Archive for the ‘Opinion’ Category:
02 Nov
Recently, Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA enacted its new appropriate attire policy. In this new policy, eleven expectations have been set to show how Morehouse men are expected to dress. Examples of this new dress policy include no do-rags, no women’s clothing, and no sagging in the classroom or at campus events. Most would wonder why being an all male school, Morehouse would even have to outline a rule banning women’s clothing. While many believe that Morehouse’s dress code policy change was targeted at reviving the image of masculinity on campus, the policy change brings up an interesting debate. While there are many people who agree with this policy, there are just as many who disagree. These new rules have stirred a debate regarding dress codes on college campuses. However, there are a couple of questions that could be addressed. The first question is what constitutes appropriate dress on a college campus? Secondly, should students be told what to wear? Lastly, do the clothes that African American males wear really define who they are?
So what exactly is the appropriate dress for a college campus? Many college campuses have no set standards that say what is and what is not appropriate on campus. Walking on many college campuses it is possible to see students wearing sweat pants, pajamas, do-rags, etc. North Carolina State University has no defined code of dress. Many schools really could care less what students are wearing as long as they pay tuition, come to class, learn, and graduate. After all students come to college to become educated. There are many articles of clothing which have no place in the classroom, but shouldn’t students know that article of clothing is right or wrong? College is a place where most students start to become more responsible. So shouldn’t they be responsible to regulate their dress? By now, students should know what to wear when they go to a job interview. There is a time and a place to wear specific attire. Is college really the time to be giving lessons on dress etiquette? College however is supposed to prepare students of what they can expect in the “real world.” When it comes to the “real world”, people don’t exactly get the opportunity to choose what they want to wear to work. So one might say that if we are preparing students for the real world, maybe there should be some sort of dress policy in place.
This brings us to the question, regarding whether students should be told what to wear. Many students may believe that their clothes are one of the elements which make them who they are. College is supposed to be the best years of a person’s life. College is the stoplight between childhood and the real world. It’s a time when students can explore new ideas, learn themselves, and decide what they want to do in life. With all the stresses of studying, finances, career decisions, should clothing be added to the list? What changes will regulating student dress really bring? While, statistics have shown that uniforms in high school seem to change the atmosphere, one must realize that college and high school are on two different levels. If a dress code was to show up at some place like NC State, who would police this policy? Would it even be possible for someone to police the attire of more than 34,000 people on a daily basis?
It seems that when it comes to concerns with clothing in today’s society, African American males stand at the forefront. Some people feel as if the style in which African American men have taken on is disrespectful and juvenile. They feel as if the clothes that African American males choose to wear further hinder themselves from success. One must ask, will putting on a suit and tie suddenly erase the achievement gap? What about trying to have resources to educate black males to make the right decisions in life. What about making sure that more jobs are readily available. What about inspiring more African American men to become teachers. There are much bigger problems that need to be addressed before we start worrying about an image. Putting a suit on a thug is not guaranteed to change his mentality.
02 Nov
After the initial excitement of freshman year, our daily activities can seem rather mundane. The routine of waking up, going to class, going to work, doing homework and then going to sleep gets really old really fast. We are young and somehow our lives are already lacking excitement. To combat this feeling of hollowness we, intentionally or unintentionally, create drama. The reality is that drama is not good for anyone and some of its negative consequences are irreversible.
It’s common for people to say “I don’t do drama” or “I’m drama free”, but in actuality those are the ones who create the most drama. One area where I have witnessed a major amount of drama is between groups of friends. At first I was appalled because your friends are supposed to be your backbone and your breath of fresh air in this hectic world. Friends are the family you choose, so why so much drama? I’ve noticed that once we hit the college environment and see how big it is, we feel overwhelmed and insignificant. We no longer have the identity we had in high school. Very few people, if any, know who you are and sometimes that leads to feelings of low self worth. To get this much needed feeling of self worth we then start to make changes within ourselves that will draw attention to us. These actions can include changing the way you dress, talk, act etc. While creating this “new identity” you can loose your true self. This new person you’ve become can then cause clashes between you and your friends. You then may start to alienate your true friends or try to out shine them with your so-called fabulousness. I’ve seen people turn into selfish, boisterous, arrogant individuals all for the sake of attention. Their lives are stimulated by drama and that is what they are known for. They then have no real friends, just a whole crowd of people around them who only stick around them for superficial reasons. People need to realize that NC State University is not College Hill. You are not getting paid to act ridiculous. Becoming a fake person and pushing away your real friends is one of the worst things you could do.
