J Santiago
Oh the lessons learned out there in the real world. I have come to the conclusion that an internship is more valuable to me than traditional classroom learning. Nothing can compare to the feeling of being able to see, first-hand, what goes on behind the scenes of state politics.
Governor Malloy has decided to lay-off about fifty people in the CT General Assembly. This is scary. Any staff member of a state commission could be in danger of losing their job. Tomorrow will be the final decision and I will be there to witness it. State workers will be in my prayers.
Last week I attended four meetings and an interview in a single day. It was hectic, but simultaneously amazing. I was even featured on a brief newsclip on Univision that night.
This commission is very involved in making sure that Latinos in the state of Connecticut are being taken care of. I have seen this first hand. The Acting Director of this commission took the time to drive 30 minutes away to attend a meeting between middle school administration and a parent with her attorney to assure that there was no discrimination taking place. He makes sure his voice is always heard at meetings, hearings, or conferences.
Praying that God keeps this three-person staff Commission alive. Big things come in small packages. Hay esperanza.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Discrimination in Connecticut
By: Julievette Santiago
The State of Connecticut's Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission shall "focus its efforts on the following quality of life issues: (A) health (B) safety (C) educational success; (D) economic self-sufficiency; and (E) discrimination."
This is my fifth week in my internship and I have made a few observations. In my last post, I expressed how there is a lack of diversity in state politics and I feel there is a need to diversify the Connecticut General Assembly even further.
This week I'd like to touch upon the topic of discrimation towards Latinos in the state of Connecticut. My observations began when I sat in on the Commission's monthly meeting and a Puerto Rican woman from Waterbury spoke about the mistreatment of her daughter by the faculty and staff at a public school.
In addition to this I have noted that many people were not in support of the In-State Tuition Bill and had absolutely no faith in that it would be passed. On the contrary, the bill was passed.
Furthermore, during my tour of the Legislative Office Building, the tour guide made an effort to introduce everyone in the room to one another, using their whole names and/or organizations and where they were from. When it was time to introduce me, he merely pointed to me and said "Latino" and moved on to the next person. It was as if I wasn't worth his breath. This did not discourage me but only made me more passionate about showing others that even though I may be a Latina woman and the odds are not in my favor, I will succeed. I will make La Raza proud and take full advantage of the opportunities this country has to offer.
Until next time...
The State of Connecticut's Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission shall "focus its efforts on the following quality of life issues: (A) health (B) safety (C) educational success; (D) economic self-sufficiency; and (E) discrimination."
This is my fifth week in my internship and I have made a few observations. In my last post, I expressed how there is a lack of diversity in state politics and I feel there is a need to diversify the Connecticut General Assembly even further.
This week I'd like to touch upon the topic of discrimation towards Latinos in the state of Connecticut. My observations began when I sat in on the Commission's monthly meeting and a Puerto Rican woman from Waterbury spoke about the mistreatment of her daughter by the faculty and staff at a public school.
In addition to this I have noted that many people were not in support of the In-State Tuition Bill and had absolutely no faith in that it would be passed. On the contrary, the bill was passed.
Furthermore, during my tour of the Legislative Office Building, the tour guide made an effort to introduce everyone in the room to one another, using their whole names and/or organizations and where they were from. When it was time to introduce me, he merely pointed to me and said "Latino" and moved on to the next person. It was as if I wasn't worth his breath. This did not discourage me but only made me more passionate about showing others that even though I may be a Latina woman and the odds are not in my favor, I will succeed. I will make La Raza proud and take full advantage of the opportunities this country has to offer.
Until next time...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission : Summer Internship
By: Julievette Santiago
This year my summer is not filled with the fast-pace working environment of a restaurant. Nor is it filled with the days where I stay in my pajamas and run after my niece to earn a few bucks. This summer I have decided to do an internship with the State of Connecticut Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission (LPRAC) in Hartford, CT through the Puerto Rican and Latino Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut.
As I write this, this marks the beginning of the third week of my internship and I'd like to comment on my experiences thus far. I came into this journey expecting to run back and forth to the copy machine and answer telephones. On the contrary, I have met senators, state representatives, and most importantly I realized what I want to do with my life.
Day 1: On the first day of my internship I was able to have lunch with my field supervisor and one of the commissioners and sit in on both a Restructuring Committee Meeting and a Press Conference on Prison-Based Gerrymandering in the state of CT.
Day 2: On this day, I worked with the Senior Legislative Secretary who has become my new best friend. We set up for the monthly LPRAC meeting. I was able to meet most members of the Commission and I instantly felt like family.
Day 3: This day began with the tedious task of putting citations in alphabetical order for our Tribute to Hispanic Veterans event. It ended with the glorious feeling of having honored the men and women that serve our country.
Week two was here and I began by setting up for our Redistricting Summit from the Latino and Puerto Rican Perspective. I put many packets together and I worked as efficiently as an assembly line. Then my field supervisor received news that a Press Conference was being held on the In-state Tuition Bill for undocumented students. We rushed over and I was able to meet some of the students and accompany the LPRAC Chairman to a debate between two senators on the bill.
The following day started off to a great start considering that the In-state Tuition Bill was passed! Smiles lit up the room. The summit was very informative and successful. I was able to meet a lot of influential people such as attorneys and advocates. I am a Sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated and one of my tasks was to invite my sorority sisters as well as fellow greeks to the summit so that the youth may be involved and informed on this important issue. My peers attended and my field supervisor was very pleased.
The following day of my internship I had a tour of the Legislative Office Building and the State Capitol. I followed around a bunch of elementary school children and elders. (Not to mention I was the only minority in the group.) Somehow this empowered me, rather than discourage me.
Today in addition to my administrative tasks I accompanied my field supervisor and LPRAC Chairman to a meeting and then attended the Puerto Rican flag raising at the State Capitol. It was great to see so many Latinos come together to spread culture and show leadership.
It is not my Connecticut General Assembly ID, my cubicle, or my computer that makes me excited about this internship. It is the fact that it has opened my eyes to the extreme lack of diversity within the leadership of the government. During my tour of the Capitol, I was able to sit in the Wishing Chair at the Senate Chamber. I'm not very superstitious so I've decided to share my wish with all of you. I wished to be the first Latina Senator in the State of Connecticut. Although it may be a bit out of reach, there's no law against wishing for it. Let's start by getting into law school and taking it from there.
