Watch this youtube video about racism, anti-miscegenation laws, discrimination, Asian-Americans, and other sociopolitical issues prior to the 1970s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7famM6ABrg
Mr. L
Monday, November 24, 2008
Food for Thought
Take time out of your busy schedule and watch this youtube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnHyy8gkNEE
Thanks,
Mr. L
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnHyy8gkNEE
Thanks,
Mr. L
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
New Generation: Multicultural Age
Recently I have done some research on college counseling and the growing emphasis on promoting knowledge and awareness about multiculturalism and diversity...and it felt good. In less than 62 days we will have our first non-majority American President, Barack Obama, after a close to landslide victory of Republican candidate Senator John McCain. Further, President-elect Obama is working on constructing his cabinet and possibly including bi-partisanship and officials of different race, ethnicities, and gender. Of course, it is not the first presidential cabinet to pull this off, but the difference is this president is of the non-majority.
What is the direction of this country once Obama takes office? Who knows, but the visions and dreams of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. have come true and the issues of racism and multiculturalism are addressed on a daily basis. This country has come a long way from the 1960s and as the years pass more emphasis on multiculturalism become more important to the academic world. Furthermore, there are more studies about immigrant families now than ten years ago. There are more multiethnic, biracial, and immigrant-Americans than thirty years ago and to me that shows a progression in this nation.
It does not stop here, however. We must continue to educate and become more aware of different cultures. Ignorance is the key factor to the continuation of prejudice and racism. We have other issues on the table to address such as LGBT rights and immigration laws to revise. Further, we have Arab-Americans who are targeted because of the current socio-political concerns of terrorism. We have to educate ourselves about how to stop such nonsense and not have apathy because we are not Arab or Muslim ourselves. Nevertheless, I believe as a future educator that we must expose people to these issues and have classes and presentations addressing such situations. Educate and seek the truth for yourself by reading current journals and articles about multiculturalism and become enlightened into this new generation of the multicultural age.
--Mr. Lincoln
What is the direction of this country once Obama takes office? Who knows, but the visions and dreams of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. have come true and the issues of racism and multiculturalism are addressed on a daily basis. This country has come a long way from the 1960s and as the years pass more emphasis on multiculturalism become more important to the academic world. Furthermore, there are more studies about immigrant families now than ten years ago. There are more multiethnic, biracial, and immigrant-Americans than thirty years ago and to me that shows a progression in this nation.
It does not stop here, however. We must continue to educate and become more aware of different cultures. Ignorance is the key factor to the continuation of prejudice and racism. We have other issues on the table to address such as LGBT rights and immigration laws to revise. Further, we have Arab-Americans who are targeted because of the current socio-political concerns of terrorism. We have to educate ourselves about how to stop such nonsense and not have apathy because we are not Arab or Muslim ourselves. Nevertheless, I believe as a future educator that we must expose people to these issues and have classes and presentations addressing such situations. Educate and seek the truth for yourself by reading current journals and articles about multiculturalism and become enlightened into this new generation of the multicultural age.
--Mr. Lincoln
Monday, October 20, 2008
Will Change Actually Happen?
