Respond to the following:
"The effort it takes for us to know so little about one another across racial and ethnic groups is truly remarkable. That we can live so closely together, that our lives can be so intertwined socially, economically, and politically, and that we can spend so many years of study in grade school and even in higher education and yet still manage to be ignorant of one another is clear testimony to the deep-seated roots of this human and national tragedy. What we do learn along the way is to place heavy reliance on stereotypes, gossip, rumor, and fear to shape our lack of knowledge." - David Shoem
To what extent do you agree or disagree with Shoem's ideas? (How ignorant are we of one another? How much do we rely on stereotypes, gossip, rumor and fear to make our way through the world?)
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ReplyDeleteB.Brewer-Wood. Per. 6
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoem for the most part, because he is right. society forces us to intermingle with one another yet we still resist those that we dont identify with, even after spending our entire lives with them; but we say racism is wrong! bad racism! many people dont put forth an effort to get to kno people outside of their own similarties, which becomes ignorance Shoem speaks of, and we do this because our parents do it and they do it because their parents do it, and so on.
often times we use stereotypes, gossip, rumor, and fear to our advantage and call it simply "not knowing." we use it to help us get jobs, to make us feel comfortable in our homes, to make us feel better about ourselves, to keep tradition going, etc. the problem is that most people wont examine theirselves and accept that they take part in something that they despise, which is racism in its new form.
Davonte Lockett. Period 6. Mr.Wood
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with Mr. Shoem's ideas because students have their own groups and those groups are either club related, race related, or socially related. The ideas Mr. Shoem talks about are all faults humans make in daily developement. We humans rely on stereotypes, rumors, and gossip because the most common way humans hold conversations are either talking about events or talking about other people. I know that rasicm isn't going to stop but, i don't think people will stop encouraging these flaws throughout the nation.
Davonte Lockett. Period 6. Mr. Wood
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Brooke said and not only can stereotypes ruin FRIENDSHIPS but it can lead to lies.
B.Brewer-Wood.Per.6
ReplyDeleteahh Davonte! you bring it to King/Drew!!! you're so right! k/d students dont hang out with any1 accept their usual crew...before someone calls me fake or a hippo-crit, let me just say that i am guilty of that. but if someone tried to explore and hang with other groups, do you think that group would let that person in and/or be open to that person...?
i'll try it and let ya kno ;)
~b
Kaneca Pompey-Segal
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Shoem. it is usually a common thing to ask some one about themselves when one first meets them. but to not get to know someone seems to take a lot of work. Shoem
was right when he said "deep-seated roots of this human and national tragedy". not taking the time to learn about someone else's background(be it their religion or culture) is why some people are able to accept genocide. if they know nothing about the people being targeted then it's like these people aren't really human-they're just pest that need to be exterminated. it justifies and makes every one that's not a victim of genocide feel better about their actions.
Rozmiarek
ReplyDeleteBrooke made interesting comments regarding "comfort" as the reason why people seldom venture out of their groups, and Davonte's observation that we spend an inordinate time talking about others was true for me in high school (but not for much of it and definitely not now), but Kaneca's remark that "not get[ting] to know someone seems to take a lot of work" resonates most with me. I'd like to hear more about that.
(Note: Remember that this is the last week when you won't have to make specific references to your primary text. Still be specific in your examples and elaborate when making broad statements. THANKS!)
i agree with what Shoem had to say because many times we act like we arent stereotipycal when in fact we know that if for a moment we had to step out of our comfort zone that we would change and not be ourselves. I'm not saying that this is always the case but for the most part we pretend to care for those who may be different , but with doubt in the back of our hearts.
ReplyDeleteA.Castrejon-Segal
ReplyDelete"That we can live so closely together, that our lives can be so intertwined socially, economically, and politically..."
Personally I think it's disturbing to watch American Soldiers try to bring Democracy to places like Iraq, who obviously don't want us there imposing our own brand of politics on them, and ignore horrific travesties like Darfur. Where was America when thousands upon thousands were brutally murdered, raped, and with out homes?
Erika C.-Segal
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Shoem that despite being "interwined socially,economically,and politically...[we] can still be ignorant..." We live in America a country full of diversity, where we are exposed to many types of people. However, even such does not seem to be enough for us not to live our lives by stereotypes, rumors, etc. It's unfortunate that living in such a free country we are still very close-minded and don't accept the differences of others. Like someone previously mentined, at k/d we tend 'kick it' with those we are comfortable with and share intersts with. We don't take the opprtunity to look and think outside the box. doing so would help prevent such atrocities and undesired events from happening.
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ReplyDeleteBryanna Rivera-period 6-Mr.Wood
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with what Shoems is saying. I believe that we are all ignorant in one way or form, even before we get to know a person we automatically assume anything we want to assume, and that is not the best thing to do. Believing in the rumors, sterotypes, and judegments of others are just obsurd. Why should we generalize, or put this sterotypical label on people just to follow the rumors and ignorance of others. In my opnion in makes no sense to say things about a certain person, even if you have known them your whole life, just on the lack of knowledge you personally have or the lack of knowledege we all attain as individuals in a media based society. The ignorance we all share as a people is amazing, we all believe what we hear just because a person of another race "knows" about someone else. As a media based society we base all of our knoweledge and judgement on what is seen in the "big screen" and I do not believe that it is fair to sterotype based of what other people do, just because a Puerto Rican is singing reggeton doesn't mean that I am a reggeton only music lover. People today on a general basis go about assuming off of fear, anger, and frustration. Automatically just because you are scared of someone from a different race you say what you want and its perfectly okay with you, and you take it and run with it. As the entire world begins to realize, slowly but shurley, that we all base our life and we rely on media and on other forms of propaganda in order to fins out "facts about another culture, race group what ever you want to call them. As minorities, and even not so much only the minorities but just the entire world as a whole, bases the most idiotic assumptions on real life, and I bleive it should not be that way ever,it just puts a sour view of that certain person or thier ethnicity etc on everyone else.
Medina Murphy-Oats.
ReplyDeleteTo an extent, I agree with Shoems statement. His words are sharp, very sharp and most of them are true, but I refuse to believe that all members of the human race are completely arrogant and "ignorant" towards each other. Granted, many opinions that people have for/against each other are due to "stereotypes, gossip, rumor, and fear to shape [their] lack of knowledge", but there are many others whoi are compassionate to the background heritage of people outside their own race, age group, gender, etc. I believe we are all connected as a human race and although wer may not understand each other ALL of the time, there must be mutual vibe we share.
