This Blog is a resource tool for the students taking the "FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES" elective at Westborough High School, Westborough, Massachusetts.
Monday, September 12, 2011
PERIOD 1 - LITTLE BOXES
Today you read the story "Little Boxes" in class. Please share your thoughts about the story and the class discussion that followed in a reflective post. Make at least one comment about another student's post.
Mr. Gallagher
63 comments:
Mara Frumkin
said...
I think that Wright is a little over-sensitive about the little boxes. I personally, am from a plethora of European countries. So I'm many different races, and I just put down that I am white. But he seems to be very upset at the ammount of options that he has in the little boxes. I think that when someone asks what ethnicity you are, they just want to know a general idea of your background. He could honestly just put other, and then say that he is Asian and Ecuadorean.
I believe that Anthony E. Writght has the right to express his frustration of generalizing people. I also believe that many people agree with him. People also believe that being too specific in selective grouping is unfair. So, either way people are unhappy. I see both sides of the argument and I do not fully support one side or the other. I do not think about generalizing in such detail as Anthony Wright did in this story. For example, when fulling out a survey or information sheet, "the little boxes" the paper has you check do not affect me as much as it would Anthony. I am more focused on getting the paper filled out than the deeper meaning behind the "little box".
I agree with Mara that Wright was very sensitive, but in a way he has the right to be. But, like Mara, I have a complex background and I just mark white in the "little box" and do not read too much into it.
I personally dont have this problem because I am not one from a background with many eithnicitys however from talking in the group discussion today I believe that Mr. Wright has to much of a strong feeling for this specific issue. i feel as though most of the forms in which he is filling out with these "little boxes" are not meant to get every detail about your background but instead to be quick and allow you to just check off what you need and if it bothers you that much you can describe you ethnicitys next to the box that says "other"
In response to the reading “Little Boxes” I do think Mr. Wright makes a solid point about generalizations people create to categorize others. It can sometimes be hard for someone to identify what “little box” they should check off if they come from a diverse background. It can be quite offensive to some people to have to do that. Personally I don’t have this problem nor do I think it’s a huge issue. I feel Mr. Wright was highly offended by the “little boxes” and having to pick one. I think the best solution for him is to mark other and fill in what he is as opposed to getting upset that his ethnicity isn’t listed.
I agree with Laura that it would still be unfair if the little boxes were too specific. I agree that either way someone will probably get upset because their ethnicity wasn't listed. I also don't look into the generalizations in such detail that Mr. Wright did mainly because I don't see them as that big of an issue.
I think Wright is over reacting because it's not really a big deal. I'm mixed too. I'm guatemalan but born in the U.S. but I never worry about what people think. I don't think its a really big deal..
I think Wright is a confused and a little angry about how these little boxes generalize people's identities to one category. He believes that people should be a mixture of identities. Personally, i think that people should base their identities on how they look.
I feel like Mr. Wright is so upset about generalizing people and trying to group others into a category because often times that comes with people making off-base assumptions or passing judgment on someone they don't know. But, I feel like that isn't what the "little boxes" are trying to do. They are just getting a general sense of how you identify yourself. Ultimately, he has the power to identify himself exactly as he wants and those who read it will get to see his opinion. I feel like his anger comes from continually feeling like an outcast growing up. What I think he missed is that identity is so much more than your ethnicity or background, its how you treat others and how you see yourself, and who you are as a person on a deeper level. Checking off the box has a lot to do with appearance, and there is a lot more to everyone than that.
I agree with Mara. My mom is Irish and my dad is French-Canadian, and I could check off other if I want and write that, but I just fill in white because that's how I look. I don't think that much detail is needed. I would never look at what is checked off in the box and feel like I know a person because of what square they filled in. That just tells me how they look.
I personally do not have this problem although being adopted and not knowing much about your birthparents at all kind of leaves question to who i am. but in situations like these i circle white because thats who i believe i am. i can also see that its tough for a group who sends boxes out like these to understand because they want all the ethenicities they want to be grouped together and its not fair but it would be tough to change to make it more specific but that would spring more problems.
I agree with Mara about the fact that he could be over sensitive over the boxes and im sure many people have the same isse, but it would be very tough to change in order to agree with everyones needs
I think that Wright is looking too far into the meaning of the question and looking far past its intended purpose. Almost every time one of those little boxes is used, it is solely for the purpose of statistics. It acts like in the same manner that a census does, just something to get an idea of how many people from how many backgrounds are using the service that is asking the questions posed in the little boxes. Wright is looking at it as though it were a matter of extreme importance, whereas the service that is asking the question is merely looking for a small tidbit of information to keep in their books for future reference.
