Assignment #19: Two Towns of Jasper - engine of souls

mre · Senior Member

Assignment #19: Two Towns of Jasper

Decimvs · Member

PART I:

PREJUDICE:
What happens when people are judged by the way they look?
- People are put down, arguments rise, and perhaps even violence may erupt.

What are some examples of prejudice resulting in unfair treatment of people?
- It could range from simple stereotyping, jokes, other races with more rights, different rules or lower chances of opportunities.

Why do you think some people are prejudice?
- It isnt that some people are prejudice, but that ALL people are prejudice, to a certain extent. Sure, there are people who pretend it doesnt exist or that they are completely not prejudice, but of course, that is a fools game. You cannot ignore it, it exists, although it can be controlled at times, it can never be completely extinguished.

What do people gain or lose from respecting or not respecting others?
- They gain peace, tranquility and the thought of having no conflicts. They may lose however, depending on their community and morals, honor, perhaps self respect, even friendships.

Does this film deepen your understanding of racism or prejudice?
- Well, it reminds me the seriousness and also foolishness of racism. Reminds me, its all it really did. These were things I already knew. What it actually showed me that was new to me was the outrageous acts of the government favoring the minority only because they were a minority, but thats a topic of its own.

HATE GROUPS:
Why do hate groups exist?
- Prejudice groups exist perhaps because they feel they lost control of the world, and are against its changes involving race or ethnicities.

Does the number of hate groups still active in the US surprise students?
- In general, yes. I personally am not surprised because I know that human kind can never truly become clean of prejudice.

What issues influence people to join hate groups?
- The rights and beneficial acts towards and/or favoring minorities, which angers a group of still existing people in our modern day.

Is this an American phenomena or are their hate groups in other countries?
- This is absolutely NOT an American phenomenon, but a Human phenomenon. Such groups have existed since the dawn of mankind and even seem to be part of our genes. Of course some groups more extreme then others but the fact is that it is as it is, a Hate Group.

Are some biases acceptable?
- Absolutely. I strongly believe that to be truly free, you must be free of your thoughts. If you cannot express your prejudices, then you cannot admit that you are free and are living in a pretenders world. For example: People say its wrong that after 9/11, security forces searched Middle Eastern personal posing as suspicious suspects. To make it acceptable, are you suppose to search a Roman Catholic nun? Is it a Roman Catholic nun hijacking jets and destroying the spirit of a nation? Would you let the suspected criminal have his way? This is the way I think. Prejudice acts are wrong BUT also natural, and could even help to save lives.

Part II:What are the gathering places in your community?Downtown Are they segregated or integrated?Integrated. Are there places in your community where people from different groups can gather comfortably?I would not know. If not, might you be able to create such a space? I dont find the will to do so.Should all spaces be integrated, or is it appropriate for a community to have some segregated spaces?To preserve family traditions through cultural traditions I would prefer segregated.
What do you know about the perspectives and experiences of people in your community whose ethnicity, race, or religion are different from yours? I honestly am only interested in keeping my family traditions alive.Are there people who cross between groups?There are. Where does your information about people different from you come from? Not sure.Are you satisfied that this information is complete and accurate? Pretty sure.What kinds of sources would provide others with the most accurate information about you? They would have to ask me directly, or figure out the password to my computer, haha.What can you do to support or promote accurate information sources in your community? The magical internet.

Part III: It's really simple... What od you think should be done about the issues raised in this story? Keep immigrants away (Illegals) What can be done? Military force. What will be done? Nothing. What do you want to do as a class, as a school as a member of your community to 'be the change you want to see in the world'? Value other cultures, preserve it, but do not influence or disturb it.

-- Edited by Decimvs at 18:33, 2008-05-07

-- Edited by Decimvs at 18:34, 2008-05-07

Lili D · Member

PREJUDICE:
What happens when people are judged by the way they look?

- when people are judged they become self conscious and really depressed and ignore everyone around them, and also try to change the way they look

What is prejudice? List examples of how prejudice causes some people to stereotype others.

