Obama and Racism

Of all the topics introduced in the poli-lounge, the issue of Obama and race has interested me in many ways. This issue can be viewed by two opposing ways: America is becoming a more diverse country that is trying to forget about the past, America needs a lesson on defining race. Being one of the youngest yet most powerful countries, America is beginning to develop into a strong nation outwardly, as well as inwardly. About 150 years ago, slavery was a real problem in America – the white men viewed the blacks as property instead of humans. Although slavery was abolished in the late 19^th century, the blacks were still restricted by many of the laws passed, aimed to suppress the blacks. After 1950, racism and discrimination began to disappear through the help of many active organizations and powerful people. Now, almost 60 years later, we have a President who is the first half African American, which is quite amazing, considering how much our country has changed in so little time.

What many people do not realize is that there is still a large population of Americans, particularly southern whites, who are still attached to the idea of racism towards the blacks. During the presidential campaign, I thought that McCain was going to win the most popular votes because of the large slightly racist population located in the southern states. Although Obama and Biden may have clearly been the better candidates (come on, seriously? Sarah Palin?), I thought that most of the Americans were going to vote for McCain simply because of the fact that he is white.

Well thankfully, in a sort of country-loving way, Obama won the election. Not only does this disprove my theory about our population (which is a good thing), but it also suggests that many of our younger and slightly more educated population are voting. Obama was often considered as a celebrity – mostly in a positive way. For some reason, the younger population, 25 years old and younger, liked Obama – a lot. T-shirts were made of Obama’s face, he appeared on many videos aimed toward a younger audience, and the younger population generally respected him. There are many reasons to support this phenomenon (sorry for the lack of a better word) such as the previous disapproval toward Bush. But the most important factor might have simply been that Obama is black – well, half black.

The reason I say half black connects to the second way the issue of Obama and race may be viewed. On Thursday, Mr. Mamer gave our government class an interesting way to view race. Although Tiger Woods is one eighth black and half Thai, why is it that America still views him as African American? Although Obama is half black and half white, why is it that America still views him as African American? Why can’t he be seen as white? Because technically, he is considered white as well. I believe that Obama’s race may have partly attributed to his victory due to the media’s increasingly popular portrayal of black people – like rappers, athletes, and celebrities. Don’t get me wrong, it might sound like that I dislike the current black culture (which I don’t), but I am simply pointing out the fact that America still has a small problem regarding race. What is the problem exactly? I do not know because I do not have enough knowledge in some sort of philosophy and sociology to determine that. But I do know that there is a problem.

Although America has become more mature as a country, it is clear that it is only in the early stages of maturity. There are still some issues, but considering the amount of time we had to change, the difference is astounding.

Just to let you guys know, I actually turned this in to Mr. Mamer for the poli-lounge extra credit. Hope you guys liked it. Please let me know what you think!

18 years old!

Thank you guys for all the happy birthday wishes!
Hope you guys have a good one!

A few good tunes

So lately, I have been listening to a lot of British Pop. Specifically, I'm listening to Travis, Phoenix, Keane, and The Doves (Four amazing bands and musicians).

Each are unique in a way that never bores me. For Travis, what captivates me the most is the insanely high voice the lead singer has. In songs such as Battleship and Closer, the amazingly high and dissonant harmonies paired with the upbeat rhythm really makes there songs enjoyable to listen to.
Here's Battleship

And here's Closer


Keane and The Doves are just amazing bands. I haven't really got much time to listen to the rest of their albums, but so far so good!

And Phoenix, is just insane. Phoenix is a French band, and their most notable song is probably If I Ever Feel Better. I don't know how to describe it, but something about their music makes it seem very "old skool." Right not I can only think of one song, Too Young (Zoot Woman Remix).


Yeah, basically I "purchased" every single album by Travis and Phoenix and I am loving almost every single song. If you want to check out one of the best albums, meaning every song is amazing, check out The Boy With No Name by Travis. Simply genius.

hehe

As Thomas would say (with crappy Stellar impersonation)- "That sucks!"

my bizzle, big bad brizzle

Breaks over

That's right, breaks over. School starts tomorrow, well actually today in a couple of hours. Finals coming up in three weeks.
My birthday is in seven days!! hehehehohoho <-- what the freak??

Family Vacation

As previously mentioned in the previous post, my family, cousins, two friends, and I went to Mammoth to ski/snowboard. It is a yearly "tradition" and we enjoy it very much. The ride there usually takes around 7 to 8 hours, but because we left around 6:00 in the morning, we skipped traffic and got to Mammoth around noon.


The ride there


A sweet picture, doesn't it look like a city skyline?


Some snow!

I should have snapped some pictures of the cabin, but I forgot. Nonetheless, the snow was amazing along with the weather.












Group picture!

We stayed in Mammoth for about 4 days and 3 nights. After Mammoth, my family and I stayed at the Encore in Las Vegas for one night. This hotel, the "sister" hotel of the Wynn, opened on the 22nd of December - so it is a very new hotel. Walking onto the 56th floor where we stayed, I was able to smell the new paint smell. Even more impressive was our room. The design, color, feel, and spaciousness of it was very awesome. This hotel was the best hotel I have stayed in, and I have stayed in quite a lot of hotels (not to sound cocky, ty)


by the way, its a suite :]








this is the view from our room, you can see the Wynn very clearly

I had fun during this trip and I had some quality time with the family and friends. Hopefully, as I move on to college and in the future, I can continue this family tradition. I hope you all had a great winter break!!