Race Relations

I don't know what it is about graduate school and the field of education, but for some reason this area of study has pushed me to think and rethink about a lot of things, especially race, and race identity.

Granted, I believe that it is one of the foundational goals of education programs to challenge its students beliefs and perceptions of both themselves and others, however, is this goal always met?  One thing that quickly comes to my mind with this topic of race relations is the creation of a "safe space".  As far as I know, a safe space is one in which is created and agreed on by all participants of a conversation/discussion pertaining to the agreement that all those involved will suspend judgment and be very open and truthful in the conversation at hand.  This includes but is not limited to discussions of race, gender, social class, sexuality, and political/ideological beliefs.  In my graduate program, we were at the very least invited to be a part of this process, and some, such as myself, chose to share and engage other people in this process, while others played a more passive role.  As truthfully as I can say that I myself have indeed grown and benefited from conversations like these, I must admit that the ways in which these conversations go about and are "mediated", at least in my experience, can be random, uncomfortable, misguided and misdirected.

Let me just take another moment to re-iterate that I believe in this type of dialogue, however, I have also learned, and to be quite frank, have come to the conclusion that difficult conversations such as those about race and gender, depend greatly on the people who are involved in the discussion.  Furthermore, I believe that the way in which a conversation like this is mediated by the participants also plays a crucial role as to the final "product" of the conversation.  I hate to use such a cold, business type of word but I do believe that conversations like these should have some type of take away in which all who were involved are better for having the conversation.

In relation to these type of conversations being uncomfortable, I have come to my own personal conclusion that the predecessor to these very conversations needs to be that of some type of community building exercise/prior experience.  Trying to have a conversation about race with complete strangers (I have tried this before, with very "mixed" results, in the negative way) is near impossible for the very simple reason (in hindsight, of course) that if you do not really know the people that you are engaging in a conversation with, then it is just that much easier to make an assumption about them based on, for example, their opinions expressed in the dialogue.

Secondly, with the idea of the mediation of conversations like this in mind, I believe that it has to be a  sort of shared power, one in which all those involved become aware that it is the responsibility of everyone to regulate the flow and direction of the conversation.  This can range from keeping a conversation on track (increasingly difficult to do as the educational level of the audience also goes up) to having a member of the dialogue explain something further so as to make ideas as well as intentions clear.

I assert that these extremely difficult conversations to have are at the same time paramount in terms of getting people to understand and learn from each other better.  At the same time, though, I believe that there are things like the mediation of a discussion and the "closeness" of the participants that are involved also must be taken into serious consideration as well.  Like I was told by a professor in my teacher education program, the harsh reality is that most people will instead choose the "path of least resistance".  It's definitely much easier to just not have these types of conversations, but I do believe that we as human beings can learn from and better understand each other if we are willing to "put ourselves out there sometimes".  However, as someone (especially being white, male, and middle class) who has put them-self out there and who has challenged their own privilege, at least in terms to the reactions I get sometimes, I too contemplate in taking the road more easier traveled, even though the path of greater resistance also offers greater understanding.

2012 Presidential Election

After experiencing and participating in my second Presidential election I admit that I am walking away with mixed emotions.  Let me explain some of the feelings I have/had considering this election (and elections in general) and observations that are most definitely not unbiased.

To begin, I don't politically identify with either of the two parties but I consider myself socially progressive and economically conservative.  It is not easy for me to vote for either party because I don't believe either party represents my values and beliefs completely.  While I am definitely not alone in this category (from reading around news websites etc. roughly 1/3 of the registered population in this country identify as independent) I confess that  I sometimes feel my vote is either wasted or a non-issue because I feel like I always (politically) make a compromise.  Governor Romney did not represent my social beliefs and President Obama's handling of the economy (in my opinion) could of been much better.

As I watched the results of the election come in and I read the statements made by my friends and peers on social media websites I was shocked to read the vitriol that people posted, ranging from "If Obama gets re-elected I'm leaving the country" to "Fuck Romney" and "Thank god Romney did not win".  Granted, everyone has an opinion and our amazingly "problematic" first amendment grants us the right to say, in most cases, what we want, but do we need to regress in age and maturity every time "our guy/girl" wins or looses?  I don't think so.