I've read all the previous blogs before my own and let me say I understand where all of you are coming from. The points you make are exquisite. For example, when Brooke and Davonte use the school as evidence, they point out the fact that people only hang out with whomever they feel the most comfortable with and it is rare for people to interact with others "outside their similarities". I totally agree and I'm not trying to say that stereotypes, racism and ignorant folks don't exist. That's not what I'm saying AT ALL but I feel as human beings, we don't give ourselves enough credit. I can honestly say I know people who aren't close-minded to people who aren't like them and not everyone I hang out with, personally, looks like me. In a way, I think Shoem is stereotypical against humans. He is so fixed on the idea that all people are close-minded and ignorant but they're not. Maybe I live in a fantasy world, but I acknowledge the fact that Shoem has a point but if he were 100% correct, I would feel nothing when I see pictures of the Holocaust, there would be no such thing as inter-racial relationships, civil rights for both African-Americans and Latino-Americans wouldn't exist, Ceasar Chavez would be just another Latino and Barack Obama would be just another black man.
ReplyDeletei agree, education just gives ignorant people a bigger vocabulary...Super ignorant...yeah thats what humans do, they stereotype each other and categorize each other in an attempt to establish their supposed superiority over the guy two shades darker than him...
ReplyDeleteThe prompt itself is nothing short of liberal nonsense. It sees only division, categorization, and nothing about progress that has obviously been made in the past century. 50 years ago most white suburban kids would have been completely ignorant to black music--nowadays, white suburban jackasses are the leading consumers of once "different" music. Not too long ago, Mexican, Chinese, and Italian foods were considered "exotic" and yet today across the country and around the industrial world, such foods are widely available. If anything, we've become more aware of each other.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the question posed seems to want the impossible--absolute tolerance and knowledge of cultures and customs that are irrelevant to our lives. We're lucky to have made it thus far, any further would be plunging into a potentially hazardous "melting pot". Vagina.
Kaneca Pompey-Segal
ReplyDeleteErika C. i agree with what you said about most Americans being closed minded. that statement definitely makes me think about the whole proposition 8 fiasco. if we were more open to different ideology then there wouldn't be people now scared to be who they really are because they are afraid of being harassed and everyone would have the right to marry whomever they wanted without being detested for their decision/choice.
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ReplyDeleteI feel that he made a very good observation. It bewilders me when people of every race clique up with their own race based on the negative slanders that are placed on other races. Though some people live up to what is said about them, the entire race/nation/community should not have to be faulted for that. WE, AS A WHOLE, invest too much time in learning about the "hardships and sunshine’s" of others and yet are still blind to the true person at hand. But when we find an interest in people, we cling and stay attached. I agree with Kaneca because we are very closed-minded. And...When it comes down to it, most of our life is wasted on the time we invest in others business and not them as an overall person.
ReplyDeleteBrittany T.-Segal
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoem's ideas because many people in our society today, after all we have been through, are still stereotyping others. Although we learn in our classes about the struggles many cultures, races, and ethnicities have had to face, we still make racist jokes and comments about our "friends."
In the novel that I chose, "We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families," the author encounters a pygmy man that believes he must marry a white woman because they are the only ones who can understand his concept of "Homo sapiens." I believe the pygmy man feels that way because of how he was raised. The novel explains that Pygmies were the first to inhabit Rwanda but during the precolonial times they served as court jesters to the Tutsi kings. The pygmy man feels hatred towards the "negro" people because of the mistreatment of his ancestors.
Adriana C.-Segal
ReplyDeleteIn response to Sal's post, I don't understand what makes a melting pot "potentially hazardous".
I believe if everyone belonged to the same melting pot, there would be less room for discrimination against others who are different. A good example are the race wars between Blacks and Mexicans.
If both races learned to get along and actually work together, then there will be more time to do something that is worth while, instead of shooting at each other and blaming all their problems on the "White Man". There would be no room for them to fight, because essentially they would come from the same melting pot.
Of course, something like that would take a great deal of time to actually happen but if both groups forget all the stereotypes and learn to get over their ignorance, then maybe they will live together peacefully.
Sunny Earle. -Wood.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoem, in that it takes people (myself included) too little a time to make a judgement about another person. I feel that perhaps we people are so quick to pre-judge others because then we don't have to worry about stepping out of our comfort zones and taking the chance of maybe meeting someone that we might have things in coomon with or grow to like and care about-not in a romantic way just in general. Unfortunately we hold ourselves back by not getting to know new people. Who knows, the white girl in class could grow up to be a judge who you might need one day, the Dominican boy from down the block could grow up to be the principal of the school you are trying to get your child into. I'm not saying that we should get to know new people because of what they might be able to do for us, but at the same time you never know when you may need the help of that person. "Its not what you know, its who you know".
Brooke mentioned that we all say racism is wrong yet we still only communicate with people outside of our race or "clique" when we have to. This is so true, I have noticed it with my friends and even with myself, as much as we all claim to not be racist a lot of times comments are made about another person- a lot of times people we know nothing about- that ae very racist. Comments that I know I would be mad and hurt by if they were dirtected towards me. We might not make these comments directly to the person, but the fact that comments are made at all is wrong.
Medina!!!!!!
I totally agree with you! Shoem is right, as we have all stated, but you are also right! He speaks of stereotypes and racism as if it is practiced by EVERY SINGLE PERSON. However like you said, "if he were 100% correct, I would feel nothing when I see pictures of the Holocaust, there would be no such thing as inter-racial relationships..."
Preach Medina! =]
Patric Buckley, Period 6, Mr. Wood
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoem's ideas up until the point where he says that people remain ignorant by judging people based on stereotypes. The reason I disagree with that is because it's not entirely true; there are some individuals who are still "ignorant" and remain being racist and judging someone based on stereotypes, but in today's society (at least America), that is starting to fade away. People of all races are having bi-racial and multi-racial children. This is a prime example and proof that not everyone judges people based on sterotypes. Other than that, I would agree with the idea and questioning of how can people of different races interact with each other everyday, yet for some reason, some people hold on to stereotypes, and if we would actually take the time to get to know each other, and throw stereotypes aside, it could benefit the entire world.
-Response to Sunny's comment.
Sunny I totally agree with your comment. " I feel that perhaps we people are so quick to pre-judge others because then we don't have to worry about stepping out of our comfort zones and taking the chance of maybe meeting someone that we might have things in coomon with or grow to like and care about-not in a romantic way just in general." This was my favorite part of your comment, the reason being is because my best friend is Mexican and we have alot in common. Also, the part where you said we can grow to like each other, but not neccessarily in a romantic way is true, but it could also be in a romantic way. Anyways, Sunny; love the comment and I am going to "High Five" you in class tomorrow.
Patric Buckley, Period 6, Mr. wood
ReplyDelete-Response to Brooke and Devonte(My second response to someone elses comment)
Devonte and Brooke, that is so true what you guys are saying, although I would consider myself an acception to that althought I do have that tendecy to hang out with my "clique" and not hang out with my Latino friends. Like the comments though.
