life isn't fair...among other things

My thoughts from today…

A) I think this is one of the hardest classes we’ve every had. Not that I didn’t enjoy it, because I did, but when talking about race the proper terms become so important. When referring to other races it’s socially important to be politically correct, and sometimes that is easier said then done. When you think about it, if we did not grow out of a racist society the terms wouldn’t matter. People would be people and they would not get offended by what someone is calling them. It would make life so much easier if there was not such a harsh line between races. Not that we should all be the same, but if there was a better understanding among us all.

B) Even today, in movies and books, or just in reference, what race is most accossiated to gang life and slums? It’s sad to say that it is still African-Americans. I think this grows from the lack of education these people had (as talked about in class). This also enforces that race is cultrally constructed. If the media did not portray these ideas, you can bet they would be less wide spread.

C) I wonder what kind of racism goes on in other countries, is it possible that what Dr Pound said, people of colour will never experience what white people do (not word-for-word), does not exist or exists less in other countries? Like Africa or China. Does it differ due to what nation you’re in? I hope it does, I think it is a sad thing that the whole world revolves around one race.

D) When Dr. Pound started of class today with the statement “Life is not fair” it reminded me of my dad. Whenever my brother or I would say that growing up the response from my dad was “Who said life is fair” (always in a joking tone). I don’t know what relevance this has, except that even children realize the world is not a fair place to be.

E) Finally I was reminded of the movie, “Grand Torino” with Clint Eastwood. For some odd reason my boyfriend was convinced I would love this movie. Well, needless to say I did not. It portrayed perfectly the issues of race, in a very graphic and brutal way.

Well that’s it for today’s class, tata for now!