What do you understand intersexuality and transexuality to be. Has your study of these topics been useful to you? How?

    Society has many different meanings and ways of how a man, or a woman should look, act, behave, and be. They believe that a man is a man from the whole nine yards, from the brain, to the feet. Same thing goes for women. What society does not know is that a person can be born one gender, but is actually another. Society may want to take a second look at Intersexuality, and Transexuality. They will learn a lot from it. It may not be the afflicted person’s fault if they are a certain way.
    Intersexuality, is a mixture of male and female characteristics. Has several definitions, and forms. Transexuality, changing one’s gender, to look like the opposite, because of forces, or the person’s state of mind. Some times, Intersexuality can happen from a number of causes. Either it can happen from genetic reasons, or it can happen anywhere in between gestation and pregnancy. Intersexuality is also when a person is born a hermadophite. I never really understood it at first. I wondered, what? How can that happen? Does it exist? When I read the article, I have found out that it does and can happen, and it exists. A person can have female genitals, the whole nine yards, but genetically, they are male.
    Transexuality is when a person changes one sexuality, usually through surgery, or they choose to dress the opposite gender, or they may have gender dysphoria. People feel that they are trapped in the wrong body for a variety of reasons, or they may like the attributes of the opposite gender. I have met a couple of transsexuals in my life. Some of them looked like the the opposite gender. They may be fully transgendered, or partially transgendered. Society expects them to be “cured” of their Transexuality. If that can happen, for every person that was “cured”, I would have been rich. I am not talking about Bill Gates rich, Warren Buffett rich, because those “cures” would have been expensive. Does a cure really exist? No. It does not.
    My understanding and knowledge of these topics has helped me very much. The article was useful, because I have learned what Intersexuality, and Transexuality is all about. I know that society might need to learn how to look at the person instead of their sexuality.

What do you think to be the cause of homosexuality? Have Your views on homosexuality been affected by the study of this topic?

    The names that society that calls people who does not fit their standard of what a man, or woman should be: Gay, faggot, dyke, punk. People who do not adhere to the standards of society are called these names. I know that I may drift of the subject a minute, put I have a point: Why is it that society expects women accept the sexual advances of a man? Why does society wants men to instantly be excited when a woman walks by? I don’t know, but society has a very warped sense of femininity, and masculinity.
    I believe that homosexuality comes from a person’s lifestyle choice. Some people also say that homosexuality may also be genetic. Whatever the reason may be, the choice will always be on the shoulders of that particular person. Also, homosexuality can also come, in my opinion, from a person’s sexual experiences. Maybe they wanted to try different things, and probably enjoyed it. Or, it can come from a traumatic moment with a member of the opposite sex.
    My opinion on homosexual people was not affected. This topic has strengthened my opinion, based on facts, not lies, and beliefs. My opinions on homosexual people are these: they are people, they have needs, and they are the kindest people you will ever meet. To me, it really does not matter on their sexuality. I do not pay attention to it, because at the end of the day, they are humans. To me, my beliefs have not been affected by the study of the topic. People may be mad, that homosexuals refuse to uphold society’s standard of a man and a woman, which in my opinion, is truly unrealistic. I congratulate them for being their own person.

React to the article "Tale of Two Islands" Do you think a case can be made for charges of institutional racism?

“I am the pearl of the Antilles; I was France’s most prized country. My land has been occupied by its inhabitants, and I have seen it prosper. I have also seen my country become the first Independent Black country in the world, on January 1, 1804. Over time, my country has seen and experience things that was beyond our control. On day, Haiti shall rise again.”

    This quote shows the amount of admiration that I have for my country. While Haiti has been way past its golden years, it is still suffering today. On the other hand, since I don’t have any quotes that show my admiration for Cuba, I am only left with facts. My family never came from Cuba at all; the information about Cuba astonishes me. On how Cuba was able to actually embarrass a powerful country. Shocking? Yes it is. Am I surprised? No. Not really. The United States had their faces handed to them, just like France when Haiti defeated their army at the time.

