Freedom Riders

Question: Is there a cause you know of in our world today that you feel is of similar/equal importance? Something worthy of groups taking action, even to the point of non-violent demonstration or protest?

          The cause I'm about to mention was a cause that was being fought for centuries ago. The cause that I'm talking about is world peace. In my opinion, I find world peace a stupid cause to fight for, however, my opinion hasn't affected those who still chase such a dream. Yes, peace shares a common goal as equality between races, since to have peace, one requires equality and understanding between all types of people. I've watched many peace protests, demonstrations  and organizations work their efforts to create world peace. If anything, the end results of all those hard worked efforts end up either getting ignored, insulted, or end up in violence. Many world peace protests are non-violent, for it would be ironic if they were forceful and aggressive. Yes, in the past, there have been times where non-violent protests actually had impact and worked out. However, if one studies closely, they will notice that most of these non-violent protests are led by highly respected figures, not just an average everyday citizen. With all due respect to those who chase the dream of world peace, the idea of world peace is never going to be achieved. Times like these, one can think that maybe later in the future, there will be a time where the world comes as one and unifies under peace. However, by that time is reached, the world would probably be destroyed and it wouldn't matter anyways. For this is only my opinion on the cause, it does not mean that it will really happen.

LLW5 Shaun Park's Blog #2

              If anything, I have to say that the parenting in the United States are entirely different than the parenting in Korea. Nevertheless, the parenting in both nations have changed. I feel as if parents slack in the way they teach their children. I have no right to say, but I think the people I see in school and the children I see in everyday life have no idea what respect, discipline, or the basic idea of equality. I have no issue with how they raise their children, but if they fail to raise them correctly, the child might end up being a clueless imbecile. With all due respect, parents should teach respect to their children. When I go on the school bus after school ends, all the kids in middle school yell, scream, and act to the older kids (us) as if we're on the same level as they are. I understand that they are middle school students, and that they are filled with energy and reckless. However, that does not excuse the level of maturity they should at least uphold. If parents are really okay with their children, at the young ages of 10-14, cuss and disrespect their elders, then parenting has to change. A society with ruthless children like that will no other turn into an anarchy. In my opinion, parents need to teach at least the basics of discipline and respect. Rest assured, from time to time, I witness situations where some children/students lack common sense. As ridiculous as this sounds, I feel as if some adults actually never bother to teach their children about common sense and even how to act with their peer groups. I was raised by my parents, learning how to respect and uphold my responsibilities as a child. I was always taught to help others if they requested help and to always try my best. If I were to raise my children, I would do the same for them. However, I wouldn't be as strict as my parents were with me. My rules will only be stated once, and each rule will have certain disciplinary laws and respected. Basically, all I have to say is, parents: quit being lazy and teach your children the basics of life.

LLW5 Shaun Park's Blog #1

             Current day in both minor societies and major societies, the relations between race in America have improved. In the past, the way people interacted with different races have either been positive or negative. America first allowed immigrants from foreign countries well before World War II. This allowed interactions with a large variety of different races. From then to now, America's interaction with other race countries have increased surprisingly. Back in the past, most schools, jobs, and basically everyday life was spread between races. One of the most famous were colored and non-colored segregation. Colored people couldn't share the same things white people used. Separated bathrooms, bus seats, schools, and even the places they live.  Now, colored and whites live among each other  The difference between the past American separation and current day separation differ a lot. Considering the fact that I was not born in America, nor have my citizenship, I feel that I recognize more race-relations than whites or American born teens do. I'm ensured that when I say this, I speak for any new immigrants or different raced people alike: being a different race and trying to fit in a entirely white or certain group is difficult. It's not in the sense that joining them and having white friends that's the difficult part, but rather the idea and concept that they (the white or particular group) is always judging you because your a different race then them. However, also being a student at the time, the school boards and teachers have started to teach about equality between races and how just because we are all a different race, doesn't mean we have to treat each other differently. However, I still feel there is one concept that has a negative effect on race relations. Racism played a huge role back during the times of the Jim Crow Laws, and still play a minor role in society today. As a student, I notice, especially in the cafeteria, the black kids sit with the black kids, the white kids sit with the white kids, and the Asian kids with the Asian kids. I feel as if racism is the key why most kids stay the way they are now. You don't see adults try and intervene and consult the school or students to try and spread relations between different races. With all due respect to all parents and adults, lately, the current day issue is that everything is up to the children to figure things out. If we got some more adult support in race relations, I feel we could really make a better society. Not to mention, even today, most people can't help but be afraid to hang with other races, because we were never taught the correct way of approaching the situation. This is the way I see race-relations current day, and so far, nothing has changed my view on it.