Three days a week, I commute from Waterbury to Hartford by means of the Peter Pan Bus. I catch the bus at 6:40 AM and take the bus home at 5:30 PM. I am dedicated and will not pass up this amazing opportunity to network and be a part of a movement bigger than myself. "To coordinate and provide access to resources by developing and recommending, to the Governor and the legislature, policies for the advancement of the Latino and Puerto Rican community." -Mission Statement of the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission
This year my summer is not filled with the fast-pace working environment of a restaurant. Nor is it filled with the days where I stay in my pajamas and run after my niece to earn a few bucks. This summer I have decided to do an internship with the State of Connecticut Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission (LPRAC) in Hartford, CT through the Puerto Rican and Latino Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut.
As I write this, this marks the beginning of the third week of my internship and I'd like to comment on my experiences thus far. I came into this journey expecting to run back and forth to the copy machine and answer telephones. On the contrary, I have met senators, state representatives, and most importantly I realized what I want to do with my life.
Day 1: On the first day of my internship I was able to have lunch with my field supervisor and one of the commissioners and sit in on both a Restructuring Committee Meeting and a Press Conference on Prison-Based Gerrymandering in the state of CT.
Day 2: On this day, I worked with the Senior Legislative Secretary who has become my new best friend. We set up for the monthly LPRAC meeting. I was able to meet most members of the Commission and I instantly felt like family.
Day 3: This day began with the tedious task of putting citations in alphabetical order for our Tribute to Hispanic Veterans event. It ended with the glorious feeling of having honored the men and women that serve our country.
Week two was here and I began by setting up for our Redistricting Summit from the Latino and Puerto Rican Perspective. I put many packets together and I worked as efficiently as an assembly line. Then my field supervisor received news that a Press Conference was being held on the In-state Tuition Bill for undocumented students. We rushed over and I was able to meet some of the students and accompany the LPRAC Chairman to a debate between two senators on the bill.
The following day started off to a great start considering that the In-state Tuition Bill was passed! Smiles lit up the room. The summit was very informative and successful. I was able to meet a lot of influential people such as attorneys and advocates. I am a Sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated and one of my tasks was to invite my sorority sisters as well as fellow greeks to the summit so that the youth may be involved and informed on this important issue. My peers attended and my field supervisor was very pleased.
The following day of my internship I had a tour of the Legislative Office Building and the State Capitol. I followed around a bunch of elementary school children and elders. (Not to mention I was the only minority in the group.) Somehow this empowered me, rather than discourage me.
Today in addition to my administrative tasks I accompanied my field supervisor and LPRAC Chairman to a meeting and then attended the Puerto Rican flag raising at the State Capitol. It was great to see so many Latinos come together to spread culture and show leadership.
It is not my Connecticut General Assembly ID, my cubicle, or my computer that makes me excited about this internship. It is the fact that it has opened my eyes to the extreme lack of diversity within the leadership of the government. During my tour of the Capitol, I was able to sit in the Wishing Chair at the Senate Chamber. I'm not very superstitious so I've decided to share my wish with all of you. I wished to be the first Latina Senator in the State of Connecticut. Although it may be a bit out of reach, there's no law against wishing for it. Let's start by getting into law school and taking it from there.
Three days a week, I commute from Waterbury to Hartford by means of the Peter Pan Bus. I catch the bus at 6:40 AM and take the bus home at 5:30 PM. I am dedicated and will not pass up this amazing opportunity to network and be a part of a movement bigger than myself. "To coordinate and provide access to resources by developing and recommending, to the Governor and the legislature, policies for the advancement of the Latino and Puerto Rican community." -Mission Statement of the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Students Review "Combating the Prison Industrial Complex"
As the 2010-11 academic year comes to an end, PRLS would like to thank all who contributed to and supported our endeavors. We would also like to take this opportunity to share with our readers feedback we have received from the Spring semester series on prison issues, a collaborative venture with the Institutes of African American Studies and Asian American Studies, the Women’s Studies Program, Rainbow Center, UNESCO Chair and Institute of Comparative Human Rights, and PRLACC:
“The inaugural event for the semester-long series Combating the Prison Industrial Complex: Testimonial, Truth and Action featured a panel presentation of former inmates hosted by UConn Alumnus and acclaimed author Wally Lamb. The panel consisted of Lareese Harvey, Brenda Medina and Kathy Wyatt, who were former participants in a writing workshop taught by Lamb at the York Correctional Institution in Niantic, CT. Harvey, Medina and Wyatt shared with the audience compelling works based on their personal experiences that they penned during their time at York, some of which were featured in the testimonial book Couldn’t Keep It To Myself. This well-attended presentation also chronicled the controversy surrounding the book’s 2004 publication, and the therapeutic value that writing has for those in the prison system.”
B. Diaz
“Of all the PRLS events I attended this year, the Innocence Project: Testimonials is the one that impressed me the most. It was a great experience to learn about the Innocence Project and their successful cases. Criminal justice is an issue we don’t discuss much in our society. It is also an area in which we grant too much power to the state because most of those involved are unpopular in society.
Listening to the stories narrated first-person by those wronged by our system is a great way to get a conversation going on criminal justice reform. I commend PRLS for their sponsoring of this event. These are the type of issues we should be dealing with in academia – real life events that can transform lives. I look forward to the next round of events and panels organized by PRLS. I must add that the whole series of events this semester was amazing. The Innocence Project stood out for its realism and real-life context.”
J. Navarro-Rivera
“The Innocence Project: Testimonials was very productive, engaging and interesting. I liked this event because it helped the audience to connect testimonials with academic research at the institutional level. For example, I believe it was helpful for the audience to know the process these individuals have to follow to become exonerated clients, the stereotypes that follow them after the incarcerations, the work of the activists assisting them, etc. I also liked how we, the audience, were alert all the time to the event, to the narrative. The question & answer session was also a very productive and engaging opportunity to learn more.”
Y. Garcia
“Our class had the option of receiving extra credit for writing a paper related to the Innocence Project Testimonials. A group of us figured we would go for 15 minutes, get enough material to write our papers, then leave. But the presentation was so good that we all stayed for the whole thing. Will there be more events like this?”
