Having seen in the news, the media, sports, and all other channels on the television, the incident occurring on February 26, 2012 continues to leave an impression in the black community. I have read and posted other articles from the author, LZ Granderson, he again takes a stand on the effects this event has left on stereotypical prejudices against the black community. This article looks at the injustices in the Trayvon Martin case. The author goes on the describe the details leading to the late release of the incident, which was only publicized after Trayvon Martin's parents filed a lawsuit. How the other party involved, Zimmerman-who was a volunteer neighborhood watchman, was never tested for alcohol or drugs, but Trayvon was. How Zimmerman has yet to be questioned. The police has avoided the numerous amount of paranoid calls from Zimmerman over the past weeks instead of looking into if they could be related to similarly and if they were racial profiling.
The article brings into discussion the other cases where the deaths of others have been covered up and almost overlooked by the police in order to prevent publicity. I have been following the case updates and am surprised that nothing had been done to Zimmerman to this day.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
A Dream Act Without the Dream
The Republican party continues to stay strong on their beliefs on immigrants and their status. The Dream Act was never really accepted by the Republican party yet they are trying to 'show' that they are willing to still offer some sort of altered proposition. The Senator of Florida, Marco Rubio, for example has been working to offer a striped down version of the Dream Act. Rubio is suggesting to offer legalization to immigrants in the military or enrolled college students, BUT without offering them citizenship. The article quotes Rubio saying: "You can legalize someone without putting them on the path to citizenship." Rubio's fear was also addressed: by granting citizenship to immigrants, they would only file papers for their relatives to also gain citizenship. Ridiculous. The author describes this status as a newly invented status for immigrants-'not illegal, but not American.'
I could not agree more. I understand that the Republican party needs to address this issue in order to gain Hispanic votes, but this is not the way. Sadly, I think the Hispanic voters might take to this as a sign that additional change may come from it as well, but who knows. This could just be something that is going to be offered to get votes and then discarded.
The author of the article does well in finishing the article by stating that: Republicans are only showing how much they have diverted from the American ideals of assimilation and welcome.
I could not agree more. I understand that the Republican party needs to address this issue in order to gain Hispanic votes, but this is not the way. Sadly, I think the Hispanic voters might take to this as a sign that additional change may come from it as well, but who knows. This could just be something that is going to be offered to get votes and then discarded.
The author of the article does well in finishing the article by stating that: Republicans are only showing how much they have diverted from the American ideals of assimilation and welcome.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Gay married immigrant fights deportation in California
This particular article is dealing with an issue that will most likely continue to occur in state's acknowledging gay marriage. Alfonso Garcia has been in the U.S. since childhood and reported that his papers filled for residency. Garcia and his partner were married in New York and now live in the San Francisco Bay area, but the federal immigration court doesn't recognize gay marriage under the federal Defense of Marriage Act. If deported, Garcia faces being excluded from the U.S. for ten years.
The article stood out to me because of the issue and circumstances surrounding the couple. I wonder how many other same-sex couples are dealing with this issue in states that o not recognize their relationship as permanent? This issue brought presidential awareness and will obviously create some changes
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Stop sex discrimination in health plan costs
http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/20/opinion/greenberger-health-premiums-gender-gap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29
This issue is new to me. I was unaware of some issues mentioned in this article. This article describes that only 14 states ban this gender rating approach used in health insurance. It stated that 92% of top insurance plans charge women more then men. Throughout the article, some issues that seem to be denying women who have survived domestic violence or have had C-sections when giving birth. It also addresses effect of the Affordable Care Act and what that can offer for women nationwide. The program seems to help women in beneficial and preventative measures for the betterment of their health.
Shockingly enough, I only turned to this article because I wanted to see what was being discussed. I was stunned to see the issues going on that could affect me if I had a child or was a victim of domestic violence. I had no idea. The worst thing is, that states have been publicized for doing this and have not banned gender rating.