Bryanna Rivera-Wood P.6
ReplyDeleteI deffinatley agree to what Devonte said. As teens we are very naive and gullable to what everyone aorund us is saying, and we do sadly fall into believing the sterotypes. As a whole group of people we easily just believe what is said in socitey today and lack self control when it comes to repeating what is said, I mean come on, we should at least have that ability to figure out whats right and what's wrong. If people change, then i think that maybe some people will change, but we wil still have to deal with "mini Hitlers" and the KKK and other ignorant people that choose to sterotype and generalize other people!!
Sure, the human race may be the most successful and the "smartest" species in the animal kingdo. But some of our kind are also the most vain, timid, and worthless organisms that walk this planet. Pre-occupied with the latest gossip (who broke up with this person, who got pregnant, which celebrity got a nosejob, etc.), the latest in fashion, and material matters, most people don't bother to delve into a person's personality, background, or character. The vain and cerebrally lacking of this world care not about the type of background one comes from or the type of personality one embodies, they care about what car another drives or what brand they sport. Materialism and a pre-occupation with others' suffering has corrupted society; and sadly enough, that same materiam is the force that drives our economy and shapes our values.
ReplyDeleteAnd if it isn't vanity and gossip that hinders us from getting to know one another better, its fear. America isn't a melting pot of gold, its a melting pot of ignorant fools tainted with prejudice whose "first" impressions are branded by prejudice. This prejudice is the offspring of fear which has created stereotypes that inhibit us from attaining a deeper understanding of one another
Black people: crack dealers or convicts. Mexicans: wetbacks with a dozen kids each, fueled by beans and tortillas, who sell oranges on freeway onramps. Asians: either strict geniuses with no social life or rice fiends who scratch a living filing nails. White people: potheads, hippies, or dogmatic conservatives. Stereotypes are inescapable.
I whole-heartedly agree with Shoem.
Pedro Vicente - Period 6 - Mr. Wood
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoem because most people aren't willing to meet people that are different from them. Everybody only talks with people that look like them because it makes them more comfortable and therefore never even try to meet someone from another ethnic group. Although we Latinos, African Americans , Asians, White, and everybody else live among us and go to the same school, we still don't give each other the opportunity to get to know each other but we are quick to judge each other based on the stereotypes we have heard.
My comment was focused on the local American scale, but it can also apply on the international scale. America invades any country they don't like and taints their image.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, Muslims = terrorists, coined by US fear which was generated by the federal government which could have prevented 9/11.
Briana Little Period 6-Wood
ReplyDeleteI aboslutely agree with Shoem, simply due to the fact that this world is in a tragedy that we base how we treat one another, and how we think of echother based off of stereotypes. Stereotypes based on skin color, eye color, or any other genetic identity that has nothing to do with who we are as person, and an individual. We think gossip is good, and is it true. We must think is everything we say necessary, true, and honest. We walk the same lives close, but far at the same time, and we don't even understand that we can be exactly alike. This system has taken away our knowledge to rid of this concept. I refuse to follow this stereotype, that we will live in this zone, I am characterized by myself, and will stand strong against stereotypes.
Briana Little Period 6-Wood
ReplyDeleteIn response to Andrew Do opinion
I agree with what you said on how gossip, and how we allow it to control our worlds, and outlook views. Gossip is not all true, but yet we may participate in it. However when were on the end, we feel threatened, or insulted. Our society is developed off of how we are living, or driving, and not our personal lifestyles of being abstinent, not drinking or smoking, but those are considered "bad" stereotypes in the gossip world. No matter your skin color, we all bring about different things to the world. This is where religion and race tie in. God made us to be unique in our own way!! Me and Andrew are absolutely on the same page!!
So whose post should I prey on first...
ReplyDeleteAdrianna: "Where was America when thousands upon thousands were brutally murdered, raped, and with out homes?"
A: We were watching the Superbowl, catching up on the latest gossip, plotting our next invasion, watching TMZ, and looking for skeletons in our neighbor's closet.
Rafael, a higher education is supposed to endow more than a larger vocabulary. Those whose minds are so narrow that they can't accept and live peacefully with people two shades darker than them should not have gained admission into higher education in the first place.
Sal, cease with your pointless rant. Your comment contradicts everything you stand for.
Lorena Ramirez--segal
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement that Shoem stated. We all live so intertwined with one and although we may speak different languages, have differnt customs and dress a certain way, we are all still human and are unique in our different way. I don't believe that we allow ourselves in America to take the time to get to know one another, and we tend to be more judgemental to others without even getting to know the people for who they really are because we grew up with certain sterotypes. These stereotypes can be the cause for wars, fights, and a wall from allowing us to get to know somebody else away from the structure others have made us seen them in.
response to adriana c.
i agree with what you have to say adriana. how we can we go to other countries with the pretext of saying that we will go help them out where they don't need our help, and ignore the innocent, loud, cries of help all around when they can truly use our help and support to get them out of the horrific nightmare they are living?
Elbert Martin, Mr. Wood/Jarvis
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoem's idea of being ignorant as a people, but I wouldn't necessarily call it ignorant. For choice of a better phrase, I would call it lack of racial tolerance.
I also don't believe that this applies to EVERY human being on this planet. There are people who try not to let difference in race & stereotypes effect how they view those surrounding them. Some parents try to teach there children not to view others differently.
However, there are families that would rather have there children interact with those inside their own race & I believe that comes from the idea that (I think) is present in all cultures which is to be your "brother's keeper" & look out for your own race.
i strongly agree with Shoem. He makes a great point about segregated ethnicities, racism, and sterotypes. I believe that if a person judges someone before they get to know them, they're sinply pre-judice, including myself. I'm guilty of being prejudice, whether its someone from adifferent race or even my own. Im not proud of it, its just one of those things that i know i need to work on. Certain characteristics about a person will determine the outlook i have upon that single indivisual. I think that the only reason alot of human beings dont socialize with other nationalities, is because they dont like stepping outside of thier comfort zones. Which should definately change. From personal experience, its bet to get to know the person before we make them out to be someone they're not because of their physical appearance. Ive never been the type to be anti-social, but i do choose who i want to socialize with and who id rther not. Im casual with everyone, but do i want to be? its funny how we insult one indivisual, then turn right around and ask them for help on the math assignment. Its more likeusing a person for what you need, and after the task has been completed, you wont talk to that person until you need them again! which is a shame, and i think as group we should take risk and step outside of our boundaries to meet new people and explore a different part of life
ReplyDeletei agree with what Devante Lockett said, either people get in groups because they want to talk about events or talk about someone. usually the conversation isnt positive its about someone else, which is gossiping. Which starts off as just statements, then retold with a twist which are lies, then destroy's ones reputation. Whcih then leads to peers judging one another baised on what they heard, but isnt completely true, or even true atall! Then the drama begins!