- Prejudice is when people pick on other people because of their look, religion and other

What are some examples of prejudice resulting in unfair treatment of people?

- Well when the cops call on some people just because they dont like them or someone paints there house

Why do you think some people are prejudiced?

-Some people are because of family or because they dont really like that person for what ever reason

What is tolerance? List examples of how people practice tolerance or respect towards others.

- tolerance is when u take the time to listen to what other people think of the same thing, what there view is on the subject, people have tolerance in there community so they can make it better, counseling is a tolerance

What do people gain or lose from respecting or not respecting others diversity?

- well people gain a lot when they respect others because they get the same thing back from others

- They lost respect if they dont give it , when there mean, rude and etc

What do you think the United States and the world gain or lose from respecting or not respecting diversity?

- well they would gain a lot because the united states would not have that much fighting

- United States loses respect when the different race started fighting

What are some things that can happen when people practice intolerance over a long period of time?

- When they practice it for a long time they become bitter and dont want to listen to any one but themselves they think there right no one else is right

What can people do to help create an environment that encourages respect for all persons?

Amanda F · Member

PREJUDICE:
What happens when people are judged by the way they look?
When people are judged by the way they look other people will usually seclude themselves from them or catergorize them in a group other then their own.

What is prejudice? List examples of how prejudice causes some people to stereotype others.
   Some examples of prejudice include their skin color(race), religion, where they live, what they do, what they wear, so on and so forth

Why do you think some people are prejudiced?
   I think some people are prejudice because its in their nature, its just the way they are. They are also the other reasons like that person having insecurities within themselves.

Does this film deepen your understanding of racism or prejudice?
   The film Definitly deeepened my understanding of especially racism. I saw how cruel some people can be and how the people in jasper really are by how they live their every day lives.

How does it contradict or confirm what you believe about people who hold racist views?
    The film made me see that i am so happy and thankful and lucky that i live in today's society and that most of the worlds people that hold racist views are a thing of the past. That were trying to work on getting rid of it for good.

HATE GROUPS:
Why do hate groups still exist?
    I think Hate groups still exist today for the simple fact that people still decide to categorize others by their race, religion, etc.

Are students surprised by the number of hate groups still active in the US?
    I know i was very surprised by the numbers of hate groups still existing. It angers {
me that we know about it and nothings being done.

Why are hate groups allowed to exist in the United States?
    I think the hate groups are allowed in the U.S because its simply a belief, What that person believes in. I think it is just how the U.S feels that people can believe whatever they want as long as no one is harmed in the process.

Are hate groups always composed of white people?
    Hate groups are not only composed of white people but white hate groups are more common. Hate groups could be black, Hispanic, Asian, Etc.

Are there levels of prejudice? Do most people have some prejudices?
   I think their are levels of prejudice. People can be prejudice or have prejudice ways some of the time. Honestly, I know i do.

James McCoy Moniz · Member

I passed this in physically.

David · Member

David C. Souza

Part I

Prejudice:

1. What are some examples of prejudice resulting in unfair treatment of people?
-People who hate people of a different skin color would deprive them equal rights and protection within their country. The prejudice people would harass and physically beat the minority, and some times kill them.

2. Why do you think some people are prejudiced?            -Most often people are prejudice because someone in their family was, or they fear a specific group of individuals and feel the need to persecute them out of         anger. During tough times people look for a scapegoat to put the blame on for all    the trouble occurring and to take out their frustration out on.
3. What is tolerance? List examples of how people practice tolerance or respect towards others.            -Tolerance is giving back a positive attitude towards someone or a group for an             equal opportunity to represent themselves, and or ideas. An example of tolerance     would be allowing the promotion of all religious beliefs, and not 100% filtering         speech for the promotion of ideas. Another example would be living in a           community with many different ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. 4. What are some things that can happen when people practice intolerance over a long period of time?            -Through this practice you dehumanize people, and cause great amounts of        tension between groups. Violence often breaks out between the groups to try and put the other down to cause harm, and to speak out for them selves.5. Does this film deepen your understanding of racism or prejudice?            -To be fully honest, no. I felt they did not fully explain why the men killed the     innocent man, and why they were personally motivated to hate minorities. Hate groups:1. Why do hate groups still exist?            -When people feel the need to blame a reason for a problem or to take their anger         out, they sometimes turn it towards a specific group and persecute them. The        need to find some sort of solution to a problem, no matter how absurd it may    seem is better to them than no explanation.
2. Are students surprised by the number of hate groups still active in the US?            -Depending on the region of where the school is, yes. More often than usual,    people find it hard to ponder the idea of expressed hate. That is of course they    have not personally experienced, been taught of it or seen it expressed.
3. What issues influence people to join hate groups?