    When I read about the “Tale of Two Islands, a case can be made for institutional racism. The reason why is because of the United States’ “Wet foot- Dry foot” policy. This policy is a clear cut case of racism. So clear, that even I can see through it. Here is how the policy goes: When an immigrant usually reaches land, they are allowed to stay. If they are still in the water, or surfing in high speed boats, and the guards usually catches them, they are usually repatriated back to their country. I know. This is the definition that they gave us.

    The actual definition and word for the policy is called: Institutional Racism. The Definition: When Cubans reach land, they are generally allowed to stay. If they make it on water, they are sometimes sent back home, but mostly, they stay. When Haitians reach land, they are sent right back home. The same thing applies when they are on the water. This is racism. They treat Cubans better than Haitians.

    The reason why this would make a case for institutional racism is because the Cubans are being treated better than Haitians by our government. How does the government view Haitians? Like dirt on a ground that is meant to be kicked around? Like a dirty mop? I wonder. All of the governmental protections that are given to Cubans here, those same protections are not given to Haitians. Even if they have a plausible excuse to flee their country. Cubans are, in my opinion; always cry because of Fidel Castro. Well, they need to do something about it in their country, try to work with him on a compromise, even though he will never change.

    Haiti, on the other hand, does not have that exact ability. Everything has been taken away from them, by France and United States. France has been making Haiti pay back their country for the lost of their slaves? What slaves?! I don’t care if France has to use their own people! When the earthquake happened in Haiti, France should have been the first country to help them. France decided to cancel some of Haiti’s debt, but they still want them to pay back some of it.

    The United States has a hand in it too. Some of the policies that were enacted were and always, clearly racist. I do not care, if they try to sweeten up the words, and making it sound all different. It is like putting icing on a rotten cake, not knowing that it is disgusting. The words, “Wet foot-Dry foot” policy, is just plain wrong. This policy is clearly a case of institutional racism that needs to be challenged in the Supreme Court. I would one day love to have the honor of challenging this policy, and eliminating this same policy that continues to deny Haitian citizens are right to earn a living in the United States.

Reflect on What you've learned about Race and Racism.

     Race. The characteristics of a person, by the color of their skin. Racism. The treatment of a person based on race. Does it sound funny? Does it sound weird? I know. Those words, just want to make you cringe with fear. Should it? No. Should race relations in America be amended? Yes. I do believe so. Contrary to the public’s redundant belief that everyone is all happy and smiles, that we just come together in one big happy family of colors, it is not going to happen. It may happen in the schools, but when our future students graduate into the real world, it is only black and white. Race and racism will never go away, like writings on a wall.

     There were several things that I have learned about race and racism. Race is, as people would call it, a socially constructed word, which is always used for legal purposes, such as identifying the demographics of people, and at the same time, used against people of color. At the same time, it is not biological, but then, at the same time, it can be genetic, based on our features, and hereditary. If there is a biological race, why do Hispanics consider themselves a race, even though they look white?

     Racism is the treatment of a person based on their race. Racism can occur directly, or indirectly. It can occur individually, or institutionally. For example, in individually, a person treats another person (usually of color) wrong. In the case of institutional racism, it is the denial, on the basis of race, the federally protected opportunities that every American should get.

     When I read the article, it saddens me that we still live in racism today. I remember when I was a kid; they showed everyone holding hands, playing around like it is all cool. The worst part of it, the adults do not know that children know about race relations in America. It took a while for Disney to finally have a black princess. I wonder, will we ever become the real America?

Compare the patterns of Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in Rwanda, Bosnia and Dafur. What insights have you gained from reading about these atrocities?

      When I read about the patterns of Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, there were several similarities in them. The similarities in them are that a major ethnic group wanted to eliminate all of the other groups. They either eliminated them by Genocide, when they kill them, or by Ethnic Cleansing, when they eliminate peoplefor any reason or, by any other means necessary, so that they can be a “pure” race.

      When I read about it, In Darfur, militia has has killed and raped people systematically. Many people give this reason of why: “Because we are Black.” When I read the article, it made me wonder why a group of people would kill their own. In addition, when I read the Article, It has also explained the execution style killings of the villagers in Darfur.