ReplyDeletei would agree with what shoem says about segregation, racism, and stereotypes. i believe that when people make fun of somebody or say bad things about that person before they even know about them is concidered prejudice. i would have to admit that i did that at times but i changed my ways. there is alot of different groups everywhere in the world tht have conversations about another group of people. most of the times they are stereotyping others.
ReplyDeletei agree with sheom for the most part. he has stated what most people think within themselves on a daily basis. everyday examples of separation and division among us as people is clearly evident. it has become such a consistent cycle that noone acknowledges it anymore. as for myself i know that i am guilty of doing what i am comfortable with which does not allow me the chance to branch out and explore people and situations that are outof my element. as i grow older i find myself trying to be diverse and socialize with those of other ethnicities and backgrounds i think we as a people should work to bridge these gaps and make it so that we can all be comfortable with each other.
ReplyDeleteandrew aguilar mr wood 6th
ReplyDeletei would agree with what briana little had to say because gossip is not always true. most of the time in false. also , some of the gossip is just to impress friends because that is what i used to do.
I completely agree with Shoem. We live in a society that judges people simply on rumors and stereotypes and which rarely tries to look beyond those words to search for the truth. We tend to judge others by what other people say. Our ignorance not only limits our level of knowledge, but also offends and hurts people from the distinct groups we judge. At King Drew for example, we have associated ourselves with mainly the same people since ninth grade, yet there are many things we do not know about each other in terms of culture and beliefs. We automatically assume things about different people based on the stereotypes and rumors that surround us. In society overall, people tend to judge others based on personal appearance. For example, when someone "looks" Hispanic, they are automatically labeled as being Mexican without taking into consideration the many other Latin American countries that one person can originate from. We live in a world surrounded by stereotypes and rumors which we do not attempt to explore and declare true or false. Today’s society would be much better off if we were to fully acknowledge the people and world around us. Not only would we be more educated about the world, but acknowledging our surroundings would be taking a step forward towards eliminating social issues that arise in our communities.
ReplyDeletei also agree with briana little gossip is some peoples way of fitting in with groups that may not otherwise pay them any attention. in my opinion it is negative way of making friends because they are befriending you for all of the wrong reasons. on the other hand it is also something that friends do as a pass time. i just think that it is a normal part of life and everyone will gossip at a point in their lives.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Erika's comment. It is sad how we live in such a diverse country and yet we do not accept other's differences. We need to stop being so close-minded and instead be open to learning about different people and different opinions. With such diversity in the world, we should learn to accept the many different people that come across our paths.
ReplyDeletewell well well l0l ... evryone has very strong arguments nd of course iagree also. idont think ipayd tht much attention to it until ijuhst read tht excerpt. SHOEM is very rt ... society has grown to be ingnorant towards being integrated. thinking about this subject brings a lot of thoughts to mind. 4example, idont think tht MLK died for us to segreg8 ourselves away from eachother. he died for juhst thee opposite. another major problem tht becomes more nd more serious as the years go by .... gang banging. gang banging is based off of discrimination. after reading tht it triggered a lot of thoughts nd opinion about things.
ReplyDelete[RESPONCE to BROOKE nd DAVONTAE]
ReplyDeleteiwaas thinking the same thing .... KD is segregated all the way around ... as a matter of fact idont even hang out w/other kids besides thee black ones. iknw it sounds bad but im juhst being honest. one time one of my friends [ryan barner] was walking w/meeh after lunch nd inoticed shee said hi to EVERYONe; not juhst thee black kids nd ilookd at her liek HUH.? .... nd now that ianalyze that situation shee was jusht being polite.
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ReplyDelete(i got carried away writing about this)
ReplyDeleteIGNORANCE + LACK OF EDUCATION = STEREOTYPES
I strongly agree with David Shoem when he states that we "...place heavy reliance on stereotypes, gossip, rumor, and fear to shape our lack of knowledge...". Often people tend to say I am a "nigger lover" or a "sell-out" to my own culture because I associate with others out of my race. People tell me I don't act Mexican....but I ask myself how is a Mexican supposed to act? This is the outcome of the great deal we pay to STEREOTYPES. Most people feel comfort among their "own people", individuals belonging to the same race. Hence, build a comfort zone, its walls disable us from enganging with anyone who is physically different from us. I feel it is a privilege to live in a country as diverse as the United States, there is so much to learn from one another. But unfortunately the majority of society is "so caught up" in their own business and does not take the time to acknowledge our neighbors and we unconsciously grow ignorant. I feel I am not a sell-out...I am proud of my Mexican culture and show it by being fluent in the language. But I am also eager to widen my horizons so at school I speak to every one despite race and at work too. I work in the Escort Office at Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, Ca. My first day was peculiar… as I walked in I saw penetrating stares. I just considered it was part of the newcomer’s package. I wore the same blue coat and white pants as everyone else in the Escort Office, but it felt as if I wore a fluorescent pink coat with flamboyant bottoms. No one welcomed me, no one said a word to me, and even so they frequently glanced at me. Their gaze had a bit of confusion, as to why or how I got there. Disparity filled their eyes but there was also a bit of fear, I could sense it. It was awfully noticeable that it was not my uniform but the color of my skin that singled me out. I was the only Latina in a room of Caucasian and Asian teens (but they too were segregated). It was ironic how alienated I felt with individuals my own age.
The event made me realize how naïve my perspective on race was: I was brought up knowing we were all of different backgrounds but still I had to give respect to each individual and interact with everyone despite racial variation, I mean aren’t we all part of the same race?...the human race?
Weeks passed by and I was still alienated. Yes, it did bother me not having any friends there but it was a great volunteering experience that I was not going do without due to the ignorance of others. As I would listen to the other volunteers speak, I realized how much we shared in common, yet the minor differences of race, zip code and being born to middle class parents banned any type of possible association. One day as I heard chitchat about AP Exams I knew it would be the perfect opportunity for me to start talking and end the isolation. I approached a Korean girl who appeared the nicest out of the clique. I could see a bit of amazement in Sarah’s eyes as she heard I had taken four AP Exams and lived in Compton, and attended school in Watts: cities which the media placed emphasizes on the occurring violence and the only expected success came from rap artists.
Sarah seemed confused and began to ask questions:
“So if I were to visit you, would I get shot? Doesn’t everyone over there have a gun?”
Thinking she was only being funny, I went along with it.
“Yeah, everyone has one…if you want I’ll bring mines next week.”
