Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jay Murrell on March 4, 2009 at 16:17

Hi Antsu:

In our country all people have an opportunity for a free education from K5 through 12th grade. There are also many opportunities for higher education for people that want it. There is no racial test required to avail oneself of these opportunities.

Education is the pathway to a better life.

Prejudice and discrimination exist here. It is, however, no longer legal to deprive a person of access because of ethnicity. If somebody is bigoted, racist, etc. that's their problem, it doesn't have to be yours. That is the choice.

I have discovered that they only person that I can change is myself.... I think that's a universal truth.

Permalink Reply by Antsu-in-Japan on March 4, 2009 at 16:05

Parker...I agree. Kudos to Susie. My parents taught me and my sister the same values and work ethic. We are similarly successful. Do people use discrimination to victimize us? Of course! Do we ALLOW them the power to chart the course of our lives and livelihood? No. It isn't that discrimination doesn't exist...it's that we were empowered with the knowledge and support to wade through it and rise above it, much like Susie did.

Jay...Though you and others in here may not be victims of racism or discrimination, many people in our country are. What, if anything, can be done (in your opinion) to help that situation?

Permalink Reply by Antsu-in-Japan on March 4, 2009 at 21:10

Hello Jay:

I was fortunate to have the kind of parents who stressed the importance of education. I, too, believe that it is the pathway to a better life. Our country will become even stronger when we allocate resources more evenly amongst the schools, thus providing children the same opportunity for advancement.

When I was hired years back by the Japanese government to serve as an assistant English teacher in the public school system, I was paid well. More than some licensed teachers back in the States. As a matter-of-fact, teachers are public servants here. They are paid well, because they can not hold any other additional jobs outside their school position. They are expected to give all of their energy to educating these kids (including Saturday classes). Mind you, there are problems with this educational system as well.

I am working on providing an academic scholarship for American students with an interest in international studies. It will be based on academic performance to date, volunteer experience, financial need and continued excellence once in school. I know I'm only one person, but I would like to help those students in need who work hard academically to improve their lives.

As you mentioned, I can only change myself...but with the right attitude and an empathetic heart, I just may be in the position to help inspire others to change their own paths for the better.

Anyway, back to making crabcakes. Have a good day.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 5
• 6
• 7
• Next ›
• Page