What Is Racism

     Today, racism is still a very controversial issue among many people. The root of the problem is that most people do not even know what racism is. Racial prejudice is often mistaken for racism. If we came up with a united stance on what racism truly is, then may the issue would not be such a problem. It is time to put an end to the ignorance, and time to get informed. 




Some examples:

1. Race based jokes told by a person of any race - Race jokes are not racist. However, they are a form of racial prejudice. Even if they are not racist, they can still be hurtful and offensive.

2. The use of the "N" word - I do not know if this is considered to be racist. I just think that it should not be used at all.

3. A high school homecoming parade to feature a float with a tepee and an “Indian maid” with a feather in her hair to celebrate the school’s athletic teams that are known as the Braves? - This is not racist. The team is just using the Indian character to portray its team. No racist acts are involved, and I do not believe that anyone is being offended.

4. The Border Patrol to target populations that are clearly Latino in its search for immigrants without proper documentation - This action is not really racist. It is more an incident of racial profiling.

5. A particular group of people to be economically and socially isolated in one part of our community - This is not racist. No one is forcing these people to live together. People live where they feel comfortable and where they can afford to live.  

     Racism to me is when people are treated unequally because of their race. They are denied basic rights. I draw the line whenever someone is not respected because of their race. God created all people to be equal, so why treat someone like they are inferior? 

     I think for many people, talking about race puts them out of their comfort zone. A person does not know what can be said without offending others. Race does not have to be an issue, if we can just learn to talk about it. However, most of the time when I hear people talking about race, a bunch of stupid, ignorant things are said. Racial jokes and stereotypes are made. I think this is because people do not fully understand other races. We only know what people put out in the open, or what we see and here. Most of the time, only the bad things are put out in the open. 

     If people of different races took the time to talk and understand each other people might have different opinions. Maybe your opinions will stay the same, but at least you will have a new found knowledge. Be informed before you draw a conclusion. Do not speak on what you do not know. Be accepting and tolerant of different people. 

The Holocaust

     The Holocaust was the systematic mass slaughter of European Jews in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The word "Holocaust" comes from the Greek words "holo" which means "whole" and "caust" which means "burning. To the Greeks the Holocaust was a mass burning. To the Germans it was just an act of purification. But to millions of others around the world, it was a mass murder, a genocide (extermination of an entire population).

Holocaust Timeline:

January 1933 - Hitler named chancellor of Germany

March 1933 - The first concentration camp opened

September 1935 - The Nuremberg laws created

November 1938 - Kristallnacht

November 1938 - Jewish kids expelled from schools

May 1940 - The Auschwitz concentration camp opened

January 1942 - Gas chambers were introduced

1943 - Death Camps closed

April 1945 - Hitler commits suicide

May 1945 - The Germans surrender 

     The Holocaust was the result of anti-semitism in Europe. Anti-semitism is discrimination against Jews. Many people blamed Jews for European problems. Hitler told Germans that purification was the way to end their problems; this meant exterminating the Jewish race. Hitler had Jews and other minorities put into concentration camps (a guarded compound for imprisonment or persecution of Jews). Those that were not sent to concentration camps were deported (expelled from a country) or moved to ghettos (a section of a city where a group of people lived). One of the most remembered events that occurred during the Holocaust was Kristallnacht (the night of broken glass). On this night the windows of many Jewish shops were broken.

     During the Holocaust many actions violated the Ten Commandments. Three of the Ten Commandments that were broken were the first, sixth, and eighth. The first commandment says "you shall have other gods before me". This was broken when people put Hitler before God. The sixth commandment says "you shall not kill". Millions of Jews were killed during the Holocaust. The eighth commandment says "you shall not steal". Jews had many possessions stolen or destroyed.

The Fifth Commandment

     The Fifth Commandment says, "Thou shall not kill". This can be interpreted in many ways. Most people think this means not to kill others with weapons. However, the Fifth Commandment can mean not to kill people with weapons, words, or substances.

     The three types of killing that I am against the most are homicide, suicide, and abortion. I'm against these because they include the unnecessary taking of a person's life. A life that was not theirs to take. All lives belong to God.

     Homicide is the ending of another person's life through violence. I believe that there is no reason for someone to kill another person. No matter how much a person may anger or hurt you, it's not worth it. By killing someone you are ending your relationship with God, and forming a new one with who ever your prison roommate is. Why waste away in prison, while everyone else is out in the world living their lives? Not only is murder morally wrong, it is just stupid. Why would someone even think about killing another person?

