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.

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.

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.

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




This video deals with an issue that not only African Americans may feel, which I support. It is common that mainstream media does not always portray "all types of people," in their series yet we all types of people watch the shows. I know I have felt that myself in watching shows where I do not see myself represented.

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.

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.