I also agree with what Mara and Jess had to say, these little boxes aren't meant to offend those who they pose questions too, they are simply fact finding questions, nothing more.
I feel that Anthony Wright is over-reacting a little about what happened. He has the right to be upset and frustrated about it but if I were in his situation I wouldn’t make a big deal about it. He has the right to present himself in any way he wants but I wouldn’t base it off of something like that.
I agree with many of the people on here who say that Wright is being overly sensitive, however you also have to realize he has had to deal with his rare ethnicity his whole life.Think about it he probably has to explain who he is all of the time.I say this because when he describes himself in the essay it sounds like he has a large mixture of races in him, which probably make him look different than most people. He must get tired of defining himself by what ethnicity he is and not by what he does.I believe that he should simply check off as many options as he is allowed to that apply to him, and not worry about what people think of this rare mixture of ethnic backgrounds. People should like him or know him based on what he does not where he comes from.
I agree with Meghan O'Neil, that by having these little boxes we do force people to be categorized, and that he should just check off other and than write what he is in an appropriate space. I think Wright has a right to be offended, but he should not let people categorizing him define who he is as an individual.
I think that Wright's dilemma is one that is shared by many, especially in such a diverse nation where everyone has there own identity and idea of what that identity entails. Personally I agree with Wright and his dislike for the "Little Boxes" system that's used everywhere from the doctors office to college applications, to standardized tests. Sure most of these situations are looking merely for statistics but that in itself I believe is disrespectful to many people who can't identify with one specific box such as Asian or Hispanic. Even the little boxes themselves are flawed. To say one is Asian or Hispanic is like going to the store and asking for Wheat Bread. Yes, that is a specific type of bread, but if you look closer, you're bound to find a huge variety of Wheat Breads at the store. That's why I like the "Other" little box, especially when there is space left for one to explain further. I think that is a much more respectful way of asking the question, even though identifying one solely based on ethnicity is disrespectful in any way shape or form.
Briana... I think the fact that most of the forms Wright is filling out aren't looking for a detailed description of the person is the root problem. For example, there are laws requiring businesses to maintain a certain level of diversity in the workplace and this can often lead to the overlooked discrimination of some who could be better qualified than someone who meets the "ethnic description" required in order to fulfill the company's "quota".
The frustration that Anthony Wright expresses over the generalizing of people is something that he has every right to do. A lot of people seem to think that he is only complaining about the lack of options he has with the "little boxes" on sheets, but it is so much more than that. Everyone in society generalizes too much and some people fail to realize that this is not the right thing to do and that by doing this we lose sight of the individual and unique qualities each and every person has.
I completely agree with what you are saying Ari. The "other" box is always the box to go with it, but in all seriousness you are right. It is disrespectful to those who cannot identify with just one ethnicity. The generalizations that are made when trying to figure out these statistics are flawed.
i think that wright was taking this to personal. i, mean when i first came to WHS, it didn't feel right from were i had just come from. are school was mostly minority and i felt like i fit perfectly there but now things have change so much that i can see my self as of who i am. being around all different types of people can make you feel weird and all but soon, you just have to make your self fit in with everybody else no matter who they are. so wright had multiple problems because, he could not let go and just leave his life as a normal human being
I think that Wright is looking at his race situation too critically. I believe that you should associate yourself with the ethnicity that you are the most comfortable with. Also, i believe that too many people in this country spend to much time freting over their ethnicity and heritage than they should. We are all Americans.
I think that Wright does have a good point at being upset but he seems to be over exagerating. People should be aware of one another and what their ethnicity is and they shouldn't stereotype other people because of how they look or speak. As for Wright, he should just be who he feels he is and what his heritage is and then let people accept him for who he is.
Personally, I can't put myself in Anthony Wright's position, as I, being white and of wholly European descent, am obviously not considered to be a minority in the U.S. However, I do believe that his ideas are absolutely valid, as trivial as someone else might consider them; his emotions are just as important as anyone else's. In my opinion, though, I think he's taking the little boxes a bit too far. It isn't like he has to let ink on paper define who he is or how he feels as an individual. He may as well just grit his teeth and check a damn box.
I believe Wright is being too overly sensivtive about the "little boxes". These boxes are used for statistic purposes and are looking for more general information, not specifically who you are. Not any one person in society is exactly the same as another and therefore there would be too many boxes for people to check off if they were supose to include every part of their identity.