     Abortion is the intentional termination of an unborn life. It is a major violation to the Fifth Commandment. Abortion also causes controversy among many people today. People argue two statements:

                         1. By having an abortion you are taking away an innocent life.

                         2. Abortion is the easiest thing to do.

Yes, by having an abortion an innocent life is being taken away. The child that is being killed may have one day had a bright future. He or she may one day cure cancer, but by having an abortion, you are taking away that chance. Many women believe that having an abortion is easier than having a baby. In some cases that may be true, but is it the right thing to do? What if your mother had an abortion and you were never born?

     Lastly, the issue that I am against the most, suicide. Suicide is the taking of your own life. Life is a gift from God. If he has not decided that it is time for you to be with him, then it is not your time to go. I very well know that times can be tough, but taking your own life should never be an option. Stop thinking about all of the things that are going. Think of the one thing that is going right.... You're alive.

A March for Justice

     Amends, appeal, authority, authorization, charter, code, compensation, constitutionality, correction, due process, equity, evenness, integrity, legality, legitimacy, reparation, sanction, truth.

Trayvon Martin

     Above, are all different words that mean the same thing. Justice. Can we please get some for Trayvon Martin? A month ago today, an innocent 17 year old boy was shot in the chest for no good reason. His murderer claims self defense, but what was he threatened by? A bag of skittles?

In the last month, millions of people have been made aware of the situation. And many of these people have began to take action. Their actions, they hope, will finally lead to justice. Celebrities, as well as the President of the United States have taken action. President Barack Obama has demanded for a full investigation of Trayvon's murder. In a press conference he also said, "If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon". Although the president's statement resulted in a lot of criticism, many people took it to heart.

The Miami Heat (NBA basketball team)

Dwyane Wade

     Celebrites such as Spike Lee, LeBron James, and Will Ferrell have taken various actions to make sure justice is served. Spike Lee spreads the word through twitter and has also backed up the president on his statement and demand for justice. LeBron James, among with many other stars have posted pictures of themselves in a hoodie with Trayvon's face. Will Ferrell has donated money to the newly founded Trayvon Martin Foundation which fights racism.

     In many cities all over America there have been hooded marches and rallies in search of justice for Trayvon Martin and his family. There are more ways that just marching to get justice. Spread the word through twitter, facebook, blogs, etc. Sign Trayvon's petition. Or just pray.

Hoods Up for Trayvon



Trayvon Martin



     On February 26 of 2012, 17 year old Trayvon Martin was on his way back to his father's fiance's house in Sanford, Florida. This house was in a gated community. Trayvon wore white tennis shoes, a hoodie, and jeans. I guess to someone this might seem "suspicious"..... Even though half the world wears this same outfit everyday. In the pockets of his jeans, Trayvon had skittles for his younger brother, and in his hands a bottle of ice tea. He seems armed right? If you said yes to that question, then you are delusional.

George Zimmerman

     On Trayvon's walk home, he was on the phone with his girlfriend. It was dark and rainy. Trayvon noticed that a man was following him in a car. Trayvon continuously looked around him for any sign of the man following him. I believe that checking to make sure that you are being followed, especially if you are in an unfamiliar territory, is in no way "suspicious" behavior. The man continued to follow Trayvon, so he began to run. Safety 101. The man who was following Trayvon is named George Zimmerman. He is a 28 year old Caucasian/Hispanic man. Some would even describe him as a racist. Anyways, George Zimmerman was the neighborhood watch man for this particular neighborhood.

     George Zimmerman got out of his car to pursue Trayvon Martin. This he did deliberately against the orders of the police. That's strike one. Zimmerman confronted Trayvon in a hostile manner. Trayvon noticed that George Zimmerman bared a gun in hand. A gun. A neighborhood watchman with a gun. That isn't allowed, ergo, there's a second strike for Mr. Zimmerman. Trayvon Martin began to call for help. A few neighbors heard his cries, but they did nothing to stop the action except call the police. And of course, the police show up one bullet too late. When they arrived on the scene 17 year old Trayvon Martin lie there dead. Bullet to the chest. George Zimmerman shot him. If I'm not mistaken, that's murder. Strike three for George Zimmerman. He should be out.

     Today, a month later, Trayvon Martin lies dead, and George Zimmerman is out free. That is ridiculous! Justice needs to be served. I don't know if this is the result of racism, a poor police force, or if Trayvon was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, but George Zimmerman needs to be charged with something. Apparently I am not the only one that thinks this. People all over America are banning together to bring justice. Today thousands of people wear their hoods in honor of Trayvon Martin.

