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(04/11/12 7:38pm)
I realize that the investigation of Trayvon Martin’s death is highly important, but there are also more issues that should be publicized.
I truly feel that what had happened was a tragedy, and I don’t wish for anyone to think that I don’t.
My sympathy goes out to his family and friends, but there are still other cases like this one that do not receive the same amount of attention.
For example, last month a California woman was murdered in her home. The reason for her death: racism and xenophobia.
Next to the body was a note that threatened the family to go back to their home country and then called them terrorists.
The victim, Shaima Alawadi, was found by her 17 year-old daughter. This child was forced to experience hatred at its worst.
Why mention this case? What makes it important? I personally feel as if we should support national equality more often.
Senseless deaths like these make me angry.
Death is already hard to handle, but when you lose a loved one prematurely, it makes everything even worse.
No one will ever be able to know what that person could have grown up to be if his or her life had not been taken.
Trayvon could have been the doctor or scientist that found a cure for cancer or formed a foundation that helped the homeless and those of low income.
Before her traumatic finding, Fatima Al Himidi, the daughter of Shaima Alawadi, could have been a lead researcher for diabetes treatment or help NASA with their aerospace research.
In protest, many are wearing hoodies to support Trayvon’s cause.
We can also wear hijabs to support Shaima and her family.
We can also enrich ourselves in the cultures of others to rid ourselves of the ignorance of our foreigners and those neighbors who live in our very own backyards.
We need to do this for the sake of our future and that of our children.
Hopefully, the day will come when we would not have to worry about being killed for looking suspicious, or fear sleeping because some stranger will come into out homes and murder us.
Comments, questions or concerns about this opinion can be sent to vernon.t.scott@live.mercer.edu
(02/08/12 9:59pm)
Once I was asked, “Do you find that your life is more important than that of a dog?” This question arose out of a conversation between my friends and I. The topic of discussion came about when we saw a dog lying on the side of a road. Sadly it was hit by a car. I noticed how not that many of my friends felt pity for the poor animal, and I asked why. Most of them replied that it’s just a dog. I guess some saw disappointment on my face, which brought about the question.I honestly do not believe that my life is more important than any other being’s. I care for my life and I want to keep on living, but to say one’s life is more important than another is false. Though I do admire my life, it does not necessarily mean that I view it as being greater. In other words, I feel that all lives are on an equal level. The only being who will think that my life is more important than others is myself. In truth, someone on the other side of the world could have just died. You probably might feel bad about the information, but you do not truly care since it is not you or someone you know closely. Most people have that kind of selfish attitude. We all value our lives, which I have no problem with, but to discredit another’s life is slightly wrong in my eyes. Most of us barely tend to care about other’s lives unless it is somewhat personal. That poor dog probably had a family waiting for it, some little kid who wakes up every morning just to see its best friend and pet.Honestly if I died today, not that many people around the world would care, save for those that I have come to know throughout my life. The same statement can be applied to any of you who read this article. You never know when you will be that dog lying on the side of the road. I for one will continue to be thankful for each day I live to see and honor those who have passed. All beings deserve to be respected. Comments or questions about this opinion can be sent to scott_vernon41@yahoo.com
(12/07/11 10:29pm)
Have you seen any of your old favorite cartoon channels lately?
For example, have you by chance taken a look at Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon?
In my opinion, these channels have seriously gone off the deep end.
Compared to the shows back in my younger days, the shows now are somewhat vulgar. I remember the days when it was a television sin to use the word suck on T.V.
For example, this sucks, your outfit sucks or other usage in that context was inappropriate.
Now, using phrases like that has become commonplace.
Can you remember the show “Johnny Bravo?” That show was in some way vulgar, but it was a very low level in vulgarity.
Johnny was a huge flirt in every sense of the word. Though he hit on every grown woman in his sights, he never actually got a chance to be in a relationship with them nor even got a kiss from them.
But when it comes to shows that are on now, they make out, date and even cuddle.
I remember the first time I saw Cartoon Network’s show, “Adventure Time.”