I agree with Meghan. There are ways for Wright to really express what his background is. "Other" is always an option, so if he is that offended by the "little boxes" he should check that and then include what he wants, and not complain about it as much as he did.
I agree with what Matt said. I also like how he compared it to his life about being adopted and how he doesn't necisarily know exactly who he is but he believes who he is and thats what he goes with and what he cirles in the boxes.
I agree with Mara. The intended purpose of such "little boxes" is to get a general idea of your background. If it was meant to be specific, you'd have more than enough space to fill in whether you were half-Japanese, a quarter Dominican or three-sevenths Welsh. But to categorize such a number of people so tediously would be impractical, which is why there are only a handful of boxes. Some people fall through the cracks, but you can't expect the system to be perfect.
I think that Wright is a tad too sensitive about these boxes. I mean I also have a diversified cultural background as well. I'm Lithuanian, Russian, and born in America. Despite this, it's not necessary for me to fill this information out in the "Other" box because either i'll explain it later in a box that specifies "cultural background" or i won't at all. In other words these boxes may have some meaning to them like the ones about your education, but the other ones about yourself aren't that important.
I agree with Lampi that the boxes that are given are "statistics" just there for your informational input. If you didn't fill them in it would be a problem, but that the fact you want to add in the "other" box exactly who you are. That is totally your decision. The main purpose as Lampi said is a reference for what sort of people attend the school, job, etc.
I feel like Wright is trying to criticize the system. While he may have a point in saying that we over-simplify people by putting them in categories, we as people try to fit into categories ourselves. It is in our nature. So logically, the fact that we categorize people to help find patterns is not too far of a step for us as humans.
I agree with Mara. I too have a huge European mix in my blood but I never get held up by little boxes. It is none of their business what blood runs through my veins because in the end it is the same blood they have, regardless of who passed it on to me.
I think that Wright is a being a little over dramatic about the being categorized. It is practical and convenient to classify and group people together. Humans group everything together, even themselves, so it shouldn’t be surprising to Wright that he is being asked these types of questions. There also asked to everyone so I don’t understand why he feels so violated.
I totally agree with Lampi. These questions are only for statistic purposes and how Wright answers doesn’t even really matter. The results of these questions are only for informational and educational purposes. The only thing Wright had to do was answer them as correctly as he could. To be honest Wright could have answered anyway he wanted as long as it wasn’t a complete lie.
I'm sorry, bout I have to disagree with Mara. I think that Wright has a strong willed and diverse mindset. although i never have that issue, i still have some thoughts when filling out similar "little boxes." When i am filling out little box, i usually think somthing like, "oh, i wonder who is going to be reading this? are they racist? are they looking for a certain ethnicity? am i that ethnicity?" because in reality the people analyzing the boxes, have no clue who Ryan Sciba is by seeing white checked off in a box. so there is generalizing and it makes me upset as it does Wright because thats not fair. and in my opinion, i think anyone reading the boxes would love to meet me haha.
And Ari, i definatley agree with you as well. there should be a space next to these little boxes that allows you to give some sort of explination of where your from or your background. this may at least reduce the generalizing that arises. and besides, even with that extra box, someone shouldn't just make an instant assumption based on where you're from or your ethnicity. they should at least try to know you a bit more personally. and if not then what ever the boxes are for, aren't worth one's time...
I understand what Mr. Wrights feeling but at the same time I believe the little boxes, although they are generalizations, are just easy ways of answering a simple question; how you perceive yourself. Just because he has to question what his ethnicity is does not mean he has to question himself. The little box doesnt detract or take away from him as an individual. The box just makes him identifiable and he can answer it how ever he sees himself. The box in some way, opposite of what he says, is in fact him shaping his identity on his own.
I agree with Jess's comment. The box is just as much a generizaltion for him as much as it is for those who are clumped in the other 4 categories. I see myself as being a white female but that is just the basics. It doesn't mean I haven't been able to be me. I identify or associate myself as much more than white.
I agree with Mara Frumkin's opening comment. The point of these application forms is to establish an initial understanding of your background in spite of the detachment. If you don't believe that you fit into a particular category well enough to be included with the others in that category, an "other" category is provided that presents an opportunity for specificity. I don't believe that the system is as sinister as Wright makes it out to be.
I think that Mr. Wright has a point to a degree, but the little boxes are not created to make him feel like his identity is being lost, just get a base idea of who this guy is. he has to fill the rest in to create his own unique identity. I agree with Jesse's comment that the boxes are just generalizations and that everyone has to make that choice of which of the 5 boxes to check.
