LAST BLOG 0_o?! I'm having extremely mixed feelings about this being the last blog that I'll do for this class. In a sense I'm happy because I'm out of school for Summer, but in the back of my mind I know that I'll miss this because it's brought so much out of me, really out of all of us. I reminiscence on my first blog and remember thinking "What am I doing?-I don't want people reading my thoughts!", but now things are different for me. Because I'm not so much of a talker, it is easier for me to have people read my thoughts, rather then me trying to express them vocally.  Before all of the blogging, and class discussions I really thought that I was alone in my thoughts and feelings; I thought that I was the only one experiencing all of this, but we were all battling with our own realities.

    I've learned so much about myself over the past few months and it's so hard for me to comprehend how far I've come as an individual. I notice myself seeing situations differently, and dealing with adversity in a much different manner. This class has seemed like a therapy session, allowing me to vent and have the emotions that I need to express at any given moment. Even if I didn't blog or talk about all of my feelings in class, I was still able to discuss these matters with friends and gain more then just my own insight into matters that we discussed in class.

     You all have taught me so much, whether you believe it or not. I have learned so much more about my peers and your motivations for wanting to become social workers. This class has gotten me so involved in more then just myself. I've gotten to meet some amazing people and come together to share our struggles with social justice, and what we feel should be done. This has been an amazing semester and I look forward to seeing all of you next semester:)!!

I'll leave you with a really cliche song, but it's gotten me through so much:)!! Until next time...

This past week has caused me to reflect on a number of things that encapsulate my life. The project in general has caused me to look at my life and the things in it in a completely different light. There are millions of people that go without basic needs, things that I try not to take for granted, but in retrospect I take a lot for granted. This project has been at the forefront of my mind for the past month, partially because it's part of the course requirement, but mainly because this population really has my heart.

The stereotypes of being homeless could potentially hurt more than actually being homeless (I was raised to call homeless individuals neighbors, so in this blog when I refer to a neighbor, I'm speaking of a homeless individual). When interviewing individuals most of them were more hurt by the way people treated them, rather then their unwillingness to help. We tend to stereotype all homeless individuals into categories into that consist of drug abusers and lazy people; rather than seeing them as battered women, veterans, or teens that escaped abuse.

 A while ago, in the midst of a somewhat busy day I happened to be walking down the drag with nothing but the worries of the day on my mind. There was a neighbor sitting on the stoop of a church, and I was about to completely bypass him, without even noticing that he was there, he yelled to me "MISS!!", and out of my daze I glanced at him with an expression on my face that read "WHAT DO YOU WANT!"...he then flashed his sign and it read "Could you spare a smile?". That day I believe was the lowest day I've had in a long time. I was so engulfed in my own life at the time,  I didn't have a minute to spare for someone else. I didn't think about other peoples needs, or what they are going through, I was selfish in my thoughts, and that is not the person that I am, or who I want to be.

I think that that particular day spurred my interest in the homeless community even more then before. That's when I began volunteering at the Trinity center and committing my time and energy to something bigger than myself. When our group came up with the concept for project H, I was somewhat nonchalant on the outside, but beaming on the inside. Austin is doing so much for the homeless population, but there are so many other things that could be done, if people could simply spare a little time and money. Homelessness will not cease over night, but we can certainly change the community one step at a time.

Also, thank you all who've already contributed to the food drive:)!!!

     There was once a time when our elders were revered, but now many of us treat them as if they are lacking physically and mentally and can no longer take care of themselves. In the Adams text it states that even though elders could live for seventy years they are still capable of functioning as a forty year old.

I am guilty of just this thing. I never realized that I was treating my Nana (grandmother) so disrespectfully. She’s been here for seventy-six years and now I feel as though I have the right to question her motives and every move she makes. I feel like her growing age effects all of us. We all worry about her health and her well being, but we struggle giving her the independence she deserves. My family doesn't mean to treat her as though she's incompetent or can't take care of herself, but at times it seems inevitable.

I found this clip that reminded me of different types of ageism...

On another note, I also struggle with the the replacement of older female news anchors with younger ones. It's not enough that we live in a world where we are constantly engulfed with trying to age gracefully and look younger than our years, but we are losing jobs because of it, and promoting this unhealthy lifestyle to our children.  Like this Walmart ad...

Ageism is a constant struggle for all of us. Whether it's trying to look younger or act older then your years we all have difficulties trying to adjust to the world. I couldn't imagine being older and trying to transition into this world where we have computers, and cell phones and all of this technology that even takes me a while to adapt to. I went home a month ago and tried to teach my Nana how to use my touch screen phone and it was extremely difficult for her. I know that I keep referring to my Nana, but that's really the only older adult that I can relate to.

