Blog Reflection Quarter 4

Over this past year, I think I have evolved as a blogger. Fourth quarter, I have blogged about topics that relate to our class discussions and about my junior theme experience. Blogging has become not an assignment (as it started off as first quarter), but a way for me to think critically and reflect on our society and discussions we have in class, and stay updated on current events. I definitely feel more comfortable blogging now as opposed to first quarter.
My favorite blog post this quarter is "Facebook...for first graders" (5/21). Although I did not have as many blogs fourth quarter as previous quarters, I really liked this blog both because it pertains to the discussions we've had in class on the media and technological changes in our society, and because I actually felt very strongly about the topic. I think the idea of social networking for young children is very relevant and a little scary.
Overall, I have really enjoyed learning how to blog and become comfortable blogging :)

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Reparations Still Necessary?

Today in class we discussed reparations for those who have been discriminated against, harmed, and enslaved in the past based on their race. This idea of trying to make amends for an injustice committed is something that I think is definitely necessary. We discussed countries paying reparations after wars (usually monetary reparations), and I'm pretty sure that the government has just recently begun to give reparations to those who have been wrongfully accused and imprisoned for murder, after being cleared by new DNA technology.

So shouldn't African Americans receive reparations then, too? Honestly, no matter how much we do, I don't think we can ever make up for what happened 200 years ago (and forward) in our country. But that doesn't mean we can't try. We can't go back in time and change the past, but what we can do is acknowledge that these atrocities took place, and issue an apology to all African Americans who have been enslaved and discriminated against. And I think the government could go further and mirror the way the Holocaust has been dealt with in the United States, regarding museums: we could rightfully honor the African Americans who suffered in slavery and under unjust laws with memorials and museums. It is important that everyone understands what happened, and that it is not denied or ever forgotten.

I believe that reparations are still necessary today. Just because time has passed does
not mean that it is too late for our government to take action. It's never too late to apologize.

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1 comment:

  1. Nick S.February 12, 2010 at 9:48 AM

    I believe that slavery should never be forgotten; it should be taught in schools, and museums should be made in recognition of it. However, I do NOT believe that black Americans should be given monetary reparations; I do not believe that would help them, especially taking into account all of the failed welfare programs. But I have seen many benefits from affrimative action.

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