-Immigration, civil rights, religious tolerance, and ethnicity are common issues to influence people to join hate groups. While growing up, they might have experience a difficult life and persecution from another hate group and felt that the best way to answer back is to with hate.

4. Why are hate groups allowed to exist in the United States? -They are granted to assemble peacefully and express their views legally as granted by the United States Constitution. Hate groups are only tolerated so long as they do not cause outward harm to anyone. Hate groups are often watched and checked by the law enforcement to ensure no harm is caused to people. 5. Are hate groups always composed of white people?

-NO! There are many hate groups that exist in the world (unfortunately), and not all of them are composed of white people. This view of all hate groups are composed of white people is a stereotype, and because our population majority is white, so they often they express hatred towards minority.

jessica finnerty · Member

What do you think the United States and the world gain or lose from respecting or not respecting diversity?

We would lose a lot. Every aspect of this country has been influenced by some one of a different country. Not respecting the diversity of everyone throws away the morals that had been taught to every american in this country. We gain tolerance, intelligence, and friendship by respecting everyone.
What are some things that can happen when people practice intolerance over a long period of time?

When people are intolerant for too long that pass it along to their children, and hate continues for years. Hate crimes can also occur.
What can people do to help create an environment that encourages respect for all persons? Start from a young age teaching children to accept all people for their differences, and if they don't like those differences learn to not hate people because of them.
Does this film deepen your understanding of racism or prejudice? Yes. I know that people can really be brought up to hate other. Its not something that people choose all the time.
How does it contradict or confirm what you believe about people who hold racist views?yes, i still believe that people that are raciist are very unwilling to change.
Why do hate groups still exist? Yes all over the world too. What issues influence people to join hate groups? Pressure, family views and just a genuine hate for certain poeple. If a person is prejudiced would he/she always join a hate group? Explain .no, some people hate other but just don't admit to it. Some people really thing that hating people for things that cant help is fine and excepted. Are there levels of prejudice? Do most people have some prejudices? I think some people hate more than others. I don't think that more people are prejudice, a lot might be, but not most people. Is racism or prejudice based on religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or ability ever acceptable if the person who is prejudiced does not commit a violent act? Why or why not? I thhink that hating any group of people makes you prejudice, and in some cases i think that hating certain people is okay, but hurting them isn't. Like i hate pedophiles but hurting a pedophile is wrong because he's still a person.

Tyrell · Veteran Member

PREJUDICE:
What happens when people are judged by the way they look?

Unfair Stereotypes are formed, which are usually false (though hey sometimes they are true)

What is prejudice? List examples of how prejudice causes some people to stereotype others.

because why you hold some prejudice when you see someone you will judge them without even knowing them.

What is tolerance? List examples of how people practice tolerance or respect towards others.

Tolerance is basically when, while you might dislike something or someone you still respect it and live beside it. Tolerence can go as far as not liking a religion/race but allowing it to exist with you with no problems

What do people gain or lose from respecting or not respecting others diversity?

If you don't respect someone's diversity then you lose most knowledge of them and their culture and your mind is fogged with stereotypes and prejudice about that group.

What are some things that can happen when people practice intolerance over a long period of time?

Usually a deepseated hate, and extreme stereotyping and prejudice. Where sometimes no matter what you just don't believe anything you've known to be false.