First I would like to say that this great nation of ours has come a long way to see a bi-racial (although the media dubs him as African-American...Nevertheless, he is still a non-white aged) man be in contention for the presidency of the
What if McCain wins the election? We are not pulling out of
What if Obama wins the election? Is it truly realistic that we will pull out of
The bottom line for both McCain and Obama, you are taking over the legacy (folly) of George W. Bush. The country will still have a trillion dollar deficit and we will still have a two-front war on terror which brings me to the topic of
Next issue is
We can go on for hours about what may or may not change but the point is to actually look at the possible realistic situation about what is going on in the country and world. I believe that both candidates are not that politically strong, and as a newly Independent registered voter, I believe that the new trends of the political parties are being controlled by far left and right leaders. The Republican Party is not the same as it was 30 years ago. The Republicans of yesteryears did not consist of those who incorporate religious values and gun-ho war mangle tactics into their policies but actually consisted of social policies and fought against, at the time, Southern Democrats who were against social policies and Civil rights. Further, the Democrats of today have taken the lead in dealing with social policies and issues, however, the leaders of the party have a sense of intellectual arrogance that is not received well by the middle class Americans. It is not the fact that
Nevertheless, this election has historic implications and expectations to be pivotal to American society. Race is playing a huge part in this election and those emotions are evident on both spectrums. There are people voting for Obama because he is a non-White male and there are people not voting for him because he is biracial (African-American). Ageism and Sexism exist as well, people will not vote for McCain either because of his old age or his running-mate is a woman. It is quite unfair that these isms exist in this country but that is the reality of the situation. Further, with the economic crisis in progress it has thrown a major wrench in each candidate’s campaign. In the long run it is not who the president of this country who will dictate how the economy will recover, the power is in our control. We are a country that is run on credit and that has cost us dearly. It is calculated that the each American contributes about $34,000 towards the $10 trillion deficit. Of course is does not help to have a two front war of choice and not by last resort going on that pumps billions of dollars out of the country. Further, for those in college who need to pay school through loans does not help out. Nevertheless, as an aging generation from the Regan era, we need to stop relying on credit and support the free market with actual money. Moreover, reform in general needs to take place in the United States on Civil Rights issues in regards to Gays and Lesbians equal rights, a failed No Child Left Behind reform, an outdated education system, welfare and other social security issues, health care, and economic system. To finish on an optimistic note, whomever you vote for on November 4th, hopefully this person can take the
--Mr. Lincoln
“My dream is of a place and a time where
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Next Social Civil Rights Movement
Gays and lesbians.
One of the issues in the presidential election is Gay Marriage. Should people of the same sex be allowed to marry each other for basic civil rights such as visitation in hospitals, tax breaks, buying homes without being turned away, and etc. Each candidate has stated their views about Gay Marriage and in my opinion under a McCain/Palin administration we will have another four years of what we are doing about the situation now...nothing. If under a Obama/Biden administration I feel that there will be strong efforts to come up with a positive solution about the issue, thus, action.
Nevertheless, I strongly believe the next civil rights movement is the issue of equal rights for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender (GLBT) people. There are two arguments that involve how civil rights movements begin. Some believe that a law has to take into effect and that would spark the movement. Others say that it occurs once that population is tired of the inequality and because of the lack of action, and/or lack of support to make certain law, the peoples involved will start the movement.
I believe it will take a combination of both. I feel that once a federal law passes that states that Gays are allowed to have either a Civil Union or Marriage that a movement will start and that law will spark other issues, such as discrimination, to come into the American light and the government will have to make moves to establish or elaborate on existing Civil Rights Laws. I feel that under an Obama and Democratic congress that Obama will select some new Supreme Court members that are more liberal, thus, such an act or law will pass. Moreover, a more Democratic House and Senate will also eliminate the possibility of Republican Filibusters and have bills go into action to vote to pass on or not.
Finally, because of the era we live in today the society is more accepting of the GLBT community. However, there is still acts of discrimination and unequal rights that exist that still prohibits some people to come out. Moreover, some specific cultures in the United States are strongly opposed to homosexuality and with more programs and information about the GLBT community will hopefully educate those communities and make it more accepting for such lifestyle. Further, I feel that more younger Americans are more accepting of the GLBT community and my fellow Dead Presidents might agree that we know there is nothing wrong with the GLBT community and it is a simple lifestyle that existed for thousands of years. Why as a nation of freedoms and equal rights that we still have an issue with granting those same principles of equality towards Americans with a different sexual preference? These hypocrisies are the very reason why so many Americans believe in an ideal of change. I believe that we still have 20th century laws in the 21st century and we have to make the adaptation.
