Ethnic Studies

Taking an ethnic studies class, opens your mind to different views on class, race, ethnicity, and this society in which we love. These beliefs and thoughts are inherited, or influenced by parents. That raises the question "How do we prepare, rather than repair, children to handle issues about race, class, and ethnicity?" For one, race is a social construct that only benefits the dominate, majority group. It is a problem because we have made it a problem. There is so much emphasis on "what we look like." When people ask me my race, I usually say human. For children, it is different. When they are brought up on the empty phrase "everyone is equal," and the failed "underneath our skin, we are all the same," problems will arise. Everyone is equal means nothing anymore. It is because of color blind racism. Treating everyone as "equal" is used to maintain an unequal status quo. As far as everything "underneath our skin" goes, it implies that there is a problem in the first place. It implies that there is something wrong with what is on the outside. Instead of sugar coating the topic of race, give children age appropriate facts. For class, teaching to envy those who have more, and pity those who have less is only going to backfire and does not benifit children. We should teach them to understand that there are people who have more than others and people who have less and that does not say anything about their character. Ethnicity depends on who raised someone. Whether you are Polish-American or Chinese-American should not matter, but it does. Teaching children to embrace these cultures will lead to creativity and new ideas. Culture is not something people should fear. Although we have come far, we have a long way to go. 

Hey, That's Rude

No matter how you speak your mind or share your opinion, people are going to hate you for it. That does not mean do not share. The ability to speak and think for oneself is so rare that people mistake it for being rude. The way you share your ideas also has something to do with it. However, as long as you share your voice you will be alright. I have noticed that being able to speak for myself has gotten me further than keeping thoughts to myself. Yes, not all comments need to be shared, but if they do come out, at least people know you're honest. Being honest or real can be mistaken for being rude, mean, or even worse-a bitch. People are going to be against what you think all of the time. That does not mean you should keep all thoughts to yourself. If someone does something unacceptable, tell him or her. Not saying anything will be an injustice to that person, not you. 

The Real Blurred Lines

I have not blogged in a while, but that is because I have been working on a bigger project that encapsulates my summer. However, there is an issue that I felt the need to write about. There is much controversy about Robin Thicke's song Blurred Lines. I understand why. Not only are the lyrics degrading, but the videos are too. I have to be honest, the song is catchy, and I have found myself saying, "Hey, hey, hey." on multiple occasions. What I am most disconcerted by is the general public who is against this song. I am not talking about the people who dislike all songs of this nature. I am talking about the ones who pick and choose the songs they would like to be against. There is no way this song can be that much of an outrage to a person who knows and loves all the lyrics to a song that degrades women in the same way. It is all about respect, and has nothing to do with what most people believe. If you detest a song because it goes against morals, go ahead. If you dislike a song because everyone seems to, rethink.

Seeing is Not Believing

This past week taught me tolerance. I am not usually good with people my age, and being submerged with over 70 teenagers showed me that.  That being said, this past week also taught me that people are not always what they seem. What you see on the outside may not match what you will get on the inside. Sometimes it does. That is something you would never know if you do not give people a chance. People, in general, are pretty cruel, but that does not mean they all are. This world is too big to write everyone off. Realizing that helps to be more positive about this human race. 

Respect

There are people in this world who believe that just because they are not cleaning up after anyone that they are better. That is in no way true. Whether you are a CEO, or a janitor, should not determine the amount of respect you are given. Age should not determine the amount of respect. Human is human and there is no one who can decide who is not. Some people believe that one needs to give respect to get respect. While this is important, this should not decide if you are not going to respect someone. This all goes along with being the bigger person, but even in everyday situations respect should be given.

For a Friend

To Anyone Who Needs It:

     It is easy to feel lost in this world, or feel like another number. The truth is that your existence has impacted this world greatly. Wherever you have been is not the same because of your touch. Do not, not even for a minute, believe that no one loves you. It's not true. It could never be. Life is going to have rough patches, no matter how good it may get. Just remember that when it feels like you have gone as low as you could go, the only place you can go is up. 

Dying Friendships

Many people say that best friends are the siblings that we cannot choose. With most siblings, there will be fights, arguments, fall outs, and rough patches. The strongest of relationships can withstand these problems. On the other hand, sometimes it is just best to let go. When the letting go does happen, usually after the fall out, it will sting. In most situations, there are two parties. Both are at fault, but one side more than the other. From personal experience, the side that is expecting the apology is the one that least deserves it. Either way, it is important when to know to let go. The most important thing is that it is going to sting. The good thing is that the next day, it will sting less. This will continue until it doesn't sting anymore. When it comes to forgiving and forgetting, sometimes it is better to forget. There are too many beautiful things happening in this world to waste time worrying about people who do not care about you. It is sad, but sometimes the truth doesn't rhyme.