WEEKLY TASKS:
There are three tasks each week:
First, there's a blog entry (about 250 words)which will have you respond to a hopefully thought-provoking question.
Second, there's a reading. There’s no blog entry associated with this. Just read.
Third, there's a written response to the reading. Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by the Friday (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls.This entry should be a long paragraph.
There are many people today who have similar struggles and successes like Jackie Robinson. The struggles people face deal a lot with racism and religion (one's faith). For example, the president of the United States struggled with racial discrimination. Barrack Obama is the first president to be of a different racial background of all previous presidents. He broke the ongoing chain of white presidents and many people were upset about this. Just like Robinson broke the chain of colored baseball players being able to play professional baseball with whites so did Obama. There is also struggles of religion in the sport world. In professional football, there is a player name Tim Tebow. This young man is extremely open about his faith and is not embarrassed to share it to the world. He praises God anywhere and everywhere, even during game time. Many people had and still have problems with him and his beliefs. But now as time passes by more people are beginning to respect him and look up to him. He is a respectable man and is slowly breaking the chain of one's religion being accepted and to not discriminate people by their beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThe importance of Robinson's story and even the other two men I mentioned, is that do not give up on what you really want. We all go through rough patches in our lives but if we make it through and succeed we have forever changed our lives and the people's lives who doubted us. Also, Robinson is an inspiration to people worldwide especially to African Americans and/or of darker ethnicities. He began breaking those barriers and even though there is still some racial discrimination, we all have more equal opportunities then before, and it is all thanks to Jackie Robinson.
No one comes to mind as someone who shares Jackie Robinson’s same experiences in recent time, but I’m sure people, somewhere, are still exposed to such ignorant acts every day. I think the importance of his story is to show the people, including myself, of the younger generation what life was like not so many years ago. Such thoughtless acts, like moving black passengers to the back of the bus, were happening everywhere all the time and recent enough for our grandparents and, maybe, our parents to experience. I think Robinson’s story outlines our progression as a society because, even though, I’m sure, things like this still happen, we live in a World where most people have equal opportunity simply based on their qualifications, not their race or skin color. I have met many different people of many different races over the years, and I have never viewed any one of them as being any different than myself. It’s hard for me to believe that, during that time, we seemed so advanced with technology and innovation, yet we accepted the idea of treating people of different races as if they were inferior. My Dad’s side of my family is Chinese and many of them came to the US and worked on the rail road. To hear my family tell stories of how my ancestors were treated makes me sick. I believe everyone should be treated equally and deserves a fair chance at all the same opportunities.
ReplyDeleteThere can be many similar people to Robinson in the story. Celebrities, politicians, and people who aren’t in the public eye that have all gone through experiences similar but not the same to the one read. President Obama is a good and recent example. He has gone through many different threats against him because of his race, to hateful statements released to the press, and oppositions that he is facing during his political campaign. While it is healthy to have a good debate/ race, it is not healthy when it is targeted against someone for something they cannot, or will not change about themselves. Such as; religion, race, gender, and sexual orientation just to name a few. It is unfair and unjust to judge anyone on something because they don’t understand, like, or accept things that are different than themselves. The importance of this story is that because of what Robinson went through, generations after him did not have to suffer the same thing. His choices made while going through the hard times, set an example for those around and after him. For example, when he was told to move to the back of the bus, and got up and complied with the demands instead of creating a fight. That showed that he was stronger than the situation, and in doing so he eventually won the bigger picture. This story can be applied to different situations, people, cultures, and races around the world. Robinson is a hero to many after him that went through their own particular history changing or private movement. The fact that acts of discrimination still occur in a current time is disheartening. This story shows how far society has come, and how much further it still has to change and grow. Stories like this one should remind people of why it is important to right for rights and equality. Stories like these should inspire people as whole to want to be better.
