I thought that our discussions last class were awesome. After the discussion, I went home and I analyzed some of the key points that were discussed within out discussion. I've concluded that it is very critical that we as people analyze all issues especially when it come to race and ethnicity.This class is by far, one of my favorite classes that I have taken at Fredonia, and I mean that with all seriousness. I enjoy the fact how our class contains so many students with different perspectives when it comes to race and ethnicity, and that's awesome. I would have to agree with Shauna that in this class, I don't feel that anyone should feel that they have to walk on "egg shells" when discussing race and ethnicity issues. I feel that the purpose of this class and the blog is for us as people to become educated and confront ourselves about issues and our own personal beliefs. I think it would be pointless for anyone to hold back their beliefs on any issue that we discuss within the class. If we all held back our feelings, there would be no need for this course at all because there would be no opportunity for growth. Like I said before, I love the perspective from the person from the city, country, small town, suburbs and so on. I believe that because we all come from different walks of life, it brings great discussion to the table like we have been having, and I hope it continues every time we gather. No matter how much we agree or disagree with each other about any issues within the class, there's good news, we have the guidance of Professor Jeff, and Each Other to figure out how to confront and correct the issues of race and ethnicity! We will all be better people, if not already by the end of this course. I feel that in our class and through this blog, we are really "giving" ourselves to each other. I'm sure that by reading each others post, half the things that we are seeing, we never would have suspected this person to have went through that situation and so on.. So, this should all be a lesson for us all and that's "not to judge a book by its cover, open it up and it might have a little more to offer". I want us all in this class to discuss our perspectives on these real life issues. I would rather someone tell me the 100 truth, rather than make up a lie just to not be "different" from the class. If I think that they sky is orange, I would say, hey class, my own personal feeling is that they sky is orange and that's just how I see it. That does not make me right or wrong for stating my personal beliefs, but I now just gave my honest opinion and now as a class we have a "foundation" to build off. I hope as we deal and discuss some of the issues that are uncomfortable to discuss, we will be brave enough to lay the "foundation(s)" so as a class we can build from there. As it was stated on the 1st day of class, our class is a safe haven, so lets talk truthfully and deal with the real life issues and perspectives that deal with race and ethnicity. By us getting "real" in our discussions, we will continue to grow, and we can correct and educate the world too starting in our classroom.
Marcus Anderson (Post 2)
Thank you, Marcus, for these excellent and heartfelt observations in regards to our discussion from Tuesday's class. As we discussed in class in relation to Marger's first chapter, we are socialized to view the social hierarchy of ethnicity and race as "natural." We cannot learn to view these issues differently unless we are able to talk about them in an honest, respectful, and professional way, though at times we may disagree. We have to understand the problem and why it exists before we can change it.
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