Matt
“Cruel and Unusual does not stray far from the gruesome implications of this Outcast Film, disclosing the secrets behind transgendered men and women having to cope with the devastating conditions and unfairness of the penitentiaries they are placed in. specific difficulties that not only women had to endure because of possible wrongful incarcerations, but also because they find themselves in the wrong bodies as they identify with another gender and sex. Stories are accompanied by prison staff/faculty commentary; the documentary truly opens eyes."
K. Dortche
"On April 11 several of my students and I had the mixed pleasure of learning from Dr. Valerie Jenness, Dean of Social Ecology at UC-Irvine, about her research on transgender prisoners in the California state prison system. I say mixed because it’s hard to leave such a presentation without mixed emotions. I was impressed with the scope of Dr. Jenness’s long-term, mixed method research into the lives and needs of transgender prisoners; I was appalled by her findings, which reveal the overwhelming incidence of sexual and other physical violence in the prison system through personal stories as well as statistical measurement, however, I was dismayed at the dilemma Dr. Jenness now finds herself in; commissioned by the State of California to measure the safety of male to female transgender prisoners in all-male prisons and submit recommendations for improvement, Dr. Jenness discovered that “safety” must be understood not only as physical, but also mental and emotional. The unique challenges transgender prisoners present both to her research and to the prison system nation-wide now leave Dr. Jenness, and the California Prison system, with a complexity they may not have anticipated. Dr. Jenness presented her research, and her dilemma, in ways that cut through this complexity for those who attended her discussion, but left us nonetheless without simple answers. Which is, perhaps, ultimately the best place to be. I would very much like to thank the sponsors of this program for bringing Dr. Jenness to campus. My students and I continued to discuss her work both in and out of class, and I have no doubt many of us will continue for many months the conversation she began for us.”
B. Gurr
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Violence in Mexico
by Surah
While many of us around the world are enjoying our inalienable, indivisible human rights, those in Mexico have undergone the bloodiest war in their history. One marketing student, at the tender age of 21 has been uprooted from her home in Monterrey, a city in Mexico ravaged by drug wars, and sent to live in Mexico city—a residence that is instead barraged with robberies and kidnappings. Her parents claimed that they never thought they would have to send her to Mexico City but they prefer for her to live there. President Eduard Gallo of the anti-crime group: Mexico United Against Crime mentioned the life in Mexico City, “We haven’t had heads cut off. We don’t have blockades. We don’t have houses on fire. We don’t have bombs.” Ken Ellingwood from the Los Angeles Times writes, “Drug traffics are aware of the risks of igniting major provocations in a city that is home to the federal police, army, navy and intelligence officers.”
If you haven’t heard about the drug-related violence in Mexico, you are one of few. According to the Financial Times, 15,273 lives have been lost during 2010. They have it on record as the bloodiest year in the government’s war against crime according to official sources from the Financial Times. While many tourists (including myself) have made conscious decisions not to visit the country during this bloody battle, some claim that they killings are not targeted towards tourists. However, the Financial Times noted that in Acapulco, a popular coastal destination for vacationers, 15 people were found decapitated in the first week of 2011. The Washington Post also has highlighted crimes against tourists by noting, “Civilians with no evident ties to the drug trade have been killed in the crossfire and occasionally targeted.” The Washington Post does point out though that most of the killings are drug-linked deaths.
President Felipe Calderon declared war against organized crime in December of 2006 and since then, according to the Financial Times, over 30,000 people have perished. The war on drugs for President Calderon has been arduous one to say the least. Nearly every month, a report comes out about the uncovering of mass murdered bodies in makeshift grave sites. President Calderon has been quoted as accrediting the United States for the constant need for drugs, “The origin of our violence problem begins with the fact that Mexico is located next to the country that has the highest levels of drug consumption in the world. It is as if our neighbors were the biggest drug addict in the world.” While experts have noted that cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine are constantly smuggled into the United States through Mexico, they also note that the weapons being used by the cartels are being smuggled into Mexico from the United States. This interdependent relationship has left Mexico with more body bags than they ever could have foreseen.
President Obama has allocated $1.3 billion dollars in aid to assist with police training, court reformation, and other military supplies. When El Universal, a Mexican newspaper can report that 96 people were killed in a single day, the problem cannot be ignored.
Even those in rehabilitation centers aren’t safe—The Washington Post noted that patients at the Faith and Life drug center in Chihuahua were forced onto the floor and against the wall and executed. 19 of those people died and they ranged in ages from 16 to 63. One of the teens reportedly made a telephone call home and managed to yell out, “Mommy, they’ve come to kill us!”
The stories simply do not stop. There are thousands of articles online chronicling the lives lost, the families torn apart, the drug cartel violence, the corruption within the Mexican government and the mass murder grave sites.
There might be something to see some sort of light at the end of the tunnel though. The Financial Times reported on Alejandre Poire, the government’s security spokesman in which he tried to assure the Mexican people that the government was beginning to make headway. Poire noted that in the third quarter of 2010, drug-related murders stabilized and even declined during the last three months of the year. He also mentioned that the violence was in localized areas rather than occurring nationwide.
While some may find comfort in his words, those who live in Ciudad Juarez may not see it that way. Juarez has been noted as having some of the highest amounts of battles between crime organizations. The Washington Post notes as many as a third of the drug-related deaths occurred in Juarez in 2010.
The war on drugs in Mexico is both an American and a Mexican problem. Without demand, there would be no supply so efforts must be targeted at both ends of the problem. As a citizen of the United States I try to stay abreast of these sorts of stories because human loss affects us all and even though we may not realize it, it affects the entire world. What can we do? Stay informed and don’t make bad decisions that could contribute to this drug war. Even though some people may partake in illegal drug activities, they may not think about how many people had to die, how many were threatened, stabbed, and kidnapped in order to satiate an obsession with drugs. Spread the word!
References:
“Mexico: Investigate Enforced Disappearances in Ciudad Juarez. Police Accused, Torture Allegations Against Chief” Human Rights Watch. ONLINE: http://www.hrw.org/.
