"You know where it ends, though it usually depends on where you start."

There is a song that was popular in the 90’s. One of the lines from the end of the song is, “You know where it ends, though it usually depends on where you start”. This is relatable to the world in general. It is myth to say that everyone can accomplish the same things in life if they work hard enough. This is an American made myth. “We” as Americans often try to apply this myth to other situations around the globe. I have personally heard people say “the reason all of those people live in poverty like that is because they don’t want to do any better.” 

After I walked away for a while so that I could count to ten (before I went to jail for assault), we began a discussion about the chain of poverty. We hear and see things all the time that prove that generational poverty does exist. Then, I went on to that the root is education. It takes money to educate people. When people are educated, they know more about how to take care of their bodies. When people are properly educated, acts of pure hate and discrimination are less likely to happen. When people are educated, society sees themselves as useful. When people are educated, they feel better about themselves and feel inspired. When people feel inspired, movements and revolutions happen.

Unfortunately, the situation in Haiti begins with who controls the money. The current government structure that is in place is designed to keep its people oppressed. But not necessarily designed by the leaders of that nation, but by the rest of the world. The way the Dominican Republic and the rest of the world views places like Haiti is what causes these types of violence. It seems that the rest of the world thinks that places like Haiti just want a hand out. I don’t think that is the case. I think they just want a fighting chance. It is going to take a large movement of transforming the mindset of the people of Haiti, and then it will be an uphill battle. These people can break the mold of generational poverty, its just not as easy as it sounds.

I found this article while doing a bit of research on the Haitian earthquake of . According to the article, a lawsuit has been filed against the UN claiming peacekeepers are responsible for a deadly outbreak of cholera. The class-action suit is the largest ever filed against the UN.

http://www.ticotimes.net/2014/03/11/haiti-cholera-victims-file-new-lawsuit-against-un

According to Google tourist is defined as a person who is traveling or visiting a place for pleasure. I believe the book really breaks down this concept of what does it really mean to be a tourist. In who's pain are you smiling and taking pictures in. I like how Kincaid points out that a tourist visits to escape the boredom of their own, ordinary lives. This is essentially saying a lot. Often times people would like to escape from their crazy world, yet are unable to because of lack of availability or finacinal reasoning. Yet, there are so many of us that when we get tired with our everyday life or need a get away, we are able to do so freely. Until this concept of the ugliness of tourism I never really understood how me being a tourist and choosing to get away, how it appears to others in the area in which I'm touring. They may look to me with envy or hope wishing to be able to be in my place. Kincaid also points out that tourist often make the lesser poorer apart of their pleasure.       This example made me think of myself and my short amount of time in New Orleans. Though let me first say that I know that everyone that stands on the streets of New Orleans trying to earn an extra dollar aren't always poor as they seem, but in the meantime let's talk about the honest people that really need to earn more money. So many times in New Orleans, I often took videos and pictures of and with those people that were on the street dancing or singing in hopes that the many tourist would add a few dimes in their pocket. Never once did I think of how the street performs may have looked to me and if they did or did not wish to be in my place to be able to get away from my college days and to take a small trip to New Orleans with friends.       Furthermore I enjoyed our conversation in class discussion, how being a tourist you often don't see the bad parts of the location that you choose to spend your time in. I cannot remember if we talked about it in class or not, but it reminds of the filter bubble. To, as a tourist, literally take yourself out of your environment and to visit a beautiful location and to be aware of those bad locations in your vacation area but choosing not to acknowledge says a lot as well. After reading A Small Place, it really does show how tourism is truly an ugly thing.  

Thoughts?

http://shine.forharriet.com/2014/03/anyone-who-wants-to-call-themselves.html

Beauty and Blackness

Oscar Winner Lupita on "Beauty

Class Matters

The movement up the economic ladder is the desire that lies in the heart of those seeking the American dream, but it doesn't happen as easy or as often as many think that it should. The American dream is lessened by opportunity. Class can be harder to spot than racial or ethnic differences, but in many ways it's the most common predictor of what kind of financial and educational opportunities someone can have in life.

In agreement with Bell Hooks, class seems to be one of the hardest subjects to talk about today in society, especially with the myth of meritocracy. There are many perceptions about who belongs where on the social scale which is quite problematic. How does education, attitude, and even appearance mark someone as a member of a particular class? There are many class oppressions present in society today and majority of Americans are uncertain as  to where they stand.

(Social Class in America- Tammy's Story )
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynytMj2tamQ