Trayvon Martin Case Summary: http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/19/justice/florida-teen-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2  

The "R" Word

                        What is the "R" word? Rice? Rainbow? Rock? No, the "R" word is "retarded".

Over the years, retarded has become a derogatory slur against those with mental disabilities. But in today's society it is said everyday by people as an insult to those with or without mental disabilities. The term retarded came from "mental retardation" which is what they used to diagnose people that had mental disabilities with.

Retarded is defined as an adjective that means "characterized by retardation" (dictionary.com). I was a little shocked to see that the sample sentence for this word was "the woman walked with her retarded child". It didn't seem so offensive until I actually saw the word in print. 

It's not good that so many people use this term today, most commonly by teens.Teens use this term to make fun of or "joke" with each other.  No matter what context it is said in, it is offensive to someone, somewhere. Often, in today's society, the "R" word is used in various songs, movies, TV show, and books, which is why I believe so many people use the word. When teens see their favorite celebrities using the word, they feel like it is also okay for them to use it. An example of the "R" word used in media today are the movie the Hangover, where one of the most memorable lines was "paging Dr. Retard". Many music artists also use the "R" word in some of their songs. I believe that this is one of the biggest ways that the word has caught fire and spread.

President Obama signing Rosa's Law

Rosa, whom Rosa's Law was named after

In 2010, President Obama pass Rosa's Law. This law prohibits the use of the words "retarded" and "retardation" in federal health, education and labor laws. It also changed the term to " intellectual disability.

"No Swearing On the Internet" Say Whaaaat?

                                                 

     Profanity is defined as the use of vulgar language or speech. Profanity is seen or heard everyday in the lives of teenagers around the world. They listen to it in their music, watch it on TV, and maybe even speak it themselves. In today's culture it almost seems like it would be impossible for teens not to catch onto these vulgar tendencies. As these tendencies are exhibited in person, they are also shown on online sites such as Twitter and Facebook. They are actually seen more on these websites.

     Teens today swear and exhibit profanity on the internet today because they feel that they won't get in trouble and that no one important will care or see it at all. Teens feel that it is their choice how they display themselves online, and that their choice of words just helps to do so.

     There is no law that says that we do not have a right to say what we like, right? Freedom of Speech..... But honestly, I understand where some people are coming from when they say that they are against profanity. Not everyone likes to hear or see vulgar things. So as humans, we are suppose to respect people, so vulgar terms should not be exhibited in front of people that do not like vulgarity.

     Today my class was told that we were no long allowed to swear on the internet; that if we did want to swear that we had to create new accounts so that our teacher could not see. I kinda of understand both points of view. Some students believe that they have the right to say what ever they want because it is their life. The teacher believes that profanity does not belong on the internet at all, and definitely not coming out of the mouths of teens. I believe that both perspectives are right to a certain degree.... It just depends on who you are and what your values are.

New Year's Resolutions... For the World

       Every new year people tend to come up with resolutions that they believe may help to better themselves. Although these promises to one's self may not last long, the intent is good. What if everyone got together and made resolutions to better the world? I mean if we were all working to achieve these resolutions we could not possibly fail. Here are 10 ideas that I have for the world's New Years resolutions.....

1. Decrease the amount of pollution in the world
2. End wars
3. Decrease the gap between the rich and the poor  
4. Stop racism

5. Stop hatred of different religions
6. Put an end to human starvation  
7. Help all children to get an education
8. Find a cure for cancer
9. Protect the endangered species around the world
10. Help the invisible children

MISSION: Make the Invisible Children Visible

                                                               
  What comes to mind when  you hear "invisible children"? Do you think about that imaginary friend you had when you were 5? Or about some ghost in a horror movie? Well I bet you do not think about child soldiers in northern Uganda. CHILD soldiers. FIGHTING in a WAR. In northern Uganda. Crazy right? You probably have never heard or seen this before. Maybe you think that because it is not going on around you that it is not important. However, that is false. And apparently, I am not the only one that thinks so.

     Since the 1980s, a group called the Lord's Resistance Army, or the LRA, has been terrorizing the people of Uganda. This group abducts children and forces them to fight for them as child soldiers. If these children resist or attempt to escape they are killed. The LRA invades villages and leaves a path a destruction, blood, and tears behind them. The LRA was said to be created by a woman named Alice Lawkenwa. She said that the Lord spoke to her and told her to rebel against the Ugandan. Alice Lawkenwa gained followers as resentment toward the government increased. Later on she was exiled, and her so called cousin, Joseph Kony, took over the army. Because the actions of Kony caused the support of the LRA to dwindle, Joseph Kony began to abduct children to use in the war. Today, Joseph Kony is still the leader of the LRA. The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Joseph Kony.