“Mexico: Letter to President Calderon. Human Rights and Public Security” September 24, 2010. Human Rights Watch. ONLINE: http://www.hrw.org/
Thomson, Adam. “Mexico Drugs Violence Makes 2010 Bloodiest Year” Financial Times (London, England) January 13, 2011.
Ellingwood, Ken. “The World; Mexico Under Siege; Fleeing Violence, Many Seek Safety in the Capital” Los Angeles Times. (Los Angeles, California, US) March 27, 2011.
Booth, William. “Mexico’s drug violence claims hundreds of lives in five days” The Washington Post. (Washington, US) June 16, 2010.
Seele, A., Shirk, D., & Olson, E. “5 Myths about Mexico’s drug war” The Washington Post. (Washington, US) March 28, 2010.
While many of us around the world are enjoying our inalienable, indivisible human rights, those in Mexico have undergone the bloodiest war in their history. One marketing student, at the tender age of 21 has been uprooted from her home in Monterrey, a city in Mexico ravaged by drug wars, and sent to live in Mexico city—a residence that is instead barraged with robberies and kidnappings. Her parents claimed that they never thought they would have to send her to Mexico City but they prefer for her to live there. President Eduard Gallo of the anti-crime group: Mexico United Against Crime mentioned the life in Mexico City, “We haven’t had heads cut off. We don’t have blockades. We don’t have houses on fire. We don’t have bombs.” Ken Ellingwood from the Los Angeles Times writes, “Drug traffics are aware of the risks of igniting major provocations in a city that is home to the federal police, army, navy and intelligence officers.”
If you haven’t heard about the drug-related violence in Mexico, you are one of few. According to the Financial Times, 15,273 lives have been lost during 2010. They have it on record as the bloodiest year in the government’s war against crime according to official sources from the Financial Times. While many tourists (including myself) have made conscious decisions not to visit the country during this bloody battle, some claim that they killings are not targeted towards tourists. However, the Financial Times noted that in Acapulco, a popular coastal destination for vacationers, 15 people were found decapitated in the first week of 2011. The Washington Post also has highlighted crimes against tourists by noting, “Civilians with no evident ties to the drug trade have been killed in the crossfire and occasionally targeted.” The Washington Post does point out though that most of the killings are drug-linked deaths.
President Felipe Calderon declared war against organized crime in December of 2006 and since then, according to the Financial Times, over 30,000 people have perished. The war on drugs for President Calderon has been arduous one to say the least. Nearly every month, a report comes out about the uncovering of mass murdered bodies in makeshift grave sites. President Calderon has been quoted as accrediting the United States for the constant need for drugs, “The origin of our violence problem begins with the fact that Mexico is located next to the country that has the highest levels of drug consumption in the world. It is as if our neighbors were the biggest drug addict in the world.” While experts have noted that cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine are constantly smuggled into the United States through Mexico, they also note that the weapons being used by the cartels are being smuggled into Mexico from the United States. This interdependent relationship has left Mexico with more body bags than they ever could have foreseen.
President Obama has allocated $1.3 billion dollars in aid to assist with police training, court reformation, and other military supplies. When El Universal, a Mexican newspaper can report that 96 people were killed in a single day, the problem cannot be ignored.
Even those in rehabilitation centers aren’t safe—The Washington Post noted that patients at the Faith and Life drug center in Chihuahua were forced onto the floor and against the wall and executed. 19 of those people died and they ranged in ages from 16 to 63. One of the teens reportedly made a telephone call home and managed to yell out, “Mommy, they’ve come to kill us!”
The stories simply do not stop. There are thousands of articles online chronicling the lives lost, the families torn apart, the drug cartel violence, the corruption within the Mexican government and the mass murder grave sites.
There might be something to see some sort of light at the end of the tunnel though. The Financial Times reported on Alejandre Poire, the government’s security spokesman in which he tried to assure the Mexican people that the government was beginning to make headway. Poire noted that in the third quarter of 2010, drug-related murders stabilized and even declined during the last three months of the year. He also mentioned that the violence was in localized areas rather than occurring nationwide.
While some may find comfort in his words, those who live in Ciudad Juarez may not see it that way. Juarez has been noted as having some of the highest amounts of battles between crime organizations. The Washington Post notes as many as a third of the drug-related deaths occurred in Juarez in 2010.
The war on drugs in Mexico is both an American and a Mexican problem. Without demand, there would be no supply so efforts must be targeted at both ends of the problem. As a citizen of the United States I try to stay abreast of these sorts of stories because human loss affects us all and even though we may not realize it, it affects the entire world. What can we do? Stay informed and don’t make bad decisions that could contribute to this drug war. Even though some people may partake in illegal drug activities, they may not think about how many people had to die, how many were threatened, stabbed, and kidnapped in order to satiate an obsession with drugs. Spread the word!
References:
“Mexico: Investigate Enforced Disappearances in Ciudad Juarez. Police Accused, Torture Allegations Against Chief” Human Rights Watch. ONLINE: http://www.hrw.org/.
“Mexico: Letter to President Calderon. Human Rights and Public Security” September 24, 2010. Human Rights Watch. ONLINE: http://www.hrw.org/
Thomson, Adam. “Mexico Drugs Violence Makes 2010 Bloodiest Year” Financial Times (London, England) January 13, 2011.
Ellingwood, Ken. “The World; Mexico Under Siege; Fleeing Violence, Many Seek Safety in the Capital” Los Angeles Times. (Los Angeles, California, US) March 27, 2011.
Booth, William. “Mexico’s drug violence claims hundreds of lives in five days” The Washington Post. (Washington, US) June 16, 2010.
Seele, A., Shirk, D., & Olson, E. “5 Myths about Mexico’s drug war” The Washington Post. (Washington, US) March 28, 2010.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
What Social Networking Can Teach Us
By Danelzo
The field internship in Latino Studies has been an experience that has been very beneficial to my educational and professional experience. I was able to learn the various aspects of social networking and the advantages it brings to businesses, students, and organizations. It allows people to network through various means of communication. Websites such as Facebook, Linkd-in, Twitter, and Blogger have brought social networking to a whole new realm in regards to building personal and professional relationships.
The field internship in Latino Studies has been an experience that has been very beneficial to my educational and professional experience. I was able to learn the various aspects of social networking and the advantages it brings to businesses, students, and organizations. It allows people to network through various means of communication. Websites such as Facebook, Linkd-in, Twitter, and Blogger have brought social networking to a whole new realm in regards to building personal and professional relationships.
