Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Why Arizona's new immigration law makes sense -David Francis

http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=2035219441&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=9417&RQT=309&VName=PQD

The article that I chose is about the controversial topic of Immigration. This article, from the Christian Science Monitor, explained Arizona's need to address the out of control immigration problem in that state. The article stated, "Given the nearly 6.5 billion non-Americans in the world and the tens of millions of those who would rather live in the United States, limits must be placed on immigration or the nation would be swamped with foreigners." (Francis, 1) Many Americans feel very opinionated about illegal immigration, there is always two sides when it comes to this topic. Some people feel there is nothing wrong with open boarders, but on the other hand some urge greater restraints on illegal immigration and to lower legal immigration. Most of the conflict regarding this issue comes from the typical middle-class American. So the big question to ask our society is, "Should immigration continue to be acceptable in our country?" A New York times poll stated, "51% of Americans see immigration laws as a "right tactic," and 30% feel most immigration laws "go to far." (Francis, 1)The state of Arizona, which sits on the Mexican boarder, has one of the toughest illegal immigrant problems in the nation. The article stated, "Arizona's immigrant population grew from 300,000 in 2000 to 560,000 by 2008, 95 to 98 % of those immigrants are Hispanic." (Francis, 1) Arizonians feel that just because the illegal population is slipping is no reason to ignore the problem. A recent poll that was conducted in Arizona showed, "70% of Arizona voters approved the states' immigration law, and 23% opposed it." (Francis, 1) Many people that oppose illegal immigration in Arizona feel immigrants are mostly the reason for conflict in that state. Researchers have found, "Illegal immigrants commit more crime than average in Arizona, and about 12% of the workers in the state are illegal." (Francis, 2) The state of Arizona is fighting for their new immigration policy. Arizona took matters into their own hands because the state feels Immigration regulations in the United States are getting out of hand. Arizona feels our government has done nothing to relieve this issue, and they don't plan on waiting around any longer for a solution.

This article was a very persuasive piece that reflected the different opinions of immigration throughout the country. The article stated the reasons why many Americans feel Illegal immigration is wrong and the opinions of those who think immigration is perfectly fine. The article included two sides of the argument and explained how the Immigration policy is effectively supported in many states not just Arizona. Also, the article used detailed numerical information to prove their standpoint is correct. If the article has the evidence to back up the topic, then why would you question the main idea of the article.

I have always felt that Immigration needed some kind of control, but after reading this article I never knew how many illegal immigrants are really walking the streets of America. I don't think it's fair to US citizens that illegal immigrants are taking the jobs of legal people. I never had a problem with immigration in the United States, but i feel that if you are illegal you should not be allowed in the country. All Illegal immigrants should be kicked out until they have proper documentation of citizenship. Immigration is a good aspect to our society because immigrants are made up of all different ethnicities, allowing the blend of cultures to grow in our country. Just imagine if America banned all immigration, our country would be so plain and ordinary. This article made me realize there are many issues in our country that are forgotten about. Immigration is one of the necessary problems that needs a solution.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Interracial Struggles

Have you ever heard of the song "Through the Rain" by Mariah Carey? This is a very powerful song that relates to the topic of interracial relationships. The very first time I ever heard this song I began to tear up because it explains the conflict that many interracial couples go through with their family and peers. The young girl in the video gets into a fight with her mother because of her negative feelings toward her daughters relationship. Because of all the chaos with her family, the young girl leaves her home to go be with her boyfriend, who is of a different race. Later in the video you see the girl's mother trying to go after her, but the daughter is feed up with all the opinionated comments her mother had said to her. The young girl followed her heart, and she wasn't going to let her family tell her who she could or couldn't date. She loves her boyfriend and wouldn't let the racial divide come in between how they feel towards one another. Overall, this video is about Mariah Carey's Family. Mariah Carey is the child of a bi-racial couple, and this video explains the struggles that interracial couples go through. If you watch the video completely, you will be able to see Mariah Carey's parents sitting in a church pew towards the end. Her parents represent that you can get through all the issues that come along with interracial dating, they are still together to this day, happier than ever.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Website Evaluaiton

The website evaluation activity informed me of new information that i never knew about websites. I never realized that there was such a thing as a "CRAAP" website. I thought all articles that were displayed online were considered a credible source, only some websites offer articles that aren't from a "CRAAP" site. A key point I learned through this activity is to make sure you check a website for its credentials before considering the article a creditable source.

The website I discovered was enotes.com. This website is great for all audiences. Most of the people that use enotes.com are students, teachers, researchers, and college professors. Enotes.com is specifically a research site that displays articles, journals, literature, and even personal opinion essays about all subjects. Enotes.com has many different articles with information about many topics. This website specifically had both journal entries and articles relating to my topic on bi-racial relationships.

Enotes.com is definitely a credible source for research. The website stated, " Our content is all fact-checked, edited and, written by professionals who are experts in their field." I feel confident using enotes.com for my research, and know for sure enotes.com is not a "CRAAP" website. I recommend enotes.com to others that are looking for information on their research topic, you be sure to find good sources at this site.

Website URL: http://www.enotes.com/interracial-relationships-article

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Thesis Statement

A relationship should always be based upon love not race; an individual should never be judged by their skin color, but judged by their character. The solution to this problem starts with education in Elementary school. For Example, Schools systems all over the country should include a required section in their curriculum that instructs students about bi-racial relationships, reinforcing to children that it is ok to be in a relationship with any individual they choose, even if they are not the same race.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Bye Bye Paris Hilton

If I had to chose a celebrity to remove from their spotlight, I would chose Paris Hilton. Paris Hilton is one of the most ignorant individuals I have ever seen. As a child Paris grew up in a wealthy family, a family that made her famous. She had everything she ever wanted, everything was given to her. She never had to work hard to earn anything. Paris Hilton took advantage of her parents fame to put her into the spotlight. She has accomplished nothing, but a dirty sex tape. She is a horrible role model to young girls. She lets young girls think it it alright to exploit their bodies in the way that Paris does. She is always photographed at parties belligerent and half-clothed. Paris Hilton also thinks that if she says, "That's Hot" it will make her look attractive. In reality, She sounds so stupid and uneducated by using those terms to comment on things. Finally, She has stared on her own reality T.V show to find a "Best Friend." Last time I checked you don't go on television to find your best friend. Your character is what finds you a true friend. Obviously Paris is lacking character, since she is so desperate to find a friend on a reality show.

I think if Paris Hilton was removed from the media it would benefit young girls. Paris Hilton is nothing but a joke. Her negative ways show young girls this is how they should act as an adult. If young girls watch what Paris Hilton is doing in the media, then they might grow up to do the same things. If Paris is gone, that is one less bad role model to effect a young, nieve brain.

I feel that if we look at people like Paris Hilton as a role model, then what are our views of a true role model. Paris Hilton has done nothing to make herself a success. She hasn't accomplished anything in her life to make a difference. She is leading young girls down the wrong path. If people think that Paris Hilton's lifestyle is appropriate, they don't have a clue how a women should portray themselves. Women should not be viewed as uneducated, unsuccessful, half-clothed, sex symbols. A women should be viewed as a strong, smart, accomplished individual. With people like Paris Hilton, it is impossible for our society to view women as real women, not a stupid slut.