has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like

I should probably learn to log off "blogger" at school yo.

-By a friendly troll

Response to Racial Profiling/ FBI

About two years ago when my sister and I were at the airport going through security, my suitcase passed through the scanner easily, however, my sister's luggage was paused mid-conveyor belt. One security worker motioned to another and before we knew it a flock of them were gesturing and squinting at the screen. They pulled my sister over to a small cubicle with her suitcase and cautiously opened it up, only to find blocks of cheese with her laptop cord sitting on top. The security guard examined her quizzically and explained that the blocks appeared to be suspiciously connected with wires on the screen. "Yeah I just got back from Wisconsin" my sister replied.

That day was the first time I had ever seen someone I know get pulled aside by airport security. However, I can't help but wonder if she had been of a different ethnicity if the scenario would have played out differently. One minute they were convinced she was a terrorist, but then shortly after sent her on her way. In the post-9/11 world I have known, it has become glaringly clear that different ethnic groups are unfairly stereotyped often, due to their appearances solely. These four essays granted me a perspective that I never fully grasped on my own, because as a white female, racial profiling has  never caused me grief like so many others.

The essays were interesting to read, as each author had a different take on national security and his or her role in it. Though all of the essays seemed to possess a certain disdain for unjust security measures, the authors recognize that the guarded tactics work to make America a safer place.

The essays also drew attention to the fear at the root of opposition to heightened security measures, a fear of the loss of personal freedom. In our society today, it seems that many are increasingly taking safety for granted in their struggle to maintain complete personal liberty. At this point our country needs to start recognizing that freedom cannot be relinquished without a cost, and thus, citizens need to accept that America needs to stay under watchful eyes, or pay a possibly hefty price.

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Research Paper Update

My topic is analyzing the changes in American attitudes towards immigration in recent years as opposed to the past. I will look to uncover the reasons behind this new hostility and propose possible ways to remedy the problem.

Sources:
Hanson, Gordon H., Preface to "Does Illegal Immigration Harm US Citizens?" This is a great analysis of the ways the recent influx of immigrants has affected America in regards to finances and the workforce. 

Hainmueller, Jens and Hiscox, Michael J., "Attitudes toward Highly Skilled and Low-skilled Immigration" This study is unique in the ways that it focuses on the opinions of individuals as they relate to immigration and also tries to pinpoint the varying attitudes towards immigrants of different skill levels.

Ruark, Eric A., and Matthew Graham. "Immigration Is Increasing Poverty in the United States." A solid argument against claims that immigrants take away large numbers of jobs from established citizens.

Hainmueller, Jens and Hopkins, Daniel J., "The Hidden American Immigration Consensus: A Conjoint Analysis of Attitudes Toward Immigrants." A great study that aims to identify the specific attributes of immigrants that provoke especially positive or negative reactions among Americans.

 

Huerta, Alvaro. "Arizona's Immigration Law is Racist." A reflection from someone who personally identifies with those attacked in Arizona, addressing the racism present in our society.


"Introduction to Illegal Immigration: Current Controversies." A concise explanation of the Arizona controversy and its immediate aftermath.

Anti-Gay Marriage

Here's an anti-gay marriage blog...

Lazy People

The greatest notable annoyance about our society today is the epidemic of laziness that has overcome the American people. It seems that all products, services, and pastimes are designed to aid this unfortunate predicament, worsening the cycle and fostering impatience and obesity.

Ever since the invention of cars, our motivation to simply walk places has been consistently declining. Nowadays, we take for granted our transportation by automobile, often times seeing no plausible way to arrive at a destination without the involvement of one. The idea of walking or bicycling to a given location seems daunting and strenuous to many. Furthermore, society caters to our reluctance to walk extended distances. Parking lots can be found today adjacent to all businesses, many featuring even closer spots rewarding people who promise not to stay long. Thus, shoppers will take advantage of these close spots, even if they anticipate staying for an extended time period, simply because they are lazy and the prospect of walking an extra hundred feet is an unbearable concept.

Moreover, as a society we have an acceptance for the pastime of laying around and doing nothing. Many refer to Saturdays or Sundays as their “lazy days”, opting to lay around in pajamas while eating various forms of junk, rather than venturing out and being a productive member of society. Additionally, we are taught early on as children that if you are tired, it is alright to spontaneously lie down during the day and sleep. This pastime is commonly referred to as “napping”, but in reality it is just deciding mid-day that life is too demanding and an unconscious break is necessary.

My argument against laziness in our society would not be complete without at least mentioning the detrimental effects the television has wreaked upon human activity. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that televised programming is beneficial in the way that it disperses information throughout our country and the world, but the prolonged activity of “vegging” out in front of a television watching pointless sitcoms or trashy reality TV only produces negative consequences. Instead of going outside and taking a walk or playing a game of catch, many families plant themselves in front of the screen. This practice is especially unfavorable because it teaches children that nightly inactivity is alright, a lesson that will most likely be passed down to their children as well.

Overall, I do not think that humans in general, or even Americans, contrary to popular belief, are destined to be lazy creatures. Our sluggish state spawns from cultural customs we become used to early on and then accept as normal. Though I admit that I occasionally am a participant in all the patterns I mentioned, I try to distance myself from their tempting grasp as much as possible. Essentially, that is all we can personally do in a society where the automobile, television, fast food, and ultimately laziness reign supreme.

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