Samantha Clarke
Reflection #19 EDF2085 (Homosexuality)
What is homosexuality? Is it a choice, a matter of genetic imbalance or can it be biologically related? For several years the topic of homosexuality has dominated the media in addition caused much chaos among humanity. The issues underline the subject of been gays may be greeted with behaviors similar to that of prejudicial rejection. But these prejudices are as a result of how individuals were cultured and socialized. Individual built up rejective behaviors because accepted conventions are been violated. For me I grew up in a Christian home that upholds the principles of the bible and within the scriptures are found rejections to homosexual behaviors. From a Christian perspective one is taught to love the person but not the sins of the person. Hence in this light I am somewhat tolerant to the person but not the act or the behavior of homosexuality. However growing up in a homophobic community has influenced my overall stigma to the issue of homosexuality. This however has not influenced me to any extreme behaviors of discrimination.
From my point of view we were all given choices, choices that include making wrong or right decisions. We all as human make our preferred choices at times some of which we later deal with the consequences that arise from it. For the religious, there are guidelines for which to follow in doing what is right. Now, these guidelines include the attitudes towards our fellow brothers and sister, attitudes of hate and jealousy is prohibited but yet these behaviors are cherished by the Christians. No greater is the decision of homosexuality than that of the decisions of hate and jealousy of the Christians. Yet these are all decisions that have there consequences. Thou shall not kill, but many have abortion. Love thy neighbor’s as thy self, but yet we hate. From a Christian point of view, homosexuality is a sin, and the act should be discouraged, but at the same time there should be no homophobia behaviors. That’s the view I share. I respect everyone’s decision knowing that the final judgment is not my responsibility.
Yes the reading have impacted the way I think about homosexuality, I often wonder if this is a choice or biological issue. I have witness homosexual behaviors among non-human animals; are these animals acting out of choice or this behavior is biologically related.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Reflection #18 EDF2085
Samantha Clarke
Reflection #18 EDF2085 “Tale of Two Island”
As I read the article entitled tale of two Islands, I am lead to believe that this issue was a deliberate twist on the laws of the country by officials. How it is that one country enjoys the privilege of that which another is deprived of? Is this institutional racism? Is it discrimination? Its unbelievable how this deliberate twist took place right in front of everyone’s yes. It seems to me that the relative authority changes the law to suit one ethnic group and at the same time deny another the same. The issue with the Haitians and the Cubans is one peculiar one which many are shy of calling out rightly discrimination. The law states that a refugee that is fleeing his/her country due to political hardship could come to America and amnesty would be provided for such a person.
The term institutional racism refers to the discrimination occurring within the governmental body not limited to universities or cooperation’s. When this type of racism gets thus far it is the hardest type to combat. To closely look at the situation with the Haitians who is fleeing their country because of political and economic hardship; they are well qualified for asylum in the USA just like the Cubans. But one may ask the question is this a problem of color or justice? What is good for one is not good for the other?
Reflection #17
Samantha Clarke
Reflection #17 Race and Racism
The subject race and racism is one topic that dominates our society for centuries and can be a very sensitive topic for many individuals especially those who were victims of the negative aspects of race and racism. When the term race is used it is often referring to the biological aspects of individuals as a group or ethnic group. Features such as skin color the most controversial, shape of the eyes or color and hair texture. However these characteristics are not constant and are subject to change due to shifts in social and historical circumstances. The term racism may be defined as any race-base discrimination, oppression or violence. However racism has been portrayed in a negative light for decades and there are still difficulties and drawbacks when it comes to the topic of racism.
Racism comes in all forms, shapes and size. After learning about the rejective behaviors of prejudice and how prejudice is formed I now see the logic behind such horrific behaviors that comes with being racist. I have the opportunity to study and learn about racial discrimination which entails the behavior of treating people differently due to their differences. Racism also include
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Emmitt Till's "MURDA"
I must first express my grief of such horrifying brutality. My sincere condolences go out to the family of Emmett Till. To act is such barbaric and ruthless manner is the evil of racism drenched with hatred, superiority and injustice. This is definitely an act of murder one that should have never been allowed to go unpunished. These are some of the issues that lead to prejudice and rivals or revenge and genocide. If I have not been introduced to the issues of diversity, prejudice and racism I am sure I wouldn’t be able to handle this pain I am feeling right now. I pray that this case does not repeat itself and definitely not in the fashion it was handled in the court. With sufficient evidence the court still ruled the murderers not guilty? White supremacy and Injustice the sole act of inferiority. How did the U.S ever arrive at the present justice system?
Many might have said why did they even attempted to take this case to court when they knew they had no chance of winning but even though it was unjustly dealt with it has open many doors that encouraged African Americans to stand for what is right. Many believed that this is what really sparked the civil rights movement. But something had to. I am happy we are able to move from such intense issue to being more civilize and the effort that is now been placed on acceptance and tolerance.
Reflection #16 EDF2085
Samantha Clarke
Reflection #16 EDF2085
Genocide and ethnic cleansing.