Drama can also ensue over significant others. Having an intimate connection with someone on a higher level than friendship is exciting and something many of us crave. This is a great thing, but the problems begin when the significant other gets in the way of the other constant things in your life. Sometimes it may not even be the significant others fault. You could be the clingy one. Spending every waking and sleeping moment with each other is unhealthy. You can become jealous and obsessive without realizing it. I have been witness to a myriad of broken friendships based on the idea that the individual blamed his/her friends for trying to steal his/her significant other. The key is prioritizing. If there is a dramatic situation brewing between your significant other and friends think about who benefits you the most. Who is there for you when you need them? Who doesn’t judge you? Who loves you for you? Pick the one(s) who you feel are real and true.
A big part of this drama ordeal is the urge to be known around campus. It amazes me how people want to have some type of fame around campus and not for the right reasons. The more people you know the higher potential for drama. If you want to known for be academic reasons or for networking then that is great. Getting to know people of all demographics will definitely help you in the long run, personally and academically. Wanting to be known can be negative when your only motive is to get into parties and social events. You can end up in the wrong crowd of people who want nothing more than to make you just like them. You may even feel pressure to “perform” in front of people constantly. Being around people who don’t really know you can be mentally and physically exhausting. Appearing as someone that you are not and trying to assimilate yourself to their liking wastes your time and others.
We are all too old for drama. We are not living in the fabricated existences that are created in reality shows. Try your best to keep the drama in your life to a minimum. You can have an exciting life without you being in other people’s business and them being in yours.
09 Oct
The subject of race has always been an important one for President Obama, he first gained minor notoriety in academic circles for being the first African American President of the Harvard Law Review, and wrote a best selling and critically acclaimed book, (Dreams From My Father,) about the subject of race in America. He also came under fire for his relationship with his former pastor, Black Liberation Theology devotee Reverend Jeremiah Wright.
The subject of race has once again been thrust into the public forum as the criticism of President Obama has become more extreme at Tea Party rallies, and after South Carolina representative Joe Wilson’s unprecedented outburst during one of his most recent presidential addresses to a joint session of Congress. The most notable critic of the protests has been former President Jimmy Carter, who said of the protests “I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he is African-American.”
The criticism was not well received by the overwhelming majority of conservative voices in the country. Michael Steele, the first African American to serve as chair of the Republican National Committee said “President Carter is flat-out wrong, this is not about race. It is about policy.”
People on President Carter’s side of the argument tend to point out the more unusual elements of the criticism of President Obama to support their opinions. Such as the persistent “birther” movement that holds that the President was not actually born in the United States. The movement originated during Obama’s run for the presidency and has persisted to this day in spite of him having already produced his Hawaiian birth certificate and the local newspaper announcement of his birth that his parents released.
Those who claim that the criticism is racially motivated also point to the more extreme elements of some of the criticism, such as the various caricatures of President Obama as a Hitler, or a witch doctor, or signs like one that was spotted at a gathering in Washington DC that read: “The zoo has an African lion and the White House has a lyin’ African.”
The argument has its merits, and in some cases it is clear that race is a key factor for some people’s dislike of President Obama, but it is not always that simple. “Granted, some people (on both sides of the isle) do not like President Obama because he is black. Those are misguided feelings fostered from ignorance and lack of decent civility; however, it is simply ridiculous to group all protestors in the South into this category. When you have close to 2,000,000 protestors at an event there are bound to be some bad apples with ignorant signs and frankly stupid rants,” notes Ches McDowell, President of the NCSU chapter of the College Republicans. As New York Times columnist David Brooks pointed out in a recent column, he noticed that when some of the tea party protests were going on near (the Black Family Reunion Celebration) to celebrate African American culture, some of the tea party protesters could be found enjoying the festivities themselves, so it would be unfair to suggest that the grievances expressed at the Tea Parties all come from racial dislike.
