think they are an unnecessary part of life. I get pissed when people make anti-feminist jokes, racist jokes, etc. I don't think they are in good humor; I think they are a manifestation of hate that has been passed down for generations.

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  6. I agree with Sarah that racist jokes are extremely offensive to me as well as anti-feminist jokes. I get a sick feeling in my stomach every time one of my guy friends makes a joke about women not being able to drive or always being wrong simply because of her gender. I think that jokes regarding race, gender, religion etc are only found funny by those with power in society. These jokes only further the idea that people can make fun of others that are viewed to be weaker than them. While some progress has obviously been made over the years in terms of race and gender discrimination I think we'd be kidding ourselves if we didn't realize we all still have a lot of work to do.

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