Within the first 10 minutes I noticed that the show made at least two sexual innuendoes.
At first, I honestly thought that it was funny, but after assaying the situation for a while, I thought that the show was very inappropriate for kids of a younger age.
Sure they may not understand what it means now, but who’s to say that they won’t learn?
Many people hadn’t paid any attention to the fact that adult swim comes on at a much earlier time than it used to.
I remember staying up until 12:00 a.m. just to watch Inuyasha or Case Closed because it was on adult swim. That was quite an accomplishment for an 8 to 10 year old.
But now adult swim has been pushed forward, so now it comes on at 9:00 p.m. which is a time that just about anyone can stay up for, before feeling slightly sleepy.
Before long, this change in what television stations would allow will begin to affect children’s shows as well.
Next thing you know, instead of Dora asking, “Do you see the mountain?” she’s going to ask “Do you see the damn mountain.”
And whenever poor little Swiper comes on the scene, the chant will be, “Swiper, no f**king swiping” in which Swiper will respond with a “goddamn.”
Why can’t we go back to the way it used to be?
Comments or criticisms of this opinion can be sent to scott_vernon41@yahoo.com.
(11/12/11 10:19pm)
What should you do when you lose a parent? Do you cry your eyes out? Do you act as if you are not affected and constantly lie to yourself? Should you live your life asking why they had to go and was it too soon?
I honestly believe that you should cry but don’t let it be all that you do. I believe that it is the child’s duty to embrace the lives of their parents.
When I say embrace, I don’t mean that one should act as they [the parents] did, make the same mistakes they made, or something of that nature.
Celebrate the memory of your parent(s) on their birthday or the anniversary of their death. Try to believe in your heart that they are at peace. What reason is there for one to feel bad about someone who is in a state of peace and happiness? Celebrate with them, in a sense of spirituality.
Though they are not here on in this plane of existence with you, that doesn’t mean they are not with you in spirit. Though it is cliché to say, life has too much to offer and your parent(s) would want you to live a fulfilled life. Why force yourself into suffering when there is no need for that? Find comfort in their memory and remember how they influenced your life.
(11/02/11 9:15pm)
Can starting a new relationship be stressful?
An easier question would be what can make a new relationship stressful?
The stress can easily be caused by many factors, such as: who should initiate the first conversation, or when will it be too soon, or is it too late.
Another factor could be the first date.
On the first date, should we split the cost half and half, or should I pay in full?
These are just a couple of the many stressors, but right now I want to talk about the first date.
It is generous for one to offer to pay for the first date in full, but honestly what is the point?
Though I personally think that the first date should be split between both people, however there are other options.
Why must anyone have to pay on the first date?
To be honest, I believe it may be helpful for some of us to understand my reasoning if they thought of the situation with the mindset of a cynic.
Who is to say that the guy does not have an ulterior motive when he said he will pay for everything?
Who is to say that the girl won’t label you as being cheap for bringing up the idea of having her pay for half of the check?
It could happen.
But then again, this is just me being a cynic.
Truthfully, I believe that it would be way less stressful on both parties if the date took place in a park or something.
That way neither person will be forced to pay for the whole date. There will not be an akward discussion of having the split the bill. Plus you can interact in a less stressful environment and really get to know each other.
Doesn’t this seem like the better option?
Would it not be more beneficial for both the guy and girl to form some type of emotional bond, be it strong or weak?
I believe there should be some type of connection between the two of you before either of you starts paying for anything.
But then again, I guess I am just a romantic.
I just never saw the point of using money, outside of traveling, on the first date. I think that the question of who should pay should not come up until later on in the relationship. The third or fourth date seems reasonable enough. Money and the idea of who has to shell it out just is too much of a hassle early on in the relationship.
Why not get to know each other first before spending money on each other.
But that is just the mind of a romantic speaking.
Comments, questions and concerns about this opinion can be emailed to Vernon.T.Scott@live.mercer.edu.
(10/05/11 2:06am)
Due to a reading assignment, I had a chance to revisit a song that I enjoy. Though it is kind of weird for a person to be reminded of a song while reading, it is more common than you may think.
