Since I am on medical leave, I have to study all by myself, but anyways, I am determined to make the best out of this unexpected break of mine =)
I thought that this sociology article was quite interesting; therefore, there are a few points that I’d like to discuss in this post.
*I had always wondered why Asian Americans were called ‘yellow.’ I mean they are not yellow. Their skin color is just as white as someone of Caucasian origin. In this text, I found my answer. Apparently, it is because they are white-r. I am sorry but that is --------------! (Feel free to fill in the space yourself.)
*This article made me understand that race is nothing but a social weapon that some people use against each other in order to have just a bigger share of the pie. In Turkey, schools do not emphasize this part really. Most people assume that race is biologically constructed. It couldn’t be more wrong. It is a social concept that needs help ASAP. We should value personality- not race.
*As I read more about what a dominant group is, I realized that they are just like the bullies that made my life miserable when I was in middle school. It is pathetic to see that. I guess people don’t mature with age either…
* The part that struck me the most on a personal level was the gender stereotypes. Unfortunately, in my country, this stereotype is considered ‘normal.’ You can hear many men saying, “A women can’t do this… can’t do that..”, “Women always block the traffic.” and “Women should just be a housewife.” AAAAAAARGH! I cannot stand it when I hear comments like that. The other day I was taking to my friend, and she told me about this guy who kept stalking her. She mentioned that he kept saying things like “A girl can never beat me..A girl can never be as smart(as me)..” I swear if he said that to me, I would have given him a taste of what it feels like to be in hell!!!! It is disappointing to see that guys like that are at a university like this. Why can’t it be someone who is better rather than a girl/boy being better than a boy/girl?
*Stereotype interchangeability was also an interesting read. There are a lot of people who are unemployed in this country so I’ve never thought of blaming them for it. Being poor because of laziness..that does not sound applicable in Turkey. At least, that is what I think.
*On page 323 of this article, there is an example which features a Chinese American couple. I think it presents the discrimination-prejudice relationship in a completely different light. Honestly, I was quite surprised when I read it. Make sure that you read it too.
Finally, I’ll end my post with an open-ended question. I think you will understand my point when you read it.
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WHY CAN’T WE JUST GET ALONG?
Guess who's back?
13 years ago
There are so many things to comment on in this post. As usual, you've carried out a detailed reading and provided a very thoughtful analysis...but there's one thing that is a priority for me over all others:
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty concerned to read about the stalking bit - if that's happening on this campus, I want to let you and your friend know that SU has a policy against sexual harassment: http://www.sabanciuniv.edu/eng/?genel_bilgi/felsefemiz/cinsel.html
She does NOT have to put up with that, and even if it seems 'harmless', the fact that you've used the word stalking here makes me think it needs to be dealt with - IMMEDIATELY. (I can help, count on me..) I see that you've written the account in the past tense, but I have to be sure...
Thank you very much for your concern Sonja.
ReplyDeleteThis happened a while ago, so I am pretty sure she's okay now. Otherwise, I'd have known already.
I just think he has some problems..or he is not mature enough..who knows? Who cares? He's just a bitter loser hehehe..
I'm very relieved to hear that..
ReplyDeleteOne thing I found interesting in this article was that all 'races' are on a continuum of light to dark skin...I had never thought of it quite in those terms before, but I think that's right..
Yes, it is a strange thing.."White dominates all" type of order, how that came about, is another topic worthy of discussion as well. Somehow this article reminds me of the articles I read for my SPS class =D
ReplyDeleteHazal, firstly get well soon. :(
ReplyDeleteAnd than, thank you for your detailed post. :)
Unfortunately there are some guys who think in sexist way. But when we look at this example, we know that it is coming from jealousy.
This situation reminded me this week's TLL 102 reading. There was a girl called Tatarcik(also it is book's name) and she was very talented and brave (stronger than male characters). And guys were humiliating her, just because of these.
This book was written at 1939.
So it is very pathetic 71 years later, there are some people who thinks like that even in Sabancı University. :(
First of all, thank you Ayse for writing my first peer comment(YAY!) and wishing me well=)
ReplyDeleteTatarcik is a great example. Thank you for pointing that out. Tatarcik is a strong female figure that overpowers all of the male characters in the novel. Her character is what I like the most about her.
And I agree, it has been 71 years yet some men still try to put down women who are more successful. Some still view things as black and white/ male and female. What a shame..