My Thoughts on the Inauguration

Today, the 44th President of the United States of America took office. There has been so much talk about this election as history in the making.
President Barack Obama is the first African-American president in U.S. history, and a huge amount of attention has been paid to this inauguration.

It is a bittersweet day for me, because as an American, I am proud that we have come so far as a nation. And yet, also as an American, I am saddened that race was ever an issue at all. This day is full of so much rejoicing for many people, and I agree that it is worthy of celebration. There is a part of me though, that feels that this is the way it should have been all along, and everyone should have always been equal. That this day should have been a 'given', and not such a momentous occasion.

And as bad as I know it sounds, there is a part of me that is ashamed to be white. A part that is ashamed of what my ancestors have done, and how they have treated others of different color. I am ashamed that there can be so much hatred and cruelty. And I am also proud of those who have overcome it.

I am looking forward to the day when people will think nothing of a person of non-Caucasian origins holding the highest position in the land, other than to be thankful that America is home to everyone. I look forward to the day when people will think nothing of a woman holding office, other than to be thankful that we have so much freedom in this country.

My fervent hope and prayer is that our past mistakes as a nation will strengthen our resolve to be a nation for all people, all races, all faiths, all walks of life. That we won't distinguish between black or white, between rich or poor, between Muslims or Christians or Budhists. That we will always remember the price that freedom cost, and that it belongs to all people. The one thing we have in common is that we are all human beings.

We are all people on a journey, and that journey is much easier when we work together.

Just get over it

"I hate ______ (you fill in the blank). She's a tramp with bad hair who can't act/sing, and I don't know how she ever became famous."

It's becoming an epidemic it would seem. I can't find an entertainment-related article online these days that doesn't have hate comments ad nauseum below it, that is if the site allows commenting.

I suppose I should be able to ignore it, but it's getting on my nerves. So much so that I don't even want to read entertainment news anymore.

Do people seriously not have anything better to do with their time than sit on their computers and spout off about how badly so-and-so sucks?
Pardon me if I sound harsh, but GET A JOB, people! Get a hobby, find a new friend, help someone out, GET A LIFE!

First of all, in order for some one to be a celebrity, there (typically) has to be a fan base, and a rather large one. There are a few notable exceptions, and with no malice aforethought I mention Paris Hilton. But for the most part, celebrities are popular. In all fairness, Paris Hilton does have fans.... I think.

I am a proud American, and I believe in freedom of speech and freedom of expression wholeheartedly. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and they should definitely have the freedom to express them. But honestly, what does it do for them? Do the 'haters' get some kind of kick out of posting their whiney, angsty comments? I'll admit, I don't understand the phenomenon at work here.

If you have really have to go online and rant and rave about Britney Spears one more time, maybe you should start a blog. That way all of your friends that agree with you can read it, and those of us who simply want to read the news don't have to 'listen'. Feel free to express yourself if you must.

Just a closing thought - in the words of Thumper from Bambi: "If ya can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." And although the grammar is wrong on so many levels, that thought can still be good words to live by.

Freedom of the Press

So I have a debate in Mass Communications & Society class tomorrow morning over freedom of the press. I'm holding the side that the press is not free enough.
It's not that I've ever had a personal issue with not having enough freedom in this area, but I had to pick a side. Now I just have to come up with a good argument to back up my opinion.
Sometimes it seems like there is more freedom for those who are 'politically correct' than those who are not politically correct in the press. Maybe this is just my impression.
Anyway, I'll write more after I've finished coming up with my argument.

TTFN