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 3 - 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
40 comments:
Andrew MacElhaney
said...
I thought the story made people think how people judge other people. Also how minorities can get jobs and or go college. Many minorties can get jobs or go to college because of who they are. Also in the story sometimes people can be classified into one category even though they may not know what kind of ethincity you are
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 Andrew how the story made me think about how one little box can judge and generalize people. People and society need to realize that simple things, like a survey, can be racist or make people feel uncomfortable.
I think that many people can relate to Anthony Wright`s story. Many people are generalized by what they look like, how they act, and who they associate with. They are also grouped based on their religion, but many people have more than one religion so I don't think it is fair to pay attention to one and not the other. There are many minorities in our society and I think they should get recognized more than they do.
I agree with Laura on the fact that I do not think about how people are grouped in my everyday life. For me it is not an issue when I am filling out a form such as a college essay. I do not come from a family with many different backgrounds, so I only have one box to check. For those people who feel the need to check more then one box, I think they should be given that option on all forms that they fill out. People should not have to chose between different religions. They shouldn't have to put one religion or background over another.
I believe that one little box cannot determine who you are. Anthony E. Writght is able to check off more then box and he should be able to do so and should be proud of that. Instead Anthony has to check off the box "other." I think the "little boxes" story signifies more than just checking off a box and shows a bigger picture. This story shows how people categorize each other and put them in specific categories. This little box doesn't show who Anthony really is, it is just putting him in the same category as a bunch of other people. Being specifically grouped is not fair and takes away from a person's individuality.
I agree with Jenna on the fact that many people are in the same position as Anthony and that many people get categorized for who they are by the wrong things. Society should see people as individual's, not large groups. People should identify you for your uniqueness and not just categorize you in a large group. Categories take away from people's special qualities which are often overlooked when there are generalizations.
I think the story, “little boxes” was very interesting. Before reading this article, I had never thought twice about filling in a box related to my ethnicity. It did not occur to me that I was categorizing myself with a group of people and loosing my representation as an individual. After reading the story, I now think that I should not have to categorize myself. In most cases, my ethnicity should not matter to the person reading the survey or test. I do not have to be grouped with a culture that may not represent me.
I like the short story, “Little Boxes.” It showed that not everyone is easily classified into one box. For example, President Obama is always thought of as “Black.” However, his mother was “White.” No one ever mentions this. And, he was raised by his mother and her parents. In addition, he went to high school in Hawaii. But all anyone refers to President Obama as is “Black.” So, that is the box he is in.
I thought Aidan had a good point. I never knew that President Obama's mother was White. I now wonder whether he chose to check a box labeled “Black” or whether someone, like the media, did it for him.
I thought that the story "Little Boxes" was definitely worth reading because it made me think about things that I have never thought about before. When faced with the few little boxes that are present on all different types of forms and applications I have always simply filled out Caucasian. I have never thought of those people who are a greater mix than me and more than one box applies to them. Then one of my class mates in my group said that she is faced with the same dilemma when she has to fill out forms. I think that Mr. Wright does a good job with pointing out the flaws in this system and the reality that people today have more complex identities. This passage also brings up again the importance of ones identity and how these "little boxes" are restricting Mr. Wright's ability to express his.
I agree with Kate's idea that this story is about more than just checking off boxes but about how people are often categorized unfairly and how this takes away from their individuality.
I thought this story was very interesting and I never really thought about those boxes like this before. When filling out these boxes I simply choose White/caucasian and move onto the next question. After reading Wright's feelings towards this I totally understood where he was coming. Those boxes are very general and can limit ones background because they are simply to general. Anthony Wright didn't fit these general groups and it seemed to bother him because a simple question was made so hard for him. This is a specific example of one persons thoughts about a simple question that probably relates to so many other people. I believe that this goes beyond what was said in the story because you can relate this idea to so many other situations, such as judging someone who you no nothing about.
I share the same view as Brendan Dolan before reading this i never thought twice about choosing a box with my ethnicity but now i will probably take more time with that question. I dont want to classify myself because the categories are way to general, your identity is important and this question suppresses your true identity because of generalizations.
I agree with Wright that generalizing is wrong. First impressions stay with people and if you already have someone put in a category, you might not even get the chance to find out who they actually are. Especially colleges who are so bent on being diverse, that they tend to miss out on really great student who aren't a minority.
