I came across and article that angered me. I don't like division and rules which is one of the reasons as to why I am somewhat apathetic when it comes to religion. I will not deny that I am spiritual and believe in a higher entity, but something about organized religion rubs me the wrong way (or maybe I haven't found the one that suits me). Any who, this article reassured me of my, at times cynical views when it comes to the Catholic [CONTROL] religion. They vocalize some very wrong and blatantly disrespectful statements. Of course, this is in no way representative of catholics as a whole, just some very ignorant and uneducated people. This article claims, Rev. Floriano Abrahamowicz a leader in the catholic society denies the holocaust happened. "I know that gas chambers existed as a means to disinfect, but I cannot say for sure if they killed anyone because I really haven't looked into it,'' he says. Seriously, Floriano? Denying the death of six million jews? Read a book that isn't the bible. The pope intervened after and described the Holocaust as a fact, saying he had seen the evidence with his own eyes at Auschwitz.
[Credit: UPI]
And for you that say he has freedom of speech, there is no freedom of speech when it causes harm or offense. It is hate speech.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
What is "White Privilege"?
Before I start I just want to say I am NOT racist, I have appreciation for all regardless of where they come from.
At my campus (as with most universities) very often you will find many campus groups taking a pro-active approach on issues they agree and disagree on. Voicing their opinions in creative ways. About a week ago I was walking out of my english lecture and I saw three clean slates of white wood with the question, "What does White Privilege mean to you"? The simple question automatically implies that I, being a person of hispanic descent, am not privileged? Obviously, it isn't all about me and this is America we are talking about where a little over 221 million individuals are "privileged whites", according to the 2000 census. But, how is it for the other roughly 82 million other individuals who live in America and are non-white?
I pondered on that question for a while, concluding that in our society white is the norm. It is a socially constructed term and it is that which most, if not all, non-white individuals compare themselves with and/or against. Anything against that norm is labeled different, un-white. Any deviation from the norm coming from a white person is still the norm. The same deviation from a non-white and judgements occur.
In essence, white privilege is being able to drive around in a BMW without others speculating the vehicle was purchased with drug money, or acquiring expensive items because it is assumed that they worked hard for it. The moment a member of a minority group moves up in society and betters themselves (through education or legitimate means) and deviates from their socio-economic level, instant speculation and judgement is made as to how they attained success. For example, African-Americans who have nice cars and nice houses are only able to acquire that with drug money or they are athletes, or assuming a Saudi Arabian family acquired their wealth selling weapons and oil.
Honestly, we've all judged others at one point in our life or another. I would be a hypocrite if I said I never judged or assumed things about others. I don't mean to sound cliche but the solution I pose is to stop worrying about what others have and don't have, and don't judge yourself against the "norm". Instead change the norm and get others involved to educate and diversify America. Do not become over-consumed with what is "white privilege". Live your own life.
Finally, white privilege will only dictate your life if you let it. I am posting this to create discourse not because I am some white privilege fanatic. It does not matter how much we try to dress differently, buy expensive items to show how much money we have, or speak a certain way to show how much class we have, we are all human and equal.
Here are a couple pictures I took of the boards at school.
P.S. what do you think of the adorable "thug life" toddler? If that isn't the norm, why did the child's parents/guardians do this?
P.S.S. Do you think this white privilege exists in European nations? Like the African American populations in the U.K. and Spain?
For more info check out:
http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/epca/improveyourknowledge/whiteprivilege.asp?page=improveyourknowledge
At my campus (as with most universities) very often you will find many campus groups taking a pro-active approach on issues they agree and disagree on. Voicing their opinions in creative ways. About a week ago I was walking out of my english lecture and I saw three clean slates of white wood with the question, "What does White Privilege mean to you"? The simple question automatically implies that I, being a person of hispanic descent, am not privileged? Obviously, it isn't all about me and this is America we are talking about where a little over 221 million individuals are "privileged whites", according to the 2000 census. But, how is it for the other roughly 82 million other individuals who live in America and are non-white?
I pondered on that question for a while, concluding that in our society white is the norm. It is a socially constructed term and it is that which most, if not all, non-white individuals compare themselves with and/or against. Anything against that norm is labeled different, un-white. Any deviation from the norm coming from a white person is still the norm. The same deviation from a non-white and judgements occur.
In essence, white privilege is being able to drive around in a BMW without others speculating the vehicle was purchased with drug money, or acquiring expensive items because it is assumed that they worked hard for it. The moment a member of a minority group moves up in society and betters themselves (through education or legitimate means) and deviates from their socio-economic level, instant speculation and judgement is made as to how they attained success. For example, African-Americans who have nice cars and nice houses are only able to acquire that with drug money or they are athletes, or assuming a Saudi Arabian family acquired their wealth selling weapons and oil.
Honestly, we've all judged others at one point in our life or another. I would be a hypocrite if I said I never judged or assumed things about others. I don't mean to sound cliche but the solution I pose is to stop worrying about what others have and don't have, and don't judge yourself against the "norm". Instead change the norm and get others involved to educate and diversify America. Do not become over-consumed with what is "white privilege". Live your own life.
Finally, white privilege will only dictate your life if you let it. I am posting this to create discourse not because I am some white privilege fanatic. It does not matter how much we try to dress differently, buy expensive items to show how much money we have, or speak a certain way to show how much class we have, we are all human and equal.
Here are a couple pictures I took of the boards at school.
P.S. what do you think of the adorable "thug life" toddler? If that isn't the norm, why did the child's parents/guardians do this?
P.S.S. Do you think this white privilege exists in European nations? Like the African American populations in the U.K. and Spain?
For more info check out:
http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/epca/improveyourknowledge/whiteprivilege.asp?page=improveyourknowledge
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Song of the day: L.A. Girls
My first music post comes from a relatively new talented group, Jupiter Rising. This Los Angeles duo, composed of Spencer and Jessie, rap and sing over mostly electro-pop beats. Check out their infectious song "L.A. Girls". I personally like any song that praises and talks about my hometown of L.A. and drops a "310" in there, so this is defs getting some heavy rotation on my end. Make sure you go out and BUY their new album "The Quiet Hype" in stores March 17.
Reason for blog
So for quite a while now i've been tempted to create a blog. I contemplated the idea and finally succumbed. It does not have a focus or direction, I'd rather not put a label on it and rather have it evolve, meaning I will post sporadically and arbitrarily. It will be anything from new music I like to old music I can't get out of my head, film, art, chronicles of daily happenings, ideas, promoting/supporting my friends' projects, current events, stuff I like and do not like, photographs I take, etc.
My first post
All I want for Valentine's day is...
Disclaimer: I am by no means a violent person or promote violence, nor intend to.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