HATE GROUPS:
Why do hate groups still exist?

Honestly? because some people just don't want to grow up and get on with the times. They refuse to accept anything else that isn't their narrow minded opinion.

Are students surprised by the number of hate groups still active in the US?

Personally I'm not that surprised

What issues influence people to join hate groups?

Immigration, crime, religion, etc

Why are hate groups allowed to exist in the United States?

The bill O' rights mah boi

Is this an American phenomena or do hate groups exist in other countries? Give examples.

I do believe hate groups are much more common in america but hate groups do exist in other countries in numbers just as big. Only reason they are more rampant and expressive in america is because of the amendments and the fact that there is a huge amount of diversity in this country.

Tyrell · Veteran Member

In Jasper, the fence dividing the town cemetery into black and white sections symbolized divisions in the community at large. Do similar symbols exist in your community? Would it make a difference to dismantle them? If so, how might you begin that process?

No I don't believe there is any symbol like that in my community.

Are the attitudes of people in the film similar to attitudes in your own community? If so, would viewers of this film therefore come away knowing more about you and your community? Is there any way in which viewers might be misled about you or your community?

Not at all, our community is incredible diverse and open about it. Though hate, prejudice, etc does exist like in almost ever city it is know where near as severe as Jaspar

mre · Senior Member

grades updated 05-08-08

Zack · Member

What happens when people are judged by the way they look?
When people are judged based on the way they look, they tend to be judged in a very inaccurate way. I think this just makes those people bitter and angry, maybe even lead them to do the same.

Why do you think some people are prejudiced?
I believe that some people are prejudiced based on bad experiences they've had. For example, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that a white store clerk watches black customers when--from the clerk's experience--a lot of the black customers steal from the store when other ethnicities do not. It's not right, but it does make sense in a way.

What are some things that can happen when people practice intolerance over a long period of time?
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a prime example of what happens. People practice intolerance of a different group, then the other group practices intolerance of the first group. Pretty soon, it doesn't really matter who started it because both sides are killing each other for stupid, unrelated reasons.

PREJUDICE
What can people do to help create an environment that encourages respect for all persons?
People can start clubs or organizations and invite members from different ethnic groups to encourage people to try mingling with others that are not from their own ethnic group. Having different ethnic groups interact with each other in a positive way helps to humanize each of the groups to one another. If people come to realize that their thoughts about other ethnic groups are misconceptions, they will at least come to an understanding of one another.

The only way to encourage people to have respect for others is to get them to interact in ways that provide positive feedback. If there aren't groups that attempt to showcase this, the public at large may not realize that the creation of a more positive environment is possible.

How does it contradict or confirm what you believe about people who hold racist views?
For me, the film confirms my beliefs on people with racist views. Like I'd already thought, people may not always be the cross-burning lynch mobs that jump to the forefront but they do hold views that they received from listening to their parents and they let it influence them to varying degrees. The white supremacist wasn't surprising in the least, but I was disgusted to find the breakfast club of whites talking like that in front of the little girl. Evidently, people with racist views can't help but promote the same ignorance in their children.

HATE GROUPS
Why do hate groups still exist?
Hate groups still exist because there are still communities where the belief that certain groups of people are inferior and should not be given the same rights or laws to live by. This belief has existed since the dawn of civilization and will always continue to exist because ignorant people reproduce and teach their children to hold the same prejudices despite the fact that they probably have no reason to hold these prejudices themselves since it was their own parents that taught them to think in that way to begin with. It's a vicious cycle of moronic behavior.

What influences people to join hate groups?
People join hate groups due to either the way they were raised by their parents or their own personal experiences with different groups of people.

Why are hate groups allowed to exist in the United States?
Hate groups are allowed to exist in the United States because the U.S. Constitution guarantees the freedoms of speech, religion, and press. Unfortunately, this also means that absolutely everyone has the right to stand on a soapbox with a bullhorn and shout their beliefs at the top of their lungs, regardless of how ignorant those beliefs might be. To deny hate groups the right to exist would be a violation of the Constitution, which leads some to believe that it could turn into a slippery slope that ends in the government having complete say over what we say or do.