The term genocide refers to the planned or systematic process of the execution or killing of an entire group, whether it is an ethnic, religious or political group. While on the other hand ethnic cleansing refers to an intentional effort made to force or intimidate a group to evacuate a particular region. An example of this can be seen in Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur which will elaborate on later in the reflection. Ethnic cleansing and genocide should not be used interchangeably because they are not the same.
The act of genocide and ethnic cleansing occurred in Rwanda in 1994 as a result of revenge taken by one ethnic group on another. Rwanda comprised of two main groups the Hutu and the Tutsis. The Hutu’s been the majority but was dominated by the Tutsis who were the aristocrats at the time under the leadership of Belgian colonial rule; they exploited to Hutus and took their peasants which had lead to the chaos of ethnic cleansing and genocide in Rwanda. After the independence from Belgium, a quest for revenge was employed by the Hutu who regain power and returned the acts of injustice on the Tutsis. This has lead to numerous killings resulting in almost a million people.
The act of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Bosnia was also as a result of revenge where one group performs acts of violence on the other after their government was put out of power. This rival in Bosnia was influence by particular leader fanning the flame of long past problems which illuminates new chaos and acts of violence between the Serbs and Muslims. Serbs who were the minority, reports that they were mistreated by the Muslims who were the majority. In times to come Serbs and Jews were targeted and thousands were killed in concentration camps. This rival later ends up with Serbs killing thousands of their opponents which marks a mass genocidal act. Darfur on the other hand was also as a result revenge and this chaos resulted in mass murders that caught the attention of the international eyes. Many were also killed and this was a combination of both ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Reflection #16 EDF2085
Genocide and ethnic cleansing.
The term genocide refers to the planned or systematic process of the execution or killing of an entire group, whether it is an ethnic, religious or political group. While on the other hand ethnic cleansing refers to an intentional effort made to force or intimidate a group to evacuate a particular region. An example of this can be seen in Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur which will elaborate on later in the reflection. Ethnic cleansing and genocide should not be used interchangeably because they are not the same.
The act of genocide and ethnic cleansing occurred in Rwanda in 1994 as a result of revenge taken by one ethnic group on another. Rwanda comprised of two main groups the Hutu and the Tutsis. The Hutu’s been the majority but was dominated by the Tutsis who were the aristocrats at the time under the leadership of Belgian colonial rule; they exploited to Hutus and took their peasants which had lead to the chaos of ethnic cleansing and genocide in Rwanda. After the independence from Belgium, a quest for revenge was employed by the Hutu who regain power and returned the acts of injustice on the Tutsis. This has lead to numerous killings resulting in almost a million people.
The act of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Bosnia was also as a result of revenge where one group performs acts of violence on the other after their government was put out of power. This rival in Bosnia was influence by particular leader fanning the flame of long past problems which illuminates new chaos and acts of violence between the Serbs and Muslims. Serbs who were the minority, reports that they were mistreated by the Muslims who were the majority. In times to come Serbs and Jews were targeted and thousands were killed in concentration camps. This rival later ends up with Serbs killing thousands of their opponents which marks a mass genocidal act. Darfur on the other hand was also as a result revenge and this chaos resulted in mass murders that caught the attention of the international eyes. Many were also killed and this was a combination of both ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Reflection #19 EDF1005
Samantha Clarke
Reflection #19 EDF1005 From Dame schools to Public High Schools
Dame Schools exist in the medieval times of education. These schools were private elementary type schools that were run by women often of no substantial educational back ground. The focal point of these schools was to function as a daycare center. However the teaching and learning process was centered on learning how to spell and a negligible amount learned mathematics and grammar. Dame Schools became extinct in Britain due to the introduction of compulsory education which requires specific standards to be met.
Like most medieval society, formal education was structured for men and the women’s place was in the home. Even then, Americans valued education and hence the influence of the law passed in Massachusetts Bay that all communities with fifty or more families will have to hire a teacher. However schools remain private with great emphasis on literacy. It is important to know that at one point the U.S had one of the highest literacy rates at the time. While education was booming in the 1800’s some African American was afforded to opportunity to be educated while their counter parts in the southern states were deprived of an education due to the fact that enslaved blacks were prohibited to literacy.
By the end of the 1800’s teachers received some type of formal education to meet the requirements of normal schools which were elementary schools. It was not until after the American Civil War that the south offered universal public education. Then by the late 1870 free elementary education was established. Even though this was seen as a great stride for education the issue of segregation arises in all schools and then later span over to all public facilities. As the need for education arises, local schools received tax dollars and this was extended to parochial schools as well. Parochial schools were Christian school that taught both Christian principles and the regular curriculum. Over the years many controversies and concerns influences officials to limit or prohibit founding of Christian schools. This was due to the fact that some thought they were potential avenues for social segregation.
By the twenty first century education was seen as a major route to greater economic development. This new emphasis paved the way for the education of youths in the twenty first century, and set the nation significantly apart from its counterpart. It is said that this achievement was due to the diversity of newly introduced concepts such as openness, public founding, separation of state and church just to name a few. I highly appreciate these strides and openly welcome the ongoing process of educational development.