I can kind of see where anthony Wright is coming from. I have trouble with filling out boxes like this all the time. I am of african decent but I also have a parent who is white. I was raised by my mother who is white. Some people think I am hispanic based on the color of my skin and others ask me all the time what I am.
I agree wiht Ari there should be a box left to explain who you are or they should just do away with the box system and find something else that is less offensive.
The kid in the movie was very excited in the beginning to go hunting with his father. He was going through a rite of passage that would distinguish him from a child. In the end, he felt sad and disgusted at himself for killing the rabbit. I think this movie teaches us that as an adult, the world has many atrocities and injustice and we, as adults are exposed to that and have to be ready for it.
Not sure if this is where we're supposed to post or not but I think today's film was a good example of someone coming to the realization that even though culture may think that something is right, it is up to the individual to make their own decision on it and decide for themselves if it the action should be done or not. The child had to choose whether or not to shoot the rabbit and although he chose to end its life, he regretted it almost as soon as he did it. The film shows how even a simple action can be broken down and analyzed morally.
the kid in the movie felt great about killing. he thought that once he fired the gun it would be a game till he killed a rabbit and saw his dad do it. he then felt all the pain it was when killing someone and therefore that it was the wrong thin to do.
I somewhat agree with Amos, although the kid was excited to go hunting, I think he was skeptical about killing the animal, a little apprehensive. But then when he saw his father kill the rabbit, he felt that what was being done to the animal was wrong and that he didnt want to do it after trying it himself.
Like Andrew, I am not sure if this is where we post or not, but I thought the film today was an excellent example of The individual knowing right from wrong rather than just going with the flow of what the rest of society thinks. His father told him that it would feel great to shoot a rifle and kill a poor little animal, but once he actually saw it and did it his opinion quickly changed. Steven at this point realized that what he had done was wrong and that he should not have done it. Despite being told that it was fun, he eventually saw that it was wrong and formulated his own opinion on the subject
MOVIE FROM TODAY I know we are not supposed to jump to judgement based on the movie, but it is very hard for me not to judge. I lived in Texas for part of my life so hunting was not a big deal there. I have seen little girls at as young as three pile onto their Daddy's fourwheelers and watch him hunt deer. Also my 8 year old next door neighbor there had a pink shot gun that she took hunting atleast once a month. I believe the boy may have overreacted slightly because he went completely numb and made it look like he killed his own father. I think he should keep an open mind about hunting and not judge his dad, or feel like the worst person in the world just for killing a rabbit.
In regards to today's video we watched, I think that this was a great lesson to Steve about individuality. I think that by the end of the video, he realized that hunting was not what he expected and he created his own stance and views on the matter. At the beginning, he was excited to learn what his father loved and was pumped to take part in a family tradition. But when he actually got out there to shoot, his opinion changed.
I feel like everyone is siding with the kid being emotional too much. Every new thing is scary at first when you try it. Think about it when you learned to ride a bike and fell off and cried for awhile you never just give up, you get back on the bike and give it another try. I'm not saying he has to go hunting again but I think it would not hurt for him to go hunting again and try with an openmind leaving the past in the past.
@Molly- I know that I was not judging the Dad, but I think that if I was the boy I would be a little upset. I personally just don't think I could handle taking the life of a living creature. To be honest, I always feel guilty about killing bugs! But I understand your stance because things are different in different places, and people treat certain things in different ways.
The boy was extremely excited when he held the gun, and took his first shot at the tree stump. It wasn't until his dad shot the rabbit that it really dawned on the boy all the power a gun has. It isn't just a fun toy, it can take lives.
I agree with Jeff, this is a perfect example of the individual's power to not be like the whole. However, the boy should have decided on his own if he felt comfortable shooting the rabbit, he shouldn't have listened to his father.
Today's movie was pretty thought-provoking, and really seems to tie in with the general themes of identity and of people and their willingness to cave on their beliefs. In terms of the movie itself, though, I really thought the character of Steve portrayed how actions always have consequences, and how sometimes you have to think only in your own interests rather than in those of others. In the end, though, he decided to pull the trigger, and later felt the emotional ramifications of his actions; but if he had thought about what he wanted to do rather than what would make his father proud, he wouldn't have the regret of taking a life hanging over his shoulders.
63 comments:
I think that Wright is a little over-sensitive about the little boxes. I personally, am from a plethora of European countries. So I'm many different races, and I just put down that I am white. But he seems to be very upset at the ammount of options that he has in the little boxes. I think that when someone asks what ethnicity you are, they just want to know a general idea of your background. He could honestly just put other, and then say that he is Asian and Ecuadorean.