Are hate groups always composed of white people?
No.

If a person is prejudiced would he/she always join a hate group? Explain.
No. Just because a person is prejudiced does not mean they will always join a hate group. Hate groups are organized to promote their prejudices and commit violent acts against the groups which they hold prejudices. Some people might have prejudice but refuse to act on it or attempt to correct their line of thought. I won't deny that media and personal experience has led to some preconceived thoughts of my own about black people, but that doesn't mean I want to beat them down or run screaming in the opposite direction when I come into contact with them. The difference between the prejudiced person who doesn't join a hate group and the one that does is whether or not they feel strongly enough about it to actively demonstrate it.

What is the history of blacks in the justice system in your community? Has justice in your community come a long way? Can you think of any specific examples?

Blacks nationwide have always been targeted by law enforcers who hold prejudice views, but this was much more common (and legal) before the civil rights movement. In New Bedford, I doubt it's been much of a problem because of the diversity of the population.

In the film, we see people coming together in worship. What role do the religious institutions in your community play in either bringing people together or keeping them divided? If you are affiliated with a religious institution, what role do you think it plays? What can you do to shape that role?

I honestly don't know what role religious institutions in New Bedford play. I've never really paid attention to the religious activities of the people I know.

Contemplating the guilty verdict and sentence of one of Jaspers hometown sons, a resident observes, When you know someone, you want to cut him slack. Are you more likely to cut slack to people you know, people who look like you, or share your religion, or live in your neighborhood? When you know someone its harder to hate or stereotype them. How do we get to know people who are different from us? Are there ways that you can help people from different groups meet and spend time with one another?

I might cut slack for someone depending on what it is that's going on. If it's a trial for a crime they committed, I won't cut them any slack if it's proven that there is absolutely no way they didn't commit the crime. They broke the law and having some connection to me doesn't make them deserve any less punishment for doing something wrong. If it's for something simple like work, I might cut friends some slack.

We get to know people who are different from us by being involved in activities that require us to deal with them. School, work, church, or just going outside put us into contact with a variety of people.

Getting people from different groups to meet and spend time with one another requires finding what they have in common to begin with. An athlete and a computer geek are about as different as you can get when it comes to the focus of their energy; one focuses on the environment and the body, the other on technology and the mind. If, however, the people from both groups have something in common (such as a love of animals), they might at least tolerate each other long enough to do what they need/want. The recent ads on television for protecting the environment have put conservatives and liberals on a couch to emphasize that they believe in different things on many subjects, but they agree on what needs to be done for the environment.

Monotheistic religions tend to have writings in their respective sacred texts that preach the same ideals despite how different they might be otherwise. Sometimes they celebrate holidays around the same time (such as December). Despite how different these religions might be, they often find common ground to come together as a larger community for the greater good.

-- Edited by Zack at 18:44, 2008-05-08

mre · Senior Member

grades updated 05-09-08

Jimmy · Member

PREJUDICE
1. When people are judged by the way they look then people miss out. A person might look at someone else and have something against them because of the way they look. Then, who knows? That person might be one of the coolest people in the world and you wouldn't know.
2. I think some people are prejudice for one reason. Thats how they were brought up. If a person is born into an accepting family then I don't think they will end up being a racist. If they are borin into that enviroment then that is how they will turn out.
3. I think the United States gains many things from being diverse. The biggest thing we gain I think is the fact that we have many point of views of different subjects. It is always better to look at something from many perspectives then one.
4. To create an envorment that encourages respect for everyone then you must encourage everyone to work together. They have to be able to cooperate and compromise.
5. This film did help me to understand prejudice. It showed me how bad it can really be since a lot of us don't get to see it firsthand around here. Thankfully.