This issue is new to me. I was unaware of some issues mentioned in this article. This article describes that only 14 states ban this gender rating approach used in health insurance. It stated that 92% of top insurance plans charge women more then men. Throughout the article, some issues that seem to be denying women who have survived domestic violence or have had C-sections when giving birth. It also addresses effect of the Affordable Care Act and what that can offer for women nationwide. The program seems to help women in beneficial and preventative measures for the betterment of their health.
Shockingly enough, I only turned to this article because I wanted to see what was being discussed. I was stunned to see the issues going on that could affect me if I had a child or was a victim of domestic violence. I had no idea. The worst thing is, that states have been publicized for doing this and have not banned gender rating.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Casa de mi Padre - Official Trailer
I was happy to see other leading Latino actors in the film supporting the film. I am eager to hear the criticism of the film, the issue at hand, and any other comments directed toward the film.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Chants of "USA!" -- directed at Latino team -- roil San Antonio
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-texas-chanting-20120308,0,2273180.story
I am sure most of you heard from this in the local news lately but if you haven't here is an article I found online. The predominantly white Alamo Heights team had defeated San Antonio's Thomas A. Edison High School, a mostly Latino team, by 50-39 Friday night, earning its first spot in the state tournament since 1991, the station reported. Many defended the children who chanted "USA" toward students saying that "I am totally with the USA Cheers," wrote John Nicks. "They should not be forced to or apologize at all. Its Hispanic team vs Caucasian Team, whats wrong with rooting and cheering for the USA/Caucasians to win?" While other parents seem upset and bothered by how these comments effect their children.
I recall hearing this story and was sure this dealt with national leagues but was surprised to know it was a local high school team. I was even more alarmed to see parents' publicly supporting their children in those chants.
I am sure most of you heard from this in the local news lately but if you haven't here is an article I found online. The predominantly white Alamo Heights team had defeated San Antonio's Thomas A. Edison High School, a mostly Latino team, by 50-39 Friday night, earning its first spot in the state tournament since 1991, the station reported. Many defended the children who chanted "USA" toward students saying that "I am totally with the USA Cheers," wrote John Nicks. "They should not be forced to or apologize at all. Its Hispanic team vs Caucasian Team, whats wrong with rooting and cheering for the USA/Caucasians to win?" While other parents seem upset and bothered by how these comments effect their children.
I recall hearing this story and was sure this dealt with national leagues but was surprised to know it was a local high school team. I was even more alarmed to see parents' publicly supporting their children in those chants.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Young and Mixed in America
For Many Latinos, Racial Identity Is More Culture Than Color
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/14/us/for-many-latinos-race-is-more-culture-than-color.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&ref=raceremixed
I have yet to complete my own census form but in reading this article I am almost scared to find myself as confused as other Latinos. The article mentions the need for the census form to be filled out is essential for all citizens, but it also has undergone some changes to help individuals identify "what they are." Many Latinos argue that the country’s race categories — indeed, the government’s very conception of identity — do not fit them. The main reason for the split is that the census categorizes people by race, which typically refers to a set of common physical traits. But Latinos, as a group in this country, tend to identify themselves more by their ethnicity, meaning a shared set of cultural traits, like language or customs.
I can't help but think that I too identify myself as 'white' when there are no other terms that I see accurate. Mary C. Waters, a sociology professor at Harvard who specializes in the challenges of measuring race and ethnicity stated that she agreed with the changes being made to the census forms, due to a lack of individuals answering the questions dealing with race.The article goes on to describe certain individuals' particular cases and their issue with identifing with the options given on the census.
I have yet to complete my own census form but in reading this article I am almost scared to find myself as confused as other Latinos. The article mentions the need for the census form to be filled out is essential for all citizens, but it also has undergone some changes to help individuals identify "what they are." Many Latinos argue that the country’s race categories — indeed, the government’s very conception of identity — do not fit them. The main reason for the split is that the census categorizes people by race, which typically refers to a set of common physical traits. But Latinos, as a group in this country, tend to identify themselves more by their ethnicity, meaning a shared set of cultural traits, like language or customs.