I believe that Anthony E. Writght has the right to express his frustration of generalizing people. I also believe that many people agree with him. People also believe that being too specific in selective grouping is unfair. So, either way people are unhappy. I see both sides of the argument and I do not fully support one side or the other. I do not think about generalizing in such detail as Anthony Wright did in this story. For example, when fulling out a survey or information sheet, "the little boxes" the paper has you check do not affect me as much as it would Anthony. I am more focused on getting the paper filled out than the deeper meaning behind the "little box".
I agree with Mara that Wright was very sensitive, but in a way he has the right to be. But, like Mara, I have a complex background and I just mark white in the "little box" and do not read too much into it.
I personally dont have this problem because I am not one from a background with many eithnicitys however from talking in the group discussion today I believe that Mr. Wright has to much of a strong feeling for this specific issue. i feel as though most of the forms in which he is filling out with these "little boxes" are not meant to get every detail about your background but instead to be quick and allow you to just check off what you need and if it bothers you that much you can describe you ethnicitys next to the box that says "other"
i agree with Mara hes making a big deal out of a rather small issue
In response to the reading “Little Boxes” I do think Mr. Wright makes a solid point about generalizations people create to categorize others. It can sometimes be hard for someone to identify what “little box” they should check off if they come from a diverse background. It can be quite offensive to some people to have to do that. Personally I don’t have this problem nor do I think it’s a huge issue. I feel Mr. Wright was highly offended by the “little boxes” and having to pick one. I think the best solution for him is to mark other and fill in what he is as opposed to getting upset that his ethnicity isn’t listed.
I agree with Laura that it would still be unfair if the little boxes were too specific. I agree that either way someone will probably get upset because their ethnicity wasn't listed. I also don't look into the generalizations in such detail that Mr. Wright did mainly because I don't see them as that big of an issue.
I think Wright is over reacting because it's not really a big deal. I'm mixed too. I'm guatemalan but born in the U.S. but I never worry about what people think. I don't think its a really big deal..
I think Wright is a confused and a little angry about how these little boxes generalize people's identities to one category. He believes that people should be a mixture of identities. Personally, i think that people should base their identities on how they look.
I agree with Brian that it doesn't really matter where you are from. You should only be judged by your actions, not by your race or ethnicity.
I feel like Mr. Wright is so upset about generalizing people and trying to group others into a category because often times that comes with people making off-base assumptions or passing judgment on someone they don't know. But, I feel like that isn't what the "little boxes" are trying to do. They are just getting a general sense of how you identify yourself. Ultimately, he has the power to identify himself exactly as he wants and those who read it will get to see his opinion. I feel like his anger comes from continually feeling like an outcast growing up. What I think he missed is that identity is so much more than your ethnicity or background, its how you treat others and how you see yourself, and who you are as a person on a deeper level. Checking off the box has a lot to do with appearance, and there is a lot more to everyone than that.
I agree with Mara. My mom is Irish and my dad is French-Canadian, and I could check off other if I want and write that, but I just fill in white because that's how I look. I don't think that much detail is needed. I would never look at what is checked off in the box and feel like I know a person because of what square they filled in. That just tells me how they look.
I personally do not have this problem although being adopted and not knowing much about your birthparents at all kind of leaves question to who i am. but in situations like these i circle white because thats who i believe i am. i can also see that its tough for a group who sends boxes out like these to understand because they want all the ethenicities they want to be grouped together and its not fair but it would be tough to change to make it more specific but that would spring more problems.
I agree with Mara about the fact that he could be over sensitive over the boxes and im sure many people have the same isse, but it would be very tough to change in order to agree with everyones needs
I think that Wright is looking too far into the meaning of the question and looking far past its intended purpose. Almost every time one of those little boxes is used, it is solely for the purpose of statistics. It acts like in the same manner that a census does, just something to get an idea of how many people from how many backgrounds are using the service that is asking the questions posed in the little boxes. Wright is looking at it as though it were a matter of extreme importance, whereas the service that is asking the question is merely looking for a small tidbit of information to keep in their books for future reference.
I also agree with what Mara and Jess had to say, these little boxes aren't meant to offend those who they pose questions too, they are simply fact finding questions, nothing more.
I feel that Anthony Wright is over-reacting a little about what happened. He has the right to be upset and frustrated about it but if I were in his situation I wouldn’t make a big deal about it. He has the right to present himself in any way he wants but I wouldn’t base it off of something like that.