Extreme presidential dislike is nothing new. Anyone who has not been living in a cave knows that feelings on President Bush certainly ran in extremes. It was not unusual to find protestors of Bush’s policies portraying him as Hitler and accusing him of being a fascist. As Mr. Brooks notes in his opinion column, the arguments that are being so virulently expressed at the tea party protests are as old as the country itself and the arguments over the role of government in democracy that Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton had. While it would not seem that the arguments being expressed are as eloquent and intelligent as the ones Hamilton and Jefferson often expressed, it does mean that the dislike of what people believe are parts of the Obama political agenda can come from a source other than racism.
Politics is a game for only those with the thickest skin, and a democracy cannot thrive unless people are allowed to passionately criticize their leaders. However, that does not mean that all criticism is equally well reasoned or worthy of consideration. It would be better if we could all argue a little more politely and honestly, so we could critically think about what we are arguing, rather than why we are arguing.
09 Oct
In many situations in America parents tell their children to not date outside their race. When I was in high school I had a Caucasian friend who was on the cheerleading squad, and a lot of African American boys liked her. She would speak to them and flirt with them, but she would never date them. I took it upon myself to ask her, would she ever date a black guy? She responded, “Girl no, my parents would kill me”.” Situations like these are all over America despite your race. America has come a long way from segregation and Jim Crow laws, but some things never change. Everyday people in America try to overcome the obstacles of being divided by coming together in courtship and dating.
Every year more African American women are starting to date Caucasian men, and as the tables turn, it is starting to upset a lot of African American men. African American men look at the African American woman as if she thinks she is too good for them because she is educated and/or with a white man. Which in a way I can see, where they are coming from, but they should not oppose to her solely because she went and got her education and they did not. African American men need to step up to the plate and get their education and stop with all the negativity in life, and then maybe they can find themselves educated African American women. However, nine times out of ten, when a black man becomes successful he will date a white woman.
When an black male dates a white woman the couple is frowned upon; while stereotypes such as “white girls will call rape” and “white women only date successful black men for their money.” Some African American women may argue that there are not enough successful African American men to go around, and the ones that they do have are either dating Caucasian women, in jail, or are not interested in women at all. Nevertheless, this seems to be the reason why some African American women date white men. Strong African American women want men that can match their education level and a lot of African American men are falling short of an education.
Some African Americans may argue that interracial dating is just another way to keep their race down, because when you take time to think about it the only people that are capable of making the typical African American child is an African American man and woman, so if you separate them eventually the African American race will become extinct. However, this is not other races’ fault. It is the African American and Caucasian race that needs to step up and play their part in education and society because the imbalance is on both sides of the ethnic groups. The white guy may have his reasons for dating an black woman and the white women may have their reasons for dating an black man.
Despite what people may think, I believe that if you are in an interracial relationship then you should stick to it. There will be obstacles that you may have to deal with the occasional stares, the rude remarks, etc, but it will only make your relationship stronger in the end. Love has no shape, form, or color.