The Founders of Invisible Children

      In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers, Jason Russell,Bobby Bailey, and Laren Poole, from  southern California traveled to Uganda. Uganda is a country in central Africa. The three filmmakers thought that it would be the trip of a lifetime, and it was. The things that they saw in Uganda would change their lives forever. Throughout their trip to Uganda, the filmmakers from southern California recorded video footage of what they saw. They then used this footage to make a documentary called "Invisible Children: Rough Cut". This documentary received attention from people all over the nation. The attention caused the young men to found the Invisible Children foundation.

     The Invisible Children foundation is a non-profit organization striving to attain peace in Uganda and all over central Africa. By using various forms of media, Invisible Children hopes to inform people of the western world about the situation in Uganda, and also give them information about how they can help. The creation of Invisible Children has already helped out the cause. Peace talks have been made. President Obama has sent advisory troops to help stop the LRA. The trouble in northern Uganda has ended.

     However, there is still a lot more progress to be made. Joseph Kony and his army may have left northern Uganda, but they just moved to more areas of Africa. That means that there are a lot more people that need our help. 

     How can you help?

• Donate money
• Take part in the 25 Campaign
• Create a Frontline page via the Invisible Children website

To learn more about Invisible Children and to help support the cause visit the Invisible Children website!
http://invisiblechildren.com/ 

1 NATION SAVED
900,000 RETURNED TO THEIR HOMES

5,000,000 PEOPLE AWARE 

It's Amazing How Differently People Can Interpret The Bible

The Bible

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

     John 3:16 says that God sacrificed his own son for us. For all of us. For everyone that believes. He did not say for for men only, for women only, or for children only. God said that his son was sacrificed for those who believe in him. These believers do not exclude homosexuals or soldiers.

Westboro Baptist Church



 Fred Phelps



      The Westboro Baptist Church was founded in 1955 by Pastor Fred Phelps in Topeka, Kansas. The Westboro Baptist Church opporates on the beliefs that God hates homosexuals and troops, that Jews killed Jesus, and that God hates America. The people of this church say that all people would realize this if they just read the bible. If I recall correctly, the bible states that God loves all people that have faith in him.

     The followers of the Westboro Baptist Church picket various events such as military funerals and celebrity events that attract media attention. Shirley Phelps-Roper, one of the leaders of the church says, "You think our job is to win souls to Christ. All we do, by getting in their face and putting these signs in front of them and these plain words, is make what's already in their heart come out of their mouth". This is what she says is her reason for picketing. 

Shirley Phelps-Roper

     The church also has many other extremist beliefs, these include the condemation of Catholicism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam.

     People that have heard about the Westboro Baptist Church have had many opinions about the subject, but about 93% of the feedback has been negative.  I believe that the actions of the followers of this church are idiotic, immoral and unecessary. Acts of charity are suppose to be moral and helpful. Putting people down and insulting others based on their religion, race, or sexual orientation is definitely not helping anyone, and I don't think God would encourage that. I really don't know how people can believe the nonsense that is taught there sense it is all bogus and made up and based off of a wrong interpretation of the bible. God gave us all human dignity, which means that everyone deserves, and should be given, respect. But, this is just my opinion.


Children from WBC picketing



When It Comes to Cyberbullying, Just Say NO

Cyber bullying - the use of technology to harm people in a deliberate, repeated, and hostile manner.

     As many of us know, bullying has changed from the “give me your lunch money” way to cyber bullying. Even though cyber bullying involves no physical contact it is still as harmful or even more harmful then the general idea of bullying. Cyber bullying may not hurt a person on the outside, but it hits hard on the inside. To many people, getting hit on the inside hurts way more. The phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me” is not proven true by cyber bullying. Truth be told, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words can also hurt me” is a more accurate saying, especially in this day and age.

     Many middle school and high school students have been a victim or a witness to cyber bullying. It comes in many different shapes and forms; texts, emails, instant messages, and on social networking sites like twitter or facebook. Via these forms of technology, many teens throughout the nation have been attacked with a wide array of hurtful names and slurs. Although many of these victims have alerted adults or any other form of higher authorities, the bullying has not ceased. In some instances, because the victims “snitched” the bullying and harassment increased. This increase may be due to the fact that the bullies feel that because the bullying is done electronically that no one can actually force them to stop.