I found this pic that I thought was culturally taboo.

Question: Is me thinking that this should be considered taboo a sign of my own ageism?

Ableism

When I read the word Ableism, my mind usually tunes into the concepts of "the ability to do something". Then my mind starts to wonder if I constantly thank God for the ability to walk, read, breath, simple everyday tasks, or if I'm taking these things for granted. After my initial thoughts, I tend to feel guilty because of all the things that I'm able to do while there are millions of people out there that aren't. I am a part of what the world considers "normal", and honestly would I trade that, no, but by no means does it give me the right the negate the fact that the the world see's people with disabilities as "abnormal".

People tend to look at people with disabilities as inadequate or incapable of doing the things that the "norm" can do, but that is what needs to change. In one of the the chapters As Much Love as You Can Muster the author Lesley Jones who wasn't diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome until he was an adult,  discussed how growing up he wished that adults would have focused on what he could do, rather than what he couldn't do. People constantly looked as he pitfalls instead of what he could achieve and how far he'd come though he struggled.

I truly believe that society has poisoned our minds to make us believe that different is wrong, and the inability to conform to the norm is unacceptable. It's common that most people think of the loss of limbs, or someone of special needs when thinking about people that are disabled, and we sometimes fail to realize that disabilities come in all shapes, forms and fashions. I feel that when exploring the world of disability it is important to look at all aspects and not just focus on what society has proclaimed as different.

This may be taboo to bring up, but I feel as though it is important; when having encounters with people that are labeled as disabled some people don't know how to approach them. You don't know whether to look and acknowledge that they are there, or not look out of fear that they'll thinking that you're staring; I think that it may be an uncomfortable situation for all people involved.

On another note, my friend and I were discussing this topic and she shared this video with me. It amazes my mine that people have such small minds and are so hurtful. The title of this video had the word UGLY in it which completely blew my mind..."anywho" here goes...

This topic just really has my head fuming.........

I feel as though I ranted enough last week about how frustrating sexism is to me, but I guess this will be part 2. I know that there are different forms of sexism and that it isn't mutually exclusive to women, but women have and may always be at the forefront of this topic. Last week I spent majority of the my blog discussing women, I think it's the men's turn this week.

This entire semester I seem to have been wishing on stars. Wishing that my mistakes will not be contributed to my race, wishing that people would start caring about others, wishing that inequality would some how disappear, wishing that discrimination no longer existed, wishing that people would see that I'm here based on merits not a top ten percent rule, and now I have to delve into sexism?

I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation in class in which we discussed why men aren't taking on "female roles" and "female jobs". It's about time that it was brought up that the decision to not partake in "women's work" is based on salary, not the description or nature of the job. I may be wrong, but this is an opinion piece.  In many ways I feel as though women along with societal pressures are somewhat to blame for men not taking on these roles. I know plenty of women that would not date a man that was a secretary, a child care worker, or an elementary school teacher, simply because of it's consideration as a "woman's job" and it's not considered manly enough. They feel as though he's not masculine enough, or couldn't provide for his family if he's doing "woman's work". Well, if a man knows that he's not going to be able to have a relationship or date as he pleases then why would he continue in that field. It's the same as when men are stay at home dads they constantly get haggled about not having a job, but when a woman does it then she's superwoman.

We live in a world full of double standards, and it's going to take people like us to overcome it. Society formulates what is normal and abnormal for a man and a woman to do, and we go along with it. I found this commercial that I just thought, WOW, is this really the standard that I place on men, unconsciously?

Now back to the women for a second....

I recently viewed this commercial and I wasn't offended, but I was constantly reminded of how women are perceived by some men. This idea that we can't fix a drain without a man, or that we're going to lust after the handyman is outrageous.It seems to that women are simply supposed to be sexual, no intelligence, no will power, no goals, just a sexual being put here for men. I'm sure most of you have seen it, but just in case you haven't..here goes. 

     It's hard to believe that sexism still exists. I literally just thought to myself "it's 2012 and we're still fighting for equality, seriously?" I constantly wonder what is it that makes people think women are inferior. Is it our caring nature, our ability to love, or our sensitivity (keeping in mind that all women are not like that)? In most countries women are considered inferior to men and aren't granted the same opportunities, there lie's a constant glass ceiling. But upon reading Zinn's text I began to think about how some of the cultures that he discusses are headed by women, which by the way astonished me. He stated that "women in the Plains Indian tribes of the Midwest did not have farming duties but had a very important place in the tribe as healers, herbalists, and sometimes holy people who gave advice." (Zinn, 2010, p. 104) With that I think, now why is it that in some religions women can't be  in charge of the church? Why can't America have the same standards as others in regard to treating women with respect?  Women have come so far only to hit the glass ceiling once again.