I agree with Brendan's comment about never realizing your generalizing yourself checking off those little boxes. All of our parents and teachers say we are all different and unique, but if so, why do we generalize ourselves with a grop of the same people?
theres that old saying that we've been told by our parents since we were little. Don't judge a book by its cover. Its easy to often just look at someone, pass judgement on them, and not think twice about it. You never really know who a person is just from the surface. There are situations when how the person presents themselves is how they act and to some degree who they are. But you really can never just make assumptions about people like that. its not that simple
I enjoyed this article, and I agree with Wright's point that it really shouldn't matter what ethnicity you are when applying for certain positions or taking tests, but I really don't see the problem with checking off a box that says "Caucasian/White." I know that I'm German, Canadian, British, Irish, and a whole mix of a European background; but I'm white. It doesn't make any difference that I'm white but if somebody were to describe me they'd probably say that I'm a tall gawky white kid with long brown hair. There's nothing wrong with them calling me white because that's what I look like and people will by nature remember specific traits that they see on the surface. I don't expect everyone to know my jumbled mess of ancestry; hell, I barely know the whole story, but if you want to call me white when you describe me to someone then go ahead. Because honestly I have no idea what somebody would picture me as if a person listed every single country that my ancestors had roots in when describing me.
in my opintion it really showed how classified people are. its bad enough in social groups in school but for much of everything-its female or male. White or other. income? i agreew ith what laura said becayse it is really unfair. and its also hard for me to support both sides fully because i fit evenly and exactly into one "box" which means i truly wont understand the other point of view which i believe was the point of the story :)
I agree with Anthony E. Wright and his frustration. I think it is physically impossible to explain himself to only one specific ethnic group when he is apart of so many different nationalities. He shouldn't have to choose which ethic group is more important to him when all of them are apart of his identity. These "little boxes" definately do not suffice in explaining who a person really is.
I also agree with Jenna and Kate. I don't think society should place people into large groups, they need to see us for who we are as individuals, all with different identities. By forcing him to classify himself to a "little box", it takes away from Anthony being able to explain who he really is and his own unique qualities
I feel the same way Laura does. However, I felt that Antohny E. Wright was just being way too specific. I do understand where he's coming from but the "little boxes" are just there to identify what race or nationality you are. And thats really it. But if you happen to be of multiple races, just pick the one thta mostly fits yourself. Then Later you can fully describe your background. I justr felt that he was getting worked up over such a little thing. This problem can easily be solved.
I felt that Anthony E. Wright was getting worked up over such a little thing that can easily be solved. The little boxes are only meant for others to simply idnetify what kind of nationality you are. Also there is a section that says "other", so he could just simply list his background information.
I believe Mr. Wright is right in saying that the "little boxes" limit a person. These days, many applications and forms try to get a general idea of who a person is by having "little boxes." However, everyone is a completely unique individual and this cannot be expressed by answering such general questions.
I agree with what Kate said about the boxes showing that people tend to categorize each other, which is unfair because it does not allow people to be unique individuals.
This story really opened my eyes to a perspective in which I've never looked at the situation from. Being "white" and "American", I've always just checked off the top box on any application, survey, test, etc. These forms do try to group people together, which in many cases, creates generalizations (some true and some untrue) about certain groups. Upon discussion with some of my group members today in class, I noticed that these boxes form dilemmas for a bunch of people. Someone who has one parent of Asian descent and one parent of African descent now must chose which one is "more important" to them. This questions and ruins one's identity and makes one wonder if they're still even describing themselves.
I agree with Jenna's comment and liked how she talked about how one religion or ethnicity of a person is not more important than another. She made a real good point about how many minorities we have in our country and how we need to recognize those people for everything they are.
This story realized me that I can't judge people what they act,say and look like. I didn't know about the people's worries who have dilema with different country roots or backgrounds. However, I could know their thinking by reading the Mr.Wright's story.I think "The little box" make us to isolate our thinking and make people in dilema like Mr. Wight. Also I think we have to respect each people's identities.