ReplyDeleteI feel there are many people today who have similar stories to Robinson. Some of the most common I have seen is with illegal immigrants. People discriminate them and act as though they are much better than them. What is sadder is that it is sometimes the own race that discriminates. Not too long I watched a video posted on the internet where two Caucasian girls from Texas were bad mouthing illegal Mexican's and requesting that they go back to Mexico or else. They were saying things that truly made no sense and they made complete fool's of their selves. Many Mexican's responded back with angry comments and I feel that just adds more wood to a fire. Why not just let them say what they want and pay no attention? What Robinson did to get up and walk to the back was respectable. He didn't reply back to the Caucasians or fight. He was being the bigger person. There will always be people who are going to discriminate against your race, ethnicity, and even gender but the best way to fight back is to not fight back at all. Although I feel there are times you should fight back for your rights I just don't feel violence is the correct way to do this. The importance of Robinson's story is to try to get people to see that discrimination is wrong. Everybody in this world should be equal because we are all the same. We live in the same world, we eat, have the same number of eyes, we all have problems. People should not judge a book by its cover. Most importantly people should not be told they are less because of how they look, or who they are whether it is American, African American, Mexican, Chinese, etc. This story should help people open their eyes to become better people. To help stop racism amongst race, ethnicity, religions, genders, etc. Robinson's story and many other who have had experiences like these should help society reflect on what has been done in the past, that was wrong, in order to fix our tomorrows for a better future. It should bring us closer together instead of drifting us apart.
ReplyDeleteI think that there are several people who are similar to Robinson. In the last election year, we had a female who was going to be Vice President (had McCain won). We have Obama who did win the election being a black male. Both of these examples are somewhat recent and paved the way for others. Women don't have to be intimidated if they want to be Vice President, there may even be young girls in the US that think that may be what they want to do, and even though McCain/Palin didn't win, it was still a stepping stone. As for Obama, he gave hope to all people of colored skin, letting them know that it is possible to get what you want as long as you push and try hard for it.
ReplyDeleteI think that the importance of Robinson's story is that there is always a first person who paved the way for everyone else. It shows that people weren't always accepted by everyone (they still aren't, but it's better now than back then). This story made me remember that working hard, having will power, and having self control can get people to where they want to be.
As we live in a country that promotes freedom and equality, we continue to struggle with it. Many share the frustration, discrimination, and struggles as Robinson did. The racism is still very much out there and people of different decent, religion, or gender continue to be discriminated against. The discrimination is a little bit more discrete than in the days of Robinson, but they are still happening in one way or another. The growing power of woman is one example, as Sarah Palin, and Hillary Clinton break barriers of campaigning for roles that predominantly men held. They did experience the scrutiny and prejudice while attempting to make the change for equality. Their attempts in attaining a role in office opened opportunities for many women. Another example is now our President Barack Obama, as he first campaigned for the presidency. People attacked him for different things to discourage him from running for office. His citizenship, his religion, and even his loyalty to his country has been challenged or scrutinized. The opportunities that we all share today are due to those who stood up and took the hardship of that scarifies that it took for the rest of us. The opportunities that we all are open to are due to those who sacrificed for us to have those opportunities. I am grateful for those people, but know that there are many more opportunities yet to be approached by those who are barave enough to stand up for those in our future.
ReplyDeleteThere are many people that are similar to Robinson, from illegal immigrants to the president of the United States. In reality, we are all in a way similar to Robinson. We all have struggles that we have to endure. I understand that our struggles are not as difficult as having to face racial discrimination, but we all have to face some type of struggle. The only group of people that I can think of that are going through a similar type of discrimination as Robinson did, is the gay and lesbian community. The way they are viewed and perceived in most cases is negative. Just like African Americans were judged by their skin color, gays and lesbians are all judged by their preference in the same sex. The importance in Robinson’s story is that it shows how difficult he had it. It shows how much he endured in order to do what he loved to do, which was play baseball. Robinson’s story shows us how far we have come along. It shows us that nothing is given and in order to do what you love you are going to have to sacrifice many things. The importance in Robinson’s story is that it shows us that nothing comes without a struggle, nothing comes without sacrifice, and nothing comes without commitment. There are many important messages that you can take away from Robinson’s story, it is up to you which one you want to choose.