Facebook is a tool which people and businesses use to show what they have been doing. They can post pictures, update their status, and provide contact information. This is important because it allows them to stay connected with anyone anywhere in the world. Facebook is the social network that has redefined the way people communicate. Today’s society relies on facebook to keep everyone connected and informed on what they are doing. It is another way to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships that we, as a society, need to function as a whole. I strongly believe Facebook is one of the most important inventions of our generation. We are able to take any aspect of our life (personal information, contact information, relationship status, pictures, events, etc.) and share it with our friends, family, or community.
Linked-in is a means of social networking that allows business professionals, organizations, and people to connect with one another to discuss various trending topics and business opportunities. This is important because once you are on a network with someone, you are able to use them to help grow and develop your business, organization, and/or even your career. Linked-in is a social media that is not utilized by many users who are students. A common misconception by an average social networker is they think they can obtain the same information from Linked-in as they can on Facebook/Twitter. What I have come to find out is that unlike Twitter and Facebook, there is ample amount of opportunity on Linked-in for people to find what they are looking for in the professional world.
Twitter is a social networking tool that allows people to follow one another. What is unique about Twitter is that it lets people update their followers the moment something is happening. They can share links, share pictures, and ‘retweet’ other’s ‘tweets’ with their followers. After learning about Twitter on the news, from buzz around campus, and researching, I strongly believe Twitter is by far the most vital and useful form of social networking. Media uses twitter on a daily basis to get their viewers opinions and involved in the topics being discussed in real time. Various media channels such as The View, Sports Center, Tosh.O, and CNN use Twitter as a tool to generate ratings and buzz about news and events.
Blogger is a popular website created by Google that allows its user to share their opinions, impressions, and information about topics of interest. There is virtually a topic of interest for any person who uses Blogger. This social media lets people connect with each other to participate in discussions and feed off each other’s ideas. This is great because people are able to expand their knowledge and viewpoints to help one’s critical communication skills. Blogger is an important part to any media type today because it allows any individual to interact with one another. There are moments when the blogs can get heated or out of control, but that is what is great about Blogger. People are able to express any of their emotions and articulate whatever they want to say. People may not agree with what they are saying because not everyone shares the same views and beliefs as others. This is how Blogger is helping shape social networking in today’s society.
I have also learned that there are more ways to develop different methods of social networking other than Facebook, Twitter, and Linked-in. An example would be Shizzlr. Shizzlr is an up-an-coming social media developed by Uconn students in 2009. This social network allows people to connect with each other to know what other people are doing. This includes dining plans, local events, study groups, and even what your friends are doing. Shizzlr will then send text messages for its members to receive and respond to the various events around campus. This is a one of a kind social media that has only been developed by students here at Uconn. It is becoming a very popular tool for everyone on campus. This shows how social networking has become a vastly growing field of study that will prove to be vital for any business, organization, or school to function successfully.
A variable in social networking that needs to be researched in more depth is the development of technology. Technology is enhancing the landscape the way society functions. It has allowed us to connect and communicate with people in ways which we could never have imaged in years past. Devices such as smart phones, iPads, iPods, and laptops are forms of technology which contribute to the technology revolution we are experiencing in today’s world. People have the ability to find virtually anything they desire at the palm of their hand through the internet and social networking. People are able to update statuses through Facebook, Twitter, and Linked-In, which allows for their friends, followers, and connections to view and respond. This shows how technology is a vital aspect in the world of social networking.
What I have learned form this internship is that social networking has become a critical part of today’s society. We are able to share information with others which allows us to stay connected with each other no matter where we are in the world. Businesses are able to use social networking to their advantage because they are able to network through people to gain customers. They are then able to share important company news, charity events, and even job postings with people they are connected or linked with. I have also learned that social networking now affects the way we receive news. We as viewers are able to view something and become involved through social networking tools such as Twitter. Overall, I have learned that social networking is still a fairly new method of communication, yet it is extremely vital to our society as a whole. Only time will tell what new realms social networking will reach.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Latina Pregnancy
This semester, I decided to take on an independent study with a focus on researching pregnancy rates among Latinas and how telenovelas may serve to wane this recent epidemic. I find no words to describe how astonished I was to read that 52% of Latinas will be pregnant before the age of 20. Especially, when there are statistics that show a 42% drop out rate among this adolescent population. Being a Latina, it is somewhat disappointing to learn that many girls are having children rather than graduating high school and going on to obtain a higher degree. In a sense, the cycle of young motherhood seems to continue among this population, and while some may not see anything wrong with this, I refuse to accept that this is the path that some Latinas will end up taking at such a young age.
As such, I took on the task of creating a YouTube video that looked at the factors that may lead to young pregnancy. One of the factors that kept popping up during my research was that while levels of teen pregnancy among Latinas keep rising, many parents refuse to speak with their daughters openly about safe sex practices or even the topic of sex. As my research showed, many mothers want to see their daughters as pure and dignified women that will remain chaste until marriage. This leads many mothers to view the topic of sex as taboo and one that doesn’t need to be discussed. However, this approach doesn’t seem to be beneficial because what ends up happening is that young Latinas are engaging in sexual intercourse but are unaware of how to go about it in a safe manner.
The reason I chose to center my video on the coveted telenovela was because research has shown the new trend that telenovelas are being used as public service announcements to the Latino community. When you think about it, it’s a great strategy especially now more than ever when some telenovelas are outscoring prime time American sitcoms with the number of viewers. This demonstrates that telenovelas are heavily watched among young Latinas, and therefore can be mediums in which to spread the word about issues affecting the community. In one article I found, one telenovela touched upon mammograms for women, and studies showed a great increase in the amount of women who signed up for a mammogram in response to watching it on the show. Another article showed how in Brazil, the birth rate seemed to drastically decline after many soap operas began addressing the issue. If this method can work for Brazil, why can’t it in the US?
