https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a You should make two SEPARATE posts here by midnight on Monday, Sept. 21. Please type your name, the title of the article, video, podcast, etc. that you are responding to, the DATE, and a thoughtful response to it. en-us 2020-09-17 15:29:40 UTC 2024-07-30 16:19:56 UTC hello@padlet.com rachelbradshaw https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/755716538 Thursday, Sept. 17
Reading this article opened my eyes to the topic of removing monuments celebrating the Confederacy.  I was moved by the author's claim that SHE is a living monument to the often idealized world of the antebellum South.  Her journey tracing her genealogy into its dark slavery past is haunting.  To know that so much of her DNA is "white" because of the abuse and rape of her ancestors is shocking, and it impacts her every day.  She calls on the world to stop looking at the Confederacy time period through a romanticized lens.  She pleads with us to see that SHE is a living, breathing evidence of that time period.  Her very existence is a testament of the dark past of her people.  Her words are moving.  It reminded me of a book I read this summer called Between the World and Me.  This book's central image is that the black body is fragile and a thing that is easily controlled by others.  Caroline echoes this idea through her words.  I also heard a researcher just a week ago explaining ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and how many of those events come from our culture and society.  This researcher stated that it takes 5 generations most often for traumatic events to kind of work their way out of a society.  5 generations!  I don't believe even 1 generation of true healing has taken place for members of the black community.  Many say "get over it" referring to slavery, but when their BODIES are at risk in 2020, when their very EXISTENCE reminds them of an oppressed past, then there is much healing to be done still - for everyone involved.  ]]> 2020-09-17 15:31:29 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/755716538 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/765689825 This article was written in 2015 and what it says is still applicable to us today. It compares racism to a boot and how minorities are being squashed by the whites that have that boot on their own foot. This is analogy goes right along with the picture next to it (pictured below). The boot doesn't just have to be taken off but help has to be given to those that have been squashed. ]]> 2020-09-21 19:00:55 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/765689825 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/765828435 In this video it shows clips from some of John Lewis's speeches and clips of people saying what they have learned from him. He said that if you see something unjust that you need to do something to fix it, don't just stand by and let it happen, make a good trouble. This is something that you see a lot of right now on social media. So many people are posting stories of what is happening and making a change around the country. These are some pretty crazy times and just sitting and watching life change isn't enough. Like John Lewis said, make a good trouble.]]> 2020-09-21 19:42:03 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/765828435 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766077695 At first when I was reading this article i was looking whose side this was representing like BLM or another group. I liked how the author didn't take a stance by stating it. When i was reading it had a list of things  white people could do to support the blm movement. The main point that stuck out to me is that white people need to let those people speak who are directly impacted by it. In other words the media is crowded with white people speaking out so much that blacks voices aren't being heard. Agree with this and that whites could improve on this. Also I see mainly more white people speak out/protest online and more blacks at protests but, online as well. If whites limited how much they posted about the movement maybe those voices that are being directly impacted will be heard.]]> 2020-09-21 21:24:16 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766077695 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766240550 I thought it was interesting in the video I watched that the whole purpose was to get people from many backgrounds together to talk about race. I seems so simple but, in reality it is actually a rare situation that you get that kind insight from so many different viewpoints. I think if people had more of a chance to get to know people out of their little social bubble their would be a lot less racism. Because then there is a face to their racism not just a concept. ]]> 2020-09-21 23:16:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766240550 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766251972 This was an interesting podcast to listen to. As I was listening, my eyes were opened to how black boys are raised just so there are no presumed problems as they get older just based on skin color. In the podcast he tells a story of him and his white friends having a water gun fight at night in a hotel parking lot. Later on his dad comes out of the hotel room and grab him and pulls him inside the room. He goes on to tell him the reason and it was because if a white person saw him with a water gun they'd assume he has a real gun ,then things could escalate quickly. This should never be the case even though it is a lot of the time. I couldn't imaging my dad pulling me inside to prevent me from a potential problem based on my skin color.]]