      It seems as though women can't be beautiful, smart, and intelligent in today's society. It's a shame that women in politics or business can't show that they have a well maintained shape in fear of not being taken seriously. What kind of society do we live in where women have to hide there feminism in order for our ideas to have precedence? What does it say to the younger generation when older female anchors get replaced by younger "prettier" reporters? Seriously, what kind of example are we setting? If you so happen to have an enlarged chest, then some see you as a "bimbo" and you can't possibly be smart (obvious sarcasm). I know I have more questions then answers, but this topic is extremely difficult for me. It's hard to know that regardless of my career, most likely a man with the same educational background will make more then me.

     Honestly, I'm constantly thinking about sexism because of the field that I one day hope to enter. I love social work, but after I graduate I plan on entering the Air Force. I know that this field is male dominated, especially the officers, but I can't help where my passion lies. I'm having to prepare myself for some of the names I'm going to be called, the way I'm going to be judged, knowing that people think that "I'm not going to be able to do it because I'm not as strong as a man". I would be lying if I stated that I'm not nervous. I'm nervous because I'm an African american female (officer hopeful), entering a Caucasian male dominated field, so only God knows how this experience will be.

I found this video that I thought was quite interesting and worth sharing. Any who, I'll leave you with your thoughts.

As much as I try to, I can't seem to get the Walmart documentary out of my head. I sat there the whole film trying to fight back tears. I felt as though I was partially responsible for what was happening to thousands of businesses that were affected because of the Walmart enterprise.  Personally I shop their religiously. As a college student I look for the best bargains, and now I know the truth behind why I'm able to pay so little.

It's now become a parody every time I witness a Walmart commercial. They don't care about their employees, the communities they invade or how or if they're able to survive. They just seem to care about overworking the already overworked and collecting every dime they can in the process. I have friends and family that work at Walmart and most of them don't even know that they are getting "screwed".  The High Price of Low Cost couldn't have been a more appropriate title for this documentary.


Walmart affects so many lives that I didn't even know existed. Of everything that this documentary entailed I think that the hardest thing for me to get over will be the workers that lived in the horrendous dorms of China. I can't believe that they expected people to live in those dorms, work all day for three dollars a day, produce quality products and be able to feed their families on that  wage. It will forever and always continue to boggle my mind. I may be extreme in saying this, but from now on, Walmart will never see another dime of my money.

They are punishing people for wanting to have a decent living and a chance at a better life by establishing a union. For years people work at Walmart, and for little to nothing. I for one refuse to be a part of anything that involves Walmart, until they make better choices for the people that buy from them and work for them.

#5

I think that this has been an emotional week for most of us. In class Gwen mentioned that we have talked about racism for too long. Her statement really hit home for me. Now I'm not sure if she was referring to this class or discussing racism too long in general, but I really related to the statement. I've been at UT for three years now and out of the twenty something classes that I've taken here, I've discussed the idea of racism in every single one of them. I feel as though because UT is trying to be so diverse and open minded, it's stated somewhere and fine that you have to discuss something of black and white relations, as if there are no other races to discuss. Yes, I wan't to discuss my history every now and then and know my roots, but I don't want to have to sit through every class here and see in the syllabus RACISM. It does get a little overwhelming over time. I get taught enough about  racism just being on this campus. It's amazing how people think that just because this institution is a little diverse that somehow there is no way that this campus can be racist, and yet I pass by confederate statues every day, deal with rudeness, and people's thoughts of my inadequacies because of my skin color. Whewwwwww, that was a lot. Now back to our regularly scheduled program. 

I really enjoyed the Blackmon article this week, though it was an extreme eye opener for me. As much as I learn about the history of America and the people in it, it never ceases to amaze me of how scandalous it's roots were founded on. There were so many African Americans that died working in extreme FORCED conditions for the benefit of whites, and however there are no memories, no recollection, no documents, files or paperwork that even acknowledge that they were there? Amazing. Simply, amazing.

So many of the cities that are considered elite nowadays were made upon the backs of blacks, and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't proud, but yet resentful. To read that blacks in Atlanta, had no wealth, worked until death, and made the bricks that are probably still being walked on today is astonishing, and yet ironic.  Ironic because now Atlanta is known to many as where the "black elite" typically reside, Ironic is a sense that what blacks built centuries ago, is now theirs.