President/President Elect Barack Obama has certainly been a solid "centrist" president (my opinion) and has helped push through legislation that I do think is integral to our countries' progression into the future, such as his health care bill (a work in progress) and his dealings with most foreign powers.  President Obama won re-election by appealing to the natural heterogeneous nature of the American public and successfully campaigned for another term to finish the important work that he started four years ago.

I believe that Governor Romney lost the election because both he and the Republican Party have done a terrible job of reaching out to and thinking about citizens other than white males, including Latinos, Blacks, and Asian-Americans, to name a few.  Add to this shocking omission of groups of our diverse population the Republican parties almost archaic views on social issues, such as abortion and gay marriage (no public funds for abortion in my opinion), and you have a recipe for future election losses and further alienation with potential conservative voters who will literally vote Democratic out of spite or distaste.

I do hope and wish the best of luck to President Obama because his success is our success and vice-versa.  While I don't have to agree with everything he does politically, I do believe that whomever the President is (Bush included) we owe it to him/her to stand behind them and at least for the moment believe that they and the government they create have the best interests of the people in mind.  I cling to the hope of seeing our country become less partisan and more centrist.  However, seeing my generation make the same mistakes as those before us (badmouthing the other side, slandering public officials, and distancing ourselves from one another because of our political beliefs) does not sit well with me and causes me great concern.

Like the country we live in, we are not perfect.  We all have different religious, political, and social beliefs that adds to our national character, but instead of appreciating each other for the differences that make us unique, we sometimes use these as wedges between the potential union of our beliefs.  While I myself am not innocent in this political nay-saying I do set it upon myself to not judge people (to the best of my human ability) based solely on their political beliefs.  After all, if our country is so diverse, how do we ever expect each other to think exactly alike?  This type of linear thinking will never happen.  The beauty, however, is that we don't have to think alike, but we better (collectively) figure out some way to live with our diverse sets of interpretations of the world before we let our politics take absolute control of ourselves.  And when that happens, it truly will be a situation that will be lamentable indeed.

2012 UCLA Bruins

I've got to say that so far this year the 2012 UCLA football team has been a pleasant surprise.  New offense, new head coach, new starting quarterback, it's all new in the land of Westwood and the results (so far) seem to be indicative of a college football program that is (finally!) heading in the right direction.

As I write this post the Bruins are 6-2 (3-2 Pac-12) and are hosting Arizona at teh Rose Bowl this coming Saturday.  Aside from showing up in another potential Bowl game this year the UCLA Bruins are also on course to potentially represent the Pac-12 South in the Pac-12 Championship game which at this point looks to be a rematch from last year, against a surging Oregon Ducks team.  However, the mood (if UCLA makes it to the championship game again this year) will be in stark contrast to last years Oregon v. UCLA Pac-12 championship game in which the Bruins "limped" into the game by being the best team score wise in the Pac-12 south (USC had the best record last year in the Pac-12 Southern Division but was not bowl eligible due to the NCAA sanctions imposed on the school by the Trojans supposed shady dealings with student athletes and money).

Being a fan of a football team that has (in my opinion) underperformed for so many years is indeed a roller coaster ride of emotions.  However, we finally have an offense that produces TDs and first downs (I'm looking at you Neuheisel, and Mr. Pistol Offense).  We finally have a quarterback that can make short, intermediate, and long passes.  We finally have a head coach that at least looks like he knows what he's doing.  And to top it all off, we look like a team that could finally upset USC in the storied cross-town rivalry game in which the Bruins have not won since 2006.

Football is something that I can relate to easily in my life at the moment.  There will always be bumps in the road but you have got to move on.  Change can and will happen in your life.  Teamwork is a must in crucial moments.  Accountability is key to the blossoming of a relationship with others.  While life and football will not always be easy, the lessons that I have learned from both have made me a better man and a better person.  Being a Bruin fan has not always been easy but the lessons I have learned from being on this journey are well worth the momentary feelings of defeat and loss.

Alright Bruins, lets show college football that we are not just known as a basketball school!