> 2020-09-21 23:24:56 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766251972 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766254798 The podcast went over an interesting quote that talks about how can you be human if you don't treat other people like humans. I think that's an interesting idea because when it comes down to it racism is thinking someone is less than someone else (dehumanizing them) and in reality you are becoming more like an animal then they ever were in the first place. It was also interesting to hear about the fears that he had for his children in the world they live in and how dangerous just being a kid could be. ]]> 2020-09-21 23:26:55 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766254798 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766302547 This was a phenomenal video that was the writings of WEB Debois, a very influential blacks rights activist in the 1800’s. It explains how as the emancipation proclamation came out it was hope for slaves to have a new life and liberty. But instead of the their hopes and dreams coming true, they were treated poorly and with much hostility. It goes on to explain how hard it is for the black people to live in todays society and try and be normal even tho they are treated like a problem. It’s so sad that as time has gone on people have been treated to feel like a problem. And even though they want live in this wonderful country, they don’t have the opportunity cause they are seen as inferior and are subject to much hostility. ]]> 2020-09-22 00:00:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766302547 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766308812 This was a great video on the Journey of a women who’s goal and purpose is to bring people together and to find the root of racism and find what is so undermining to the minorities of our country. Conventions are held to bring people together to talk about what makes them mad, what is so condescending about the way they are treated today even though they should be equal, and have the same ability and chances at success as everyone else. I lived this a lot cause it really opened my eyes to what is our modern day racism and how we can fix it. ]]> 2020-09-22 00:04:02 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766308812 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766379076 It was really eye opening to see the history of BLM and that it was not just created this year. I also liked how they pulled different responses from different people including Barack Obama, President Trump and Reverend Al Sharpton. It really added different perspectives to the situation. I think it is really important to see the history and other peoples perspectives before making judgments about a movement, weather those are good or bad. This video really pointed out the legitimate issues we are facing with racism is our society today. The first step to fixing any problem is identifying that there is a problem. then you need to have the courage to do something about it.]]> 2020-09-22 00:39:15 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766379076 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766392819 This was a great article, because it gives a better understanding of how slave women were treated, and how some African American people today have greater biological "whiteness" than "blackness" in them, but people still view them as one hundred percent black. Since most slave women were raped by their owners, which happened to be white, people like Caroline Randall Williams view their light color of their skin as a testament of the rules, and practices of the Old South. Basically Ms Williams is not proud of her white side, and believes that confederacy shouldn't be a thing to be honored, since acts like the raping slave women happened at that time, and now light skinned people like Caroline Randall Williams get to live with the fact that their color of the skin is the result of the raping if their black ancestors. 

]]> 2020-09-22 00:45:40 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766392819 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766444053 This article was really interesting. The author has been in London and in America and the difference of racism is pretty dramatic. When there were riots in London, there was never really a ton of random battling between other black citizens and the police. They both treated each other with respect. There was still racism in London though. In America, racism is happening all the time and to an extreme. a white yale student called the cops because another student at yale who was black was taking a nap on a bench. Its crazy how simple the situation is and casual it is and someone feels threated for no reason! The author also talks about where racism mostly came from and the South and also about the Jim Crow laws and a bunch of stuff. She also talked about how Obama was awesome in planting hope for equality. It was really eye opening and interesting to read about it all. ]]> 2020-09-22 01:09:14 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766444053 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766465633 This video was pretty interesting because, it shows how African Americans feel like an outcast in their own home, they feel like they are being shunned from the rest of society, that they are constantly living seeing themselves through the eyes of others, and are stuck living with two sides, an American, and a Negro side. This video is pretty much saying that there has been little to no progress since the time of slavery, and that African Americans still feel oppressed, and unequal from people of different skin, even though they are supposed to be "free" and "equal" in today's society. ]]> 2020-09-22 01:17:55 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766465633 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766599631 The video provides a visual on the history of “the American negro” and how they have to live with 2 souls. One soul being American and another being “negro”. It is extremely difficult to live like that. We need to help to merge those into one. It also says how everybody asks “how does it feel to be a problem” without directly asking that question. I cant imagine how hard it is to live that way.]]> 2020-09-22 02:09:03 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766599631 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766602810 John Lewis was a great guy who lived an awesome life. He said in the video, all of us are one and live in the same house so let’s act like it. I really like how he speaks and how confident and proud he is. Very cool dude.]]> 2020-09-22 02:10:18 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766602810 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766624372 I think Dr. Paula Green  was correct when she said racism is a taboo subject. I really liked that she put a group together to talk about these seemingly taboo subjects. Dr. Green understands that conversations is a first crucial step to correcting the divide among people and cultures. 