     I believe that cyber bullying is definitely wrong and needs to be stopped. Most of the things that cyber bullies say via technology, they would not say to someone’s face. It is just an instance of cowardice and unruly behavior. Because of the way things are today, we are forced to take a stand. Sitting back and watching is not going to help anyone, not even ourselves. Only you can prevent cyber bullying.  

                                

Stop Cyberbullying
 - http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html 
 - http://www.cyberbullying.us/

Bullying Is For Losers

    What goes through people's heads when they bully someone? What pleasure to people get from tearing others down? To me, the reasons for bullying are incomprehensible. I believe that all people no matter what their gender, religion, race, or orientation, should be treated equally and with respect.

     Just today I was made aware of the tragic death of Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14 year old from the city of Buffalo, NY. Jamey was bullied day after day because of his sexual orientation. On a daily basis, Jamey had a wide array of gay slurs thrown at him. All of the bullying built up to a point where Jamey felt that he had to commit suicide, something no one should ever have to do. Jamey always had the support of his friends and family, but I guess the negatives overtook the positives. He tried to maintain a strong front so that no one could see that any of the hurtful words were getting to him. A lot of the bullying that happened to Jamey was done via internet, on social networking sites such as Twitter. In fact one of Jamey's final goodbyes was made on Twitter. On September 18th, the day he committed suicide, Jamey tweeted to Lady Gaga, " bye mother monster,thank you for all you have done, paws up forever".


       As a tribute to Jamey Rodemeyer, Lady Gaga dedicated her performance of her song "Hair" at the iHeart Radio Music Festival to Jamey. Along with Lady Gaga, there are other celebrities out there that are supporting Jamey, his family, and other teens in the nation that are facing the same situation. Jamey's mother, Tracey, said that her son was put on earth for this short time to show why bullying is wrong. Jamey's father, Tim, said, "my message to the parents is, 'Badger your kids and make them talk,' or get them the help they need,”.

      Jamey Rodemeyer is not the only teen that faces bullies. Unfortunately, teens are bullied all over America. Bullying can be anything that constantly hurts someone. It is not just via internet like it was for Jamey. In some cases, teens are physically bullied. For example, Elise, from Brockport, NY, was harassed everyday on the bus. She was tripped and hit by older students.

     These series of reported incidents of bullying and harassment have led to national acknowledgement of causes to end it. Many people have stated their opinions of what happened. Lady Gaga, during her performance at the iHeart Radio Music Festival, said, "bullying is for losers". I agree with this statement. Courtney W. says "Bullying comes in many forms. If it makes you uncomfortable, it's bullying. BE A BETTER PERSON!". "Bullying has morphed into something that is uncontrollable now.  With the use of social medias bullying has increased to a level that in unimaginable", says Samuel H. Kathryn P. states "bullying is become a huge problem across America, and society should do whatever they can to stop it". The dean of my school, Mr.Miller, says "bullying has changed to cyberbullying".

     I believe that bullying truly is a major problem with teens in this nation. Sometimes it involves a lack of self confidence and other times it happens because people want to fit in. However, this problem needs to be fixed. It is hurting innocent students physically, as well as emotionally. I also believe that there are three things that need to be thought of to prevent bullying. First, spread the love. Second, don't do to others what you wouldn't want done to yourself. Lastly, one action starts a chain reaction.  

Everything In My Family Belongs to Me?

Does everything that anyone in your family owns also belong to you?

I believe that the answer is no. Of Course family is suppose to share what they have, but not exactly everything. For example, if you bought yourself a new toothbrush are you suppose to share that with every member of your family? I don't think so! That would be gross and a practice of bad hygiene.

You have a choice of what to share. All of the things that you own you may not want to share. For instance, if you buy a new car, with your own money, you may not want to let your parents or siblings drive it. However, you may give them rides. I guess that in its own is a way of sharing.

People Who Lie

     When people lie, should they regain trust easily? I believe that the first lie is forgivable, but the lies that follow may not have the same answer. Trust takes a long time to build, and lying just destroys that trust. Trust is like a house made of cards. It takes a really long time to built it, but if you take one card away the whole structure crumbles.

     Lies that protect people are okay to tell, that is, if the person wants to be protected. When I say lies that protect people, I don't mean a kid lying to his teacher about something, I mean like the witness protection kind of lies. Other than that, people should be told the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Leaving out a big part of the truth is almost just as bad as lying.

     When people lie to me it makes it hard for me to completely trust them again. Also, the bigger the lie, the bigger the impact. Liars aren't in good standings with me.