<p>Ah. I’m glad to learn that the color of someone’s skin is directly related to their “ability to comment on multicultural and global issues”. Nevermind that they might live in New York or California and rarely venture outside their hometown. I’m sure that having a dark skin color links them into the great channel of global awareness even if they’ve lived their lives in Small Town, Middle of Nowhere. Glad to hear it. </p>
<p>Flaunting the fact that you’re getting a benefit based solely on the basis of your birth isn’t intelligent or beneficial in a group of people who worked just as hard or harder than you. As Hudson put it, “After all, people should not be judged by the context of their character, but by the color of their skin.” Yes, you have an advantage. Now shut the f*** up about it.</p>
<p>Karajanhra. It saddens me that people like you may end up comingling with us this summer at TASP. </p>
<p>In order to make things clear so that you can stop tootin your own pity horn, I am Hispanic, but more than that, I am a citizen of a world. I have visited over 15 countries and lived abroad for over 4 years. I have 3 passports (how about you? Do you even have one???) And, overall, as a matter of fact, yes, I do have an advantage, because I’ve been lucky to have been raised in an environment in which my parents have forced me to learn to speak English, French, Spanish and German fluently. I’ve been lucky that my parents are not like the regular insular minded Americans who never get passports and never leave their own state. As a Hispanic (Hispanic isn’t even a race…its an ethnic/cultural category) it simply signifies that my cultural affinities are more allied to those of Southern Europe and maintain a greater Latin (in some cases Catholic) influence. So, frankly, yes, I am able to understand more cultures because not only am I able to thrive in WASP dominated, Anglo-Saxon USA, but I am also versatile and able to comprehend and embrace the cultures of Europe and Latin America.</p>
<p>Some people just happen to be born lucky. I’m sure that Bill Gates’ son has plenty of opportunities. As that’s obviously unfair, I guess we should have a communist revolution and massacre all the intellectuals and top 20% so that they wouldn’t have mere advantages that they were born into.</p>
<p>And by the way…as a potential TASPer I would have assumed that you would have known that the intricacies of the Hispanic cultural category. Somehow, you automatically make the connection Hispanic to dark skin. This is interesting because, if one were to classify all of South America as “Hispanic” the majority population would be in fact White. The people who you are erroneosly labeling Hispanic are in fact mestizos and ndigenous which have predominantly indigenous racial roots.</p>
<p>I know you’re Hispanic; you have a Chances thread. You did not say that being YOU made you global; you said that being a MINORITY made you global. For a “citizen of the world”, you seem to be quite fortunate. I’m low-end middle-class; I don’t know many people whose parents are affluent enough to force them into learning multiple languages. I don’t know many parents who can AFFORD to send their children to Europe and Latin America. I do happen to know a great deal of people who work and are lucky to go on vacation once a year. But what do I know? I’m only white. Surely a Hispanic jet-setter is more in touch with the common people than I. It is quite obvious to me, 09910745, that I was mistaken in believing that your affluent, multi-cultural background was not a grevious handicap to you as you traveled the world on the wallets of your parents. Maybe you can fly out to educate me on the ways of the poor and downtrodden; I’m sure you can afford it.</p>
<p>this is hilarious. </p>
<p>See, this is one of the many problems with the US and Americans. Traveling does not equal affluence. It merely indicates an appreciation for culture. It is absurd to believe that the vast majority of Americans, with the humungous SUVs that they waste $200 a week filling with gas do not have money to travel. Americans do not want to travel. They are superficial and want big screen TVs, three cars, and do whatever they want in the world. I am middle class and yet I speak 4 languages and travel because my parents appreciate culture. In any case, I am not affluent at all. My mom is a nurse, and my dad is an engineer. How is it that Europeans, even after having lower salaries (after tax deductions) are able to travel the world; its quite common for Europeans for speak 3 languages coming out of high school!</p>
<p>You should speak of being born lucky when you dont know everyone’s entire background. Were your grandparents tortured in political detention centers, forcing your parents to flee and live in exile? </p>
<p>P.S. It was Ronald Reagan, America’s greatest friend that created racial categories and later, affirmative action. As AA has been continually maintained by successive governments, wouldnt it actually be beneficial to participate in your government instead of just whining about it?</p>
<p>“I speak 4 languages and travel because my parents appreciate culture.”</p>