 Many people are afraid of things different to them mainly because they don´t understand it, and this can manifest itself in anger and hatred.  If you understand what you are afraid of it does not seem as scary. And conversation is the first big step to understanding others and their cultures.]]> 2020-09-22 02:17:42 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766624372 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766654720 This article was really good. I learned a little bit more of what it was like in the slavery time period. The author describes how the past 4 generations are all black ancestors, yet she is more white than black because the men raped the female slaves. She stands as a monument of what happened. It breaks my heart that black women were treated like that. She is proof of what happened back then. Unfortunately she now has to live with a physical testament of what happened to her ancestors and of what happened to the colored women. ]]> 2020-09-22 02:29:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766654720 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766681039 In this article it talks about the differences and injustice of how African Americans are treated by the law. I think it is so terrible that people have allowed the prejudices and hatred to continue in this day and age. in the article it says that "African-Americans are imprisoned at five times the rate of white Americans", I can hardly believe that people can let the color of a persons skin make such an impact on what they think about them. ]]> 2020-09-22 02:40:51 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766681039 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766711715 This video discusses how African-Americans are indirectly asked about they're inherent inferiority on a daily basis. This is something I have noticed as I have watched the political turmoil develop in our country this year. People say they're fighting for black lives, when in reality they're just constantly reminding them of their inferiority by yelling about the injustices. They're forcing people to kneel for them and apologize for being unjust. It's a new form of black privilege, in my opinion. ]]> 2020-09-22 02:54:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766711715 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766717020 This article has helped me see the history and problems of black codes. the article mentions black codes that existed all the way back from the end of slavery, and then brings up how they are, in many ways, still in use today. The article talks about how racism is very bad in Europe, then it mentions how racism in the united states is even worse. the author recalls a story about how he was refused service in Europe until he explained that he came from America, and not from Africa, he then explains that in America that wouldn't have mattered, simply because of the color of his skin. It is hard for me to imagine the trials that African Americans have to go through because of racism, because I have never experienced anything like it. All i can do is do my part to help everyone have a brighter future by putting an end to racism.]]> 2020-09-22 02:57:49 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766717020 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766734513 This video talks about the perspective of being african american in the US. They feel like they were given this freedom when slavery ended but in reality they still face injustices and are discriminated against today. African Americans are still oppressed today, just because there has been some progress doesn't mean that they are seen as equal members of society.]]> 2020-09-22 03:08:24 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766734513 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766746481 I really like when the video talks about how the double consciousness that blacks feel. It emphasizes that being negro and being american are two very separate things/ideals in one body. I think everyone, black and white, go through something like this, where the pressures of society and your personal beliefs are very different and you are caught in the middle. ]]> 2020-09-22 03:15:48 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766746481 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766758803 The video talks about a group of people that got together and shared their stories. Many of the attendees were white and there were not very many poc. the poc that was there felt that there wasn't much diversity in the group because poc are tired of feeling like their stories aren't important because they have been told that, that was in the past and it would never happen now. When in reality it is constantly happening and with all the protests and riots going on right now, you can see that these things are still happening. you see that even if poc are told that they have equal rights and freedoms, that in reality they don't have the same rights and freedoms]]> 2020-09-22 03:23:23 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766758803 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766759044 This article focused on the downright intolerance some people allegedly have for dark skin, instead of having prejudice towards a certain nationality of people. The article seemed to be very biased on the issue, mainly emphasizing the idea that most, if not all, people need to be nicer to black people, and that the US needs to get a grip and progress towards the point that other world powers are at with racism. According to the article, we are trash.]]> 2020-09-22 03:23:31 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766759044 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766779696 This article talks about the racial injustices that people of color have to deal with everyday. In Europe, it has to do more with race. He mentioned his trip to France and how they refused him service until he mentioned he was American. He emphasizes that in the United States if you aren't white, it doesn't matter where you come from, you are seen as below everyone else. Even though we no longer have Jim Crow laws in place, in ways they are still being enforced and you can see it happening in the justice system. ]]> 2020-09-22 03:36:10 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766779696 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766779821 I thought it was really interesting the way they described how people bring it up. People try to act so courteous but bring up issues in the worst ways. in the video it said that people would say " I know an excellent colored man in my town." Why do you have to see them as colored? I believe the way to solve a racist view is to stop bringing that view into the light. We need to stop focusing on "taking care of black people" and treat them as people.  They will never be seen as equal if you over victimize them as lesser people. The next generations should grow up in a world where we don't have to talk about being kind to people and we can just teach them to be kind to people. Stop making a distincition that seperates  from being a person.]]> 2020-09-22 03:36:15 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766779821 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766786775 This article really opens the readers eyes to what was going on back in the time of slavery and what is still taking place today. The author, Caroline Williams, shares her family history and how is is mostly white even though her last few generations were all black. This is because her ancestors were raped by white confederates. She basically explains why we should not celebrate confederates. I really liked this article because it gives a perspective to a subject that is not usually looked at.]]