Sarah’s eyes widened and I laughed. I could not resist laughing at the still existing ignorance of society, but I quickly realized that it was a heartbreaking thing. In order for the stereotypes to stop, I began explaining to Sarah: although the city is known for its gang affiliated relations and non-progressive community, there are many individuals (including myself) who have not allowed the negative implications to define their education nor identity.
From that day on, Sarah and I have learned a lot from one another. She has taught me of her Korean culture as I have taught her of my Mexican culture. The relationship Sarah and I have has worked as an example to other volunteers; now there is unity among the Asians, Caucasians and myself. It is important to recognize that it is not the appearance of the package but its’ contents that retain the value.
Francisco Coronel-Mr.wood-Period 6
ReplyDeleteI, like everyone else, agree with Shoem. Most of the people I know argue that they don't judge someone before they actually get to meet them.However,even though I believe it is the proper thing to do I also believe that it is a false statement. I say this due to to my personal experiences. I'm going to be honest and say that I do judge people before I even meet them but I also try not to let stereotypes create a negative image of that person. For example, before I met Andrew Do, I judged him by his ethnicity and thought that Andrew would be an over-achiever. However, I did not crystalize that idea until I actually met him and found out that he was actually a very smart person.I never stick to the first impression of that person because if I am wrong, I would be a person that is overpowered by of all the stereotypes that demean people. I think Shoem is right,we always "hang-out" with people withing our own ethnical group,probably because we feel like we are all the same, or we're more comfortable,the truth is,im not sure and I wish I did know. ALthough, that isn't all true because I have a lot African American and Asian friends all whom I get along with very well. It is true, people are very ignorant when it comes to getting to know their fellow peers all because of the stereotypes. Even though everyone says that stereotypes are wrong, we still adopt those negative images of people because they sometimes have some truth in it and all that leads to is ignorance and the evasion from people.
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ReplyDeletewoah! I wrote an essay similiar, actually, identical to this topic. While Sal's comment that we are more aware of one another's cultures & heritages today than we have ever been is accurate, it does not change the priniciple argument that ignorance continues to prevail in modern societies.
ReplyDeleteHere's an anecdote from my essay..."My first exposure to the outside world would be the relatively short commute to a nearby suburb. I stepped into the auditorium at George K. Porter Middle School in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles for orientation day and saw a room filled with unfamiliarly colored faces. This was my first real encounter with individuals not of African or Latin descent. Culture shocked, I sat in the large room finding it hard to concentrate, glancing from face to face, observing everyone’s presence as the principal’s echoes of what we were to encounter at the school passed my ears. Within my first few days of school I was nick-named “South Central” by the valley students who were shocked to find I was capable of surviving in the turmoil of South Los Angeles, which was presented in the news as a dangerous city. While I never considered where I live inferior to other places, I suddenly learned that the students influenced by the media considered it to be. I learned that even ethnic diversity in a well-to-do school does not cure geographic nor social ignorance and that people may have both fear and awe about others who are different from them."
It is unfortunate that not only are people unaware of individuals from different countries, but from cities within the same county. Both are major problems which are likely to never be solved as it is impossible to make people aware if they refuse to open their minds to other cultures & traditions. Those willing to learn are not the problem as they will ask and receive answers. It is the close-minded group (large group) of people who refuse to be educated that pose the true problem in addition to the uneducated individuals (an even largergroup) who have no choice as they live in poverty or in nations which do not emphasize education.
posted by: Ashley Ortiz (segal student)
{IN RESPONSE TO ADRIANA CASTREJON's QUESTION: Where was America when thousands upon thousands were brutally murdered, raped, and with out homes?)
ReplyDeleteAmerica is aware of all the cruel acts happening around the world but turns the other cheek. Why?... Because the United States will not intervene with any country unless there is a personal gain involved. The current war adds on to my conclusion, we go against countries for oil but not to stop the injustice. And us...? Society blinds itself and ignores the scream of the other countries because we are not the ones suffering.
A scary world that we are living in.
This is in response to Davonte,Brooke,and Sunny's statements.
ReplyDelete-I agree with Davonte and Brooke because King/Drew is very segregated! In one of my classes all the african americans sit on the right side of the room everyone (Hispanics and Asians) else sits to the left.This isn't because the teacher wanted it that way but because that's just how we believe we should be sitting. We feel like we should be sitting with the people of our own kind.
-Someone else whom I can also relate to is Sunny.She says "Who knows, the white girl in class could grow up to be a judge who you might need one day, the Dominican boy from down the block could grow up to be the principal of the school you are trying to get your child into." The reason why I can relate to your idea is because that is the reason why I dont make final judgements of people before I even get to meet them. You're right, that person whom I thought would end up in jail can actually end up being the next mayor of Los Angeles.
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ReplyDeleteI also agree with Stella's idea that: IGNORANCE + LACK OF EDUCATION = STEREOTYPES
ReplyDelete-In responce to Sal's comment...
ReplyDeleteI feel that the "melting pot" is not hazardous. It makes the country more diverse and brings a differnce to our country that most countries do not. It's funy how he could just bluntly write vagina at the end of his post, and the person next to me asked "if the vagina makes the country more diverse?"
(Justin Jeffers)
So....does it?
Martin Figueroa- Mr. Segal 6th Period
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree wtih David Shoem where he discusses the fundamentals of our society, where we fail to meet new people out of our own shell. We rather critizes and make rumors that strongly affect others, to get our way through. I specifically agree where he says: " What we do learn along the way is to place heavy reliance on stereotypes, gossip, rumor, and fear to shape our lack of knowledge". Shoem describes how we have learn to just focus on meeting people that we fit in. We dont seek to learn about new things out of our own space. We take the fast path and critize one another but we really dont take the time to meet new people. We accept the rumors and ideas that people share no matter if they are good or bad to influence our views towards society.
Shoem's statement is true, but only to a certain extent. It is obvious that he has only encountered such situaions where different racial or ethnic groups act in ignorant ways. However I dont agree with his ideas as a whole. His statement expresses a general idea suggesting that Every One acts in that way, when that is not the case. Currently, people are putting forth an effort to look past race, ethnicity, stereotypes, gossip, and rumors, they are open-minded and willing to except others for personality rather than (race, ethnicity, etc.)
ReplyDeleteKimberly-Period 6- Wood
ReplyDeleteI really agree with Shoem's ideas. Generally, people in our society tend to rely more on stereotypes, rumors, and fear of the unknown. Having that overwhelming reliance on things like these are what keep us ingnorant to each other. Since so many of us, as a whole, are unwilling, making our way through the world in this manner keeps people isolated. When people are isolated, so are the oppritunities and ideas. We cheat ourselves out of possible friendships. All of this hinders the progression of the human race. This isolation caused by ignorance was one of the ultimate mistakes of our ancestors. Maybe we can set an example for generations to come.