I can't help but think that I too identify myself as 'white' when there are no other terms that I see accurate. Mary C. Waters, a sociology professor at Harvard who specializes in the challenges of measuring race and ethnicity stated that she agreed with the changes being made to the census forms, due to a lack of individuals answering the questions dealing with race.The article goes on to describe certain individuals' particular cases and their issue with identifing with the options given on the census.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Ben & Jerry's 'Lin-Sanity' Racist?
Creater's Ben and Jerry thought to also join in the "Lin-sanity" taking on with the New York Knicks as well. The key ingredient in the ice cream was fortune cookies. Commentator's within the video stated that 'Jeremy Lin is of Chinese descent, born in the US,' as well as the fortune cookie. Ben and Jerry received criticism about the ice cream and changed the main ingredient, fortune cookie pieces, to waffle crumbs. Ben and Jerry made an apology to the pulic and stated that they simply wanted to support their local super star.
I wonder how long it will take for other areas to get some 'Lin-sanity' themselves? I would try it.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Does 'secure the border' mean 'keep America white'?
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/21/opinion/granderson-border-security-canada/index.html?hpt=hp_bn9
Race is something avoided by most GOP candidates. It was refreshing to hear this article and the standpoint that Granderson took on it, however he is African American and that somehow changes everything. As glad as it made me to hear that he was fighting for equality and clarification in politics, the very fact that he is African American is questionable. How ironic that the article he writes about discusses the need for GOP candidates to speak clearly about real issues throughout debates clearly rather then use broad terms to avoide the sensativity of race, yet the author of this article is critiqued based on the mere fact that he is African American.
It was interesting to also read that only 1% of the largest border in the world is only being protected by our government despite the threats that have been discovered.
Race is something avoided by most GOP candidates. It was refreshing to hear this article and the standpoint that Granderson took on it, however he is African American and that somehow changes everything. As glad as it made me to hear that he was fighting for equality and clarification in politics, the very fact that he is African American is questionable. How ironic that the article he writes about discusses the need for GOP candidates to speak clearly about real issues throughout debates clearly rather then use broad terms to avoide the sensativity of race, yet the author of this article is critiqued based on the mere fact that he is African American.
It was interesting to also read that only 1% of the largest border in the world is only being protected by our government despite the threats that have been discovered.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Segregation Curtailed in U.S. Cities
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/31/us/Segregation-Curtailed-in-US-Cities-Study-Finds.html?_r=1&ref=race
In reading this article the "numbers" may show a change in segregation among our U.S. cities, but it is hard to believe. Regardless it is clear that segregation has decreased in comparison to the previous laws and civil rights motions that caused this change to come forth. However, when I drive around my neighborhood,other parts of town, and other cities, I still see segregation. The fact that people of color are able to buy homes in other areas of town does not necessarily improve segregation in my book.
I have seen segregation as a child within my communities and continue to see the same thing everywhere else. I understand that this study conducted in proof of this article shows progress within our nation, it is still falling short. The comparison they make is taking into account time periods that differ in many ways, which ideally should result in putting an end to segregation. Realistically that may not be possible.
In reading this article the "numbers" may show a change in segregation among our U.S. cities, but it is hard to believe. Regardless it is clear that segregation has decreased in comparison to the previous laws and civil rights motions that caused this change to come forth. However, when I drive around my neighborhood,other parts of town, and other cities, I still see segregation. The fact that people of color are able to buy homes in other areas of town does not necessarily improve segregation in my book.