After extensive research, I have come to the conclusion that it’s time that sex became an issue addressed among Latino families not only with young Latinas, but also with young Latinos. The topic can no longer be seen as forbidden and therefore ignored. Parents can no longer afford to ignore the issue and think that their child will remain pure until marriage. While abstinence would be the ideal situation for many parents, the truth is by age 15, many teens in the US will already be sexually active. Usually, the older the male partner is, the more likely teen girls are to be sexually active and less likely to use contraceptives. It is vital that parents begin to speak up and discuss the negative consequences that may result from engaging in sexual practices too early and with little to no protection. Until the issue is addressed, it doesn’t seem like the pregnancy rate among young Latinas will decrease.
As such, I took on the task of creating a YouTube video that looked at the factors that may lead to young pregnancy. One of the factors that kept popping up during my research was that while levels of teen pregnancy among Latinas keep rising, many parents refuse to speak with their daughters openly about safe sex practices or even the topic of sex. As my research showed, many mothers want to see their daughters as pure and dignified women that will remain chaste until marriage. This leads many mothers to view the topic of sex as taboo and one that doesn’t need to be discussed. However, this approach doesn’t seem to be beneficial because what ends up happening is that young Latinas are engaging in sexual intercourse but are unaware of how to go about it in a safe manner.
The reason I chose to center my video on the coveted telenovela was because research has shown the new trend that telenovelas are being used as public service announcements to the Latino community. When you think about it, it’s a great strategy especially now more than ever when some telenovelas are outscoring prime time American sitcoms with the number of viewers. This demonstrates that telenovelas are heavily watched among young Latinas, and therefore can be mediums in which to spread the word about issues affecting the community. In one article I found, one telenovela touched upon mammograms for women, and studies showed a great increase in the amount of women who signed up for a mammogram in response to watching it on the show. Another article showed how in Brazil, the birth rate seemed to drastically decline after many soap operas began addressing the issue. If this method can work for Brazil, why can’t it in the US?
After extensive research, I have come to the conclusion that it’s time that sex became an issue addressed among Latino families not only with young Latinas, but also with young Latinos. The topic can no longer be seen as forbidden and therefore ignored. Parents can no longer afford to ignore the issue and think that their child will remain pure until marriage. While abstinence would be the ideal situation for many parents, the truth is by age 15, many teens in the US will already be sexually active. Usually, the older the male partner is, the more likely teen girls are to be sexually active and less likely to use contraceptives. It is vital that parents begin to speak up and discuss the negative consequences that may result from engaging in sexual practices too early and with little to no protection. Until the issue is addressed, it doesn’t seem like the pregnancy rate among young Latinas will decrease.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Results from the 2010 Census
By Danelzo
Connecticut’s results from the 2010 Census are finally in and can be viewed online at www.census.gov. Here you can explore the growing trends among not only the state of Connecticut, but the United States as a whole. It is important to take time to look at the results of the 2010 Census to understand the status of America and the effects the current Recession has had on our society for the past few years. It is also important to look as this information to grasp a quantitative analysis of each town, city, county, and state, so we can help figure out methods to improve American society as whole.
Connecticut’s results from the 2010 Census are finally in and can be viewed online at www.census.gov. Here you can explore the growing trends among not only the state of Connecticut, but the United States as a whole. It is important to take time to look at the results of the 2010 Census to understand the status of America and the effects the current Recession has had on our society for the past few years. It is also important to look as this information to grasp a quantitative analysis of each town, city, county, and state, so we can help figure out methods to improve American society as whole.
The New American Fact Finder is a tool that has made this information easy to access and can narrow down the data sets to look at each aspect of society. This can be accessed by:
1) Go to www.census.gov.
2) Click on American FactFinder on the left column near the top of the page.
3) On the left there will be a link that reads factfinder2.census.gov. Click on that link.
From here you will be able navigate throughout the site and look at every aspect of the results from the 2010 Census.
Another way to look at the information from each 1, 3, and 5 years is to look at the American Community Survey. This data set can show similar data sets that are collected from the 2010 Census, but are broken down by gathering data from every 1, 3, and 5 years. This is important to look at because a lot can happen within a 10 year period. This helps in keeping the public consistently aware of the status of America. This can be accessed by:
1) Go to www.census.gov.
2) Click on American FactFinder on the left column near the top of the page.
3) On the right there will be a link that reads factfinder2.census.gov. Click on that link.
From here you will be able navigate throughout the site and look at every aspect of the data sets from the American Community Survey.
If you wish to attain more information please comment on this blog. We can share power points, hand outs, tutorials, workshop dates, and contact information. Below are a set of websites that provide as short-cut to obtaining this information and much more.
Data Sources:
American Community Survey Data: http://factfinder.census.gov
2010 and 2000 Decennial Census Data: http://factfinder2.census.gov
2010 Census data for Connecticut: http://ctsdc.uconn.edu
Visualizing Data
2005-2009 American Community Survey New York Times Map:
http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/explorer
http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/explorer
2010 Census Data by County New York Times Map:
http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/map
http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/map
2010 and 2000 Census Connecticut Town Data Map:http://ctsdc.uconn.edu/mashup/census_2010_pl_94_171_change_viewer.html
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Reflection on a Speech about Silent Racism
by Surah
Dr. Barbara Trepagner came to the University of Connecticut on Thursday April 14, 2011 and presented in Homer Babbidge Library about silent racism. As a self-proclaimed pragmatist, her goal focused on finding solutions and inciting hope in her audience. Dr. Trepagner gave her audience a brief history lesson, chronicling past racial events and giving her audience a crash course on white privilege. Her solutions and suggestions encouraged the audience to read more about racism, with an extra push given to those representing the Caucasian race in the audience.
This scholar defined silent racism as negative thoughts and images in the minds of well-meaning individuals about people of color. She claimed that this perspective “Doesn’t mean they are bad people, but we’ve got some work to do. We are part of a system that perpetuates racial inequality.” Dr. Trepagner went on to implore us to raise awareness to those who haven’t taken the time to acclimate themselves to the plethora of knowledge out there about race. While she highlighted the fact that these claims are not new, she wanted her audience to know that she was working towards recognition of these concepts in tandem with other researchers and empirical studies.