I agree with you, Davithy, when you were saying that he was kind of making a big deal out of something like that. It's great to be proud of who you are and where you come from, but people aren't going to care if you tell them that you're part Argentinean, part Italian, part Swedish. They just want to know basically what you look like. I'm not saying that I 100% agree with that way of thinking, but it's exceptionally hard to change the way that people think and I feel that Wright should choose his battles. Fighting over a matter like this isn't going to do much good, it'll just lead to a lot of squabbling and in the end there will probably be bitter feelings on either side.
I found this article to be interesting beucase it was about something that I never really though about before. For me, I know exactly what box to fill out and it takes me a matter of 5 seconds to do so. Reading about how Anthony struggled to decide what box to check made me realize these little boxes aren't fair. I believe individuality is valued in today's culture. The confusion experienced by some people in deciding what box to fill out is unfair. People should be able to fully express who they are, and should not refrained from expressing thier cultral bakcground. I don't believe these boxes were meant as a restriction or generalization on a person's ethnicity, however it has turned into a problem where it creates confusion with one's identity.
David makes a good point in that in the end, they are just harmless boxes inked onto paper. However, people recieving these forms can then generalize and judge from what they read which, in some unfortunate cases, can lead to a negative affect on the person's life.
I think that the author makes people realize how much some people value their identity. People realize that some people can be really offended if you mix them up or generalize them with another identity. Even something as innocent as a check box question for race can offend someone. People should be more careful in what they call people just like when people call Hispanics "Mexicans" this can be offensive to people not from Mexico who are Hispanic.
I agree with Jenna. I think that if there is check boxes for race, all the races should be included not just the major ones. How would being an other race make you feel?
I thought the story was really interesting because I can relate to Anthony. I'm half Brazilian and half American and sometimes i'm not really sure what to check off when i come across those little boxes. But I never really understood why we have to check off those boxes I don't think it really matters, and I think Anthony is making it a really big deal, even though i do come across the same problem, but i would never write an essay about it.
I agree with kate's post it definitely does categorize people and I don't think its really fair. Checking off hispanic and Caucasian doesn't really tell you who i am just my race and if you saw me you wouldn't think i'm Brazilian unless you know me
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.
40 comments:
I thought the story made people think how people judge other people. Also how minorities can get jobs and or go college. Many minorties can get jobs or go to college because of who they are. Also in the story sometimes people can be classified into one category even though they may not know what kind of ethincity you are
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 Andrew how the story made me think about how one little box can judge and generalize people. People and society need to realize that simple things, like a survey, can be racist or make people feel uncomfortable.
I think that many people can relate to Anthony Wright`s story. Many people are generalized by what they look like, how they act, and who they associate with. They are also grouped based on their religion, but many people have more than one religion so I don't think it is fair to pay attention to one and not the other. There are many minorities in our society and I think they should get recognized more than they do.
I agree with Laura on the fact that I do not think about how people are grouped in my everyday life. For me it is not an issue when I am filling out a form such as a college essay. I do not come from a family with many different backgrounds, so I only have one box to check. For those people who feel the need to check more then one box, I think they should be given that option on all forms that they fill out. People should not have to chose between different religions. They shouldn't have to put one religion or background over another.
I believe that one little box cannot determine who you are. Anthony E. Writght is able to check off more then box and he should be able to do so and should be proud of that. Instead Anthony has to check off the box "other." I think the "little boxes" story signifies more than just checking off a box and shows a bigger picture. This story shows how people categorize each other and put them in specific categories. This little box doesn't show who Anthony really is, it is just putting him in the same category as a bunch of other people. Being specifically grouped is not fair and takes away from a person's individuality.
I agree with Jenna on the fact that many people are in the same position as Anthony and that many people get categorized for who they are by the wrong things. Society should see people as individual's, not large groups. People should identify you for your uniqueness and not just categorize you in a large group. Categories take away from people's special qualities which are often overlooked when there are generalizations.
I think the story, “little boxes” was very interesting. Before reading this article, I had never thought twice about filling in a box related to my ethnicity. It did not occur to me that I was categorizing myself with a group of people and loosing my representation as an individual. After reading the story, I now think that I should not have to categorize myself. In most cases, my ethnicity should not matter to the person reading the survey or test. I do not have to be grouped with a culture that may not represent me.