09 Oct
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union…I couldn’t have said it better myself. The utopian idea of society that “we the [black] people” strive for has through time been forced farther and farther from our minds. It has been replaced with this I get mine and walk over anybody who stands in my way mentality, and once we get where we want to go we forget about where we are from and try to mimic ourselves after the majority. We try to put ourselves ahead of the game and become entrepreneurs and make our own money so the “majority” has no control over us. We want our kids and our peers to marry within our race for reasons that escape me. We are so fired up about pro-black this and pro-black that. We are so ready for change to come to America, yet we still call out racism and are ready to go to war when a member of the “majority” cuts in front of us in line in the Atrium. We the people are searching for that perfect union but have tied ourselves to the past and wonder why it’s so hard to make progress. There are people who hate people of other races, and do not forgive and don’t move on with their lives that keep racism alive. Only after we the people look on to the future and turn our tragedy into triumph, only then will racism take its last breaths. It is only after you get to know the majority will you find the reasoning for their actions. It is only after you give them a reason to love you that they will lose their hatred for you. It is only when you love through the hatred that we the people will gain our perfect union. I believe that the biggest problem facing us is the whole idea of the double standard in America. This double standard is, in my opinion, here today mainly because of us black people. We have separated ourselves to the point that we hold ourselves to one standard and the rest of the world to another, and ours is not necessarily the best. We support the black power movement but frown upon any form of “white power.” We give so much focus and power to a word when we have so many more problems that we need to be focusing on. We the people need to become we the people of the United States. We the separated people need to become we the people of the United Sates and only then will we complete the dreams of our forefathers of a more perfect union. Tearing down “them” and “us” and leaving simply, “We the people.”
09 Oct
Hip Hop is a form of music created in the streets by black youth in the early 70’s, but with its enormous cross-over appeal it has become a way to integrate diverse populations. It is becoming a symbol for what this country represents. Now some argue that rap and hip hop only promote sex and violence through its lyrics, but they fail to see the bigger picture at hand. For Hip Hop is bringing unity, the type of unity that people once dreamed of, and one can only imagine what is to come from this rhythm powered movement. Yes, the lyrics can be harsh and violent, but that goes for any form of music. Take Carrie Underwood for example, who is a country singer, she has a song out called “Before he cheats”, and in the song she talks about taking a Louisville slugger to both head lights and smashing all four tires of her boyfriend’s car, sounds kind of violent to me. Then you also have Bret Michael, who is a rock artist and, most of his songs are about sex, drugs and money. The point I am trying to make is that no matter what type of music it is, whether it is hip hop or country, nine times out of tens there is going to be some form of violence, some kind of representation of sex, and some form of harsh language. But no other category of music can bring people together the way hip hop does.
It is a true symbol of the evolution that this country is going though, because back then you probably only saw young African Americans bobbing their heads uncontrollably to the beat of hip hop. Now you find all people of all races enjoying this form of music, and it is actually estimated that 75% of hip hop listeners are non- African Americans. The reason for that is because the rhythm and the bass that thumps so loudly has become an addicting source to their ears, and once they have had a taste of Hip Hop they have no choice but to come back for more. Big name companies such as Nike, McDonalds, and Saturn, have caught on to the effect hip hop has on the world and now uses it in advertising their products, because they know that, not only will it gain the attention of African Americans, but it will also gain the attention of people of all races. Hip Hop has the power to move a nation and if you put its sound behind your product, then you are guaranteed a variety of customers.
Now some do claim that the new generation of Hip Hop is an embarrassment and that they are slowly bringing Hip Hop to its death. But I would have to disagree, because hip hop is a way one expresses him or herself through music. And if jerking is what that artist is into then of course they are going to integrate that into their music. They even have kids in the suburbs doing it. This only brings me back to the point I am trying to make, even though some claim this generation is the death of Hip Hop they are still branching out to all different types of cultures. Sure Hip Hop has come a long way from the Slick rick and N.W.A days, but the new generation has started a trend that makes people feel good and just want to dance through these hard times our country is facing. And the way they are doing it is simply beautiful.
But Hip Hop is here to stay, and some may hate on the new generation but whatever the case may be Hip Hop is still uniting people as we speak, and it is doing without the use of violence, without drama, without causing something terrible to happen in the world; but simply through its music. Go to any concert of a Hip Hop artist and you will see different people of different backgrounds coming together to enjoy quality music. For Hip Hop is and will forever be a form of unity.
09 Oct
Everyone knows that we all go to an incredible school, but despite of this, many of the students are suffering due to the economic crisis. However, I feel as if some of the changes, due to this crisis, are unnecessary.