ReplyDeleteReading the story of the experience Jackie Robinson and his wife had on their way to Florida brings to mind a lot of minority groups from the past as well as the present who have to face similar tribulations. One particular group would be the LGBT group or the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender group as they are facing, in my opinion, the most hatred. The members of this group, like Jackie Robinson, have to endure being called demeaning names and facing discriminatory treatment. Many times we see that they are denied work due to their sexual orientation even though this is completely illegal. They also have to face religious persecution as many religions or religious groups are not accepting of them as they are acting unnaturally. Similar to Jackie Robinson and other Black Americans of his time, the LGBT community had to face physical attacks by their persecutors as seen in the Stonewall riots. The LGBT community has a long way to go in reaching the rights and protection from the law that they desire. As it took years for Blacks to become free, the LGBT community will have to keep on fighting for what they wish for even if it does take numerous years. Stories like that of Jackie Robinson demonstrate that persecution is only temporary and that patience is key in reaching the desired goal. All of us can learn from Jackie Robison and become inspired to strive for what desire. His story, as well as that of others, provides us with hope and a positive expectation for what the future can bring.
ReplyDeleteAfter contemplating for a while about who could be similar to #42, the one name who kept coming to mind was Obama, but it was important to realize that there were quite a lot of others that maybe we don't think about. So I decided to stick with the same genre and point out a couple other sports players making a stamp in their respective sports. One example would be Jeremy Lin who is an Asian-American basketball player. After he was given an opportunity to start a game for the New York Knicks, it became clear that this kid could play. Shortly after, he kept making bigger and bigger plays and all the hype had become "Linsanity". But this was not an overnight deal. He had played for a number of years in the league and had been dropped by his previous team and was about to be dropped by the Knicks as well. But determination kept him and strong and ultimately paved the way to show that even Asian-Americans can play the game well too. Another example would be Tim Tebow, who plays in the NFL. This is a little different from Robinson in the sense that it doesn't involve color, but in this case it involves religion. In a public sport such as the NFL, they normally try to keep the religion aspect at a lower level for fear of insulting their "non-religious" followers. So the fact that Tebow was openly praying and openly expressing his faith every chance he had while on TV, this is bothering some viewers but also gave a chance to other players and fans to show support. Both Tebow and Lin's stories show the importance of Robinson's story because this simple act by Robinson helped pave the way and give people stepping stones to breaking barriers that people normally view as unbreakable. This will only help us become better people in the end.
ReplyDeleteThe importance in Robinson’s story is that one should never give up without a mental fight. Robinson was mentally strong and did not let the the racial discrimination get to him. He was able to block out the taunts and he did it because he knew what he had to do to get by in life. The only person that comes to mind at the moment who is going through similar racial discrimination issues is a co-worker of mine who is Philippina. The majority of my co-workers are either Mexican or Salvadorian. In the years I have worked there I have noticed that the cooks are mean to her because she is not Mexican or Salvadorian. For example, the cooks do not speak any english they only speak spanish and they give her problems when she doesn't understand them. They will sometimes mess up her food orders on purpose because of the lack of communication between the two. Leaving her to have to deal with the customers, which is not fun. They call her names and talk bad about her in spanish, she doesn't know what they are saying about her because she doesn't understand. She sometimes asks me to translate for her, but I always sugar coat what they say about her not because I don't want her to start an argument but because I don't want her to feel bad. I’m sure if she was to know that they are talking bad about her, she would just stay quite and try not to let it get to her. She is a married women with children and knows she has to work and she puts up with it because she has to provide for her family. It is pretty interesting to me that my co-worker who was born and raised here in the United States is putting up with racial discrimination from immigrants. Normally these cases are vice versa. Regardless if a person is born, raised, or migrated here that does not give them the right to racially discriminate one another because of their racial background.