> 2020-09-22 03:40:46 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766786775 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766795234 I do not agree with a lot said in this article it. It tells me that I need to sit down and shut up. I believe racism is a true problem in my country. But this article is very full of hate towards anyone that was born in a majority. Something interesting I find is that most articles that mention the beginnings of slavery in this country fail to mention the circumstances of where the slaves came from. Africans were kidnapping and selling their own people into slavery. It is not all white peoples fault. The article says I have a debt that I have to pay and to not expect any praise because it is simply my duty to compensate for being born into white privilege. But its not the white peoples problem and while it is very valid that those actually suffering from the descrimination have a voice, it is not right to put down white people to raise your cause. Then it becomes racist in the opposite direction. We have to work this out together. No one is above another.]]> 2020-09-22 03:46:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766795234 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766806428 I really liked this video. I feel like it brought up many points in a quick amount of time. The video explains that for years blacks have felt like strangers in their own home. It also brought up the point that a lot of blacks have a double conscience when it comes to fitting in and living in America. They have to be two different kind of people. The video also says that the freedom they thought they were getting when the emancipation proclamation came out still hasn't fully arrived. Although they are no longer slaves, they are still not "free" from certain things going on in the world today like unjust law.]]> 2020-09-22 03:52:46 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766806428 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766902231 Chloe Valdary, author of the theory of enchantment, is the primary speaker of this TED podcast and she discusses how fascination of other people, their ideas, interests, and cares help us to bridge the gap of social inequality. It is fascinating because she gives examples of how to see other people as individuals and not abstractions which we easily do more frequently than we might realize. As far as using the theory of enchantment to tackle the more broad systemic issue of social inequality and prejudice, she said that it is most easily reached by first addressing the needs of individuals and seeing each person as just that, a complex, imperfect, multi-faceted being just like ourselves and accepting them. One of her biggest points is that before we can begin accepting other people like that we have to learn how to love and accept ourselves despite our emotional baggage, mistakes, and insecurities.]]> 2020-09-22 04:52:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766902231 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766935480 Dr Paula Green is an American psychologist specializing in conflict resolution. The video highlights how she's currently using her work and knowledge to racism in the United States. 18 individuals were gathered in Massachusetts from very diverse backgrounds to discuss racial inequality. The emphasis on the importance of an individual is fascinating to me because hearing bits and pieces of the people sharing their stories and concerns helped me to realize just how important it is that everyone's voices are heard and, in our country today, especially the voices of minorities. When we listen to people and have open honest discussions about things like racism we're actually humanizing ourselves and others more by seeing them as a person like ourselves with different unique ideas and experiences.]]> 2020-09-22 05:10:43 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/766935480 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/769477351 I’m actually shocked. Slavery was a terrible thing that should’ve never happened or been apart of our history. But it just is and there’s nothing we can do to change the past. The fact that racism is still all around us is humiliating. Slavery was a horrible part of our history that lots of people living here want to forget about and/or ignore. With this a job is brought up to change our ways. Change the ways of America. America should not still be dealing with the injustice of racism and holding someone to different standards or rules cause of the way they look or the color of their skin. Nothing should make someone unable to live a normal life or be oppressed in any way shape or form. ]]> 2020-09-22 18:08:56 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/769477351 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/769511389 I can’t imagine feeling the way this man expresses in this video. It’s just who he is. He shouldn’t have to feel torn between who he is. Where he comes from and where he lives and who he is inside. He is a human being. Just like everyone else. He should feel like he has the same opportunities as any other person, but instead he feels he is denied a chance for the “american dream.” How unfair to feel trapped and unable to get the same things in life as the people around you. This needs to stop. ]]> 2020-09-22 18:15:49 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/769511389 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/769513423 This is a BBC article discussing why racism is so much worse in the United States, than in other countries that have had racist histories. The main problem mentioned, was that discrimination was based on appearance, rather than nationality. Personally, I disagree with the author's assessment that discriminating just by color is worse than by nationality, but I understand the claims made after this assertion. The problem is that Americans view African Americans as separate people, and cannot create solutions to these problems because of it. A violent shooting is not described as 'an American was wrongly shot',  but rather, " a black man was shot". This general attitude makes racism in the United States worse than in other places, because it does not allow for constructive dialogue. I am reading a book called "White fragility" and it makes a similar claim. The author distastes Black History Month because it makes it seem like "Black History" is a part from "American History". Connecting it to one of the videos,  W D Debois said that Americans existed in a dual consciousness, that it was impossible for them to be "Black", and "American' at the same time. If the problem is alienation, then we need to start identifying with them, if we ever want to heal the wounds of racism. As I have pondered racism, I hope that I would have marched with Dr. King. He is an American Hero. I want to better understand that they are Americans too. If the problem is dehumanization,  maybe we need to learn more about their humanity. If the problem is criminalization, maybe we should actively seek to understand their innocence. I was pondering on my front porch when two people walked by(one Hispanic, the other white) The knee jerk response in me wanted to go inside for fear of this man I didn't know. But he didn't do anything deserving of my hatred. When the white man walked by, I remembered that when I go on walks,  I don't intentionally want to commit crimes, and that I should give other people the benefit of the doubt in that way too. 