I wholeheartedly agree with Shoem's idea. We as a human race fear the unknown and differences among us. I think we forget that the differences is what makes us individuals and that because we are different we can all bring new perspectives to life that can help us in the future. We are very ignorant of one another sometimes, however there are a lot of people who try and take the time to learn. The media also doesnt help because movies and news make people believe only what they see on television. This is why people think that all people from Iraq are terrorist. For instance when I attended a symposium, a guy from Alabama talked to me and my friends until he found out we were from California. He quickly tried to stop talking to us and when we asked why he replied, "Because on the movies people from Los Angeles are stuck up". Then Kymberli said, "If we want to believe in sterotypes, I should have asked him if he married his cousin." Some people rely to much on stereotypes, gossip, rumor and fear to make their way through the world instead of just taking the time to get to know each other. Fear brings tragedy, but unity bring understanding and harmony.
ReplyDelete***In response to Sal's comment***
ReplyDelete-The only thing I agree with you about is that Shoem does fail to acknowledge the fact that we as a human race have actually made progress to coming together ie.Interacial relationships. Plunging into a melting pot is never "potentially hazardous", we are all one people. When we finally are able to recognize this we will be able to accept each other for what and who we may be. America is a diverse country and we all are part of the pot, but this would cause us to be more understanding and one day be able to communicate with one other for a better world. Also I found one of the comments to be an example of the stereotypical ignorance today. White suburban kids that wouldnt know "black music", what the heck is "black music"???, music is music no matter in what culture.
Teni A-per 6 Segal
ReplyDelete"What we do learn along the way is to place heavy reliance on stereotypes, gossip, rumor, and fear to shape our lack of knowledge."
This statement is completely accurate, in that society is becoming increasingly reliant, and blindly trusting of almost all of media's stereotypical depictions of different races, and ethnic backgrounds. Prejudice is human instinct, however, it becomes a problem when it stems from inaccurate and misleading information. Eliminating stereotypes about other races will only help us to be tolerant of each other, however eliminating the fear and ignorance that stops us from delving into other cultures will allow us to embrace and live more peacefully with one another.
Kimberly-Period 6- Wood
ReplyDeleteIn response to Pedro Vicente. I think that is so, because people tend not to like trying new things.(i.e., talking or being friends with people different than themselves in some shape or form.) So, what you were saying how people are friends with other people in the same ethnic group as people like them is what keeps people ignorant from other's values and cultures and such. It's strange how that happens since our country is made up of people of various ethnicities and cultures and this fear that people have keep us separated.
(Justin Swayne,Wood period 6)
ReplyDeletei agree with Shoem's statement in it's entirety; whether it's trying to match someone's face according to their name or indulging in a conversation on how a race other than our own behaves, people tend to ignore the truth and remain ignorant of each other as they rely on prejudice stereotypes. when we look at a complete stranger we often don't see a random individual but instead an Asian, a Mexican, it is our inability to ignore pre-juding(prejudice) stereotypes which maims Americans in any attempt of unity.
(Justin Swayne, Wood period 6)
ReplyDeleteto answer Justin Jeffers' question, i do believe Sal's blunt concluding statement (vagina)contributes to not only America but the world's betterment as it provides diversity. Other than venturing out and meeting new people and welcoming them into our communities, it is the indulgence in exploring the vast contents of this "blunt" statement of those of other nationalities in depth, to which we owe our diversity.
Sierra-period6-Wood
ReplyDeleteI agree with David Shoem staement to the fullest.In this time period people go by what they hear and see instead of actually learning about a human being.In school there is a variety of different races and cultures but we never seem to take the time to learn about any other one than our very own. The sterotypes addes to a huge part in us not wanting to honestly learn about another culture because we may be too afraid that the sterotypes are true. I also believe that the since there are so many different sterotypes about a certain race or culture, one person may actually believe the sterotype to be true which draws them further away from actually educating themselves on what the culture actually consists of. This only leads to our seperation and it will continue to keep us further apart unless we rely on actual knowledge rather than the rumors that we hear.
Sierra-period6-Wood
ReplyDeleteIn response to Lindsey
I totally agree with your response.People forget what makes and induvidual and looks at a person in whole.They automatically assume since the media or a friend spreads a rumor seems true,that it is true.
Remarkable, I agree with David Shoem on the whole concept of his quote. We spend so many years in school, yet we're still as dumb as a brick. I however, think it's a deeper meaning of religious beliefs and personal morals. We often try to incorporate both in our understanding of human nature as a whole, but everyone has different opinions and values.The racism, prejudice, and injustice of other human beings is dumb and the treatment of such by another human being could be a result of their moral beliefs. Constitutionally speaking, all men of the United States are created equal. Although this is in writing, it wasn't put into effect into recently and some still aren't considered 'equals' of others. We must learn how to tolerate others no matter how much you 'dislike' or 'hate' someone. WE ARE ALL CHILDREN OF GOD!!!!
ReplyDeleteSunny Earle. period 6/ Wood
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments made about gossip. Gossip is something that everyone does. Not that it makes it right, it just seems to happen. Gossip is "ok" when the comments are not directed towards you but as soon as the role is reversed it suddenly becomes something big. People gossip to feel acceptance, to feel liked, to feel like they have something over another person. The sad thing is that a lot of times gossip is un true, and if it is true the story has altered with after passing through the mouths of outside parties.
As naiive and cliche as this may sound, we really need to "so unto others as we would like others to do unto you". its the Golden Rule.
It is very true that as a human race we do not recognize other peoples cutlures for what they truely are. Instead we follow the rumors and assumptions of how other races live. More effort should be put into the school systems and even in our right minds to learn more about our neighbors. Television and the news media feed us the image of other nations and we focus on only that. For example, the average person believes all asians are smart or all arabs are either terrorist or cab drivers. We are stuck in those boundaries. We should all make the effort to be more open minded and become more educated of one another. Personally, I do not feed into so many of the stereotypes because I have learned more about different cultures from my friends.But it is something we can not help but to believe what we constantly hear or see.
ReplyDeleteCourtney's statement that the media is the primary influence of people's exposures to other groups is accurate as a majority of people watch the news or read magazines & newspapers that give rushed reports on different individuals. Because the media tends to report the negatives of most if not all stories, we formulate negative stereotypes of the different groups.
ReplyDeleteposted by: Ashley Ortiz (segal student)
I totally agree with Sal !!!! Progress has been made in the past century. I feel that we are making an extreme effort to live and grow past stereotypes, gossip, racism, etc.
