Final Thoughts

I have learned so much in this class. I think more than anything I have not changed my opinions on certain issues but I am able to say that I have a deeper understanding now of these issues and have understanding of why people may think the way they do, for example gay marriage. I still disagree with gay marriage, but I have had my eyes opened more to their side of the story and have more empathy for them, even with disagreeing. I am glad to have had my eyes opened to the health care system and the politics and power that influence everything from health care to our food. I am glad for not being naive about it anymore. I have already made a change toward the way I eat and where I choose to buy my food. For the most part I will not support people who are for profit and not the benefit of animals and people. I cannot think of any other changes I am making or will be making, I think I am just more aware, and with this new awareness I can now live my life differently then I did when my blinders were on.

Ch.15

I think the government probably has created a sort of chasm between them and "us". There seems to be a disconnect in our government and it has always been hard for me to understand it or articulate where is possibly comes from. I believe that people who want to work in the government probably go into it for noble purposes, such as righting the wrongs that are there. But I believe there is a system in place, a culture if you will that can suck you in and influence your values. I see it as the music artist or actor that wants to go into performing. They want to be something and have a purpose and make a difference but the culture of the music wood or Hollywood has a way of influencing people in negative ways. People get "lost" in the fame, and pressure of it all and "sell out" as people say. I think we have a government full of sell outs. There may be that few that still hear the people and work for the people but they are overpowered by the others who have put power and profit before the people.

Ch.12

The subject of arranged marriage has been one where my view has changed drastically. I used to think that arranged marriage was stone age and controlling. I was coming from an American view where one must be madly in love with someone before they marry them and that no one should be forced to be with someone they don't already love. THEN, I GOT MARRIED! After four years of marriage I can say that butterflies and fireworks fade over time. To "be in love" is not enough to make a marriage last. There needs to be deep commitment, friendship, strong values, good character, and last of all love. True love encompasses these things but love does not always need to come first. There is no reason someone cannot GROW to love and respect someone.

On a personal note, my dad is not perfect, but now that I am older and wiser, I see my dad's wisdom that he has given to me throughout my life. He has always been able to honestly tell me what would be the best course for me when I ask for advice. I would wholeheartedly trust my dad in picking a mate for me. I believe that he would choose better for me than I would for myself because I do not love myself as he loves me. He thinks MUCH more highly of me then I think of myself. We tend to pick people out of our insecurities and woundedness, we overlook weak character and lack of values because we are "in love". There are people in our lives who love us very much who would not overlook these things in picking a mate for us. I know for my dad that only the best would do, and nothing less. That is why for the most part, I am for arranged marriage. I also hear they have lower divorce rates, which is a good thing.

Ch. 10

I have to say that I am very unaware of how my race and ethnicity influence my life. I am becoming more and more aware that the color of my skin and where I was born give me somewhat of an advantage, but it's always harder to see clearly when you are submerged in the water if you know what I mean. I think race and ethnicity probably play a big part in the obstacles someone faces. Part of me wants to believe that race isn't the issue anymore, but dealing with my own prejudices and stereotypes that I hold I can believe that there are many more out there with the same feelings and thoughts. I have a hard time with the notion that white people are the only one's who discriminate though. I have felt more prejudgment from African Americans then I have from any other race. There seems to be this notion that I already am a racist and so I am treated as such. I am avoided and looked at strangely by African Americans and feel the hate they have for me, when I have done nothing to deserve it.

I believe in the hardships other races face and have faced in the past and I have compassion towards it. I think that people have probably faced hardships primarily due to race or ethnicity, but I also think that people almost expect people to look at them differently and any little wrong look or discomfort is looked at as a racial issue and nothing else. Race is a VERY sensitive issue in our country and we are so afraid to interact with one another because no one trusts the others intentions.