]]> 2020-09-22 18:16:16 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/769513423 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770041694 This video stood out to me more than any of the other resources because of one specific thing someone said. To explain the context, the video was about this group of people in Massachusetts that all met up to talk about racism. There were 18 groups in the room and each group had a person of color explaining their experience in White America. As I was watching the video, I noticed that the only people there to listen were white people. When a white man asked the black speaker how he felt that there were no other people of color there and the man answered back that the black community was tired of white people invalidating their stories, I was hit with the realization of this statement. It's not often enough that privileged people (like myself) try and look at the other point of view. The amount of credibility given to black Americans is close to nothing. I can see now why people of color wouldn't want to participate in things like this video showed. They are simply afraid of being further discriminated against, by having their stories and experiences invalidated.

]]> 2020-09-22 20:52:24 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770041694 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770077505 My eyes were just opened to the fact that BLM is not a new thing. I had always known that racism was extremely prominent in the United States, but I thought that the BLM movement was just started this year. Apparently, there have been riots and this has been a saying since 2013. Why did I not hear about this earlier? The story about Treyvon happened when Obama was still the president. He was an innocent black CHILD who was followed and then shot by a random neighbor because he seemed "sketchy".  That man who shot him wasn't even found guilty. This just seems to me like more than 'being in the wrong place at the wrong time' this is actual racism. I am aware that people are against BLM as a movement, I'm just baffled at how someone could say that there is no racism in America.]]> 2020-09-22 21:08:27 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770077505 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770502779 After reading this article I learned that racism isn't just a problem in the united states. Barret Pitner brought up several arguments all explaining why racism is such a problem and different from the issues he faced growing up in London. He goes on to talk about our ancestry and why racism is in the picture, bringing in facts about the Jim Crow laws and even stuff our own presidents say that is taken to be racist. He shares life experiences about how he was not able to buy stamps in France because of his nationality, but somehow thinks that life is worse for people of color here in the united states because of noise complaints and suspicious activities that gets the law involved.]]> 2020-09-23 01:16:26 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770502779 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770549158 This is a really interesting article addressing many difficult topics post civil war. I enjoyed reading it and learning more about what happened to the blacks and why times were so hard for them post war. Caroline goes on to talk about many controversial topics such as slavery, her bloodline, rape, and even the Klu Klux Klan. I believe these to be really important topics and some of the reason racism is still a thing nowadays. She did bring up the fact of statues and memorials being built in honor of some of the confederates. I agree that it may be offensive at times and these monuments can be taken the incorrect way. It is wrong for us to not be ignorant and forget that part of history. The war went both ways and many people lost their lives. George Santayana a Italian philosopher once said "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it" If we do not own up to our past, our history, these problems will only continue no matter your skin color.]]> 2020-09-23 01:38:39 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770549158 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770753249 I found this article quite interesting, it spoke about ways a white person could be an ally to the BLM movement. I agree and disagree with several things in the article, for example; it says that it is impossible to not see color in a person. To me that is very wrong and inaccurate, when I look at a person with darker skin I don´t instantly think about everything that they must have gone through because of their skin color. I look at a person's eyes and smile when I first see anybody. If they have kind eyes or how they hold themselves. I personally believe that yes there is and has been racism in America. Do I think because of the history of racism that it now makes it impossible for me to not see color in a person? No, I do not because my ancestors do not determine how I think and feel today. However, in the article, it really took to me how she said that by sharing an experience with someone of color after they have shared an experience with you, it can be considered silencing their voices.]]> 2020-09-23 03:34:37 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770753249 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770777496 In the video the man speaking shares how in his own town he does not feel that he belongs. I have never experienced this type of sadness, the feeling that no matter where you go or do that you feel that it is not your place to be there. Yes, in middle school I didn´t feel like I belonged anywhere near the ¨popular¨ crowd but that is nothing compared to how he must feel everyday. ]]> 2020-09-23 03:50:56 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/770777496 smithjac0002 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/771085025 In the article the author explains why he thinks racism is a bigger problem and more prevalent in the US than in Europe. The author gave many examples of racism inside the US, but very few examples of racism inside of Europe. It could be argued that this is because there are just less examples to go off of in Europe, but even so it is hard to see both sides of the coin with the given evidence and examples. The author also explains how he feels that the nation was less racist when Obama was President of the United States of America apposed to Trump's time in office using the main point that Obama is African-American and Trump is not. However, the author fails to make a comparison to the heads of government in Europe and whether or not their races effect/effected the amount of racism in the continent; overall, the point made about Obama and Trump did not completely relate to the overall argument of whether or not the US is more racist than Europe, which takes away some credibility.]]