"Common Sense"

My homework assignment this summer is to read (and finish) Thomas Paine's "Common Sense". I am about three fourths done with it, and it has been a very eye opening read. One thing that has stood out to me is Paine's discussion of constitutions and how, by whom, and why they are formed. While I really never saw the idea of a constitution in this light (hence eye opening), I now ponder greatly of what a constitution means.

To sum up dozens of pages from Paine's "Common Sense" and other writings, the born in Britain, America loving writer, focuses on the point that constitutions are made by and for the people, and not by government. Again, this would seem to be, dare I say, common sense, however, Paine's wording really got me to think a bit more about the formation of constitutions.

I guess in the past I have assumed that governments form constitutions, but it is instead the people who form them. A constitution is meant to be a tangible object that lays down the rights of men and women, among themselves and the government. Government is formed by the people, but the people of a sovereign nation form the constitution, not the government. In other rules, it is self-rule that is also a pre-requisite for the formation of a constitution, because you can't give all the power to one person or one group of persons, because that would just be a monarchy.

Paine uses the examples of the American and French Revolutions in the late 18th century to show governments formed of, by, and for the people, with each nation creating a constitution to protect their citizens rights. This is of course paralleled to the tyrannical governments of Great Britain (Paine just utterly bashes the British, which of course was probably pretty shocking at the time) and other kings in Europe. The fall of hereditary monarchies seemed at last near, and Paine would end up being right...to a certain extent, of course. Modern Liberalism was born!

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is a great read for anyone interested in the birth of our nation, or the spirit of democracies and self-government. While a little hard to read at times (and lengthy), this is definitely a book for all to read. And if all else fails, his writing is at least fun to read for his frequent rips on the King of England, those shady German dudes, English upper-class Lords, and tyrannical rule in all it's worthless and self-defeating glory!

Walking In Somebody Else's Shoes

I believe that it is impossible for anybody to completely understand what it is like to be somebody else. I am me, you are you, and they are they. Regardless of how hard you, me, or they will try, all of us will only (hopefully) be able to understand our own selves. However, I also believe that it is very possible for anybody to try and understand what it is like to be somebody else.

Or in other words, I believe in the ability of human beings being able to put themselves in the position of another person, and trying to understand what it is like to be that certain person. Sounds confusing, I know, but lets dig a little deeper.

I do not, and don't plan on ever owning a business. While I think that if I were properly motivated and had a great idea or service in mind, I could start a business, I still don't believe I ever will. With this statement in mind, I do try and put myself in the position of a business owner, to try and better understand this faucet of life.

On one hand, I know that I would be extremely worried, on a day-to-day business of whether or not my store or service would stay afloat. What if my product becomes outdated? What if a larger company opens up a similar store by mine and can afford to pay their workers less? What if taxes become to high that my store does not make any profit? These are just a few of the questions that I have asked myself when contemplating the idea of starting up my own business.

Again, I am not a business owner, nor do I ever plan on becoming one. At the same time, I do think that I could use the introspections I've made into the world of owning my own business to try and at least understand some of the aspects, challenges, and rewards of opening up my own business.

I use this example because, while I believe that human beings are very capable of walking in somebody else's shoes, most people don't implement this type of thinking in everyday life.

Ever thought how hard it must be to be the leader of a country? Ever contemplated the life of a single mother or father working, taking care of their kids, and continuing their education? Have you ever tried to imagine how hard it would be to live off minimum wage, on your own? What about a young child not having health insurance for a major operation that is needed? Ever imagined what it would be like to be an immigrant trying to make it in a new country? What about having to take care of a parent who is sick? Have you ever noticed how some people have to work twice as hard for half the reward of something? What about not having use of your legs? What about the life of a farmer? A laborer? A night janitor?

While these questions may seem random and out of nowhere, they are examples to me of my own attempt in trying to understand the lives of other people than myself. I do this to try and avoid the passing of unfair judgement. I do this to try and become a more well rounded person. I don't always succeed, and I indeed have to deal with my own biases, however, the effort is definitely present.