Don Imus’ racist rant was also referenced in her presentation. She noted that people can be racist without intentions or awareness. In fact, she went on to note that most people are racist but that “we don’t even see it.” This assertion was backed up by claims about informal versus formal teachings about racism. Dr. Trepagner mentioned one example about a Caucasian mother who pulled her young daughter across the street when an African-American male walked towards them. She noted that this ‘informal teaching’ affected this child’s future decision making, attitudes, and friend choices. This “everyday racism” as she termed it, happens all the time across the country in a multitude of ways that many don’t even think twice about. Dr. Trepagner referenced her empirical studies in which one African-American respondent noted that she was followed by store personnel. Dr. Trepagner asked the audience, “How would you feel if people saw you as a thief?” She went on to cite studies that highlighted the fact that there is no difference amongst shoplifting statistics except for the higher rate amongst older teenagers. Her reference to basically racial profiling spurred some side conversations but she continued on to speak about racial categories and confusion.
Dr. Trepagner catalogued the binary logic of how people think about racist individuals: you either are racist or you’re not. She instead proposed a racist continuum in which you range from ‘less racist’ to ‘more racist.’ She supported us in our endeavors to be conscious about the decisions we make as students, to learn our history, and to recognize our own racism. She ended by noting, “Racism is harder to see today” but she points out that it is definitely still present in our society.
As a Professor at Texas State University-San Marcos, she has received numerous rewards and written about silent racism for a broader audience. She was inspired by studying race issues because of her strong memories of being a young mother in a tiny Texas town in the 1960’s. Clearly, her reputation was communicated well throughout the campus because the room was filled to the brim, with students sitting on the floor and standing by the walls to hear her speak about silent racism.
Donald Bogle Comes to Uconn
by Surah
Donald Bogle comes to Uconn
Professor Donald Bogle, who currently teaches at the University of Pennsylvania as well as New York University, came to the University of Connecticut on February 24, 2011 to present on the history of African Americans in film.
First to the stage at the Dodd Center was Professor Ron Taylor who graciously introduced Bogle and informed the audience about his many accolades and accomplishments.
Donald Bogle has written six books about African Americans in film and television. His most recent release, Primetime Blues: African Americans on Network Television describes Black’s experiences in film on a smaller stage. Bogle’s literature strives to inform others about the history of film with a focus on African Americans.
As a university instructor he sees the students of today as accrediting the beginning of Black film to more recent directors when in fact, advances in film by African Americans were made before the 1980’s. In an article by Black Voices, Bogle contends, “We have a whole generation of people in film school, African Americans, who see film mainly in a sense with what they know of Spike Lee from the 80s.” Bogle pinpoints filmmaker Oscar Micheaux as the pioneering figure for African Americans interested in film.
Bogle’s presentation began with a brief history about Micheaux’s relatively unknown accomplishments. He highlights the difficulties that Micheaux faced when trying to produce a film. This independent filmmaker was in charge of financing, casting, producing and distributing the film. His determination to produce films such as “Underworld” which was performed by an all Black cast, displayed his determination and talent.
According to Bogle, other Hollywood movies that were disseminated portrayed Blacks in a very different light. Bogle’s main contention was that the current race relations directly related to how African Americans were portrayed in film and on TV. He begins by listing the various stereotypical images of blacks such as coons, mammies, Uncle Toms and jezebels, which came to life on the big screen.
Bogle argued that these portrayals satiated the audience in terms of how they wanted to view African Americans. During the 1950’s when Sydney Portier was being featured in Hollywood films, he was depicted as an African American who was happy to be subservient to his Caucasian counterpart.
The discussion surrounding African American’s roles in film then centered around depictions of Black women. Bogle pointed out to his audience that the few glamorous Black women who were in film all resembled each other. Actresses such as Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge, and more recently Halle Berry and Beyonce Knowles, have Anglo features such as light skin, straight noses and straight hair. He pointed out the stark contrast between these figures and the darker skinned, larger, kinky-haired Mammy figures such Hattie McDaniels.
His presentation allowed for an in-depth look at how Blacks are portrayed in films. While Bogle mostly focused on the historical moments for African Americans in film, he also highlighted racial trends and made connections to current societal issues. Bogle’s pictures presented the audience with an insider’s look at the construction of racial identity through film. Ultimately, his presentation provided the audience with unconventional teachings and lessons that his own students are privy to on a daily basis.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Grammy Award- Winning Singer Shakira Raises Awareness about Education for Minorities and Anderprivileged Adolescents
By Danelzo
In February, Grammy Award-winning singer, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was awarded the “2011 Artist of the Year” from the Harvard Foundation. She was honored because of her “distinguished history of creativity,” and for her charitable efforts in making a difference in the world. At the award ceremony she spoke about her concerns in America for immigrant children. She mentioned US bills targeted towards Latinos which will make it illegal for immigrant children to receive a proper education. Shakira is strongly fighting against these bills, and feels confident that as the awareness of this problem grows the greater opportunity for ‘justice’ the Latino community will have in the US. After accepting her award she encouraged the student body of Harvard to have a strong influence to improve education in developing countries. She challenged the Harvard students to let others reach their potential because everyone deserves a chance to grow as a person through education.
In February, Grammy Award-winning singer, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was awarded the “2011 Artist of the Year” from the Harvard Foundation. She was honored because of her “distinguished history of creativity,” and for her charitable efforts in making a difference in the world. At the award ceremony she spoke about her concerns in America for immigrant children. She mentioned US bills targeted towards Latinos which will make it illegal for immigrant children to receive a proper education. Shakira is strongly fighting against these bills, and feels confident that as the awareness of this problem grows the greater opportunity for ‘justice’ the Latino community will have in the US. After accepting her award she encouraged the student body of Harvard to have a strong influence to improve education in developing countries. She challenged the Harvard students to let others reach their potential because everyone deserves a chance to grow as a person through education.
This is a strong statement by Shakira, especially with the anti-immigration bills creating a buzz throughout the US. Shakira is a credible and great representative on these issues. She is a celebrity figure with a positive image who knows the struggles the Latino community has faced in America. What is great about her involvement in this issue is that she is not only focused on the US, but the world as a whole. She wants a fair chance for everyone to receive an education. In the big picture of things, this is an important aspect because of the way our world is developing into a global community. We as a global community need to educate all in order to unite and function as one, especially with the new technologies and the transitions into a global economy. It is great that a celebrity icon like Shakira is raising awareness of global education issues and making a difference in the world.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Social Networking and Its Impact on Today's Society and Generation
By Danzelo
Social networking is arguable one of the most vital and influential aspects of today’s society. We as people have become so involved in websites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and etc. that these websites have become apart of our daily routine. People are able to live their life through these websites by providing information to the general public, sharing personal information and photos, and participating in events. Now, social networking has evolved into a way for any individual to find people of common interests, find jobs/careers, and share their daily lives.
