While reading about this Swine Flu epidemic, I was concerned about minorities struggling in America and cases where minorities are discriminated against. In connection with the Grass Dancer and how the Sioux culture is mixed with the American culture, with an exception of San Francisco and how well we handle other cultures, the general American society does not accept the cultures of those who are not originally born in the U.S (i.e. Filipinos, Chinese, Mexicans, and etc.). Do you agree with this statement? If not, why?
I actually disagree with this statement. Although it may be from a biased point of view, because I live in an environment where cultures are deeply appreciated and treated as equals, there are few places nowadays that discriminate and segregate those who do not look like them or celebrate the same traditions like them.
ReplyDeleteIn the bigger picture, especially with a new president that is expected to do so much as someone who looks different than the other presidents, America will definitely show synergy as a whole through times where working together is essential to become a better, diverse group of people known as Americans.
Dating back to the times of the 70's, the Apollo 13 (referring to Ms. Jeffrey's Block 2 Leadership class) mission definitely showed the whole world in synergy hoping for the space crew to come back home safely from an almost expected failure of a task. Through difficult times, everybody of different backgrounds and traditions come together to mend problems as the Human Race. There is no other race than that.
If only those conditions did not have to be so severe and we can all come together as a world, we can do so much.
So in complete hypocrisy of my statement above, I'm sorry for disagreeing with my own statement.
For more information on Apollo 13 starring Tom Hanks, click here http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112384/
I think that one of the most dangerous and long-lasting American habits is America's fear of immigrants. Examples of nativism go far back to the Revolutionary War era. I think that out of habit, Americans tend to look at minorities as scapegoats because they are different. I think that the whole case of the swine flu is heating up towards Mexico as the culprit for the spreading disease because the media needs someone to turn to as the origin of this disease. By looking at Mexico as a whole makes the effects of the disease seem global. This in turn makes the public fear a pandemic and in turn rely on hte media for their advice. I see this scapegoating as medias way of staying in power.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with this statement because there are so many American like the choices that other cultures bring. With the many options now open new cultures blend together and create a whole new culture with the next generations. That can only happen if people embrace new cultures. Even though they are some ignorant people, even them can find that their culture can be shifted even in the slightest.
ReplyDeleteThe bay area and especially San Francisco are one of the greatest places to be because of it's diverse people. I believe that American society in a whole doesn't fully accept other cultures. They may bring their cultures and mix it with the American culture, but Americans want for their culture to be first priority. I think it depends where in America you are. But I believe that we are all very fortunate to live in a place where people are more accepting of others.
ReplyDeleteI think that if people who are born outside of America are white, like Norwegians or Swedish, or Italian, they are accepted more in America than the people who are black or brown. Immigrants from Africa or the Philippines whose skin is dark are still not viewed as well as white immigrants are.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Phil. The media can sometimes be harsh in order to make their sales. In this case, Mexicans become the scapegoat for a new and unknown epidemic. It is questionable whether or not the origin of the swine flu was discovered or developed in Mexico. But if so, the media is constantly eager to find stories which will gradually fade away later, such as China's fatal epidemic SARS. No, the media's stories are not to single out a certain race. And, we all know America is the most multicultural nation in the world.
ReplyDeleteAmanda
ReplyDeleteI somewhat agree with the statement but also slightly disagree with it. I do think there are people in different parts of the country who discriminate against people of different ethnic backgrounds. They don't understand other cultures and therefore treat others differently. However, I do think that there are several parts of the country that are not exposed to other cultures. It is not that they do not accept other cultures they just are not given the opportunity to experience them. Yet, i do agree with Tierra's comment about white immigrants being more easily accepted into society. I do think it's important to remember that every immigrant group has struggled at one point in time or another.
The city of San Francisco is a perfect example of diversity. The city is known for the diversity of cultures that come together in such a small city. I remember in my race and culture class how my teacher highly emphasized how privileged we are to live in such a diverse city. The people living in San Francisco are open and curious of how certain cultures influence another culture through things like music, dance, and food. In response to the question i would disagree with the statement. I think so because its not about what culture you come from, its about how you make of your culture to the world. I believe that the US is open to any culture.
ReplyDeleteI don't strongly agree with the statement above. Many parts of the US have populations of people full of diversity. In these parts of the US, they warmly welcome the different cultures of others. It creates variety in the American culture. There are even special days or months celebrating certain cultures. For example, today in Cinco de Mayo! =] In San Francisco, there are many events that occur in the city based on certain cultures. Although there are certain parts of America in which there is not much diversity, I believe that the welcoming of different cultures have become strong in America.
ReplyDeleteI partially agree with the statement above. In certain areas around the world, let alone the United States, are not as accepting as cities such as San Francisco. We are blessed to live in a city as accepting and open as San Francisco. For example, many people wish to see Mexicans deported back to their home land even though their labor is a major help to the economy through agriculture. People should be more accepting towards other people and not judge a person based solely on their race/ ethnicity.
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