ReplyDeleteThe importance of Jackie Robinson’s story is the ability to be humble in certain situations. Sometimes when we get treated bad or called bad names we want to talk back and redeem ourselves. However, it is important to be humble in certain situations. He was made fun of and ridiculed because he was black, but he never fought back with violence or cruel words. He kept his cool and showed his oppressors that he was better than that. He did feel bad being called names because he was black, but he really emphasized that there is no need to fight back with violence and name-calling. Robinson had every right to feel sad and humiliated, but he showed other blacks that it was possible to go on without having a name-calling fight. I don’t recall a specific person similar to Robinson, but I can think of a group of people who are similar to Robinson. These groups of people are kids that are bullied and fight back with humility and courage. Not all situations are the same, but some kids put up a fight by ignoring their oppressors. It hurts these bullied kids very much, but they don’t give up and find strength in themselves everyday just like Robinson. A lot of famous and successful people that are here today have been bullied in school and have made the best of it. Lady Gaga has mentioned being bullied in school and here she is today full of success and fame. We all have been hurt because of our skin color, ethnicity, beliefs, and so many other things, but if we can just be humble and keep on going in life anything is possible.
ReplyDeleteThe importance of Robinson’s story is that he was fighting a bigger battle then his own hardships. He was fighting for all African American’s and the rights they failed to receive. Through Robinson’s trials he cleared a path that would make it easier for other African American’s to become integrated not only in baseball, but in life. While I was reading this week’s assigned reading I thought about how hard that must have been for Jackie to take on that burden. It must have been extremely hard at times to always think of the bigger picture and when your mind and body are being treated so cruel. I think that many people in the gay community are struggling with a similar battle today. Ellen Degeneres is a great example of a public figure that has fought battles for a bigger cause. Recently Ellen was hired as a spoke person for jcpenney; however, a group called One Million Moms is accused the company of not having “traditional values” because Ellen Degeneres is a lesbian. The group also claimed that jcpenney would lose customers over their decision to promote gay rights. Jcpenney held their ground and continued to proudly hire Ellen as their spokesperson. Jcpenney’s support for Ellen fought a battle not only for Ellen, but also everyone who seeks equal rights for that gay community.
ReplyDeleteI believe there are a lot african-americans that still face not so harsh but similar struggles that Jackie faced. A lot of my classmates mentioned President Obama, and even though I did not vote for him, I do believe in this generation he did what Jackie did. One other person popped into my mind when I read this story, Gabby Douglas, our gold medal winner for gymnastics. She was the first African-American woman to win gold in her competition, and that is a huge accomplishment seeing that she isn't even 18 yet. I feel a lot of people say why is that such a big deal, and it really is because if you are of a white ethnic group you will never know what it was like for African-Americans. Not just African-Americans but also all other people of a "minority" race.
ReplyDeleteThis is why Robinson's story is so important, he paved the way for people like Gabby Douglas and the hundreds of other African-American athletes we now have (along with other athletes of a minority race). He had to face many struggles to get to where he wanted to be but he started a movement, I am sure he never knew would come about. But its not even about just athletes, its also for everyday common people of a minority race. I am in a interracial relationship and I see it constantly for my boy friend, who is African-American. When we go out to a nice place in Bakersfield we seem to always have at least one person give us a dirty look, and as a couple have had to learn to deal with it. But because of people like Jackie Robinson, we are actually able to have a relationship and possibly get married. Because of his struggle and his drive to change things, I am able to date a man of a different ethnic background and not have a fear of someone killing him (or me for that matter). I believe racism is still very much alive but there has been a lot of progress and is still progressing today.