I like the short story, “Little Boxes.” It showed that not everyone is easily classified into one box. For example, President Obama is always thought of as “Black.” However, his mother was “White.” No one ever mentions this. And, he was raised by his mother and her parents. In addition, he went to high school in Hawaii. But all anyone refers to President Obama as is “Black.” So, that is the box he is in.
I thought Aidan had a good point. I never knew that President Obama's mother was White. I now wonder whether he chose to check a box labeled “Black” or whether someone, like the media, did it for him.
I liked what Kate said about how it shows a bigger picture and how people categorize each other. And, she was right. It is unfair to do this.
I agree with Laura that Anthony E. Wright can show his frustration towards the genralizing of people
I thought that the story "Little Boxes" was definitely worth reading because it made me think about things that I have never thought about before. When faced with the few little boxes that are present on all different types of forms and applications I have always simply filled out Caucasian. I have never thought of those people who are a greater mix than me and more than one box applies to them. Then one of my class mates in my group said that she is faced with the same dilemma when she has to fill out forms. I think that Mr. Wright does a good job with pointing out the flaws in this system and the reality that people today have more complex identities. This passage also brings up again the importance of ones identity and how these "little boxes" are restricting Mr. Wright's ability to express his.
I agree with Kate's idea that this story is about more than just checking off boxes but about how people are often categorized unfairly and how this takes away from their individuality.
I thought this story was very interesting and I never really thought about those boxes like this before. When filling out these boxes I simply choose White/caucasian and move onto the next question. After reading Wright's feelings towards this I totally understood where he was coming. Those boxes are very general and can limit ones background because they are simply to general. Anthony Wright didn't fit these general groups and it seemed to bother him because a simple question was made so hard for him. This is a specific example of one persons thoughts about a simple question that probably relates to so many other people. I believe that this goes beyond what was said in the story because you can relate this idea to so many other situations, such as judging someone who you no nothing about.
I share the same view as Brendan Dolan before reading this i never thought twice about choosing a box with my ethnicity but now i will probably take more time with that question. I dont want to classify myself because the categories are way to general, your identity is important and this question suppresses your true identity because of generalizations.
I agree with Wright that generalizing is wrong. First impressions stay with people and if you already have someone put in a category, you might not even get the chance to find out who they actually are. Especially colleges who are so bent on being diverse, that they tend to miss out on really great student who aren't a minority.
I agree with Brendan's comment about never realizing your generalizing yourself checking off those little boxes. All of our parents and teachers say we are all different and unique, but if so, why do we generalize ourselves with a grop of the same people?
theres that old saying that we've been told by our parents since we were little. Don't judge a book by its cover. Its easy to often just look at someone, pass judgement on them, and not think twice about it. You never really know who a person is just from the surface. There are situations when how the person presents themselves is how they act and to some degree who they are. But you really can never just make assumptions about people like that. its not that simple
I enjoyed this article, and I agree with Wright's point that it really shouldn't matter what ethnicity you are when applying for certain positions or taking tests, but I really don't see the problem with checking off a box that says "Caucasian/White." I know that I'm German, Canadian, British, Irish, and a whole mix of a European background; but I'm white. It doesn't make any difference that I'm white but if somebody were to describe me they'd probably say that I'm a tall gawky white kid with long brown hair. There's nothing wrong with them calling me white because that's what I look like and people will by nature remember specific traits that they see on the surface. I don't expect everyone to know my jumbled mess of ancestry; hell, I barely know the whole story, but if you want to call me white when you describe me to someone then go ahead. Because honestly I have no idea what somebody would picture me as if a person listed every single country that my ancestors had roots in when describing me.
in my opintion it really showed how classified people are. its bad enough in social groups in school but for much of everything-its female or male. White or other. income?
i agreew ith what laura said becayse it is really unfair. and its also hard for me to support both sides fully because i fit evenly and exactly into one "box" which means i truly wont understand the other point of view which i believe was the point of the story :)
I agree with Anthony E. Wright and his frustration. I think it is physically impossible to explain himself to only one specific ethnic group when he is apart of so many different nationalities. He shouldn't have to choose which ethic group is more important to him when all of them are apart of his identity. These "little boxes" definately do not suffice in explaining who a person really is.
