Internet Exercises

Santiago, Roberto

Santiago discusses the difficulties of straddling more than one culture. This is true regardless of what combination of cultures you are talking about. For example, check out this site for information on Iranian-American families and how they cope. You can find it at: http://www-path.eecs.berkeley.edu/~soheila/madar-pedar.html.

Hirschfelder, Arlene

Hirschfelder writes about her discomfort over the use of Native American images, costumes, and the like for trivial and stereotypical purposes that are therefore hurtful. Take a look at the Native American Press at http://www.press-on.net/ for more information.

Steffan, Joseph

Steffan was expelled from the Naval Academy because of his homosexuality. In "Honor Bound" he writes about that experience. At a site called Gays and Lesbians in the Military you will find a list of related links. Steffan's own story is there as well as many like it. Check it out at http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/scotts/bulgarians/military-pg.html.

Henderson, George

Henderson makes the argument that most ethnicities have been oppressor and oppressed at different times in their history. He suggests that we not only be tolerant, but also that we fight for tolerance in ways that do not oppress anyone. Check out this piece titled "Education Key to Fighting Racism" at http://www.jacksonsun.com/civilrights/sec7_education_essays.shtml for additional insight on this topic.

Cole, Diane

Cole writes about the inappropriateness and even danger of racist and other offensive jokes and language. Most universities and companies are working on policies to combat this problem. Check out the Trouble at Work site at http://www.troubleatwork.com/ViewADocument.asp?ID=150 for more insight on this topic.

Chan, Sucheng

Chan writes about her resentment towards those who treat her handicap as a defining characteristic. Check out Mainstream at http://www.mainstream-mag.com/. They call themselves the "Magazine of the Able-Disabled."

Lewin, Tamar

Lewin examines what brings kids of different races together, as well as what draws them apart. An article in the Daily Princetonian speaks to the same problem, even at the college level. It is called "Seeking Sisterhood" and can be found at http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/Content/2000/12/05/page3/.

Write About It: Choose two sites from the chapter seven list and two from the chapter eight list. Compare and contrast the issues that arise from your web voyage, focusing your writing on culture in transition.