So please, try and picture how your life would be if you had to walk in the shoes of somebody else. Imagine how many fights, problems, and altercations could have and could still be avoided if we were better at understanding each other. Don't look at this as a goliath effort on your part, instead, look at it as a collection of various opportunities to try and better understand the people around you. You may not be able to do it your first, second, or forty-fourth try, but you will eventually get there. And when you do, the realizations that you can make are possibly life changing.

Being able to think about walking in the shoes of another person is a process, and not a eureka moment. Instead, it will be a journey, if you will, that will hopefully give you some own insight into your own life.

So all of us, myself included, should strive for the ability to better understand each other. I am sure that if we put forth even a miniscule amount of effort, that the findings will not only be insightful, but also life changing.

BP

The whole mess in the Gulf Coast has helped me to realize that nobody ever wants to take responsibility for anything. BP complains about regulations, the government gets upset that BP does not comply with regulations, and at the end of the day, we all still need oil.

Seeing BP's CEO get grilled by Congress elongates the blame game, with senators bitching and even getting pissed at the current administration (fuc*$&' politics!) and their response. Yet, we again still need the services of these retarded corporations.

Amongst the political back-and-forth, I have come to realize that this whole oil spill thing is most likely a collective epic fail. BP fails in that the company probably did (and still does) gloss over restrictions and regulations. The government fails through just wanting to point fingers. The general public fails for putting their whole trust in the government. Consumers fail for being addicted to gas. And the human race fails, for messing up the Earth, again.

Maybe the real things that we should be focused on is our addiction to oil, or the power of corporations, or the restrictions of government. Instead of looking at these themes, we choose the blame game. Epic fail.

What does it mean to be an American?

There is one question in my life that I feel I will never be able to fully understand, comprehend, and answer fully, and that is the question of what does it mean to be an American?

Some people answer this question by saying "Well, you have to be patriotic to be an American", or "Being an American means the freedom to say and do whatever you damn well want". One theme that seems to reoccur when I or someone else is asked what it means to be an American is that of vagueness.

Well Aaron, what do you mean by vagueness? Let me explain...

Let me start by talking about my first example, the idea that being an American means being patriotic. First off, since when has patriotism been a solely "American" idea? Now, in no way am I attacking people who believe that part of being an American is being patriotic (i.e. voting, supporting the troops, and other equally vague things), however, when I hear that connection between being American and being patriotic, I think to myself "Well, aren't Italians proud to be Italian, or aren't Iranians proud to be from Iran?". What this question does to my mind is this: patriotism is a vague idea and concept. End of story.....well, not really, I should probably explain.

To one person, patriotism may mean taking up arms against "those" who deny others freedom. To another person, patriotism may mean questioning the very principles that you have been taught since a young child. For some reason, when I hear patriotism, I think of Veteran's Day. To me, there is nothing more "patriotic" than dying for something you believe in. For me, the fact that there have been people in my country and other countries as well who were willing to trade their lives for something larger than themselves, that is a feat worthy of eternal life and eternal remembrance.

My second example, which stated that part of being an American consisted of the freedom to say whatever you want, is equally as vague as patriotism. While we Americans enjoy the freedom to say almost anything (well, we can't really say ABSOLUTELY anything, for example, try yelling fire in a crowded building and see if you don't get fined or arrested) we want, don't other nations and peoples have this right too? The answer is yes and no, most likely. For example, I'm pretty sure that some bloke in London can call the Queen of England a pasty faced powerless monarch and still return home alive that night, however, at the same time, protestors in Iran who believed that the state fixed their election could not even protest due to fear from and physical threats by their government.

Now, why have I wrote all of this nonsense in which nobody will probably read? Well, it's simple. Being American is not clear cut, baseball and apple pie goodness. Being American means different things to different people. Furthermore, aside from being American, or being Japanese, English, or French, the most important thing to remember is that we are ALL citizens of Planet Earth (as tree hugging as this sounds) and not all of us have the same or equal rights.

So, the next time you hear somebody say that they are proud to be American, maybe remember that we should probably be thankful to be Americans, and compared to some people who live on our planet as well, we don't really have a whole lot to bitch about.