For example, a few c-stores (university dining convenience stores) on campus have been remodeled and additionally prices have fluctuated, causing students to spend more board bucks than normal. Usually, around 300 board bucks would last me until the end of each semester, but from the way things are looking I may have to begin using my debit card in order to pay for the amount that I go over on meals. The change may have made the school’s stores look a little bit more attractive, but it was perfectly fine with the lower prices and descent stores.
At the beginning of the semester many students received emails from teachers telling each of their students that they had to print the syllabus for the class themselves. According to Vikki Hwang, a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences, “I hate it when we have to print our own syllabi and pay extra money for online assignments. We are already paying a lot of money for college. Little things like this should be covered.” For many students this leaves the question of how exactly is our tuition being used? It is self-explanatory that we need food, room and board, and books, but where does the rest of it go? According to CFNC.org (College Foundation of North Carolina) “Out of state students pay an average of $16,158 for tuition alone and in state students pay an average of $3,860 for tuition alone (Moreover, the room and board costs an extra $7,892 average). On top of all that, tuition increased from last year, as it does every school year. These circumstances drive me to take a look at how many students are attending this school, and wonder where is all this money going? Possibly, to dishonest politicians and chancellors?
I personally think that the school collects money to spend on whatever they please, putting the needs and wants of the students last. For example, organizations and events are suffering due to the lack of funding. Last year during our Pack Howl Homecoming Concert we had top notch performers such as the band N.E.R.D. and rapper Common presented to us, but according to outside sources we no longer have the funds to bring famous bands and artists to perform this year, and maybe even the next. We may have to resort to local bands performing this year. We pay tuition so why can’t we have the performers that we want and desire? I strongly feel as if the freshmen are being cheated out of their college experiences due to this lack of funding. They will not get to see Boyz II Men like upperclassmen did at last year’s Friday Fest concert or other amazing performers this year, and it was those experiences that made myself and others fall in love with this school. I hear my fellow peers complaining about the events this year and saying they are going to attend other events at other schools because it will be a more exciting experience. As far as organizations are concerned students have to put in more money for fees, t-shirts, and other miscellaneous items that use to be free.
I admit that the economy has played a part in finances, but I really think that the school may be over exaggerating the effects of the economy because officials are saying we do not have enough money to do this and that, but yet we see a lot of unnecessary things being invested in.
09 Oct
We are all adults on this campus and it is a reality that adults have sex. If you listen to the band Kings of Leon you may have recognized the title of this article. Truth is that sex is, in fact, on fire. It is and has always been a hot topic in society. What does that mean for America’s young people? How is sex affecting minority communities? Is sex bad? These are a few of the many questions that pass through the minds of young adults and being on a college campus only intensifies these interests.
It seems to methat more people are starting to shy away from abstinence only sex education in public schools. I find this to be helpful, but a significant number of people would disagree. I believe that having proper sex education in school (that is not just focused on abstinence) will better prepare American youth for healthier and safer adult lives. Having helpful sex education can have a positive impact on how one conducts themselves in college. It is false to think that sex education is out to make youth have sex and engage in wild behavior. It is here to help make better choices about how to live their lives. In the fifth grade a “Grow and Changes” class was brought to our attention. At the time I was not in a very productive living environment so this class was the only way I could learn about how my body was changing. Not talking about sex hurts more than it helps.
As one moves on into the college years, I believe it is easy to have a warped sense of what sex is. Movies and television do a wonderful job of making sex look like the most pleasurable thing on the planet. Although entertainment’s main purpose is to fabricate and heighten sex, the entertainment industry does a horrible job of educating people about sex. I believe people come to college with all of these misconceptions when engaging in sexual activities. I may be wrong, but I do not believe sex is all about smooth jazz and never ending orgasms. From talking to different individuals I have heard that sex, especially the first time is awkward and a bit painful. Although in the movies everyone is a sex god. This is absolutely false.
