SOCI 3422 Blog

Hey, just want to share my experience with you all...

I attended a program called xenophobia. The word xenophobia means fear of a stranger. A stranger could be anyone different than what you are used to being around. An example is a Muslim, Hispanic, a homosexual, or a Korean person.

The program was very enlightening. I learned terms that are offensive to other ethnics such as chink, jihad or towel head. A chink is an offensive term towards the Chinese. This word is considered racist. The word jihad means inner struggle, but many people flip the definition around and claim that it means holy war.

The term towel head is also offensive because Muslim people are clearly not wearing towels on their head it is called a Hijaab. The Muslim young lady on the panel explained this to everyone.

There was also a homosexual man on the panel during the xenophobia discussion. He explained to everyone that his is still a man. He likes to fish, drink beer and essentially be manly. But many people believe that because he is gay that he must act like a woman. The young man also explained to us that he cannot be recognized as married in some parts of the United States.

There were also Hispanic individuals on the panel. They explain to us the hardship of crossing the boarder, getting documentation, and even their driverâ??s license. Many people have died on the long voyage to make it to the United States, going through underground tunnels with no ventilation.

And once the surviving few make it to the United States it takes years to become established. The Hispanic young ladies on the panel also told us about the risk and fear of deportation and the difficulty of learning English while still retaining Spanish.

The presentation was excellent and very informative. By participating in this program I now know the correct terms to use when referring to someone other than African American.

I also know what words are offensive to others. I now see that Muslims are just like you and me, they are regular people. And the next time I am around someone new I will not be afraid to open up and talk to them.

I really like this book. I was dreading reading it but once i actually got started reading it was a very easy read. (The first chapter at least) Who else read?

Hello Everyone!! I have immensely enjoyed this class, as I am sure most of us have! I would like to share with you all my extra credit work for the Langston Hughes poem. I AM NOT LANGSTON HUGHES and in no way do I intend to be. But my dad says that everyone has a lover, poetic, and crazy side so I enjoy writing poems from time to time. Here is a poem as my response for "Let America be America Again." Let me know what you think!

Let America be America Again?
Why is this not America now?
No, for in America there is no strain.
No one to a man's dream disallow.
Mr. Hughes explains it well.
Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed.
Yes, this America, only in a dream can dwell.
A dream that is hope-faith-courage-equality-freedom-themed.
This America is beautiful and Utopia-like.
This America takes your dreams, and it makes them your life.
But what good is a dream in reality alike?
If when I turn to either side, our world is in strife?
There is no equality, no true freedom.
This America is far from what we want for everyone.
The America we need will hold you in its palm.
And protect and reward you for everything you've done.
This America is like no other.
This America would break the mold and happiness would sprout.
But I am a mere admirer and would very much rather.
That you read "Let America be America Again" and see what I'm talking about.