      When I read about the other two places, in Rwanda and Bosnia, it made me wonder why they attempted to kill people. Is it because of the color of their skin, their culture, you what they perceive to be impure people. I have also learned that there are several steps of perfection that other people use to eliminate another group of people, which are Concentration, Decapitation, Separation, Evacuation, and Liquidation. Also, reading about the incidents, all of it was the same, even though it was carried out in different forms. In order for it to truly end, we must be able to fully understand the concept of Culture.

Reflect on the Holocaust. What do you think about people who say it didn't happen?

     The Holocaust, The annihilation of six million Jews, and countless others. The reason behind it seemed and is pointless. Just because the Nazi blamed them for Germany’s loss in World War I, and the sorry state of Germany during that time period. When I read the Holocaust, I was in shock. It puzzles me as to why they killed so many women, men, and children, almost everybody, who were not part of the “superior” German race. Till this day, even though the Holocaust has passed, it will never be forgotten

     When I read what happened, it brought out anger. I was so outraged at what happened. People were used for medical experiments, and labor. The rest of them were killed. I take a look and questions such as, “Why did Adolf Hitler decided to kill so many people?” “What was his purpose?” “Was Adolf Hitler jealous of the Jews?” The most unusual thing is that once he was in power, he eliminated all opposition and launched a ruthless program of world domination and eradication of the Jews, corresponding the very same ideas that were presented in his book, “Mein Kampf.” His "1,000 Year Reich” which barely lasted 12 years and he died a broken and defeated man.

     In the end, besides facing up to what he did, Adolf Hitler took the coward’s way out; He killed himself with cyanide. Here is what I think of those who deny that the Holocaust ever happened: Why do you believe that the Holocaust did not exist? Why do you think that it is just a fairy tale? A myth? A hocus-pocus magic trick? To me, you will one day remember those words, when your eyes are open to what actually happened. Only then, you can see through the eyes of the survivors. What type of person, or who, would ever deny that the Holocaust did not exist? I will give you an example.

     Look at Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iran leader that shocked the world when he called the Holocaust “myth” What does he think? That six million people was killed by the sun? If six million people were killed by the sun, I already know that we would not exist, and no one would be outside. I’m sorry Mr. Ahmadinejad, but evidence points otherwise. The Holocaust is not a “myth”. With documented cases; Survivors still are living till this day to explain a horror so unimaginable, that even Stephen King cannot write a novel about it. How and why do you think that the Holocaust was “Make-Believe”? I sit there and wonder about those who believe that the Holocaust did not exist.

     When you have people who deny the Holocaust, they deny a part of human history. You just cannot take an eraser, and erase all of the bad events in world history; and you definitely cannot erase the Holocaust. It is a world event that will always and forever leave a footprint in history. To those who survived through the Holocaust, it is a miracle that you are still alive today, to tell us of the worst human atrocity during the time period.

Write a reflection on your reaction to the several articles in "Understanding Prejudices" Do you understand how prejudice happens?

     Prejudice happens everywhere. Whether it is by race, origin, sex, or religion, and even through marital status and religion. Prejudice happens everywhere. Even in America prejudice happens. Many people say that when the Civil Rights Era ended, so did prejudice. They believed that everything is okay. Also, they believe that even when we had laws passed, protecting us from discrimination and prejudice, that it was all over. But in reality, it still exists.

     When I read the article on understanding prejudice, I learned that prejudice can happen in any way, shape, and form. I have learned is that prejudice happens in all walks of life. I have learned that prejudice can also happen unintentional and intentionally. Intentional prejudice happens later in life, based on that person’s beliefs, or events that has happened to them early in life. Unintentional prejudice happens when it occurs early in life, such as in childhood, due to influence by older people, or authority.

     There were several things that I have also learned about prejudice, but this fact is what has occurred to me the most. When we experience prejudice, we must learn how to deal with it. We also must learn how to accept other people, not based on their outer appearance, or religions, or any of the protected statuses. We must learn how to view them as one person, who is equal.