Free Press Article

I think the article by Senator Leahy was a good one. I agree that there should be a stronger federal legislation over hate crimes. States are still in charge of themselves when it comes to most cases, but this provides back-up as in addition to the state laws. I think it is a good idea to push hate crime legislation because crimes motivated by hate should have zero tolerance. Bigotry is not a value of this country and we should take whatever measures necessary to get rid of it. I do not think it will get to the point where every little will considered a hate crime, but many others do. I think at some point you must draw the line about what is reasonable.

Observation Journal # 5

This observation journal was the worst one because I was the perpetrator myself in this case. I was having a party at my house this weekend and I was calling some people to tell them about it. I called up one of my friends and told him it was going to be a good time so he should stop by. He told me that he was home this weekend in mass. I jokingly said “man, you’re a fag.” I did not mean homosexual by this. I have a few friends who are gay and I have no prejudice against gay people. However, I found myself saying this and realized immediately what I had done and how ignorant I sounded. I think what really happened is that I am so used to hearing it that I threw it around like it meant nothing. I know it was bad and I should not have used the word but sometimes I find myself saying things like that by accident. I believe it is because it is so commonly used in society that the meaning is lost. People use the word “fag” and other offensive words all the time to describe someone who is an asshole. People are not meaning to say anything about homosexuals, but rather describe something negative that they don’t like. This is not good and it shows that in our society being gay has a negative connotation.

Reading Reflection # 9

“Just like societies of the present, future societies are molded and shaped by human action."
Chapter 9 talks about an interesting concept with the future of inequality. He states that differences will eventually no longer exist between people. This is unrealistic although the author has good intentions. Differences between people are what make the world unique and it is important to value these differences. Discrimination against people in regard to class, race, sex, is wrong, but that does not mean that these things should be forgotten. It is impossible to advance in society if everyone is the same. I don’t think it is possibly to truly achieve equality amongst everyone, but it is important to try.
I think it is also a good idea to be realistic when facing hypothetical situations. The above quote seems a little bit idealistic. Though many things are possible, it is pretty rare to make an enormous impact as one person and being realistic about the world should be taken into account as well. This chapter was interesting to read what at least one person sees as the future of society and it was kind of nice to examine that, even if I do not always agree.