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.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Choosing A Topic

Racism- I can't stand people that are racists. I don't know how someone good judge another individual based on their skin color. People that are racists are absolutely ignorant. All people of society are equal and should be treated the same, not based on what ethnicity you are. Racist people don't realize that our world is made up of so many cultures, and one of those people of a different race may be the one to save your life one day.

Abortion- Abortion is such a contraversial topic. I think abortion only should be allowed under certain circumstances. Abortion should only be considered if you have been raped or know you can not support a child. I would rather someone put their child up for adoption when it is born than to abort their unborn baby but, it really just depends on the situation.

Death Penalty- I think that any individual that has been convicted of murder, either first or second degree should be sentenced to the death penalty. No matter what state you live in, if you can bring yourself to take someones life, your own life should be taken as well. People who murder other people care flat-out dirty, they don't deserve to live if they can take that away from another individual.

Gay Marriage- I feel that gay marriage is somewhat different, but people shouldn't be discriminated because of what they like. People can be attracted to who ever they want, you never know how people may feel about others even if they may be the same sex. I just think there should be a limit on the amount of exposure a gay couple displays to others.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Runaway Jury

Runaway Jury has been a very interesting movie so far. It is one of those movies that you never know what is going to happen next. From watching the movie to this point, I think the overall outcome of the trial will be in favor of Mrs. Wood, the widow. I also think the Gun company will definilty have to pay for the murders of those people that worked for the business firm. Even though Marlee and Mr. Easton are trying to throw the jury off, I still feel that the trial will still be in favor of the Plantiff.
In the movie so far, the trial has been very indept. The court representatives are not taking this case as a joke. Every little detail of the trial is being looked at percisly. During the trail, Mr. Rohr brought up a very good point, he stated that the seller of the guns did not even take the time to look into why this customer was purchasing so many weapons. He was just selling them to his customers for profit towards the gun company. It dosen't make any sense as to why this one person needs so many guns. That piece of imformation was a strong clue for the jurors. This one minor point was a key part in my opinion, to let the jury know why and how this gun company played a role in the murders of these individuls.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Me v.s Tigger

Have you ever just stopped and compared yourself to someone? A person who you may look alike, act alike, or someone that you simply can relate to. I seem to always compare myself to characters in movies and cartoons. The one character I can say I have the most in common with is Tigger, the tiger from Winnie the Pooh. Even though Tigger is a fictional character, and I am a human being, our personalities are identical. Tigger and I have an abundance of similar traits between us, but if you didn't know any better, you might think that he was a real person.

Tigger and I share many of the same personality traits. Both of our personalities are outgoing and we both exploit a carefree attitude towards life. Tigger and I are always looking to have fun no matter what the circumstance, even if we are having a bad day. For example, when Tigger bounces around the one hundred acre woods, he is expressing his thrill of life and happiness for his surroundings. My friends and family always called me the "happy-go-lucky" person. Tigger is that person to the other characters in his home. We also portray a strong confidence level. Tigger and I both have a high-self esteem and think very highly of ourselves. But sometimes Tigger can let his confidence and his energetic attitude get in the way of himself. His impulse bouncing can get him into trouble, causing conflict and mishaps in the one hundred acre woods. I never let my carefree, bubbly spirit get me into trouble, I make sure to behave myself the during appropriate times.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

"Live Life to the Fullest"

If i had to create a bumper sticker that modeled my philosophy for life, it would be "Live Life to the Fullest." As we go through life we see many forms of expression through words, pictures, drawings, music and even clothing. No matter what type of expression you reflect, the expression will give you some sort of message about a specific topic or idea.

"Live Life to the Fullest" is a bumper sticker you would see on my car. This simple phrase explains me as a person, my personality and my attitude towards life. "Live Life to the Fullest" is stating that you should live life with no regrets. Life should be filled with experiences that you will never forget. Life should be memorable and something that you can always look back upon in a positive manner. You should try to experience all that you can because your journey through life could end when you least expect it. I can look back and say, "I've lived my life to a sense of completion." I have no regrets with my lifestyle or what i went through good or bad.