Social networking is arguable one of the most vital and influential aspects of today’s society. We as people have become so involved in websites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and etc. that these websites have become apart of our daily routine. People are able to live their life through these websites by providing information to the general public, sharing personal information and photos, and participating in events. Now, social networking has evolved into a way for any individual to find people of common interests, find jobs/careers, and share their daily lives.
“The Social Network” (year) is a film depicting how Facebook was originally created for college students and how it has evolved into today’s leading global social network. Facebook is still growing rapidly due to the countless opportunities and advantages it brings to people, organizations, and businesses. As a graduating senior at the University of Connecticut, I have seen the importance of social networking in the college lifestyle. Social networking is as much apart of the college experience as move-in day, sporting events, and even graduation. College students use Facebook as a way to meet up for group projects, share information among organizations, and for social events/gatherings. Many will argue that our generation has become obsessed with social networking due to the fact we depend on it to function within society. Even if this is true, we as a generation see social networking as an undeniable advantage because it has become an essential aspect of today’s society.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Student Protests in Puerto Rico
by Duquesa de los Palacios de Hielo
Living in sleepy Storrs, CT can sometimes truly feel like living in Bubbletown, USA. Between classes, work, and extracurricular activities, it should come as no surprise that the average UConn student has a tough time glancing over the world news regularly. If you happen to be one such student, perhaps you have yet to realize that the president of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, finally stepped down from his 30-plus reign in power, or that there have been ongoing student protests in Puerto Rico. Truthfully, I hadn’t even given much thought to the latter of these current events until this past week with some quick Google searches, sparking my interest further.
I remember briefly hearing about the protests in Puerto Rican campuses this past summer while my parents watched Primer Impacto, but their magnitude never quite registered at the time. Watching video clips from the recent protest on the Caribbean island this past week, I can’t help but ask what the rest of the world is thinking. Is this protest really just about a tuition increase? Through my research, I have consistently found that the root of these months-long student protests lies in a new proposal of increasing student fees in response to deficits that the school administration was experiencing. According to Cruz from FoxLatino the issue first arose at the beginning of 2010, the school board was proposing to double the price that it would cost to attend one of the eleven public universities of Puerto Rico. It also sought to privatize the universities, and proposed to enforce a $100 million budget cut. After one of the longest and largest student walk outs in Puerto Rican history, it appeared in July of this past year that the school board and students had come to some form of a negotiation. But now, seven months after an accord was made, the school board is proposing a new $800 special fee to be added on to university student’s annual tuition.
Whenever there’s a conflict, I feel that it’s best to look at both sides of the issue. Yes, it is unfair that the school is suddenly tagging on a new fee after it just came to an agreement with students this past summer that would stop it from doing so. But at the same time, the university system is in need of money. The money has to come from somewhere, and the University of Puerto Rico isn’t the first university who has had to increase its tuition as a result of tough economic times. If we look back, just two years ago, the Storrs campus underwent a 6 percent tuition increase, raising tuition to $1,180. And yet, there were no student protests to the length of those in Puerto Rico.
The main focus at this point is stopping the violence from both sides. Police as well as student protestors need to set aside their aggression, and come about in accordance in a more pacific manner. Nothing will be solved if the violence continues to escalate, it will only breed more hate and distrust from both sides. There needs to be a way that both students and administrators can come together, and be willing to give from both sides. Maybe students should take into consideration allowing the school board to raise the price of tuition, but at the same time, not to the extreme that some administrators want it to be raised.
Living in sleepy Storrs, CT can sometimes truly feel like living in Bubbletown, USA. Between classes, work, and extracurricular activities, it should come as no surprise that the average UConn student has a tough time glancing over the world news regularly. If you happen to be one such student, perhaps you have yet to realize that the president of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, finally stepped down from his 30-plus reign in power, or that there have been ongoing student protests in Puerto Rico. Truthfully, I hadn’t even given much thought to the latter of these current events until this past week with some quick Google searches, sparking my interest further.
I remember briefly hearing about the protests in Puerto Rican campuses this past summer while my parents watched Primer Impacto, but their magnitude never quite registered at the time. Watching video clips from the recent protest on the Caribbean island this past week, I can’t help but ask what the rest of the world is thinking. Is this protest really just about a tuition increase? Through my research, I have consistently found that the root of these months-long student protests lies in a new proposal of increasing student fees in response to deficits that the school administration was experiencing. According to Cruz from FoxLatino the issue first arose at the beginning of 2010, the school board was proposing to double the price that it would cost to attend one of the eleven public universities of Puerto Rico. It also sought to privatize the universities, and proposed to enforce a $100 million budget cut. After one of the longest and largest student walk outs in Puerto Rican history, it appeared in July of this past year that the school board and students had come to some form of a negotiation. But now, seven months after an accord was made, the school board is proposing a new $800 special fee to be added on to university student’s annual tuition.
Whenever there’s a conflict, I feel that it’s best to look at both sides of the issue. Yes, it is unfair that the school is suddenly tagging on a new fee after it just came to an agreement with students this past summer that would stop it from doing so. But at the same time, the university system is in need of money. The money has to come from somewhere, and the University of Puerto Rico isn’t the first university who has had to increase its tuition as a result of tough economic times. If we look back, just two years ago, the Storrs campus underwent a 6 percent tuition increase, raising tuition to $1,180. And yet, there were no student protests to the length of those in Puerto Rico.
The main focus at this point is stopping the violence from both sides. Police as well as student protestors need to set aside their aggression, and come about in accordance in a more pacific manner. Nothing will be solved if the violence continues to escalate, it will only breed more hate and distrust from both sides. There needs to be a way that both students and administrators can come together, and be willing to give from both sides. Maybe students should take into consideration allowing the school board to raise the price of tuition, but at the same time, not to the extreme that some administrators want it to be raised.
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