Reading For College - #119 - "Psychologists Find Ways to Break Racism's Hold"

We were re-assigned to Lab "D" if you are in the lab today.

First, a few things to remember:

1. Proofread your work before you hit that "Publish" button.
2. Create at least 4 comments (each between 5-7 sentences)—1 to me and 3 to your peers.

Some comments and questions:

1. Even if someone is raised to be outgoing and accepting, how likely is it that s/he will become a racist?
2. The article addresses specific things that school administrators can do to prevent racism (right-hand column on p.456); but the idea put forth about "assigning" people to certain activities doesn't quite sound right. Why is this?
3. On p.455 scientists claimed that even when/if people observe behavior that defies categorization [of race and ethnicity] they still continue to categorize. Does this mean that people are capable of making progress, but not when it comes to racism, or does it mean that we still have a long way to go in terms of human evolution?
4. The whole part of #119--the section about learning teams--is based only on a promise. The very first paragraph in it states that learning teams of mixed race and ethnicity can lead to friendship. Isn't it a bit over-reaching of the author to write a whole section predicated on a possibility instead of research that can guarantee friendship among the races/ethnicities?
5. Human beings are the only species on this planet that practice racism, just as we're the only species that practice murder. Sociologists discovered that racism is something that we're not born with--we teach it to each other. My question is: If we've created racism, then why can't we create something to stop it altogether, right away?

This is our last class, so make your comments count. I decided to cancel class on Thursday the 15th as well so you will have enough time to put together your final assignment and portfolio. Your portfolios are due no later than December 15. As a reminder, please drop them off in the Literacy Education Department (P345). Place it in the box with our class on the label.

It was a pleasure to work with and get to know all of you.

Enjoy the holiday break,
Prof. Ferrante

Reading For College - #105 - "A Way Out"

First, a few things to remember:

1. Proofread your work before you hit that "Publish" button.
2. Create at least 4 comments (each between 5-7 sentences)—1 to me and 3 to your peers.

Some comments and questions:

1. "Our society is built on, of, and for the people, so why do such stereotypes and social limitations occur when our government [is supposed to] help its citizens to live?"
2. "We should forget [who gets] more welfare. What is important is the problem that the government is making it more difficult for people to get off of welfare."
3. "Why is welfare today making it harder for people to go to college and make a life for themselves?"
4. "People who are on welfare are no different...It is basically their fault that they are on welfare."
5. "If these benefits are out there for women who really need the support, I don't understand why other people judge [them]...People need to realize that there are women out there who need the help, regardless of race"
6. "What point was Jensen trying to prove when she would reveal to people that she was a welfare recipient?"
7. "Do you believe that making abortion mandatory for mothers on welfare with three or more children is fair?"

Assignments for Next Week:
Read and Response Journals for Articles #119 and #84