I have seen segregation as a child within my communities and continue to see the same thing everywhere else. I understand that this study conducted in proof of this article shows progress within our nation, it is still falling short. The comparison they make is taking into account time periods that differ in many ways, which ideally should result in putting an end to segregation. Realistically that may not be possible.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Arizona bills focus on illegal immigration
http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/2012/02/09/20120209arizona-bills-illegal-immigration.html
Shockingly, Arizona is looking to make their laws a bit more strict by calling for schools as well as hospitals to keep track of the number of illegal immigrants that they service. Although they do not think the legislation will be passed, the fact that Arizona continues to bring forward these policies, is cause enough for attention. Immigration reform continues to be an issue that requires a solution. Imagining that this kind of policy could pass in one state, both terrifies me and surpasses my sense of what the America represents as a whole. I can see Arizona taking on a transformation and at the same time beginning a trend for other states to follow.
Shockingly, Arizona is looking to make their laws a bit more strict by calling for schools as well as hospitals to keep track of the number of illegal immigrants that they service. Although they do not think the legislation will be passed, the fact that Arizona continues to bring forward these policies, is cause enough for attention. Immigration reform continues to be an issue that requires a solution. Imagining that this kind of policy could pass in one state, both terrifies me and surpasses my sense of what the America represents as a whole. I can see Arizona taking on a transformation and at the same time beginning a trend for other states to follow.
Will Hispanic Voters Swing the 2012 Race?
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/10/opinion/garcia-hispanic-voters/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29
Interestingly enough the main issue discussed here that can determine the Hispanic vote is immigration. The fact that statements have been made about immigration change but yet nothing has been done. President Obama has stated he would make changes and has not made any, but has managed to deport 1.2 million immigrants instead. I too am waiting for the topic of immigration to come about more prominently in the presidential race.
Ten States freed from some 'No Child Left Behind' Requirements
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/09/politics/states-education/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29
The opportunity President Obama is giving certain states by altering and catering certain goals in education to each state's particular needs. Some of the states include: Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Tennessee. These states will be able to set separate goals for themselves that are unique to their children's weaknesses and strengths.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
'They Come to America'- Documentary on US Border Immigration Costs
I am interested in seeing this film for the bigger picture it is interested in capturing. Illegal immigration is something that Texas deals with mundanely and simultaneously causes concern for many. The opposing views on the issue of finding a solution for immigration continues to be controversial among out political candidates. I am unsure where this film will take direction, but it is something that has caught my attention since it will be coming out this spring.
'Awkward Black Girl'---Message to other Minorities
I was glad to know that she went to Stanford with one of my high school classmates. I hope you find it interesting as well.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Dangerous Path to Legal Status for some Immigrants
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/09/us/juarez-dangerous-marriage/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
Immigration remains a controversial issue amongst politics and citizens throughout the United States. Seperating families is a solution that US laws have come to see as the solution. The deaths of US citizens in Mexico are causing more concern for the US. I am unsure what it will take for organization in the immigration system to be established.
Immigration remains a controversial issue amongst politics and citizens throughout the United States. Seperating families is a solution that US laws have come to see as the solution. The deaths of US citizens in Mexico are causing more concern for the US. I am unsure what it will take for organization in the immigration system to be established.
ICE drops plan for Texas family Detention Center
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/state/article/ICE-drops-plan-for-Texas-family-detention-center-3124221.php?cmpid=emailarticle&cmpid=emailarticle
Social justice is something fought for daily by people all over the world. In reading this article, I agree with the author in that building detention facilities is not humane. I am interested in looking into the other detention centers to see what it is that they provide.
Social justice is something fought for daily by people all over the world. In reading this article, I agree with the author in that building detention facilities is not humane. I am interested in looking into the other detention centers to see what it is that they provide.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Risk of Ignoring Race in the Workplace
http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/31/opinion/apfelbaum-colorblind/index.html?hpt=li_c2#
Race continues to be a sensative, yet common issue in everyday life. Race is something people attempt to avoid and rather not discuss, but this article shows that the issue of race needs discussion without hesitation amongst our world.
Race continues to be a sensative, yet common issue in everyday life. Race is something people attempt to avoid and rather not discuss, but this article shows that the issue of race needs discussion without hesitation amongst our world.
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