<p>Oh 09910745, it’s wonderful that you take after your parents in being so open to other cultures. However, I sense a flaw in your bravado. If you’re such a world citizen, then why is it that you’re willing to classify all of America as a single stereotype? Why is it that you know absolutely nothing of America personally, yet you are convinced that ALL AMERICANS are isolated and superficial? If that’s true, then I could say with equal authority that all Europeans are stuck-up, snobbish, and consumed with their own sense of superiority. Judging by your example, that seems to be true.</p>
<p>It is also interesting that you want so badly to come to an AMERICAN program. You do realize that TASP is in the USA, yes? Or were you too busy sipping your wine to realize that this program is indeed run at American universities? Are you strong enough to withstand the low-class stupidity that every American possesses according to you? </p>
<p>“My dad is an engineer.”</p>
<p>Poor dearie. I’ll fetch you a refugee blanket and a low-class American-run summer program.</p>
<p>I’d laugh if the two of you got into the same program.</p>
<p>Just sayin’</p>
<p>He’d probably commit suicide after being subjected to the sheer stupidity of an American program. The world wouldn’t be the worse.</p>
<p>I really dont see how somehow your making the connection between me and low class…I never once cited anything diminishing anyone of any specific class background. In fact, my ancestors fought for class equality and equal rights for all (quite ironically, it was the US government that helped have their genitals mutilated before slaugtering them…all because they believed in equality…)</p>
<p>In any case, I am not defining Americans. Although there are some characteristics which all Americans share (the belief that they are somehow the best in the world…I dont see how they got there as everything proves to the contrary…) Americans are the ones that are defining themselves through their continued disregard for the rights of the rest of the world. As a citizen, and inhabitant of this country, I have come to understand the American psyche. I am not saying that all Americans fit into one specific mold, however what I am saying is that American society (which obviously…Americans live and participate) holds certain national attributes which Americans incorporate into themselves. Its almost arrived to be incorporated as American culture (American elitism).</p>
<p>Of course I want to come to an AMERICAN program (more specifically, United States program, as American would incorporate South and Central America as well) because the United States has the worlds best universities. The United States has the best of many things, yet the inhabitants (for the most part) are not it. </p>
<p>You need to grow up and realize that just because one cites problems with the United States, that does not mean that one hates the country. What it in fact means is that we love this country. I love this country. My intention is not to diminish it, however to point out flaws in American society so that they may be fixed. This country has soo many excellent things and so much potential, yet it is in decadence. The reason I criticize this country is because the US needs tough love and needs to amend its society before it gets left behind.</p>
<p>Ok. Ok. Let the mudslinging end for the evening. This is not what this thread is here for.</p>
<p>Also, what 09910745 is saying reminds me of my essays. I was rather critical of the US.</p>
<p>All right: we’ll agree to disagree. I’m a b**** and 09910745 is an elitist faux-European. </p>
<p>Doesn’t this bring back fond memories, panic?</p>
<p>Has anyone ever watched C-SPAN when its on English House of Lords??? Its sooo hilarious!! (It reminds me of this…)</p>
<p>Umm…If you were smart enough to read the inferences I made karajanhra, I never said I was European. As you have most snoopily deduced, I am Hispanic. I have never stated that I was European but that my roots are Mediterranean and derived from Southern Europe.</p>
<p>Its like saying all US citizens are European also, even though only their great-grandfathers are.</p>
<p>“I never said I was European.”</p>
<p>Are YOU smart enough to read, darling? Let’s take a look at what I said: </p>
<p>“09910745 is an elitist faux-European.”</p>
<p>If I ever need someone to call PETA on a faux-fur fashion show, you’ll be the first I call.</p>
<p>Not to draw your wrath kara but what exactly makes AA a “hot topic” for you.</p>
<p>■■■■■! Have you ever even left the United States! Seriously, you seem to be making a lot of stereotypical assumptions. What is your level of contact/immersion into European society?</p>
<p>09910745, be quiet. Mommy and Daddy are talking.</p>
<p>Panic, I’m white. Gotta defend my cracker peeps, yo.</p>
<p>(I think that no matter our origins, we can all agree that white people trying to be gangsta are funny.)</p>
<p>Probably insecurity</p>
<p>So what exactly is your travel experience? What makes you capable of interacting and understanding other cultures?</p>
<p>Ok, let us start from the beginning. Can we agree that AA made sense when it was put into action?</p>