We Sure Have a Long Way to Go

This pen was sold at the Texas Republican convention. While racism toward Barack Obama is not surprising, I do find it disappointing that this item was sold at a political convention of a major political party. American society still has so far to go in terms of honestly confronting race and ethnicity issues, especially white privilege.

Thinking more about this button, I would bet that the person who made this button is a white person and someone who has the privilege to make such a statement without fear of repercussions. Contrast that with the fact that Senator Obama's pastor was skewered in the national media for making statements against America and white privilege. Who has the privilege to discuss race and ethnicity issues in this society?

via Dallas Morning News

Also, the fascination with the presidential election in China.

Sexism on the Campaign Trail

via Sociological Images

One more....

On the word 'bitch'

...and my favorite passage:

"I'm all for a lively discussion of how the word is used in daily life: by men, by women, in jest, in earnest. But I don't foresee that dialogue taking place in a political arena that considers mere femaleness a deficiency. Talking about the use of the word -- against Clinton, Browne Sanders or everyday women everywhere -- just isn't helpful if we don't also address the many unsaid words that follow in its wake.

My own definition of the term being what it is, I can confidently say that I want my next president to be a bitch, and that goes for men and women. Outspoken? Check. Commanding? Indeed. Unworried about pleasing everybody? Sure. Won't bow to pressure to be "nice"? You bet.

And guess what? I'm not even sure that person is Hillary Clinton."

Links Roundup: Volume 1

So I've cleaned out my links in order to re-do my blog reading and computer set-up. In the future, I'll organize this better...promise. Enjoy!

Education:
A Proposal for Remedying the Endowment Gap in Higher Education
Youngest College Professor In History
"You and Your Research"
Invasive Technology and Brain Damage
Is a College Education for Everyone?
Documentaries that go well with sociological topics

Race and Ethnicity:
Social Construction of Ethnic/Racial Labels
Racism on the Campaign Trail
Analysis of VF article on Madonna's adoption of a Malawian child
Detained Immigrants Illegally Drugged for Deportation
Drug Enforcement and Race in the United States
Nearer to Overcoming

Economic System:
Family Gives Up Possessions
Present-Day Slavery in the United States
US States Matched with Country of Similar GDP
Logic of Lottery Games

The Official Food of Women