I agree with what Brian said. I do feel he is over-reacting a little and if I were in his situation I would not make a big deal about it.
I agree with many of the people on here who say that Wright is being overly sensitive, however you also have to realize he has had to deal with his rare ethnicity his whole life.Think about it he probably has to explain who he is all of the time.I say this because when he describes himself in the essay it sounds like he has a large mixture of races in him, which probably make him look different than most people. He must get tired of defining himself by what ethnicity he is and not by what he does.I believe that he should simply check off as many options as he is allowed to that apply to him, and not worry about what people think of this rare mixture of ethnic backgrounds. People should like him or know him based on what he does not where he comes from.
I agree with Meghan O'Neil, that by having these little boxes we do force people to be categorized, and that he should just check off other and than write what he is in an appropriate space. I think Wright has a right to be offended, but he should not let people categorizing him define who he is as an individual.
I think that Wright's dilemma is one that is shared by many, especially in such a diverse nation where everyone has there own identity and idea of what that identity entails. Personally I agree with Wright and his dislike for the "Little Boxes" system that's used everywhere from the doctors office to college applications, to standardized tests. Sure most of these situations are looking merely for statistics but that in itself I believe is disrespectful to many people who can't identify with one specific box such as Asian or Hispanic. Even the little boxes themselves are flawed. To say one is Asian or Hispanic is like going to the store and asking for Wheat Bread. Yes, that is a specific type of bread, but if you look closer, you're bound to find a huge variety of Wheat Breads at the store. That's why I like the "Other" little box, especially when there is space left for one to explain further. I think that is a much more respectful way of asking the question, even though identifying one solely based on ethnicity is disrespectful in any way shape or form.
Briana... I think the fact that most of the forms Wright is filling out aren't looking for a detailed description of the person is the root problem. For example, there are laws requiring businesses to maintain a certain level of diversity in the workplace and this can often lead to the overlooked discrimination of some who could be better qualified than someone who meets the "ethnic description" required in order to fulfill the company's "quota".
The frustration that Anthony Wright expresses over the generalizing of people is something that he has every right to do. A lot of people seem to think that he is only complaining about the lack of options he has with the "little boxes" on sheets, but it is so much more than that. Everyone in society generalizes too much and some people fail to realize that this is not the right thing to do and that by doing this we lose sight of the individual and unique qualities each and every person has.
@Ari Lazarine
I completely agree with what you are saying Ari. The "other" box is always the box to go with it, but in all seriousness you are right. It is disrespectful to those who cannot identify with just one ethnicity. The generalizations that are made when trying to figure out these statistics are flawed.
i think that wright was taking this to personal. i, mean when i first came to WHS, it didn't feel right from were i had just come from. are school was mostly minority and i felt like i fit perfectly there but now things have change so much that i can see my self as of who i am. being around all different types of people can make you feel weird and all but soon, you just have to make your self fit in with everybody else no matter who they are. so wright had multiple problems because, he could not let go and just leave his life as a normal human being
i agreed with brain, you should not be judge by the color of your skin but who you are and what is your character.
I agree with Brian that he is overreacting as i too am from a diverse European backround and don't have an issue with my diverse heritage.
I think that Wright is looking at his race situation too critically. I believe that you should associate yourself with the ethnicity that you are the most comfortable with. Also, i believe that too many people in this country spend to much time freting over their ethnicity and heritage than they should. We are all Americans.
I think that Wright does have a good point at being upset but he seems to be over exagerating. People should be aware of one another and what their ethnicity is and they shouldn't stereotype other people because of how they look or speak. As for Wright, he should just be who he feels he is and what his heritage is and then let people accept him for who he is.
Personally, I can't put myself in Anthony Wright's position, as I, being white and of wholly European descent, am obviously not considered to be a minority in the U.S. However, I do believe that his ideas are absolutely valid, as trivial as someone else might consider them; his emotions are just as important as anyone else's.
In my opinion, though, I think he's taking the little boxes a bit too far. It isn't like he has to let ink on paper define who he is or how he feels as an individual. He may as well just grit his teeth and check a damn box.
I believe Wright is being too overly sensivtive about the "little boxes". These boxes are used for statistic purposes and are looking for more general information, not specifically who you are. Not any one person in society is exactly the same as another and therefore there would be too many boxes for people to check off if they were supose to include every part of their identity.
I agree with Meghan. There are ways for Wright to really express what his background is. "Other" is always an option, so if he is that offended by the "little boxes" he should check that and then include what he wants, and not complain about it as much as he did.