I also agree with Jenna and Kate. I don't think society should place people into large groups, they need to see us for who we are as individuals, all with different identities. By forcing him to classify himself to a "little box", it takes away from Anthony being able to explain who he really is and his own unique qualities
I feel the same way Laura does. However, I felt that Antohny E. Wright was just being way too specific. I do understand where he's coming from but the "little boxes" are just there to identify what race or nationality you are. And thats really it. But if you happen to be of multiple races, just pick the one thta mostly fits yourself. Then Later you can fully describe your background. I justr felt that he was getting worked up over such a little thing. This problem can easily be solved.
I felt that Anthony E. Wright was getting worked up over such a little thing that can easily be solved. The little boxes are only meant for others to simply idnetify what kind of nationality you are. Also there is a section that says "other", so he could just simply list his background information.
I believe Mr. Wright is right in saying that the "little boxes" limit a person. These days, many applications and forms try to get a general idea of who a person is by having "little boxes." However, everyone is a completely unique individual and this cannot be expressed by answering such general questions.
I agree with what Kate said about the boxes showing that people tend to categorize each other, which is unfair because it does not allow people to be unique individuals.
This story really opened my eyes to a perspective in which I've never looked at the situation from. Being "white" and "American", I've always just checked off the top box on any application, survey, test, etc. These forms do try to group people together, which in many cases, creates generalizations (some true and some untrue) about certain groups. Upon discussion with some of my group members today in class, I noticed that these boxes form dilemmas for a bunch of people. Someone who has one parent of Asian descent and one parent of African descent now must chose which one is "more important" to them. This questions and ruins one's identity and makes one wonder if they're still even describing themselves.
I agree with Jenna's comment and liked how she talked about how one religion or ethnicity of a person is not more important than another. She made a real good point about how many minorities we have in our country and how we need to recognize those people for everything they are.
This story realized me that I can't judge people what they act,say and look like. I didn't know about the people's worries who have dilema with different country roots or backgrounds. However, I could know their thinking by reading the Mr.Wright's story.I think "The little box" make us to isolate our thinking and make people in dilema like Mr. Wight. Also I think we have to respect each people's identities.
I was not present during the discussion of this blog
I agree with you, Davithy, when you were saying that he was kind of making a big deal out of something like that. It's great to be proud of who you are and where you come from, but people aren't going to care if you tell them that you're part Argentinean, part Italian, part Swedish. They just want to know basically what you look like. I'm not saying that I 100% agree with that way of thinking, but it's exceptionally hard to change the way that people think and I feel that Wright should choose his battles. Fighting over a matter like this isn't going to do much good, it'll just lead to a lot of squabbling and in the end there will probably be bitter feelings on either side.
I found this article to be interesting beucase it was about something that I never really though about before. For me, I know exactly what box to fill out and it takes me a matter of 5 seconds to do so. Reading about how Anthony struggled to decide what box to check made me realize these little boxes aren't fair. I believe individuality is valued in today's culture. The confusion experienced by some people in deciding what box to fill out is unfair. People should be able to fully express who they are, and should not refrained from expressing thier cultral bakcground. I don't believe these boxes were meant as a restriction or generalization on a person's ethnicity, however it has turned into a problem where it creates confusion with one's identity.
David makes a good point in that in the end, they are just harmless boxes inked onto paper. However, people recieving these forms can then generalize and judge from what they read which, in some unfortunate cases, can lead to a negative affect on the person's life.
I think that the author makes people realize how much some people value their identity. People realize that some people can be really offended if you mix them up or generalize them with another identity. Even something as innocent as a check box question for race can offend someone. People should be more careful in what they call people just like when people call Hispanics "Mexicans" this can be offensive to people not from Mexico who are Hispanic.
I agree with Jenna. I think that if there is check boxes for race, all the races should be included not just the major ones. How would being an other race make you feel?
I thought the story was really interesting because I can relate to Anthony. I'm half Brazilian and half American and sometimes i'm not really sure what to check off when i come across those little boxes. But I never really understood why we have to check off those boxes I don't think it really matters, and I think Anthony is making it a really big deal, even though i do come across the same problem, but i would never write an essay about it.
I agree with kate's post it definitely does categorize people and I don't think its really fair. Checking off hispanic and Caucasian doesn't really tell you who i am just my race and if you saw me you wouldn't think i'm Brazilian unless you know me
I was not in class for this assignment.
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.
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