Equality Means Give Everyone a Chance!

1.)  Response to Heterosexual Privilege: I often forget how difficult it is for homosexuals to openly broadcast their relationships, or love life. I am proud to say that I have heterosexual privilege because I don’t have to live in shame or fear that others won’t accept my sexual orientation. Although, I have homosexual friends and we never judge each other’s relationship even if we do not agree with their love style. I like the fact that I can choose to celebrate my wedding openly anywhere and travel the world with my “MR. RIGHT.” I do understand that for homosexuals it can be frustrating to not express your happiness in the presence of others, without being judged, shamed, or unaccepted by society. I can have kids and know that at school they are taught lessons or activities that support our family unit and values. My kids can have a male and female parent as a primary role model for any and every situation they encounter. It is important to me, that both motherly and fatherly parents are represented in the household for my children.

2.) Response to Videos:

It amazes me how the U.S. government gives one piece of paper so much power. It’s just like money to them, giving access to opportunities to the elite. How could a social security card detrimentally affect your future? I understand it is important to have one, but I know a girl at my school who did not have one and she was from a wealthy background; yet she was able to obtain opportunities that lower class families could not. She got into college with no problem but there are people who are struggling to achieve success because of this documentation card. I have empathy for those families who work so hard to be successful to show their children and relatives that they can succeed. They may raise children who are undocumented and later on that child suffers when they had not say in the decision. Although my parents were not citizens, I encouraged them to do it and they knew it would affect the futures of my brother and me, especially I was getting ready to graduate high school and further my education. So I was fortunate enough to attend a university of my choice. I respect immigrants who come here to seek a better future and work hard to provide for their families and be a positive role model. They could come here and participate in illegal activities like some current U.S. citizens, but instead they want to better themselves with available opportunities. It upsets me that sometimes the government decides to send immigrants back to their homeland, often times leaving their children behind because they were born here. It breaks my heart when families are separated because of immigration laws and government policies. I know of a girl that was sent back to Mexico alone because she was undocumented she graduated high school and could not attend college. She was forced to leave the United States and then seek papers to become a citizen the appropriate way. Social justice issues such an immigration, inequality, racism are commonly faced by undocumented individuals.      

<-- This picture is what individuals face today as minorities being under qualified for success, which is not necessarily true. Minorities are often denied immediately when trying to better themselves but are quickly named for illegal activities or crimes. Give them a chance!! 

Microagressions & Pick-Me Up Inspirations

·        Reflection: The STARS event was fun, playing the ice breaker people commonly known as "Winds of Change" I'm not sure what it was called at the STARS event but it’s my favorite icebreaker. I enjoyed listening to different microagressions that I may use, or encounter, when meeting new people. 

·        Microagressions:

1. Not all black people are late, and irresponsible. We all deserve equal treatment! 

"Apartment-searching with my brother in LA. The landlord set up an appointment. When my brother arrived 5 minutes early, the landlord was showing around a white couple. When he turned to my brother, he said that he wouldn’t show the apartment and that it now cost $400 more per month. The neighbor later told us that the landlord always does that when he sees black customers. We are both young black men, looking for a place to live."

2. I'm Jamaican but considered black but it does not mean I know everything about BLACK HISTORY. People often look at me funny if I am not aware of black historical figures. My parents were both born in Jamaica and just because I'm black does not mean I can validate statements in regards to black culture. 

"I had an English teacher who loved to talk, and whenever she’d say anything about race or black culture, she’d turn to me (the only black kid in the room) as if to validate/confirm the statement."

3. Can a black female not speak proper to be themselves, not all black people speak slang and curse like a sailor. I have black and white friends; I'm not "ghetto" either.

"My black friends:: You aren't really black though, you act like a white girl.

My white friends:: You aren't really white though, you're like dark.

All of them telling me I have to be one, I can't be both. I'm just me though. Makes me feel like I can only be a certain race if I look and act a certain way."

·        Response to blog article:"18 Chances You Will Not Regret Taking in Life"

This article was a pick-me up and quite inspirational. I have to remind myself daily that I have the ability to make or break my future. I have to keep my eye on the prize while enjoying the moment. I have had some struggles here and there but I have to let go of the past. There are some situations that I have to deal with and understand that worrying and stressing only makes it worse. Letting go of the past is a building block for me to reach greatness and live with no regrets. I must continue on my journey by pushing through my trials and tribulations. I remind myself constantly that God has a plan for my life and knows what he is doing. I must humble myself and let God work in and through my life. As a result, I began mentoring because I enjoy helping others reach their goals; in a way it also helps me to refocus my goal and strategies to achieve them by leading as an example, or role model. I give back out of love not because I have to, helping others truly makes me happy because I get to see the outcomes and growth.