The use of contraception may be old news, but it is definitely not bad news. I’m sure the “protect yourself” or “wrap it up” speeches are getting boring, but they are needed. If people were being smart about sex I don’t think we would still be talking about it as much. The truth is that STDs are real and any human who engages in a sexual act can get one. Plain and simple. Don’t kid yourself with the “It won’t happen to me” talk, you may get a rude awakening. Minority groups are especially at risk. Minority youth do not receive adequate sexual education and in return reach out to their friends and the media to learn about sex.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that the rate of Chlamydia among African Americans in the United States was more than eight times that among whites. This means that the rate of Chlamydia among black women was more than seven times higher than the rate among white women and more than 11 times higher for black men than that among white men. Approximately 70% of the total number of reported cases of gonorrhea occurred among African Americans. As far as Syphilis goes, the rate among black women was 14 times higher than that among white women. At the same time, the rate in black men has increased in recent years as rates of disease have increased. HIV positivity among persons tested for HIV was highest in black men who have sex with men. HIV positivity was 8% in blacks (who make up 13% of the population), and 5% in Hispanics. This is a major American problem.
African Americans need to wake up and realize that sex is a serious issue. If you have unprotected sex there could be consequences. I am in no way saying don’t have sex. I am saying be smart about how you do it and who you do it with. Also, do not think just because you are heterosexual you cannot get an STD. The LGBT community should not be stigmatized as disease ridden. It is not an issue of sexual orientation, but an issue of humanity. So before you have sex think about what you want out of it. Use the proper contraception (condoms, birth control pills etc.) and limit your sexual partners. Get to know who you are sleeping with and make sure you can trust them. If you have any questions or concerns that involve sex go to the Student Health Center. There are many informative pamphlets and people to talk to. Don’t put your life at risk for the sake of unprotected sex.
09 Oct
What are you doing this weekend? Going to see a movie at the $1.50 theatre at Blue-ridge? Going out to the same club, with the same group of people, on the same night you went out last weekend? Grabbing your ‘Go Pass’ and taking the bus out to Crabtree Valley Mall for some free samples in the food court? Does this sound like your typical weekend? There is nothing wrong with the movies, mall, and the club, but many often find that these infamous three are the only options available to them on the weekends. Being born in Raleigh, I know all about the monotonous choices of activities that some people might experience, especially students that are from large booming cities like New York, Washington DC, or Denver, Colorado to name a few. But Raleigh does not have to be that way. For the most part you have to live here while you are in school, so why not make the most of it! Below, I have listed some alternative options that you might want to consider to spice up your weekend. Most of the activities are group friendly, so invite your friends for a really extraordinary evening! Some of these activities might require some transportation other than the ones offered at NCSU.
1) AFM (Bowling)
1827 Capital Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 832-3747
Price: Generally $7-$12 a person
Even If you absolutely suck at bowling (like me) and have to use the gutter free rails (like me) you can still have a good time especially with a large group of friends. The AFM lanes charge an average admission of $ 5.50 a person per game and $4.25 for bowling shoes. For the more economic friends nights they have specials on Tuesday and Sunday nights starting at 9pm which include paying a $5 cover charge and receiving everything else (shoes/per game) only a $1 each. Their hours generally range from 12pm-2am on the weekends but can vary on the weekdays. They also offer a variety of American classics in the eatery including hot-dogs, pizza, and hamburgers for reasonable prices.
2) Marrakesh café lounge
2500 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 341-1167
Price: $ 8 usually covers 2 people for 30 min of flavored tobacco
Marrakesh is a hookah bar located on Hillsborough Street. across the street from DH Hill Library. Similar to a coffee shop setting, the Marrakesh café offers a serene and calming environment to unwind after a long week of studies. For all of you that do not know, a hookah is a device that is used to inhale flavored tobacco through filtered water. This environment is not for everyone, because it includes smoke from tobacco, which has been known to have some negative side effects. Hookah has also been proven to be a safer alternative in some studies to the smoke produced in cigarettes. They café also serves an assortment of delicious pastries, hot tea’s, and coffees.
3) Pullen Park
Why not have a picnic with that special someone or race you friends…or the ducks in motor boats in Pullen Lake. Pullen Park offers a lot of recreational and CHEAP ways to have a relaxing weekend. It’s also located right on campus, so no public transportation is needed to indulge in this activity. Campus too noisy? Pullen makes a calming place to unwind and study for that upcoming test on Monday. Also ‘Theatre in the Park’ is also located in Pullen Park for all of you that enjoy the intricacies of a good drama.