HATE GROUPS
1. Hate groups exist still because racism and prejudice still exist.
2. Yes, students are surprised about the number of hate groups in the U.S. We tend to think of the U.S. as a very open and understanding place. It really is, but we still have problems too.
3. Hate groups are allowed to exist in the U.S. because the Constituiton protects thier rights to express thier opinions in a nonviolent manner.
4. Yes, I do believe that there are different levels are prejudice. Some people can be prejudice and just not want to be around certain people. But, when it is unavoidable still be respectful.
5. Yes, some bias are acceptable like my bias toward the Boston Red Sox over any other MLB team.

Ricardo Teixeira · Member

PREJUDICE:
What happens when people are judged by the way they look? They obviously judge who they are by what they look like instantly.
What is prejudice? List examples of how prejudice causes some people to stereotype others. Prejudice is just how you react to something, morely how you result in it. If you were born in a family with racists, you will grow upon it and think what they think is correct, which is being racist.
What do you think the United States and the world gain or lose from respecting or not respecting diversity? The United States alone would gain, yet there is always 2 sides of the spoon on this case.
What are some things that can happen when people practice intolerance over a long period of time? They become more adapted to it, and just do it on point really. They grow on it and it becomes a habit.
What can people do to help create an environment that encourages respect for all persons? You probably couldn't create an environment because there will always be someone to not agree with it. There can be agreement with it but there always will be someone in the back disagreeing.

HATE GROUPS:
Why do hate groups still exist? Hate groups still exist due to people who carry on the hate that their family has developed. Usually it starts fake, then it is just a bad habit.
Are students surprised by the number of hate groups still active in the US? Students who figure out the numbers on the facts, become very surprised. It really isn't in their face until someone shows it to them. Sometimes they dont even know.
What issues influence people to join hate groups? Usually its because they're pressured into it, or just because they feel something on it seems to be right in their own opinion.
Why are hate groups allowed to exist in the United States? They are allowed because it is the freedom of speech really.
Are hate groups always composed of white people? No. There are hate groups who are colored also.

Part II: Group Questions (Work will be assigned in groups listed below. Heres how its going to work: In the forum, each person should answer each of the questions in your group, [80 points] but all students should comment or respond to whatever posts they like [20 points]. Talk about the issues out loud if youd like with people in your group. Share ideas and help each other. Be honest and open. Speak your truth!)

Group #1: Blaine, Jenice, Ricardo, Kara

What are the demographics of your community?
Basically, New Bedford is a melting pot. We generally have been very calm with the "hating" yet there is always a hate towards someone where they are from.

How is it like or unlike Jasper?
Jasper is definitely more hardcore on it. They have it literally split in the town, but they just keep it on the DL. Probably the only huge town that still has segregation today. Especially with its history.

Through the course of the film, viewers see varied expressions of racism, from extreme white supremacism to mundane stereotyping. What forms of racism are present in your community right now?
Probably mild stereotyping. We seem to hate on the Guatamalans a lot of the time lately since they are being immigrated here...

Have the forms of racism changed over time?
Yes. They have been quite strict on racism since it can get out of control quickly, so they have their own tagged land with their type of hate group nowadays.

What actions can you take to diminish the instances of racism you have identified?
Not much. You cannot change someones opinion unless they actually accept it.

What were the causes in Jasper that led to this crime?
Well, they were all drunk. Including the victim. Didn't really think it would end up that way but their actions showed that they were apart of a hate group against the victim's color.

Do you think something similar to the murder of James Byrd could happen in your community?
We have murders in New Bedford quite often to be honest... anything can happen.

What kinds of things make it likely or unlikely that such a crime could take place where you live?
It's likely due to the such big melting pot, the "gangs", and the way how it is easy to disrespect someone (even by accident, and not even noticing you are "disrespectin' ".

What can you do to decrease the likelihood of it happening?
Lately more NARCs have been hitting the streets. If we only had a way to keep crime in control, or just low enough because our crime rate is pretty high. We have such a diverse community...

One black woman in the film observes, Jasper has a lot of skeletons. Are there skeletons in your community?
Skeletons? Like a "walking dead man"?