With every reading and every discussion there is some part of me that is starting to feel resentful. I know that I don't know people personally that are trying to erase my history or do harm to me, but it doesn't cease to shock me that this happened, and probably stilling happening.It bothers me that it seems as though there will never be a time where race isn't important. I happened to be watching a film entitled Gentlemen's Agreement one day and this quote has stuck with me ever since, the professor said "Because the world still makes it an advantage not to be one. Thus it becomes a matter of pride to go on calling ourselves Jews." I'm not Jewish, but this is almost the epitome of how I feel about being African American. Because we're overcome so much, because we're resilient, because it's my history, I am proud to be where I am and who I am.

     I think that many of us were outraged by the idea of there"being a Katrina, before there was Katrina". We aren't blinded by the thought of racism not existing, but it still boggles the mind to know that someone really doesn't care about another human being's life simply because their skin is a shade darker. By 1927 slavery was over, but apparently many didn't get the memo; forcing African Americans to build a makeshift levy is just wrong, FORCING anybody to do it is illegal.
     Honestly, I had no clue that they were building the levy's with mud. I know that this was in the 1920's, but my common sense tells me that mud isn't going to hold ton's of water rushing in at speeds of only God knows what. I would say I that couldn't believe that they forced blacks to stay here and work while "pretending" that there was no space on the boat for them, but unfortunately I believe it. Unfortunately, I know too much of the truth about the world that surrounds me. Unfortunately, I know that so many still hold on to these racist beliefs even now. Unfortunately, I still have to overcome them.

     Just to my curiosity, I surveyed a couple of my friends to see if they had even heard of this flood, and not surprisingly they hadn't. I hadn't even heard of this flood until this class introduced it to me. What did surprise me was that my grandmother, who was born in 1936, had never heard of this. Me not knowing didn't hurt me as much, but when she told me that she had never heard of it, it just showed me how much white history that we'd been taught. Even back then they didn't know about something so significant in history that happened, not even 20 years prior. It's amazing how much of black history wasn't taught, even in black schools. Mind you that even their curriculum was based on white history. I hate that none of this amazes me anymore.

#4 Realizations

Last week we were bombarded with the truth about how we America came about. How the person we thought was a hero was really a thief, a  murderer, and full of greed. Now we learn of the savagery that happened in grave detail. Zinn’s book is really throwing me for a loop, every time I seem to pick it up another part of me gets even more frustrated. I’ve heard these grueling stories about how my ancestors were  brought here, but it never gets any easier. It’s hard to believe that something so simple as skin color can determine how others treat and perceive you. Just because their skin was a shade or two darker, they were worthless. Because they spoke a language foreign to their norm, they were beaten, battered, enslaved, whipped and taken away from everything that they love. They had hopes and dreams, families, religion, homes, friends and a way of life that they had always known, but were stripped of everything. Everything they’d ever known, believed in or tried to achieve.

The thought of knowing that people, my people, my ancestors, were chained together like dogs, and tied down to boards deep down in the burrows of mildew, feces and disease infested ships. They were considered the savages, but the only ones that were acting like savages were the English. It continues to amaze me how people treated others like they weren’t humans. The only difference between the enslaved Africans and whites were their skin color, everything else was almost exactly the same. The part in Zinn’s book that really got to me was about the indentured servants. I never knew that both the Africans and the indentured servants worked together to fight for their freedom, nor did I know that the English didn’t want the Africans and the white servants to collaborate. In an effort to keep them separated, they gave the whites land and made them feel as though they were better off than the enslaved Africans. Just goes to show you even when people are so similar, in every facet of the word, the only thing that can deem them different is their hue. It’s a sad notion, but the truth.                                        
     Even though I didn't have to live through the era of slavery, just the notion that something like this happened to people that I came from, whose blood that I share is a tad bit overwhelming. Knowing that my grandma can still remember be called a "nigger" and having to pay at the front of the bus and sit in the back, and watch her mother work day in and day out as a nanny for only cents a day continues to infuriate me. Above all, the relatively hard fact to grasp is that racism still exists. African Americans have come so far and pushed so hard and though things have changed, they are still not equal. I can't wait until the day when I don't have to worry about attributing anything to my race, just the knowledge and skill set that I've obtained through my education will be prize enough.

