Immigrants and Minorities
I was reading Clarence Page's column in a recent Detroit News titled: Immigrants are minorities, too. Although I normally enjoy his writing, this column really struck a cord with me. Page brings together some key points about affirmative action, immigrants and minorities. The most poignant thing to me:
A bigger question is: Why are black students whose families have been in America for generations being left behind by newcomers, including black newcomers from other countries?
Mr. Gates plans to a study group on the question. I can offer one easy possibility at no charge: Immigrant kids work harder.<br /> They work harder, in part, because their parents work harder - and their parents work harder because of their relentless optimism: Where others might see a dead-end job, immigrants of all colors see an entry-level opportunity.<br /> Where others may see inequities, immigrants tend to see a ladder to be climbed. With hyperoptimism, they move ahead, upward and outward, undeterred by discrimination, short-term poverty, substandard housing, lack of capital or any other barriers that fate throws in the way of their hopes and dreams.</div></blockquote>Although aimed at African Americans it clearly applies to everyone. As much as people feel the need to bash America, I can honestly say this is the land of oppertunity. I've seen with my own eyes people come here with nothing and work hard for everything. You can't wait for success to come to you, you need to go out and work for it; seize it! And with that, I should really follow my own advice. However, I know I've achieved a lot, but I know I still have far to go.
Posted in: Politics,
Greed, Infidelity, Vengeance, and Stupidity
I very much enjoyed watching Matchstick Men, with Nicolas Cage as a brilliant con artist. One of the more truthful aspects of the movie was how con men always appeal to greed in their victims. Everyone's a fool, but when put forth the offer of "something for nothing", the weekminded (read: "greedy") become a fool's fool.
So on the rare occasions I listen to the radio on thursday mornings, I sometimes catch War of The Roses on 95.5 (honestly, only when nothing else is on). The concept of the show is spouses/significant-others (usually women) call into the radio station to try to determine probable infidelity from their partner. The station then calls the partner in question (usually men) with an offer for a free dozen roses. Yes, completely free ... something for nothing. If they send to their current partner they "pass", if not they get hell.
So what's my problem with this? It's been noted that a third to a half of spouses cheat - a disgusting but common attribute of American society. What gets me is the actual people who partake in this rather unethical method of determining what they think is "truth". Communication is so foreign to them that they resort to airing their personal matters on the live radio. Some of the humiliated men don't take it well. Of course nothing is really proven, it's only fuel to the fire (aka: ratings baby!!!). Even then, those stupid enough to cheat and to accept the flower offer deserve little sympathy. ... The accusers (women) always seems so justified in their actions regardless of the outcome. If the potential philanderers (men) pass this trial, they pathetically act like the ordeal was no big deal and even at times apologize. Huh? Their so-called loved one decided to use the public radio to ascertain this tidbit of knowledge and everyone is happier? Ummm ... only in the U.S.
So what do I conclude from this? Women are vengeful and men are stupid? Is that what you read? No it's simpler than that. ... By the way I was tempted to title this post "Being American", but being so close to July 4rth, I think this title was more appropriate.
Trying Out Gmail
Thanks to fellow Indian blogger Prasenjeet Dutta, I can now join the "geek elite" and say I have a (highly coveted) Gmail account. So far I haven't really tried anything out. The 1GB of space seems really nice. The thing I'm most pleased about is that I got the login name I desired. Without giving out the address, I want to see if it will accumulate spam like both Yahoo and Hotmail do.
So now I have another email to check.
Posted in: Internet,
Certain Changes
So far this summer seems to be bringing a lot of changes. The biggest thing being all the people moving and relocating from A2. My brother, some dear friends, some old friends, and even one of my neighbors. Another old pal is tying the knot. Of course there's nothing unusual about any of this. It's life. The thing about all of this that gets to me is how do people know for certain that their decisions are the right ones. Granted, some situations you have no control, but most of the times it's completely conscientious.
I'm not indecisive, but I feel like I'm adrift in a sea of uncertainty. I envy all the people who seem to know what they want and for better or worse have the fortitude to go for it.
Best of luck to everyone out there.
Posted in: Life,
Back from India
Well I'm back. I don't feel like I'm completely back to my old self, but I'm getting there. It was an amazing trip. I can't recall how many different emotions I felt throughout the trip. I could write novels on all the different things over there: culture, people, technology, family, religion, food! :) Never have 3 weeks taught me so much. India was a welcome change. And the biggest change for me is that it no longer seems so far away.