ReplyDeleteGoing to King/Drew, I am not exposed to a variety of races. Chances are, a student is black, latino, or something inbetween. Most people would then assume that as minorities, we should "stick together" however I have found that it is the opposite [well, most of the time]. Our school, due to the lack of much else to do, has found comfort in gossip, drama and other forms of instigation. In my experience in the ASB class, I have found that our school is segregated. We have the Latino portions behind the Student Store in the alley and the lower quad, and our black portions at the ramp and upper quad, with a few stragglers inbetween. For ASB, it is hard to find events that satisfy both ends of the spectrum. Hence, we have a Latino Heritage Assembly and a Black History Month Assembly. We expect different crowds at Basketball games as opposed to Soccer games. I think that King/Drew students, myself included, need to venture out of their comfort zone and keep an open mind in order to be more tolerant of others.
ReplyDeleteBrittany T.-Segal
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrew about gossip and how it controls our world. Many people participate in gossip and it sometimes controls their lives to the point where they believe everything they hear. I also agree with Sal and Asia that some progress has been made.
I agree with Asia and Sal in that society has made significant progress in looking past differences and finding connections. Nonetheless, stereotypes depicted in the media are still prevalent, and continue to counter the efforts that are being made.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to Ashley Ortiz's experience in a predominantly caucasian environment. I am a member of JSA, a club that has conferences with over 1,500 kids from SoCal, most of which are white. Whenever I explain to someone that I attend King/Drew in South Central Los Angeles, I get a variety of quotes such as "Is it like it is on tv?" or "Do people get shot alot?" I think this all stems back to media as a significant factor that influences perceptions of different ethnic groups. When I have never come into contact with something [say, a country like Japan], I learn about it from a secondary source such as a tv show or a book. For many of the JSA kids, they really did not have a lot of contact with black which is almost unheard of in Los Angeles in comparison to Rancho Palos Verdes or Aliso Niguel. Perhaps the ignorance stems from simply not knowing any better.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with Shoem's concept of ignorance and the idea that although we all lead similar lives (we eat, we sleep, we go to work), most of us dont even strive to get to know people's cultures, their beliefs and their ideas; sometimes we dont like their taste in clothes or food. and I believe that the feeling of superiority is what leads to the use of fear as a tool for power :D
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Shoem's statment about people lack of judgement and how they rely on crued methods of thinings such as stereotypes, rumors, gossip and so much more. Society is extremely stupid when it comes to judging one another. We are all the same no matter the color of skin or beliefs. Going on and misjudging those that are around us and those who we constantly spend time with is stupid. Soiety needs to change for the better.
ReplyDeleteKanesha-Segal
ReplyDeleteI feel that Shoem is right in one aspect of his statement: we as humans and a society do not take the time to truly learn and most importantly understand each others culture. I don’t think we necessarily rely on stereotypes to identify others and their backgrounds but I do believe we rely on politeness; we are trained whether by society, parents or maybe instinct to be courteously distant in regards to another’s idiosyncrasy and while we may not out right hate others for being different, society as a whole rarely takes the time to understand what makes us difference and accept it.
Taveeona Harvey-segal
ReplyDeleteSheom is absolutely right in her opinion on the plague of ignorance that still infects Americans today. It’s easier for us to watch a television show about violence, guns, sex and drugs than to sit down and try to acknowledge the being behind the person's color. I faced this same ignorance in the month of April against a rich, loft-owner who accused me of stealing his camera off the rooftop of my friend's building, just because I was black. The security guard did not even have sufficient evidence to accuse me, and they all felt like complete idiots after my godfather, who is Caucasian, furiously interrogated them on their injustice. Even though that event is far long gone, yet the thought still lingers in my mind. Would the LADP have really imprisoned me, or the rich, careless camera-owner have still pursued me if my godfather wouldn't have spoken up on my behalf? My whole life would have been ruined, opportunities for scholarships and college acceptances jeopardized. I wonder if this country, which is supposed to the land of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, is really so free and equal after all.
I do agree with Shoem but only to a certain degree. I do believe that some people may not take their own free time to sit down and lean about other people however some do and that needs to be recognized and encouraged through example. I could go on about examples of racism that I’ve experienced but it won’t get much done. On a Sunday night, I went downtown particularly early to an occasion so that I could have extra time to speak with someone. I did this because I wanted to know, I needed to know someone different. I spoke to an old lady from Europe who had been shot at walking down the street in the middle of LA and luckily survived. Today, she fears her neighbor’s strength and power over her because there’s a chance they might drug her again. I handed her a hot plate of dinner that day. I know it’s not much but at least it was one tiny act of hope.
ReplyDeleteTaveeona Harvey-segal
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lindsey's comment. I think we are afraid of each other, and often demolish each other's self esteem and culture as a means for superiority. We are one as a nation, not separated by color lines. Why is it so hard for us to accept that with individuality and culture comes life and meaning, not only ourselves, but understanding each other's culture and legacy as a stepping stone for change and self enlightment. We will get it together someday. I just hope its now than later.
**In response to Asia Anderson's blog.**
ReplyDeleteI agree with Asia because I do feel like many people, not everyone, but many are making an effort to learn more and be more aware. However, I do think that it needs to develope. I also do think that many people have lost that sense of hope in society overall and that attitudes as such, should change.
Kanesha- Segal
ReplyDeletei agree with teni. while we are making great strides in looking past steroetypes they are still prevelant and very much a part of our lives (i.e. the media). i think a big pat of that is that we like the individual not the whole. we don't put forth effort in trying to understand the differences of a group because we may possibly already have relations with an individual of the group who are like us- a collegue, friend, or peer who is interested in the same goals as we ourselves are
In response to adriana castrejon's statement, I solemnly do agree. What's America's Problem? We try to convert others and make others the way we want them to be, but we ourselves aren't who we say we are. We go around bossing everyone around because we're the strongest, but one day it will come back hauntingly. Instead of trying to start war's with others, we need to attempt to fight the wars that we have within ourselves. The wars with racism, prejudice, and stereotypes. Society in America constantly barks at each other! We need to fix our ownselves before we try to fix others!
ReplyDeleteKristin Nimmers-Wood-Period 6
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoem's ideas because stereotypes, rumors, etc. that's how a lot of people kind of see into another person's world. We all stay in our comfort zones, and rely on the so-called "known" things of everyone outside the comfort zone. For example, the typical stereotypes like Asians are smart, Hispanics are immigrants, Black people are gangsters, if the "known" is that black people who live in the "hood" are gangsters I can assume that, that black guy over there is one of them. Do I know him? No, but everybody else believes it and everybody says it so it's got to be true. What a lot of people who do this don't realize though, is that "everyone" or "all" is kind of non-existent when it comes to describing people because every single person is different. For example myself, I am Kristin, I'm not "everyone" I'm an individual. Also even besides stereotypes, we continue to be ignorant of each other because people kind of use the worst examples to represent an entire race or group when the fact is one person doesn't define a whole people. So even if a person goes beyond their comfort zone and talks to one kind of "outsider", they base their opinion on that one person.