My final opinion. What needs to happen to really spark this movement?
Comparing the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s to the possible GLBT movement I have a list to break down what I feel needs to happen before this movement is a reality.
1. The U.S. Military must rid the Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy and accept Gays into the military. (Other major NATO powers such as Great Britain, Canada, etc. have accepted Gays into the military) [The US Military under the Truman Administration granted Minorities in the Military equal rights]
2. Pass a Civil Union Law.
[This may be similar to the Brown v. Board law which sparked some controversy and some Historians agree was the one of the first acts of the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s]
3. A number of incidents occur that project discrimination.
[They already exist today, but let something occur like certain states (i.e. Mississippi) not support such Federal law. This will spark demonstrations, rallies, protests, etc.]
4. Possibility of other GLBT issues brought to the Federal Government level and thus address Civil Rights for all GLBT.
[Similar to the 1964-65 Civil Rights Act]
5. This can start the next possible social movement: Gender issues.
[After examination of sexuality, it will lead to looking at the inequalities of men and women issues...which has been long overdue]
Conclusion:
Civil Rights Movements are a long process and depends on who is in office and what major party rules the House, Senate, and Supreme Court. Nevertheless, I believe it will happen in the next 10 years and no more than 20 years. Once this movement is over, I believe it will spark the issues of gender inequality and will lead to an examination of gender roles in our society as a whole.
--Mr. Lincoln
One of the issues in the presidential election is Gay Marriage. Should people of the same sex be allowed to marry each other for basic civil rights such as visitation in hospitals, tax breaks, buying homes without being turned away, and etc. Each candidate has stated their views about Gay Marriage and in my opinion under a McCain/Palin administration we will have another four years of what we are doing about the situation now...nothing. If under a Obama/Biden administration I feel that there will be strong efforts to come up with a positive solution about the issue, thus, action.
Nevertheless, I strongly believe the next civil rights movement is the issue of equal rights for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender (GLBT) people. There are two arguments that involve how civil rights movements begin. Some believe that a law has to take into effect and that would spark the movement. Others say that it occurs once that population is tired of the inequality and because of the lack of action, and/or lack of support to make certain law, the peoples involved will start the movement.
I believe it will take a combination of both. I feel that once a federal law passes that states that Gays are allowed to have either a Civil Union or Marriage that a movement will start and that law will spark other issues, such as discrimination, to come into the American light and the government will have to make moves to establish or elaborate on existing Civil Rights Laws. I feel that under an Obama and Democratic congress that Obama will select some new Supreme Court members that are more liberal, thus, such an act or law will pass. Moreover, a more Democratic House and Senate will also eliminate the possibility of Republican Filibusters and have bills go into action to vote to pass on or not.
Finally, because of the era we live in today the society is more accepting of the GLBT community. However, there is still acts of discrimination and unequal rights that exist that still prohibits some people to come out. Moreover, some specific cultures in the United States are strongly opposed to homosexuality and with more programs and information about the GLBT community will hopefully educate those communities and make it more accepting for such lifestyle. Further, I feel that more younger Americans are more accepting of the GLBT community and my fellow Dead Presidents might agree that we know there is nothing wrong with the GLBT community and it is a simple lifestyle that existed for thousands of years. Why as a nation of freedoms and equal rights that we still have an issue with granting those same principles of equality towards Americans with a different sexual preference? These hypocrisies are the very reason why so many Americans believe in an ideal of change. I believe that we still have 20th century laws in the 21st century and we have to make the adaptation.
My final opinion. What needs to happen to really spark this movement?
Comparing the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s to the possible GLBT movement I have a list to break down what I feel needs to happen before this movement is a reality.
