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Okay. I went to a predominantly black High School in the city. Even though it was Catholic, it was an adjustment.. me being a pretty shy white girl coming from an all white elementary school full of preps (which had its own issues; very competitive academically but alot of "popularity" and clique things going on) It was sad because as I'm sure you know, the white people mostly mingled with each other and the black people mingled with each other. Though I gotta say, the Hispanics mingled good with both Black and Whites, which I envied. I know some of you might say this is mushy-mush, but I wish to God we had had some kind of similar program like this to help us all learn to break down barriers; cultural barriers; weight barriers; barriers of bullies who make fun of others; jock vs nerd barriers; 'smart' vs. 'stupid' barriers; rich vs poor; 'ugly' vs. pretty; sensitive/ shy vs. outgoing; They are all imaginary barriers. Though I got past most of my fears and barriers... it was and sometimes is still hard culturally for me, and I wish it wasn't. I wish I had, and that most of us could have, a high school experience where we could cross those barriers and be ENCOURaged to do so. Where the teachers were progressive and wanting to make a difference in ourlives and the lives of us as a whole, as a nation, to make it a PRIORity to implement these programs in ALL schools. Where its a first thought, not an afterthought; after bullying to where someone commits suicide, to the cause of most of the anger of those bullied who then weld guns, but mostly to the happiness of every single child/ person in those schools, that they may then connect to all forms of people and get more connection/ relations/ and love out of life for the duration of their life. I think if you learn to step over some of those boundaries/ barriers you teach at least one other person in your life how to do it or show them acceptance of themselves, which can also greatly positively affect the life of a person. Anyway I was rambling around the internet and found this and wanted to show you guys. Its a Challenge Mission event for a High School done recently; 50 students. I think we have come a long ways. Even though we have more to do.. I am very happy to see this. Teen Transformation at Challenge Day
interestingly as I've gotten older and longer I've been in Korea... . I've gotten more cynical and more ok with knowing that what actually I want for me (ie: a Korean or KA gf) and more ok with certain lines... if not barriers.
The US... like it or not... believe it or not.... is VERY progressive on these issues. Coming from one that has lived/travels both US/Korea a lot... I find those that live there, I find generally take it for granted that that is true. The difference is EXTREME. Its impossible to say how much the US is far beyond and at the forefront of these issues in comparison to say, Korea, most other homogenous countries, and many third-world and developing one (ie: most of the planet).... unless you've lived in both. how this for perspective: The US is one of the ONLY countries in the world that could even have this kind of video and/or it be relevant. Think about that. That is not a small thing. And THAT is one of the GOOD things.. no GREAT things about the US. It is not a localized incident. so DO NOT DISPARE. EVER. EVER. you just don't realize how good the US has got it. NO nowhere near perfect or where it needs to be... its as horrible as is it great. But the fact is racial issues are on the DEFAULT mindset of everyone who lives there... regardless of what side of the fence you are on (or in the middle). Freedom of expression and religion is still THE most powerful element of the US (don't give case studies of the contrary..that's not the point). I know cause I see it. the difference from there to here and in Asia and most of thirdworld. And I feel it me. The changes. Its not good but at least I'm aware of it. So that's my only reprise. TAKE PRIDE aND HOPE. (not just cause of that video) The rest of the world has a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG way to go to get the inherent understanding of the principles (All are created equal) where they can have issues of conflict that they do in the US. Obama is candidate for President. And may very well win. THAT is incredible and representative of what you are saying more than any one case of the contrary. Your words. Your mindset. The conflict, death and strife in the US. Its all apart of that CHANGE towards teh better (even if you don't always feel it). I mean, its not meant to solved in one generation. The internet maybe a catalyst.