> 2020-09-23 06:34:55 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/771085025 smithjac0002 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/771113593 In the video, Du Bois explains how the average white person will avoid asking the average black person, "how does it feel to be a problem?" However, the different questions they instead ask root from that question and, although most often gradually and subconsciously, lead to the same result of making the average black person feel different from the rest of the white American society. This is most relevant to modern-day racism, and it leads to the black American part of society think they are different, which leads to much of the white American part of society think that it is alright to say that African-American's are different from the rest of society.]]> 2020-09-23 06:48:47 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/771113593 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/772496882 In this article, Caroline Williams speaks to how her skin color is a monument to the confederate legacy, in a negative way. She alludes that the color of her skin is a testament to the despicable actions in the south. It is an interesting perspective to think about it this way, that I hadn't really considered before. The author is a black woman who wants to stop glorifying the south, but she is also the great great granddaughter of a man who was the very thing she wanted to change. It's an interesting perspective from a descendant against her ancestor.]]> 2020-09-23 15:17:37 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/772496882 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/780158477 The article I read was really short, but made more sense than half of the things I have already read. Since it was from the point of view of a black woman, it helped me understand more of how I can help be an ally. I've personally seen a lot of white people I know post about BLM on social media. In the list I read, it actually said that it's more helpful if white people just supported in silence. I've never even noticed that by us posting our ideas on BLM, it's not letting the people who have actually experienced racism have a chance to speak out. Another thing that the list suggested was doing your own research instead of constantly asking black people what is going on. I feel like I've seen that a lot just at the high school. Not many people have actually educated themselves about the problems in the world today. This whole article really helped me to know how to be a better ally and how to support in silence. ]]> 2020-09-25 17:29:40 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/780158477 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/782993317 In this article, it talks about the way racism differentiates between Europe and the United States, and why it’s more prevalent in America. The main root of racism in America comes from slavery, and segregation, especially in the south. Since we’re a country with a history of slavery, people’s subconscious might still see black people as lesser than themselves. It also talks about how police are called and black people doing literally nothing which I find ridiculous. Do people even know that they’re being racist? The police being called on them could result in an altercation and could ruin their lives. There’s dangerous people in all colors. The author also says that while in France, a woman refused to sell him something because she thought he was African, but he told her he was American and then she sold it to him. I found this very interesting because in Europe they apparently tend to focus on your nationality rather than race, which still has its problems but it’s a step. I think it’s really just cause of slavery that makes America still have a lot of racist people, and Europe is just more accepting? Or they don’t care? I’m not quite sure but hopefully we catch up to them.  ]]> 2020-09-28 01:07:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/782993317 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/783012759 This video made me so sad, and wishing I could see things the way subjects of racism do. It shows how people tell black people certain things, thinking they are helping, but really they’re doing more harm and remaining them that they are seen as black first, and then American. Its like the one article we read in class, about how black people are cut in two, and can’t see themselves as just an American because they’re constantly reminded of their skin color. I also liked how it showed that even though decades have passed since slavery, police are still being called on them, people fear them or hate them still so the freedom that they have won is still being withheld. They aren’t being welcomed in their own home, the home that they built. I will try to be more cautious about what I say in the future in case it could come off as racist and be kinder. ]]> 2020-09-28 01:19:07 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/783012759 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/788765784 In this article it looks at the data for violence, crime, and justice in the united states and the experience that the African Americans have when it comes to the law in the united states. As we already know and are not surprised by African Americans are more likely to get fatally shot by the police, arrested for drug abuse, and imprisoned than white people. There is more than 1,000 African-American prisoners for every 100,000 African-Americans. While theres 200 white prisoners for every 100,000 white americans. If that doesn't speak volumes I don't know what does. These are absolutely terrifying statistics. With everything going on i'm starting to feel like being black is a crime in the united states. To alot of white officers being black is a weapon. Thats INSANE. It may not seem like it because we don't live in a primarily racist area which is great but theres still a lot of racists out there everywhere you go. Me and all my siblings have had to be given "the talk" that all black kids have to go through about what to do when a cop approaches your car. That