Olga Murillo- Wood's Per.6-
ReplyDeleteI Agree with Shoem when he says we are ignorant of other races. Even if i hate to admit it, sometimes i do rely on stereotyping to "know" other cultures/races from the corners of the world. Not all black people eat fried chicken and kool aid. I should know, i live in Compton and have known my neighbors for years and funny thing they highly enjoy Mexican food ^_^!!
i agree with Leti that some of us dont sit down and take the time to learn about the other humans living in this world. i also agree that we should take the one's that do as an example. Like stereotypes are baby steps to genocide, examples like getting to know other cultures and embracing them are baby steps to reveling this world of ignorance.
I agree with Brooke and Davonte up there when they say that we kind of see it at King/Drew everybody is with their specific group and if you look at our yard it is really segregated. I would say though, that we aren't as bad as alot of schools, I think our segregation is kind of based more on class than race even though their is racial segregation. For example the 2010 class with the 2010 class and maybe some from the class right below, or the Seniors with the seniors, like we don't mingle outside our age groups but some of us still kind of have racially diverse groups, though not many of us.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoem that even though the human race is "interwined socially,economically,and politically...[we] can still be ignorant...". Attending k/d, i have learned that certain individuals have not yet attempted to learn about other cultures and religion ( even after four years). It is shocking how some refuse to accept others for who they are and expect to be accepted in society themselves. Relying on stereotypes, rumors, etc. to reveal who a person truly is in reality is not enough. Being in ASB, allows me to step out of my comfort zone and meet students I would normally not associate with. I take the time to learn about other cultures because I want to be educated and not be so limited. Society needs to change attitude and learn to accept others regardless of their race, religion, etc. and become truly united.
ReplyDeleteI agree with adriana that if all races came together change could actually happen, benefiting all humanity.
ReplyDeleteIm late...but i need to comment on someone's fantastic/interesting/mundane/idiotic thought.
ReplyDeleteIn response to andrew:
No shit we're blinded by materialism and distractions. But if it weren't for our desire to acquire things, we wouldn't have the connections we've had with others: globalization has brought the world together. We have our material shit coming from all around the world; we buy things from poor countries--which leads to them developing at a rate so they can get internet access and interactions across continents are now possible; we are an interdependent world BECAUSE of materialism. And, in a terrifying reality, it is the trivialities of the Modern Era (i.e celebrity gossip, sports, etc) that brings people together.
The problems, the disconnects are because of disparities in wealth and income. Rich non-whites around the world are loved; its if you're poor that stereotypes get to be a burden.
Very ignorant, we judge and comment about people who we don't even know.We would assume a blue-eyed, blonde hair female is a caucasian female who has lots of money and live in the rural society of America. Stereotyping is the way we live our lives, especially in America, because we're bored with ourselves and we need to fit in this clique called " The sterotypes".
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoem because people are prejudices because they use sterotypes instead of actually taking the time to know a person. People rely on stereotypes because that's how most people classify the groups at schools all over America.
ReplyDeleteImogene Williams-Segal
ReplyDeleteThere is definitely a great sense of ignorance among human beings when it comes to educating oursleves about other cultures. I totally agree with Shoem that even people who are the most educated can still be very ignorant and still rely on stereotypes when it comes to learning about different cultures. For example, in America we have so many educated individuals but yet there are also many people who are not aware of the issues going on in the world.
I partially agree with David Shoem on the fact that humans are inclined to behave and act irrationally; obvious in their prejudicial thoughts and actions. However, I find fault in Shoem reasoning,"we can spend so many years of study in grade school and even in higher education and yet still manage to be ignorant of one another". Unless high schools,colleges, and grad schools don't have social studies departments, and are restricted from taking advantage of resources such as books, and are taught by incompetent teachers, then that statement is easily argumentative. Education has for the most part, incorporated interdisciplinary humanities, that rather emphasize awareness of both past and present cultures that infuses the comprehension of religion, tradition and customs. A difference exists between ignorance and complete apathy for the interests and beliefs of others. Ignorance does lead to erroneous judgments, based on the lack of knowledge that enables discernment. Yet, bright, well capacitated and intelligent people can easily be prejudice against others. That doesn't mean those people are ignorant. It simply means that prejudice itself, is extended beyond an individual's ideal of superiority and capitalism further encourages it.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree because as humans everyone is so ignorant and not open to accepting people that are different from them in any kind of way. This is something that as human beings that we have to work on together.Many Americans are educated yet they still possess stupidity because of things like bias or prejudice.
ReplyDeleteThe human race is a dangerous and primitive race because we fail to tolerate each other and we destroy each other with wars . So I do agree with Shoem's comment because it is seen everyday all over the world . WE are not an inteligent race because if we were we would have had world peace which is an impossible concept to achieve. Our ignorance is seen through our actions in the world every second of every day and thats the reality we live. The fact that people join gangs or build weapons of mass destruction is a result the fear society has brought on to its self and for that reason our ignorance neglects everything that really matters. The media is an example of how stupid we are as a race because some people care more about looks and hairs styles than the reality many people live in. Thats why I agree with Shoem.
ReplyDeletei agree with Nyeemah and Kaneca because everyone is so use to the norm and i think they are scared to go out of what their use to. At lunch on king/drew's campus you will see how segregated people still are, Our nation needs to come together, its a shame that all these years later you hardly ever see two people of different race.religion, age or anything truly interacting. its up to our generation to end this ignorance
ReplyDeleteSal's second comment expands on the effects of capitalism and globalization. Indeed, pervasive interests in commerce and trade, has brought people together. However, the interests that drive these interactions are for mere self-benefit, which has created a world where people's endeavors revolve around them alone.
ReplyDeleteWhen people do not comfront the issues that are being faced around the world, it is the not the activist's job to criticize them or called them ignorant towards the issues. People do have to maintain their own lives and have enough going on already. Shoelm's idea does contribute to people not taking a stand on the issues, but it is not the main reason why people do not try and help. Some people are afraid of the consequences. However, i do give tremendous credit to those people who did take a stand to stop the persecution of the jews and the attacks in rwanda. It takes bravery, courage, and soulful attempt to make a change.
ReplyDeleteI agree with elvis's first statement about how the human race is dangerous because we refuse to tolerate others. If we change to accept individuals and races, the world can truely become a better place.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoem's ideas, as should every other individual especially young people. Very few individuals value ethnic groups besides their own. No matter if it's a classmate, friend, neighborbor, etc. We are highly intolerant of anything that isn't our own primitive lifestyles. The human race is selfish and ignorant. Some of us may even realize this idea and still neglect to take it into consideration because like stated, we are stuck within the stereotypes and misconceptions of others.
ReplyDelete