Freedom Riders

- Is there a cause you know of in our world today that you feel is of similar/equal importance? Something worthy of groups taking action, even to the point of non-violent demonstration or protest?

Yes I believe that there is a similar cause that is of equal importance as the Freedom Riders was some time ago. I think the issue of Woman's Rights is something that is important in society, yet some people consider it not to be and still discriminate against women. Everyday women are turned down for jobs or restricted healthcare because they are of a different gender then men. I know that certain groups have already started some sorts of protests, such as the group NOW (National Organization of Women). This issue should not have to turn violent, but more protests might be needed to fully understand the problem of women's rights in America. Some people do not fully understand the problems that are present with women's rights and these people need to take a step back and realize that everyone is equal, male or female. 

Another issue that i think is of similar importance to both women's rights and to the Freedom Riders, is the issue of Middle Eastern people and them having to deal with discrimination because some people consider them terrorists. This is not the right thing t do but it is not possible to hold protests with or for these people because you could be called a sympathizer and be arrested, that is how bad the issue of Middle Eastern people being discriminated against is. People need to understand that less than 1% of people of Middle Eastern descent are terrorists. This is a true issue with the world and along with women's rights, this problem needs to be solved. It is hard to live a life as a woman or as a Middle Eastern person, because they receive such discrimination every day. Peaceful protests may be the right way to go to solve this issue. 

Blog #2: Parenting

There is a tough borderline between being a strict parent and being a parent that allows a lot of freedom. My parents are extremely strict and do not allow me much freedom. This makes some things difficult to accomplish, but can also be good because it provides a good backbone for my future. As far as my opinion for how adults in 2012 should parent themselves, there needs to be a balance between being strict and allowing freedom. Being strict can be good because it tells the kid that they need to abide by the rules and try and limit your mistakes but if you do make a mistake you can learn from it. But allowing freedom is good because you only live once and your childhood only occurs once. This may sound ridiculous but allowing your kid to go out and have fun and have freedom in your life can be beneficial. Its beneficial because it can allow you to police yourself early on in life, which your going to have to do later in life anyway so its better to start doing it earlier in life where you still have the support of your parents. Many of my friends have less strict parents that allow much more freedom. I feel a little jealous but still I think the way my parents are parenting me is helpful to me and beneficial. If I become a parent I would like to find a balance between being strict and allowing freedom. I would like my children to succeed in life, but not mainly because of my acts, but mostly there acts and how they proceed with their life. Since I was raised in a strict household I would want to go away from that idea and lean toward the idea of freedom. This allows for more fun during childhood and I think overall a better quality of life during your childhood. But I would also have to institute certain rules or regulations that prevent really bad mistakes from happening that could affect my child's future. These would include no drinking, smoking or anything that could get the police involved, but also getting good grades and being involved in outside activities. Otherwise, I would like my son or daughter to be able to control their own life and their future. I think that is the best way to parent now and probably the best way to parent in the future too.

Race-Relations in America

How would you sum up race-relations in America today, and more specifically, what is your own personal experience with it? What do you see are some of the more important issues, ideas, controversies at the heart of race-relations in America today?

Race-relations in America today, are better than they were in the mid 1900's but are not perfect. There is definitely still a difference or a segregation between whites and African Americans. People can still act different to a person depending on whether they are white or black. An example of the difference of races today is shown in a personal experience of mine. I was heading to the YMCA to play some basketball and work out. I entered the Ambler YMCA and saw a developing situation. Lately the YMCA has been having problems with people bringing in too large bags to the YMCA, which could contain, a gun, or other weapon, or drugs or alcohol. Some of the employees were gathered around an African American man that had a rather large bag that he was carrying his clothes in. He had just come from work so he also had a briefcase looking bag. Evidently the employees thought this was suspicious and pulled him aside. The problem with this was that white males and females were walking past the front desk with bags the same size or even larger! This could just be a coincidence or some of the employees at the YMCA could of been discriminating against the African American man. This is one example of the race issues that are still present today in American society, seen through my personal experience. The most important issue that is present in race-relations America today is that African Americans are still discriminated against when they do certain things.This is the most important thing because even government officials or police officers sometimes discriminate against African Americans, even though they should be the one setting the example. Race-relations are better than they were in the 1900's but still there are some issues that are present today.