Thursday, May 14, 2009

Still on the Obama Watch

The article from the New York Times did a wonderful job of showing how normal the lives Obama’s really are. Traditionally in the past the president and his family were always known to be secluded from the public eye and were strictly in the view of society only for political aspects. It is great to see that the Obama’s are keeping their lives as normal as possible because it helps people understand that they are normal every day people like the rest of society.

My Mother Said She Never Liked that Name for a Girl Anyway

The author’s remedies seem to have a powerful act of dedication on the means of rebuilding New Orleans. There isn’t a question in my mind that these plans of communities creating self-help fundraising efforts cannot stay in effect. It is important that communities across the country continue to unite whenever disasters like Katrina happen. With this then our people are liable to overcome issues faced now and eliminated in the future.

Thinking More about African American Society and Culture

African Americans have come a long way since times of struggle and constant oppression. The fact that cultural institutions have been established in today’s society has helped the black community gain the ability to have positive outlooks on the goals they set in their lives. The responsibilities that members of these organizations have are that they have to make sure that they up keep and maintain their willingness to never stop whenever a struggle comes their way.

•Making Privilege and Power Visible

I see that a large amount of black women’s bodies are being exploited predominantly from the black culture. This ultimately leads people in our society to think that all black women are sexual and distasteful. The portrayal of the black woman with little to no clothes dancing seductively is a constant image that sticks in the minds of the public.

I Am Definitely an Obama Girl

I believe the Obamas can be considered and archetypal Black family. They possess several components of the ideal nuclear family, and prove to be an example of stability. This particular family portrays more than just a financially stable household; they demonstrate important characteristic like love, compassion, and dedication for one another. Society should use the Obamas as an example when considering a well structured family. The social class and economic status are irrelevant when considering the foundation. The important components of a family are intrinsic values not material ones.

Thinking More about African American Society and Culture

The idea of a traditional family has altered tremendously over centuries. The reasons can vary, and depend on a family’s economic standing and number of parents in the home. I have personally noticed an overwhelming number of single parent homes in existence today. As untraditional as it may seem it has been a common practice for some time. It makes sense to me that the structure of the family is set up in this manner, because Blacks have often been disabled from having a consistent two parent home. This dates back as far as the 17th century during slavery when families were torn apart for the slave trade. This family dismantlement may seem unrealistic because the some much time has passed, but in my opinion it framed the way families are today.

Is Barack Obama an African American?

I feel the issue of Barrack Obama being Black is over emphasized. Society puts more attention on the color of an individual’s skin than their true abilities. In all actuality, though, because of Barrack Obama’s completion society considered him Black. History Makers informs us that he has embraced his hertitage, and is happy to be a part of the national transition away from oppression. The important thing to keep in mind that an individual’s personal identity is canceled out by whatever society perceives it to be

The HistoryMakers

I found each of the interviews affective in illustrating various realities that minority people experience. Specifically, Joyce Hughes and Barrack Obama were both excellent examples of individuals who altered the way society considered the Blacks. They both faced rejection and were denied opportunities because of their race. Joyce Hughes demonstrated her loyalty to African American society by working as a professor and proved that even woman could make a difference. Hughes was the first woman and the first African American to teach at the University of Minnesota Law School. Barack Obama graduated at the top of his class and Harvard Law. He was able to astonish people, and prove that a Black man could be President. The Database allowed me to watch personal interviews that demonstrated how people overcame discrimination to ultimately attain their dreams.

Electoral Politics and Party Identity

I do not believe that Barrack Obama being elected into office has changed the perceived need for an independent third party. Although the party’s stance has altered over time, his beliefs still coincide with the general beliefs of the Democratic Party. I believe a black independent third party would further divide our country, and possibly increase racial tension politically. The fact Barrack Obama was elected to office proves that our Nation has made progress and that a Black independent party is not necessary.

What is the White Mainstream?

White Mainstream has been an issue throughout American history. There is no specific definition, but it can be considered in various aspects. Individuals can construe that; White refers to the Anglo culture while mainstream refers to any conventional or dominate tendencies practiced in society. It is easy to perceive that many of the norms present in our society are viewed as white mainstream, because Whites have historically maintained power and authority. Due to the influence and superiority common practices often take on characteristics of the White culture. Values will stop being considered White, middle class, or western when society ceases to identify aspects of life with racial and economic social classes.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Tell me more: Response

I hope to attain knowledge of different aspects of African American studies. Specifically, I anticipate learning about black activists who aspired for justice and equality, and discover some of the obstacles they faced during their endeavors. This information could be beneficial with a career in legal studies for several reasons. It would be useful to be aware of previous codes or laws that oppressed minority groups. Also, it could emphasizes the value of the rights and privileges African Americans currently have, and prompt me to appreciate them.

Beginning Considerations--Starting the Blog, Response

I noticed several interesting points in both the Anderson and Stewart and Hill-Collins selections. I was interested to learn about various activists and Black philosophers in history. I found it amazing that individuals like David Walker, Sojourner Truth, and Maria Stewart played such an significant role in American history, because it as such a trivial time for African Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries. I would enjoy learning about various African American people that influence ideas of Black equality. I found it surprising that in 1833 a Black women spoke publicly about the oppressions Black women face. It was also interesting to note that she rarely discussed the issue of sexual abuse women were subjected to, but was aware of it. Lastly I found it outstanding that Black women intellectuals created the foundation for the distinguishing stance on oneself, the community and society.

Questions: 1. What kind adversity did scholars in the 18th and 19th centuries experience?

2. How do contemporary activists compare to historical activists?

3. Does our generation show appreciation to past scholars and activists?

Thursday, February 5, 2009

This is Me ♥

My name is Amanda Kidd. I am a Legal Studies major and currently a transfer Junior from LLCC. I was born in Ft. Lauderdale Fl.,but was raised in Taylorville , a predominately white town in central Illinois. I have three siblings, and I am the youngest child in my immediate family. My ultimate goal is to graduate UIS, and eventually attend an accredited Law school in the south. I aim to pursue a career in corporate law and be a partner in a large business firm somewhere in Florida.





Tell me: your major, your place of birth, your class standing. Identify and describe your campus or larger community memberships, and your future goals (Are the two connected in some way?)