The significance of Robinson’s story would have to be his patience, and that particular day his patient level was surely tested when he started his journey for Pensacola, but he sets a great example by showing that being patient is the key to any success. In recent years with the advent of modern technology, society has become addicted to instant gratification, and people has forgotten the true meaning of sacrifice and compromise but if we revisit history, we will see that against segregation the blacks’ choice of weapons were not ammunition's; rather, they were able to bring integrations in the society by being patient; Robinson, Rosa Park, Martin Luther King and many others sacrificed their life to curve the path towards equality for others, and they were able to accomplish their goal without the use of violence. Time is changing, and in this changing time people’s needs have also taken a different turn, and I would say that Oprah Winfrey is also similar to Robinson. Robinson was able to reach out to people and was able to set a true example of courage, and Oprah Winfrey is also someone who is able integrate not just blacks but all cultures and gender in the society. When I look at her, I feel that if she can do it, so can I and that is what we all look for in our Hero’s.
ReplyDeleteThe importance of Robinson’s story is patience. Jackie and Rachel had to endure so much humiliation and at some points they were treated as less than human, the bus driver degrading Jackie by calling him “boy” and moving the couple to the back of the bus is a good example. They both had to have tremendous amount of patience to endure the humiliating events of their trip, especially since they did not even know if Jackie would be picked for the team. Robinson’s story also shows the importance of the greater good. Jackie wanted so badly to just give up and go home but he was reminded of all the doors that would open for African Americans if he did make the team. Because of Jackie Robinson, the color barrier was broken in Major League baseball. This story also shows the importance of perseverance. According to the article, Mr. Robinson faced discrimination well before his cross-country trip to Florida. The event with the city bus seems like it would have been exceptionally hurtful given that he was a lieutenant in the Army and he was not told to move to the back of the bus by someone of higher rank. The first person I thought of while I was reading this article was Gabby Douglas because, like Jackie Robinson, paved the way for African American athletes. Douglas is the first African American to become the individual all around champion and win gold in her competitions. Both she and Robinson made huge strides in their sports.
ReplyDeleteThe importance of Robinson’s story is that humbleness can get you places. Most times we want to react right away and stick up for what is right, but we often do it in the wrong way. While reading Robinson's story, I could only imagine how he probably wanted to act out in anger so badly. What a testimony to be able to endure that kind of treatment, and still stay meek. It is amazing to me how these sorts of things happened not very long ago. I imagine that Robinson’s position was held highly by the standards of his race, and I am sure some of them wanted him to act out. When reading about the incident of the woman and her son in that merchant’s store, I felt so sad. It just seems so crazy to me that people can be so barbaric. I am glad that I did not have to endure those times. I think of all the Jewish survivors today who survived the Holocaust. How ugly they were treated, and how they could not fight back the way they may have wanted to. I imagine that fighting back only made things worse for them. I am sure some of the Jewish survivors realize now that they have paved the way for many others to prosper and be free of such evil. Thank goodness for people like Rickey also. He took a chance with Robinson, and I bet he is glad he did.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the importance of Jackie Robinson's story to to stay focused and do not let anything get in the way of your goals. Jackie Robinson was determined to get into the major leagues and show everyone that race does not matter. He did not let racial struggles get in the way of making it to where he needed to be. He was strong and courageous at a time when the world was changing and people were scared of change. He fought hard to get where he was. He knew that everyone was looking at him and that he had to be perfect. He changed history in a very positive manner.
ReplyDeleteI know of many people that face everyday struggles because the world does not accept them for what they look like or how they speak. Many of my friends have tattoo's that are visible when wearing normal clothes. They are judged everyday because of the way they look. People that they have never met automatically judge them by their appearance and stereotype them. I have heard one to many times of people snickering under their breath, oh I bet they were in prison. It sad to say that people are still judged in this day and age. My friends are all either law enforcement or firefighters. But people automatically assume the worse. They make sure to hold doors open and say yes ma'am and sir when they know they are being judged. People are not always what people assume. Although Jackie Robinson was a brave man that changed history, the moral of the story was judging people solely based on their appearance. He stood strong and proved his was deserving to be in the major leagues.
I can not think of anyone who shares a similar story to Robinson's story, but that doesn't mean that discrimination, inequality, and breeching the barriers of social norms doesn't exist. I know that there are hundreds of thousands of people, not including people from other countries, that are facing these hardships and struggles. People that wonder if it is even worth it to go on, is it even going to make a difference? I have been blessed in the fact that I have not had to witness this hardship and feel incapable of being a significant help.