#3


Initially, the size of Zinn's book intimidated me, but surprisingly it's quite interesting, in a "this isn't hard to comprehend, but emotionally it's quite daunting kind of way". I think with most of us being social work majors, reading items like these seem to have an extremely emotional effect on us. I know that most of us know that the America we know now was founded upon violence, but what I just read was a severe form of  It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that the English prayed upon the Arawak's when they were so hospitable and gracious to them. How could you treat people so harshly when they were so willing to help you in any way possible. It just goes to show you that greed goes beyond friendship and ideally all morals also. The English probably could have gotten just as many goods by just asking, rather than taking everything by force.
     Though I haven't relived these thoughts for a very long time I am still utterly confused about how is that we are taught that Columbus founded America when there were already people there? How do you find something, that has already been claimed by someone else? Information like this just makes me question most of the things I learn. We are only taught what other people want us to know, which is partially why it is imperative to be able to learn and teach yourself things that happen to be curious to you.
     I not trying to speak out of term, nor am I trying to offend anyone, but if I was an Indian I would be upset that we still celebrate Columbus Day. What are we celebrating; the genocide of millions of people because others wanted to accumulate their land, gold, enslave them, take land and abolish their way of life? I have to admit I've never given the idea of Columbus Day much thought, I just took it as another holiday that we all celebrated and rejoiced on. If I was Native American I would be offended by the celebration of such a holiday. Many of us know that the English and Native Americans fought, but everyone doesn't know the true history behind the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. We're just taught to memorize who sailed on them, and be able to remember them when the TAKS test came around.
    Knowing your history, can't hurt you, only helps you perception of what is real and what is fake. Though I didn't want to read this book, I can already tell that it's going to have a major impact on my realizations of the world around me.

#2

     I was in the midst of writing a blog on what we’d discussed in class and try to some how conjugate our dialogue with the readings. Interestingly enough, our class was very expressive about Wednesday’s discussion; so instead of you guys having to read one more opinion about what happened I decided to take a look at the article Professor G sent out. 

Having lived in the US my entire life, I find myself taking democracy for granted. I have been blessed with this idea of freedom and liberation that many only dream of having.  To roam around my country and do what I please seems as if it would be a “right”, but apparently it is a privilege. Now, I’m all for being democratic, but completely against lying to people about  what’s going on in their country.  
According to Ewing, the article Deep Crisis of Confidence Afflicts, Elsewhere Unease mentioned that the Prime Minster Viktor Orban has been accused of editing the constitution in his favor to deter negative media attention away from him.  Apparently, lying to the people has also been a requirement for being a part of a democracy.  
I am definitely one who holds true to the belief that everyone should have a voice of their own, a way of life that they agree on, and beliefs to back them up. I think I’ll forever be confused about why, if having the choice to be a part of a democracy, why wouldn’t you? Now, I’m not trying to push my beliefs on anyone, but I would love to be able to hear from someone about why they wouldn’t want to live where there was a democracy. I understand that peoples’ beliefs are their own to have and by no means am I trying to change that. It’s just a question of why not choose this lifestyle. The article also talked about the lack of confidence that we now have in our governments (US and France) because of the economic turn of events that we are currently having. It’s a tug=a-war because democracy now, and democracy never.  


I haven’t lost confidence, I’ve gained it because of our resiliency!  

Here we go! Post number 1:)!! Social Justice


     First off I'll just start with a simple WOW. With being a social work major of course you will read a countless number of articles pertaining to the needs of others and what can be done to help them, but when the help seems to be desperately needed within the social work system, what do we do? When did the Aide's become the ones that needed the assistance the most?   

     Assuming that we all read the article "Social Justice and Social Work", I'm not going to summarize it. Hopefully I can explain my thoughts well enough for everyone to understand my views. Reading Pelton's article on Social Justice was extremely eye opening for me. Call me oblivious, but I for one never thought that the practice of social work could in some ways be considered unjust because of the way that it is conducted (of course until Pelton so blatantly put it out there). The most definitive part of practicing social work is the idea of nondiscrimination, in all aspects, but for the better part of this article Pelton argues that what we are practicing today is the epitome of we are trying not to be, discriminatory. It's the idea that we have taken discrimination to a level of what kind is acceptable and what kind isn't(p.433)which in no shape or form should be the way that social workers operate.

Drifting somewhat off topic (note: that will happen quite often)I  remember a film entitled Claudine that somewhat shows a slight form of social workers discrimination and adds too Pelton's ideas about what happens within the families that receives welfare. If you don't want to watch the clip it basically entails a social worker coming in and evaluating what items Claudine has that are basically too valuable for someone receiving welfare. In the clip it shows her children running around hiding items that the welfare system wouldn't approve of, and the social worker questioning every "extra" item in the household (just thought that this was an interesting clip). 


I guess I'm done rambling, but this topic is definitely one that should be addressed more seriously. It deserves more than a couple articles and blog posts. People need to hear about the lack of "just" in the social work community. 


That's all for now folks:)!