4) Adventure Landing
3311 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604
919-872-1688
Price: Generally $10-$15
Get in touch with the kid in you. Just because you are in college doesn’t mean you’re too cool for laser tag right, right? Adventure landing houses a variety of activities in just one location including laser tag, put-put, arcade games, and race car racing. You might remember doing these activities as a kid, but you’d be surprised at the amount of excitement generated from these elementary activities when you get a bunch of friends involved. They are generally open from 10am-12am on the weekends, offering a special on Saturdays including 30 tokens, unlimited laser-tag, and mini-golf for only $9 till noon. So get there early.
5) Outdoor adventures
Carmichael Recreational center
2611 Cates Avenue
Price: generally $35-$105
If you really want to do something really out of the ordinary one weekend why not go on an adventure? The Carmichael recreational center is offering trips in the fall and the spring semesters to various locations on the eastern coast including Virginia, Washington D.C, New York, and even here in the Carolinas. Backpacking across Virginia, white-water rafting , and sea kayaking in Staten island are some bold choices for the adventures but there are also more mellow trips such as ones offered in November where one has the opportunity to spend a day in Washington D.C enjoying the many historical sites. For the most part these are weekend long trips, often departing Friday morning and returning Sunday. The Majority of the costs are covered by NCSU which include food, equipment, and transportation. There is a fee for each trip that can range from $35-$105 depending on the trip and location which can be a little pricey for some, but out of the ordinary none the less. If this is something that might interest you here is the website http://www.ncsu.edu/campus_rec/ to check out the different outdoor adventures and directions on how to register.
Stephanie Spivey
09 Oct
Interracial relationships in the American culture are becoming accepted day by day, but it is still a sensitive topic to discuss. It becomes even more sensitive when that relationship involves a black man with a white woman. Even thought this is one of the most common types of interracial relationship, it is also considered one of the most controversial. The reason there is so much attention on this practical type of relationship is because both sides of the playing field, meaning white and black people, have strong feelings towards the combination of a black man with a white women.
Out of the two, interracial relationships are more so looked down on in the white community, for the simple fact of image. No white male wants to go tell his golfing buddies that his daughter brought home a black man. Like a lot of people they tend to live their lives in the eyes of what others think, and they feel that if their child did bring home a black boy they would become a laughing stock, as well as having to face the hardships that they feel is yet to come. They don’t want to discuss the qualities that the young man might have, because they are too distracted by the color of his skin. It is as if they rather have their daughter dating a white man they might treat her like trash, instead of a black man that might treat her like a queen. The reason behind that is because at least then they wouldn’t have to explain to their friends that their daughter is dating a black boy. Now I could go deep into the subject and talk about the racism this black and white couple may face but I am sure we are all aware that.
Now as hard as it is, we have to admit that black people pass judgment just as well, and it usually seems to be black women who are doing the judging. We tend to look down on black men and white women together, because we usually see a good looking brother in the arms of white women and we tend to start questioning it. There is only a hand full of good black men out there, and with white women getting their paws on them, that population is decreasing. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not by any means saying that white women are taking all the good black men, I am simply stating that the number is decreasing due to certain factors and one of those factors just so happen to be white women. So it’s not as if black women are just turning their heads at white women, but they are turning their heads at any factor that decreases that number, such as other black women or even men for that matter.
Whether you are black or white, nine times out of ten you have passed some kind of judgment on this type of interracial relationship, rather it be the stereotypical ones like “he’s only with her for the things she can do” or the more serious ones. People are going to talk and there is always going to be people that disapprove of this type of relationship, but if you are happy and satisfied why does it matter?
I hate it when black men are with white women try and walk away from them when they see black women coming in their direction. It makes you look real dumb, because nine times out of ten we saw you before you saw us. Additionally, you making yourself look like a jerk in front of your girl. So just be happy with what you have and don’t worry about what other people think of it.
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