I agree with what Matt said. I also like how he compared it to his life about being adopted and how he doesn't necisarily know exactly who he is but he believes who he is and thats what he goes with and what he cirles in the boxes.
I agree with Mara. The intended purpose of such "little boxes" is to get a general idea of your background. If it was meant to be specific, you'd have more than enough space to fill in whether you were half-Japanese, a quarter Dominican or three-sevenths Welsh. But to categorize such a number of people so tediously would be impractical, which is why there are only a handful of boxes. Some people fall through the cracks, but you can't expect the system to be perfect.
I think that Wright is a tad too sensitive about these boxes. I mean I also have a diversified cultural background as well. I'm Lithuanian, Russian, and born in America. Despite this, it's not necessary for me to fill this information out in the "Other" box because either i'll explain it later in a box that specifies "cultural background" or i won't at all.
In other words these boxes may have some meaning to them like the ones about your education, but the other ones about yourself aren't that important.
I agree with Lampi that the boxes that are given are "statistics" just there for your informational input. If you didn't fill them in it would be a problem, but that the fact you want to add in the "other" box exactly who you are. That is totally your decision. The main purpose as Lampi said is a reference for what sort of people attend the school, job, etc.
I feel like Wright is trying to criticize the system. While he may have a point in saying that we over-simplify people by putting them in categories, we as people try to fit into categories ourselves. It is in our nature. So logically, the fact that we categorize people to help find patterns is not too far of a step for us as humans.
I agree with Mara. I too have a huge European mix in my blood but I never get held up by little boxes. It is none of their business what blood runs through my veins because in the end it is the same blood they have, regardless of who passed it on to me.
I think that Wright is a being a little over dramatic about the being categorized. It is practical and convenient to classify and group people together. Humans group everything together, even themselves, so it shouldn’t be surprising to Wright that he is being asked these types of questions. There also asked to everyone so I don’t understand why he feels so violated.
I totally agree with Lampi. These questions are only for statistic purposes and how Wright answers doesn’t even really matter. The results of these questions are only for informational and educational purposes. The only thing Wright had to do was answer them as correctly as he could. To be honest Wright could have answered anyway he wanted as long as it wasn’t a complete lie.
I'm sorry, bout I have to disagree with Mara. I think that Wright has a strong willed and diverse mindset. although i never have that issue, i still have some thoughts when filling out similar "little boxes." When i am filling out little box, i usually think somthing like, "oh, i wonder who is going to be reading this? are they racist? are they looking for a certain ethnicity? am i that ethnicity?" because in reality the people analyzing the boxes, have no clue who Ryan Sciba is by seeing white checked off in a box. so there is generalizing and it makes me upset as it does Wright because thats not fair. and in my opinion, i think anyone reading the boxes would love to meet me haha.
And Ari, i definatley agree with you as well. there should be a space next to these little boxes that allows you to give some sort of explination of where your from or your background. this may at least reduce the generalizing that arises. and besides, even with that extra box, someone shouldn't just make an instant assumption based on where you're from or your ethnicity. they should at least try to know you a bit more personally. and if not then what ever the boxes are for, aren't worth one's time...
I understand what Mr. Wrights feeling but at the same time I believe the little boxes, although they are generalizations, are just easy ways of answering a simple question; how you perceive yourself. Just because he has to question what his ethnicity is does not mean he has to question himself. The little box doesnt detract or take away from him as an individual. The box just makes him identifiable and he can answer it how ever he sees himself. The box in some way, opposite of what he says, is in fact him shaping his identity on his own.
I agree with Jess's comment. The box is just as much a generizaltion for him as much as it is for those who are clumped in the other 4 categories. I see myself as being a white female but that is just the basics. It doesn't mean I haven't been able to be me. I identify or associate myself as much more than white.
Becky's point makes total sense to me. I agree. I think that Wright can't let a little box keep him from embracing his ethnicity.
Brandon Hayes - Absent this day..."Hey Yall"
I agree with Mara Frumkin's opening comment. The point of these application forms is to establish an initial understanding of your background in spite of the detachment. If you don't believe that you fit into a particular category well enough to be included with the others in that category, an "other" category is provided that presents an opportunity for specificity. I don't believe that the system is as sinister as Wright makes it out to be.
I think that Mr. Wright has a point to a degree, but the little boxes are not created to make him feel like his identity is being lost, just get a base idea of who this guy is. he has to fill the rest in to create his own unique identity. I agree with Jesse's comment that the boxes are just generalizations and that everyone has to make that choice of which of the 5 boxes to check.