Reflection #19 EDF1005 From Dame schools to Public High Schools
Dame Schools exist in the medieval times of education. These schools were private elementary type schools that were run by women often of no substantial educational back ground. The focal point of these schools was to function as a daycare center. However the teaching and learning process was centered on learning how to spell and a negligible amount learned mathematics and grammar. Dame Schools became extinct in Britain due to the introduction of compulsory education which requires specific standards to be met.
Like most medieval society, formal education was structured for men and the women’s place was in the home. Even then, Americans valued education and hence the influence of the law passed in Massachusetts Bay that all communities with fifty or more families will have to hire a teacher. However schools remain private with great emphasis on literacy. It is important to know that at one point the U.S had one of the highest literacy rates at the time. While education was booming in the 1800’s some African American was afforded to opportunity to be educated while their counter parts in the southern states were deprived of an education due to the fact that enslaved blacks were prohibited to literacy.
By the end of the 1800’s teachers received some type of formal education to meet the requirements of normal schools which were elementary schools. It was not until after the American Civil War that the south offered universal public education. Then by the late 1870 free elementary education was established. Even though this was seen as a great stride for education the issue of segregation arises in all schools and then later span over to all public facilities. As the need for education arises, local schools received tax dollars and this was extended to parochial schools as well. Parochial schools were Christian school that taught both Christian principles and the regular curriculum. Over the years many controversies and concerns influences officials to limit or prohibit founding of Christian schools. This was due to the fact that some thought they were potential avenues for social segregation.
By the twenty first century education was seen as a major route to greater economic development. This new emphasis paved the way for the education of youths in the twenty first century, and set the nation significantly apart from its counterpart. It is said that this achievement was due to the diversity of newly introduced concepts such as openness, public founding, separation of state and church just to name a few. I highly appreciate these strides and openly welcome the ongoing process of educational development.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Reflection #15 EDF2085 Holocaust
Samantha Clarke
Reflection #15 EDF2085 Holocaust
There are many denial regarding the holocaust, regardless of the countless evidence that have been forthcoming. There are still many who today say that the holocausts never happen. Do I believe that this barbaric act took place? Yes I do. Even today there a lot of people who have not heard of the incident. Holocaust is generally defined as the genocide of the Jewish group. In addition to this race, there are also other groups who were destroyed; these include people with disabilities, Jehovah Witness and other religious groups. This ruthless act was lead by Adolf Hitler and his army. These innocent people were taken from their homes and community under false pretence I assume and was lead down a rather destructive path. They were lead into slavery and was literal starved and beaten to death. They faced a rather harsh living condition; they were isolated and treated as animal. What would lead one person to commit such devious act? It is as a result of prejudice, discrimination and the greed for power and superiority.
This might have seems to happen many years ago, and many thought that this might not happen ever again in history. But one have to be careful of turning a blind eye to such devilish acts. In our society today, it often seems that the pursuit for individualism is on the rise. Every one is about protecting their own. Everyone has become so materialistic and completion is rather a valued and cherished way of getting ahead. This can be one way in which a genocidal act might repeat itself. The claim to make a perfect society has lead to an unlawful act of genocide. However Hitters act was a act of hatred for Jews and he did stated that as soon as he was in power he would exterminate all Jews. By the 1933, Jews were restricted of their social rights, they also passed law to eliminated Jews from official offices. Jews were not allowed to go to school, own farms or work in any offices of the country. My question to this is, why didn’t someone attempted to do something about this at the time?
Reflection #15 EDF2085 Holocaust
There are many denial regarding the holocaust, regardless of the countless evidence that have been forthcoming. There are still many who today say that the holocausts never happen. Do I believe that this barbaric act took place? Yes I do. Even today there a lot of people who have not heard of the incident. Holocaust is generally defined as the genocide of the Jewish group. In addition to this race, there are also other groups who were destroyed; these include people with disabilities, Jehovah Witness and other religious groups. This ruthless act was lead by Adolf Hitler and his army. These innocent people were taken from their homes and community under false pretence I assume and was lead down a rather destructive path. They were lead into slavery and was literal starved and beaten to death. They faced a rather harsh living condition; they were isolated and treated as animal. What would lead one person to commit such devious act? It is as a result of prejudice, discrimination and the greed for power and superiority.
This might have seems to happen many years ago, and many thought that this might not happen ever again in history. But one have to be careful of turning a blind eye to such devilish acts. In our society today, it often seems that the pursuit for individualism is on the rise. Every one is about protecting their own. Everyone has become so materialistic and completion is rather a valued and cherished way of getting ahead. This can be one way in which a genocidal act might repeat itself. The claim to make a perfect society has lead to an unlawful act of genocide. However Hitters act was a act of hatred for Jews and he did stated that as soon as he was in power he would exterminate all Jews. By the 1933, Jews were restricted of their social rights, they also passed law to eliminated Jews from official offices. Jews were not allowed to go to school, own farms or work in any offices of the country. My question to this is, why didn’t someone attempted to do something about this at the time?
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