Have hate crimes happened in your community?
Very little, but it happens. It never gets too hardcore.

If so, how did you respond?
What's new? People dont seem to respect people from out of the United States. Especially if they're still new, atleast help them out. They are nice people too, and are human.

How did your community respond?
Was very upset about it really. A lot of people changed their views, but not everyone.

Part III: Social Activism It's really simple... What od you think should be done about the issues raised in this story? What can be done?  What will be done? What do you want to do as a class, as a school as a member of your community to 'be the change you want to see in the world'? Write your answer for [80 points] and respond, comment or offer a suggestion to another student's post [20 points].

There isn't much to be done. Due to our modern laws, it would be havoc in the courtroom. All we can probably do is just try to prevent the hate groups from starting trouble. What we can do is probably atleast interfear with people at Jasper and try to change their opinion with actual facts. Or maybe have new people into the community and try to talk to them long term with their positive views on it. As a school, we probably could have "interviews" or something.

mre · Senior Member

grades updated 5/27/08

cheyannex3 · Member

HATE GROUPS:
Why do hate groups still exist?
hate groups still exist because some people are brought up to hate certain things and certain people. hate and racism is not dead and will never be. when you grown up learning ti hate something or certain types of people then thats all you know and you are going to take that with you throughout life.

Are students surprised by the number of hate groups still active in the US?
i personally am not surprised by the number of hate groups still active in the US. There is so much hatred and racism in teh world today especially in the south.
What issues influence people to join hate groups?

Is this an American phenomena or do hate groups exist in other countries? Give examples.
hate groups exist in other countries. for example, israeli and palestinian.

Are hate groups always composed of white people?
hate groups are composed by all kind of people not specifically whites.

Are hate groups solely concerned with race? What are other prejudices do hate groups organize around?
race sex, orientation, religious beliefs. etc.

If a person is prejudiced would he/she always join a hate group? Explain
no, not evrryone had to join a hate group just becauese they are prejudiced.

Are there levels of prejudice? Do most people have some prejudices?
i think everyone has some type of prejudices.

Is racism or prejudice based on religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or ability ever acceptable if the person who is prejudiced does not commit a violent act? Why or why not?
i believe so. everyone is entitiled to their own opinion, as long as you dont act on it.

PART 2

Do you think life in Jasper changed after the trials? If so, how? Consider the following comments: Ive change my views partially. . . . I dont want to have anything to do with the Aryan Circle, the Aryan Brotherhood, or the gangs. . . . Bottom ine is that youve got to treat people, all people, the way you want to be treated, know what I mean? Thats what I do now. I used to not do that. - Trent Smith The black community and the white community have made very real efforts to speak to one another perhaps more than we ever did, to make eye contact, to be more concerned, I think, than we ever were before. And I think thats been having an impact. - Father Ron Fosage We cant change a white mans heart, how they feel and think about us. We can expose it, like we did with Bill King. . . but you cant necessarily change it. You live with it. Walter Diggles
- i dont think that it changed completely. i think that it got a little better but you cant just completely erase some thing like that. its going to take alot of time.

In Jasper, the fence dividing the town cemetery into black and white sections symbolized divisions in the community at large. Do similar symbols exist in your community? Would it make a difference to dismantle them? If so, how might you begin that process?
- i believe social class and education divides us all.

Are the attitudes of people in the film similar to attitudes in your own community? If so, would viewers of this film therefore come away knowing more about you and your community? Is there any way in which viewers might be misled about you or your community.
I think that everyone in every community experiences some type of prejudice in their communtiy.

Part III: Social Activism It's really simple... What od you think should be done about the issues raised in this story? What can be done?  What will be done? What do you want to do as a class, as a school as a member of your community to 'be the change you want to see in the world'? Write your answer for [80 points] and respond, comment or offer a suggestion to another student's post [20 points].

I dont think there is much that can be done. you cannot change peoples attitudes and they way they think and feel about others.

mre · Senior Member

grades updated 5/29/08 - morning