ReplyDeleteJackie Robinson's story gives hope to those struggling through discrimination and inequality. The importance of his story is that it serves as an example. To those that are struggling they can see the benefits and rewards of taking the risk and taking the ridicule without acting out. To those that are active in the discrimination side, they can, hopefully, see their error and that everyone is human. What labels use does not make us less human. Finally, to the 'by stander' or someone that is just reading an interesting article it might spark the desire to join the "fight" against inequality.
The importance of Robinson's story is the concept of keeping focused on your goals. No matter what happens you must keep focused and on track to your goals. People can push you to the edge and back, but no matter what anyone says or does to you, it is your choice to act or not act on those feeling. Since he kept focused on his goals he was able to stay out of trouble, even though he easily could have said something to the bus driver he didn't because he knew that that incident would end his baseball career before it even started. Jackie Robinson was a strong and courageous man who in a time of great prejudice in the United States, put it all behind him and kept focused on his goals in life.
ReplyDeleteOne person that came to mind when i thought about another example like Jackie Robinson was President Obama, but then i thought about it a little more, and all of us in some way or another are like Jackie Robinson. We all have our own struggle that we have to deal with daily. It could be something big or small, but no matter what the problem is we can use Jackie Robinson as a role model. We can take what he did, which was keeping focused on his goals and use that as a strategy for our lives. We can work hard and achieve the greatness that everyone nows is inside themselves.
Jackie Robinson's story was very sad to read. It is almost unbelievable how ignorant people used to make others feel as if they were nothing due to their skin color. There is definitely discrimination occurring in this day and age; however, there are not laws prohibiting certain races from joining clubs and what not. While reading this story it reminded me of when Sarah Palin was running for Vice President along with Obama. I read many articles, and seen television shows of people mocking Palin because she was running for Vice President. There is nothing worse than people discriminating against others due to their beliefs, gender, or race. In my opinion, I thought Palin was strong to acknowledge what people were assuming, but continuing on with what she wanted to do. Also, people were making racist jokes about Obama due to him being African American. A President is a leader who will lead this Nation with dignity and righteousness; therefore, skin color should not even be a factor in determining who the next President will be. Robinson’s story is important reason being he can be remembered as a role model for those who continue to be discriminated against. When people feel as if they will be frowned upon because of something they want to do, they should take into consideration that if Robinson would have been afraid, African Americans would probably still be prohibited from playing major league. Due to Robinson’s courageous acts, he opened the door of many opportunities for all people.
ReplyDeleteDuring the time of Jackie Robinson our country, especially the south, was very racist toward minority groups and segregated to enforce the racist views of the time. My first instinct was to maybe discuss Barack and Michelle Obama; however, I don’t think him and his wife are really experiencing the type of segregation and hate fueled inequalities of the times of Jackie and Rachel Robinson. Instead I will write about a group known as Muslims and Middle Easterners. After The attacks on 9/11 the way this country went about the treatment of Muslims, and people of Middle Eastern descent has been similar to what the Robinsons experienced during their times. We always hear in the news how people on airlines are discriminated against or profiled as terrorist because of their ethnic similarities to Muslims. There was even a reported incidence here in Bakersfield of a local Sikh temple that discovered severed pigs heads on their property. Our society has so many different Races and ethnicities that there has to be a smarter way to catch the right people in the right way. It’s just not fair for a particular group to suffer racist, bigoted, or prejudice consequences because of some equally racist, bigoted and prejudice radical terrorist group. It is not the group of Muslims that have committed the crimes it is the Osama Bin Laden’s, Saddam Husein’s and Muammar Al-Gaddafi’s that need to be held responsible for their crimes. The significance of the Robinson's story is that even through their hardships they still persevered and became iconic and role models to people suffering like themselves, which at the time were many people not just African Americans.