is something that we shouldn't be worrying about because the cops are supposed to be protecting us. Im so scared for my brothers to have to grow up and be a black man in America because having to worry about your brother and dads lives because someone could get scared and think that their blackness is a weapon. We should be past this by now its 2020 and we should just cancel racism. And you may not understand what being black means but now you understand the underlying issues about racism and the violence with the police that black people have to go through. Im not saying all cops are bad because I know there are good ones who really do just want to protect us but there are some officers who aren't as good as the rest. But after reading the stats about violence against black people it just isn't fair and the statistics show it. ]]> 2020-09-29 17:01:29 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/788765784 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/789018117 Watching this video really helped me understand BLM more than i did before. Ive always known Black Lives Matter was an organization because I have the most amazing aunts who have always been telling me about this and who are big black lives matter advocates. But watching this video opened my eyes to all the killings that have gone unnoticed and haven't gotten the justice they deserve. Black lives matter is just trying to get the justice for all the deaths at the hand of a white officer. And black lives matter isn't just for black people like some people are making it seem. It's for anyone that really wants to make a change and wants equality between everyone. But if you're white and supporting BLM it really helps because the more white people standing with black people makes more of a difference. And in the video they mentioned the hashtag all lives matter and the other ones that contradict BlackLivesMatter. In all reality the hashtag AllLivesMatter has been largely used for one reason and that is to diminish the struggles of the black population and downplay the role of black history in our entire nations history. It was meant to draw attention away from the disparity in white privilege and black oppression. I can understand wanting to state that all people are equal. And everyone is equal, but our challenges, struggles, and privileges are not. Hiding behind the hashtag AllLivesMatter isn't the right thing to do. You should be standing up for the black population because it's their lives that are at risk. Everyone should be focusing their attention on the group that needs our love ,help ,and compassion. To all the people who support the hashtag AllLiveMatter don't hide behind an inconspicuously racist hashtag that only downplays the importance of a movement that was created to tell the stories and save the lives of innocent people of color. Black lives matter is a great movement that really just wants to show what is truly going on in our country concerning race. ]]> 2020-09-29 17:53:10 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/789018117 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/794982296 This article had an interesting viewpoint. It talked about how in other countries the important factor is nationality, while in the US the important factor is simply race. I think this makes sense based off of how we describe things in our media and personal interactions, we don't call someone kenyan or ghanan or german or anything like that. In many Americans minds they are simply black or white. I think this article hits this issue right on the head by contrasting american interactions with european interactions.]]> 2020-10-01 15:08:23 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/794982296 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/803498563 Reading this article I learned that in the US people look at race while other countries look at nationality. In the article it talks about how a man while in France was trying to buy something. The lady wouldn't sell it to him because she thought he was African. When he explained he was American, she apologized and proceeded to sell to him. It's just very interesting to me that in the US its almost solely based on the color we see. Another situation mentioned in the article was when in Europe, he was walking down the street while riots and such were going on. A police officer approached him and politely asked him to return home, without any sort of aggression. Racism still exists in the world, but its really bout how we decide to approach it. People should be treated as people. ]]> 2020-10-05 15:28:47 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/803498563 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/803570423 This article was very interesting to read. I like the way she says she is the monument. Because of how it was where the white men would use the women for their own purposes and leave without claiming the children. She also states that the statues should be taken down. That I disagree with because erasing history will only bring ignorance to it. And that leads to history repeating itself. So we should keep our history alive, but teach how we can learn from it. How do we not become like these men? Rather than saying we should forget about them. I just think it can be taught that what they did was wrong, but it is still part of our history. Take Germany for example. They don't want the gas chambers and camps to be destroyed. They want to keep that memory alive so that they know how to avoid that horrible situation ever happening again. History is something to learn from. ]]> 2020-10-05 15:44:02 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/803570423 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/805630275 This article was helpful to me because when talking about racism, I find that it's so hard to find the right thing to say. Today, anything we say can sometimes be taken the wrong way even when it's not intended to offend anyone. The article says to listen more and talk less and to me that is so powerful. Listening, understanding, and paying attention to someone about their experiences or their feelings can help you figure out the right thing to say or do and makes the person expressing themselves feel heard. So I am going to remember to listen first, think of what to say, then act.]]