I can kind of see where anthony Wright is coming from. I have trouble with filling out boxes like this all the time. I am of african decent but I also have a parent who is white. I was raised by my mother who is white. Some people think I am hispanic based on the color of my skin and others ask me all the time what I am.
I agree wiht Ari there should be a box left to explain who you are or they should just do away with the box system and find something else that is less offensive.
The kid in the movie was very excited in the beginning to go hunting with his father. He was going through a rite of passage that would distinguish him from a child. In the end, he felt sad and disgusted at himself for killing the rabbit. I think this movie teaches us that as an adult, the world has many atrocities and injustice and we, as adults are exposed to that and have to be ready for it.
Not sure if this is where we're supposed to post or not but I think today's film was a good example of someone coming to the realization that even though culture may think that something is right, it is up to the individual to make their own decision on it and decide for themselves if it the action should be done or not. The child had to choose whether or not to shoot the rabbit and although he chose to end its life, he regretted it almost as soon as he did it. The film shows how even a simple action can be broken down and analyzed morally.
the kid in the movie felt great about killing. he thought that once he fired the gun it would be a game till he killed a rabbit and saw his dad do it. he then felt all the pain it was when killing someone and therefore that it was the wrong thin to do.
I somewhat agree with Amos, although the kid was excited to go hunting, I think he was skeptical about killing the animal, a little apprehensive. But then when he saw his father kill the rabbit, he felt that what was being done to the animal was wrong and that he didnt want to do it after trying it himself.
Like Andrew, I am not sure if this is where we post or not, but I thought the film today was an excellent example of The individual knowing right from wrong rather than just going with the flow of what the rest of society thinks. His father told him that it would feel great to shoot a rifle and kill a poor little animal, but once he actually saw it and did it his opinion quickly changed. Steven at this point realized that what he had done was wrong and that he should not have done it. Despite being told that it was fun, he eventually saw that it was wrong and formulated his own opinion on the subject
@Amos Omeler and Andrew Lampi
I agree with both of you. The kid clearly wanted to kill at first, but he eventually saw it as the wrong thing to do.
MOVIE FROM TODAY
I know we are not supposed to jump to judgement based on the movie, but it is very hard for me not to judge. I lived in Texas for part of my life so hunting was not a big deal there. I have seen little girls at as young as three pile onto their Daddy's fourwheelers and watch him hunt deer. Also my 8 year old next door neighbor there had a pink shot gun that she took hunting atleast once a month. I believe the boy may have overreacted slightly because he went completely numb and made it look like he killed his own father. I think he should keep an open mind about hunting and not judge his dad, or feel like the worst person in the world just for killing a rabbit.
In regards to today's video we watched, I think that this was a great lesson to Steve about individuality. I think that by the end of the video, he realized that hunting was not what he expected and he created his own stance and views on the matter. At the beginning, he was excited to learn what his father loved and was pumped to take part in a family tradition. But when he actually got out there to shoot, his opinion changed.
I feel like everyone is siding with the kid being emotional too much. Every new thing is scary at first when you try it. Think about it when you learned to ride a bike and fell off and cried for awhile you never just give up, you get back on the bike and give it another try. I'm not saying he has to go hunting again but I think it would not hurt for him to go hunting again and try with an openmind leaving the past in the past.
@Molly-
I know that I was not judging the Dad, but I think that if I was the boy I would be a little upset. I personally just don't think I could handle taking the life of a living creature. To be honest, I always feel guilty about killing bugs! But I understand your stance because things are different in different places, and people treat certain things in different ways.
MOVIE TODAY:
The boy was extremely excited when he held the gun, and took his first shot at the tree stump. It wasn't until his dad shot the rabbit that it really dawned on the boy all the power a gun has. It isn't just a fun toy, it can take lives.
I agree with Jeff, this is a perfect example of the individual's power to not be like the whole. However, the boy should have decided on his own if he felt comfortable shooting the rabbit, he shouldn't have listened to his father.
Today's movie was pretty thought-provoking, and really seems to tie in with the general themes of identity and of people and their willingness to cave on their beliefs. In terms of the movie itself, though, I really thought the character of Steve portrayed how actions always have consequences, and how sometimes you have to think only in your own interests rather than in those of others. In the end, though, he decided to pull the trigger, and later felt the emotional ramifications of his actions; but if he had thought about what he wanted to do rather than what would make his father proud, he wouldn't have the regret of taking a life hanging over his shoulders.
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