ReplyDeleteWhen reading Jackie Robinson's story the first thing that comes to mind is how humble and patient he is. Some of the experiences he faced are troubling but instead of reacting out of impulse he was calm and took the high road. I think that is the importance of this story, that no matter what troubles we are faced with in our lives we should always take the high road and be the bigger person. Someone who is similar to Jackie Robinson in today's society would be President Obama, and the struggle and criticism he faced when running for president. He paved the way for any future African-Americans who would want to run for presidency. Not only does Obama come to mind but Senator Hilary Clinton also comes to mind. When she was running for presidency she got a lot of criticism for being a female. I think there are a lot of woman out there that would like to see a female as president. She is a role model for little girls in America because she is an example that woman can do anything a man can do it just takes hard work.
ReplyDeleteThis summer I was completely consumed by the London Olympics. One of my favorite things about the Olympics besides watching all of the events, is learning about the different athletes and their backgrounds. There was one that stood out to me this summer about a track athlete from South Africa, Oscar Pistorius. He was born with fibular hemimelia in both legs which caused them both to be amputated at only 11 months old. Oscar Pistorius’s story reminds me of Jackie Robinson’s because of all of the trials and tribulations both men had to overcome, and they both just happened to be over athletics. Pistorius had a long battle with proving himself as a professional athlete. Many times he was declined or ineligible to run in races with non-paraplegic athletes because some people believed it was not fair or that he had some sort of advantage. Many also said that it could risk the safety of himself and the other athletes. He battled for a spot in the 2008 summer Olympics, but was denied for those very reasons. Like Robinson, Pistorius persevered and managed to prove his opposers wrong. Pistorius made it to the 2012 London Olympics and did outstanding. He and Jackie Robinson are both proof that determination and dedication can get you far. I think that’s what makes Robinson's story so special. He found a way to keep pushing himself when the odds were against him and he didn’t have very much support. And because he was able to stand by what he believed in, he inspired others that were under similar circumstances to do the same. Robinson sort of started a revolution, and created a path for others to follow. I think that Pistorius has also created a similar path.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a country that is supposed to the “melting pot” but there is always racial and ethnic discrimination. There are times I do not think the “melting pot” applies to our country because there is always some type of discrimination taking place. How can we be a considered a “melting pot” of different races and ethnicities if people can’t get passed differences? It reminds me of water and oil, they never want to mix. There is not one specific person that is similar to Robinson, there are many. Hispanic immigrants, Muslims, African Americans and females are a few people who deal with discrimination. These people are trying to accomplish something they have never been able to before or just trying to live their normal lives but struggle because of discrimination. Although it is more discrete than in Robinson’s time, racism still happens and Illegal Mexican immigrants are at the receiving end. After all of the bad mouthing about illegal Mexican immigrants, they do not fight back and cause uproar. In that way there are like Robinson because he was the bigger person and stayed calm to achieve a greater goal. The importance of Robinson’s story is to never give up on your dreams or in what you think is right. You never get anything by sitting on the side line and hoping it will come to you. You accomplish your dreams by hard work, sacrifice and dedication. I think that is an important message from Robinson’s story, he never gave up on his dream. He never gave into frustration and went down to the level of those who discriminated against him.
ReplyDeleteI do not know much about sports, but when it comes to racial discrimination, there are many examples in mind. It was very sad to read how people in America (like Robinson) were discriminated because of their color. America is supposed to be a country that was free, that is why it was founded, to escape discrimination. Robinson's story was very important to keep in mind because it showed us how discriminating people can break a spirit and make them want to give up. It also shows the people who are being discriminated that they should not give up on their dreams. They should not let discrimination by others stop them from doing what they do best and showing that they strive for better things and to have a better future. Even though the civil rights movement occured, people still get discriminated today. We were able to gain a first African-American president, and that was a big breakthrough because even then not everyone was comfortable with it. Homosexuality in the community is also discriminated against. Even Mexican immigrants. They all have a similar story to Robinson. They feel the pain and hurt of being discriminated against, but will still strive to get the freedoms that they want and deserve.
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