When I was reading “Servant, Birthright,” a poem by Pattiann Rogers, the song “One of Us” by Joan Osborne came to mind. In this song, Joan asks, “What if God was one of us?” This question is one that we all should ask each other.
I must honestly say that it would not be as good as one might think. Over the years, people have begun to deviate from what can be recognized as kindness.
If God was truly one of us, I honestly believe that there would be a very high chance that he would not be fully happy. God would experience what we all have experienced, maybe even more.
This world that we live in now is more brutal and very dangerous. What we once described as being human nature has been perverted.
People are being murdered for senseless things, they are easily corrupted by greed and they let their own selfishness rule their thoughts and deeds. Many people try their best to ask themselves what would Jesus do, but so far they are not coming up with the right answers.
It has become common amongst many of us to ignore those in our very own neighborhoods. There are people who are struggling to get out of their situations, situations that could easily be fixed if you would lend a hand.
What if God was that lonesome hobo asking you for a few dollars to get himself something to eat? Many people would pass him by. Some would think that he is just going to use that money to buy himself some alcohol or crack, but who can blame them for thinking that?
It’s truly not their fault that this world is constantly becoming more corrupt by the second. But that lonesome hobo shouldn’t have to suffer through a rampage of judgmental eyes either. Instead of giving him money to go get what you may be drugs, assist him in finding a safe place to sleep for the night. Help him find a haven to which he can return to so that he wouldn’t have to be all alone. Show him some kindness or some love, so he too can recognize that there is still some goodness in people.
What if God was that kid that you picked on just because he or she was too fat or too ugly? What if God was that professor you gave a hard time, just because you hated their class? What if God was that pregnant girl you belittled because you viewed her as being too fast or promiscuous?
What if God was that kid that no one reached out a helping hand to assist, who was constantly being beat every day when he went home from school? What if God was that kid who jumped in front of the bullet to save his loved one?
What if God was that homosexual that you bullied because he was happy to be whoever he was? What if God was one of us?
Comments and questions about this opinion can be sent to Vernon.T.Scott@live.mercer.edu.
(09/07/11 10:44pm)
There is nothing like going for a swim when your body is craving a little relaxation. Why have I not taken the opportunity to go for a swim? It is not the homework. It is more than likely the hours in which the pools are open.
To my knowledge, the indoor pool in the University Center opens some time near 4:00 pm and closes at 8:00 pm on weekdays and opens at 8:00 am and closes at 2:00 pm on weekends. The time is somewhat acceptable.
Truthfully, there is a secret swimming time that some don’t know about. Between the hours of 6:00 am and 4:00 pm, one can go for a dip in the pool, but the only downfall to this time is the fact that there will not be a life guard on duty until 4:00 pm; this is weekdays, that is.
As for the outdoor pool, the Plunkett pool, that is, I believe it opens at 1:00 pm on weekdays and 12:00 pm on weekends. As for its closing time, 6:00 pm would be it.
These times seem reasonable enough, do they not? Well, to me, they are not. The reason I say this is because seven out of every ten students are unable to make the time to enjoy the pools.
I, for one, don’t finish my homework until around 8:00 pm on a good day. “What about the weekend?” you may be asking. My weekends are not all free to have fun, and the same goes for other students. But honestly, I can get over the weekend situation because I can try to better manage my time over the weekends.
“What does all this mean?”
What this means is that we should encourage the closing hours for the pool to be pushed back two hours at the most. Asking for more than two hours would truly be asking for too much.
With an additional two hours, I would be able to get to the pool during the supervised hours. I am also hoping that the extra time would influence five out of the seven students who are unable to go swimming to do so.
Having the pool open later would supply more students extra time to swim and supply some with a needed chance to swim.
So far, those who use the pool in the University Center are those who are participating in water sports or aquatic classes, like water aerobics. Very few students seem to swim purely for the joy of swimming. We need to be able to put these facilities to use somehow during the week and an extra two hours would hopefully solve this problem.