1. The U.S. Military must rid the Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy and accept Gays into the military. (Other major NATO powers such as Great Britain, Canada, etc. have accepted Gays into the military) [The US Military under the Truman Administration granted Minorities in the Military equal rights]
2. Pass a Civil Union Law.
[This may be similar to the Brown v. Board law which sparked some controversy and some Historians agree was the one of the first acts of the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s]
3. A number of incidents occur that project discrimination.
[They already exist today, but let something occur like certain states (i.e. Mississippi) not support such Federal law. This will spark demonstrations, rallies, protests, etc.]
4. Possibility of other GLBT issues brought to the Federal Government level and thus address Civil Rights for all GLBT.
[Similar to the 1964-65 Civil Rights Act]
5. This can start the next possible social movement: Gender issues.
[After examination of sexuality, it will lead to looking at the inequalities of men and women issues...which has been long overdue]
Conclusion:
Civil Rights Movements are a long process and depends on who is in office and what major party rules the House, Senate, and Supreme Court. Nevertheless, I believe it will happen in the next 10 years and no more than 20 years. Once this movement is over, I believe it will spark the issues of gender inequality and will lead to an examination of gender roles in our society as a whole.
--Mr. Lincoln
Monday, September 29, 2008
Socioeconomic Status and Race
Socioeconomic status is confused with race all the time. A huge stereotype that exists in the U.S. is the belief that all minorities live in the city. It is true that the majority of the cities racial make-up is minorities; however, the majority of people who live in the city limits is of the lower socioeconomic ladder.
Why is that the case? Technology. In the 1950's, those U.S. citizens who were classified as the middle class were able to afford the automobile. Yes, the majority of those citizens where Caucasian. The "Great White Flight" occurred and many middle, upper middle, and high class U.S. citizens packed their station wagons and moved to the suburbs. As the minority fought for equal rights during the 1960s, many Caucasians who remained in the cities decided to move as well and more suburbs developed outside of the metropolis and megalopolises. Also, technology made it possible to live in areas of the U.S. that were unbearable prior to the 20th century. Places like Phoenix, Arizona, with scorching hot temperatures and the consistent access to water in the dessert a city sprawled out of no-where and with the decline of industry in the northern cities, more job opportunities opened up in the south, southwest, and California in the 1970s.
The economy and tax base left the cities and those with low socioeconomic statuses were stuck. By the 1980s, the "Rust Belt" phenomenon hit hard in cities like Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Flint, Buffalo, Erie, Pittsburgh, and etcetera. This was the heartland of industry and big business fled to cheaper labor costs and areas where unions could no influence decisions of equal treatment. More people had to apply for welfare and unemployment. The "majority of the minority" had just fought for equal treatment in the 1960s and 1970s and President Johnson developed welfare acts to help the populations that lived in urban settings. These assistant programs were the answer in the 1960s and 1970s but there was a new phenomena in the 1980s and some may argue that "Reaganomics" ignored "Main Street." But what about "Poor Way?"
Yes, "Poor Way," a buzzword that will never be used in context of economy. It does not make sense to some but when we think of poor people in the cities of America we think of Black and Latino faces. We think of crime and hard knock life. We do not think about people who are treated unequally and trapped.
The welfare programs of the 1970s-1990s did not help people get out of their hard times, it kept the people trapped. Some people blame the dependency on those on welfare...but the government will not help those on welfare find a job. "People are just being lazy..." Some people can not work a minimum wage job and live off the earnings. Then, laziness is traced back to race and the concept of the "porch monkeys," etc. I have heard it all. The welfare programs of the 1960s realized the need for such programs but they were not modified when the 1980s "Sun Belt" movement occurred and thousands of people were displaced because jobs left for cheaper labor.
The inner-city neighborhoods of some cities are hard knock. Some of these residents have more stress in their life and still not have enough to live comfortable. However, there are people of all races that live in these situations. Low socioeconomic status is a plague that has no preference of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation. I walked into a welfare office in Erie, PA a few weeks ago and seen men, women, boys, girls, infants, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian people. Usually when you say welfare office, some people will immediately associate "Minorities" to that word. Many Americans are poor, and it is a shame with the wealth we have in this nation that we cannot have affordable health care and living for "Poor Way."