> 2020-10-06 05:29:57 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/805630275 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/805632764 The video explains that racism is a subject that Americans are uncomfortable discussing. I find that very true especially here in Utah where there is not a lot of diversity. Personally, I’m comfortable talking about it because my ethnicity is different than my peers and many of my friends have different backgrounds. I feel like it’s not something people want to talk about because they’re not making the effort to recognize what other races are dealing with every day. They try and avoid it and ignore that there’s a problem. Not having experience with it is also what’s making people uneasy about the topic.]]> 2020-10-06 05:31:26 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/805632764 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/815163565 This video is remembering an inspiring congressman who spoke out on the unity that we can have if we only look at one another as human beings and do our best to keep our country kind. He called for us to speak out against injustice and "lay down the burden of hate." I really loved one quote, "None of us are free until all of us are free" because it's true. Some of us are born into more privilege than others and we need to use that privilege to fight for others to have the same rights.]]> 2020-10-08 19:13:50 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/815163565 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/815190051 What I took from this article is that there is no straightforward answer on how to be a better ally. The best we can do is be compassionate, educate ourselves, and check our privilege. There is no way for a person with a Caucasian background to fully understand the prejudice and hurdles that someone born as a minority in the U.S. will have to face throughout their life. Just be understanding. Understand that people are different and with those differences comes contrasting hardships. By educating ourselves on these hardships and what causes them, and then using our newfound knowledge to best help in whatever ways possible is honestly all anyone is asking for.]]> 2020-10-08 19:22:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/815190051 annarowe https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/818328963 This article was very straight forward yet thoughtful. One of the very first things she says is to listen more and talk less. I think everyone could to a better job at this no matter where they are coming from. It really helps people communicate a lot better when they are not the only ones talking but they are actually listening to others thoughts and opinions on the matter as well. She also talks about how we need to do more than just not be racist. We have to stand up for them and stand with them. While just not being racist is a great thing we should do more than that, because that is the least we could do. My favorite thing she talks about is colorblindness and how it is not a thing or rather should not be a thing. We should be proud of who we are and others should be too. We should also be proud of who they are. It is a part of our lives and rather than trying to ignore it we should embrace it.]]> 2020-10-10 03:40:39 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/818328963 annarowe https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/818334571 The author starts this article with a story about three black people that were falsely confronted by police. They then go on to say that the racism in Europe is bad but in the U.S. it is much worse. It is crazy to me that someone called the cops on these people in California just because they were black, they literally were just checking out of an airbnb minding their own business. This terrible racism in America started with slaves and even when slavery was abolished they were still treated so badly. Blacks were barely even treated like actual people. Even after Dr. King Jr. worked so hard to get rid of segregation, even after people protested in the streets. Black are still treated unjustly in a lot of situations and it needs to stop. We are all equal, we are all human beings and we should treat everyone like we would want to be treated.]]> 2020-10-10 03:50:27 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/818334571 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/822650150 This article was quite interesting and brought up a few things that I have never thought about, but made a great deal of sense. The point of view is from a black African American woman who has felt these things and dealt with all of this for her whole life. she explains that being an ally does not mean that you need to be posting about these issues all the time. Instead, supporting actual people who need to share their own experiences as the people they are is more beneficial. they are able to share real experiences which people can sympathize and empathize a lot more with instead of seeing a bunch of garbage on social media that takes away attention from them sharing. As well as letting African Americans share their experiences, we need to start doing our part to figure out what is going on. We should not be asking our black friends about it (although asking for experiences is okay); we should be doing our own research and enlighten ourselves so that when people may say things that are incorrect, we can correct them with facts because we have done our own research. This was quite helpful for me to know how I can best be an ally and just support in silence but also know what is going on because I have educated myself on the issues at hand.

]]> 2020-10-12 19:05:24 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/822650150 https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/822682752 this video was super inspiring and kind of reminded me of MLK jr and his famous speech. The video starts out with a clip of him saying that when you see something that is not right, get into good trouble; trouble that is necessary. I had not thought much about this. yes there is good trouble and we need to be involved in it, because unjust rules are meant to be broken. If I am not free, none of us are free and none of us are free until all us us are free. Just imagining that I was feeling the same way some other races are treated breaks my heart so I want to be someone that inspires change in others and is that person that is just kind because they are. It is humanity. The Human race. One society. One people. We have a mission and a mandate to be on the right side of history.]]> 2020-10-12 19:18:29 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelbradshaw/bv7zua419qytih8a/wish/822682752