Nevertheless, when we think of low socioeconomic status, let's remember that it is not just a minority thing. This can and will effect many Americans if the economy issues are not resolved. Technology and globalization are a gift and a curse. The welfare program is still a 20th century plan in the 21st century (another buzzword or buzz-statement). Actually, a lot of legislation and other Federal assistance programs are 20th century in a new era. But let's not forget that we should not confuse socioeconomic status to race and ethnicity.
Mr. Lincoln
P.S: I will ponder about a plan that will help citizens in low socioeconomic statuses in the cities.
Why is that the case? Technology. In the 1950's, those U.S. citizens who were classified as the middle class were able to afford the automobile. Yes, the majority of those citizens where Caucasian. The "Great White Flight" occurred and many middle, upper middle, and high class U.S. citizens packed their station wagons and moved to the suburbs. As the minority fought for equal rights during the 1960s, many Caucasians who remained in the cities decided to move as well and more suburbs developed outside of the metropolis and megalopolises. Also, technology made it possible to live in areas of the U.S. that were unbearable prior to the 20th century. Places like Phoenix, Arizona, with scorching hot temperatures and the consistent access to water in the dessert a city sprawled out of no-where and with the decline of industry in the northern cities, more job opportunities opened up in the south, southwest, and California in the 1970s.
The economy and tax base left the cities and those with low socioeconomic statuses were stuck. By the 1980s, the "Rust Belt" phenomenon hit hard in cities like Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Flint, Buffalo, Erie, Pittsburgh, and etcetera. This was the heartland of industry and big business fled to cheaper labor costs and areas where unions could no influence decisions of equal treatment. More people had to apply for welfare and unemployment. The "majority of the minority" had just fought for equal treatment in the 1960s and 1970s and President Johnson developed welfare acts to help the populations that lived in urban settings. These assistant programs were the answer in the 1960s and 1970s but there was a new phenomena in the 1980s and some may argue that "Reaganomics" ignored "Main Street." But what about "Poor Way?"
Yes, "Poor Way," a buzzword that will never be used in context of economy. It does not make sense to some but when we think of poor people in the cities of America we think of Black and Latino faces. We think of crime and hard knock life. We do not think about people who are treated unequally and trapped.
The welfare programs of the 1970s-1990s did not help people get out of their hard times, it kept the people trapped. Some people blame the dependency on those on welfare...but the government will not help those on welfare find a job. "People are just being lazy..." Some people can not work a minimum wage job and live off the earnings. Then, laziness is traced back to race and the concept of the "porch monkeys," etc. I have heard it all. The welfare programs of the 1960s realized the need for such programs but they were not modified when the 1980s "Sun Belt" movement occurred and thousands of people were displaced because jobs left for cheaper labor.
The inner-city neighborhoods of some cities are hard knock. Some of these residents have more stress in their life and still not have enough to live comfortable. However, there are people of all races that live in these situations. Low socioeconomic status is a plague that has no preference of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation. I walked into a welfare office in Erie, PA a few weeks ago and seen men, women, boys, girls, infants, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian people. Usually when you say welfare office, some people will immediately associate "Minorities" to that word. Many Americans are poor, and it is a shame with the wealth we have in this nation that we cannot have affordable health care and living for "Poor Way."
Nevertheless, when we think of low socioeconomic status, let's remember that it is not just a minority thing. This can and will effect many Americans if the economy issues are not resolved. Technology and globalization are a gift and a curse. The welfare program is still a 20th century plan in the 21st century (another buzzword or buzz-statement). Actually, a lot of legislation and other Federal assistance programs are 20th century in a new era. But let's not forget that we should not confuse socioeconomic status to race and ethnicity.
Mr. Lincoln
P.S: I will ponder about a plan that will help citizens in low socioeconomic statuses in the cities.
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