In the Twisted Roots group we are researching different types of disrimination in Clastop County whether it be racial, religon or lifestyle choices. We have gone to Seaside and had people on the streets to take our 3 question surveys. The results indicate that most people do not think racial discrimination is a problem in Clatsop County but that Hispanics are the race that is discriminated against the most. In addition to the surveys, we invited in Denise Reed-Hinds and Yolanda Turner to talk about racial discrimination and how it impacts minorities here in Clatsop County. They were great and help us see a new perspective on race. next week is religious discrimination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               (Racial dicusion pannel)

 

 

 

Panel Discussion #2: Religious Discrimination

 

This week in Twisted Roots we had a fun time researching, surveying and discussing religion and religious discrimination in Clatsop County. 

 

Our research showed that religious discrimination is alive a well in America. Neo-Nazis still parade their hatred for Jews in northern Idaho and the South. Most Americans still feel that Islam is a religion of terrorism when the reverse is really true. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and America, and most of its followers adhere to a system of beliefs were prayer, fasting, sharing and worship are central - not terrorism. During the last presidential election 25% of Americans said they would not vote for a candidate (Mitt Romney) simply because he was a Mormon. Incidentally, this is the same problem that JFK had during the 1960's because many Americans, at that time, would never vote for a Catholic. To argue that religious discrimination does not occur is to be blind to  a very real issue of our past and present. Religion forms the very foundation of who many of Americans are, and so differing religions pose a threat to the person and create hostilities. Others choose to embrace various beliefs and become more spiritual than religious which is the current trend in America.

 

Our survey provided these results on religion and religious discrimination in Clatsop County:

     1. Most people feel they are very religous or spiritual

     2. Most people in Clatsop County identified with the Chirstian religion (52%) Catholics and Agnostics tied (12%)

     3. Most people we surveyed never attend religous services or very infrequently

     4. Most don't feel that religious discrimination is a problem in America and their community

     5. Most felt that Jehovah Witnesses (43%) and then Islam and Mormons (12% ) were the most discriminated against

 

From the Discussion:

 

We had Carol Newman and Dana McMakin come in a talk about religion and religious discrimination. Carol is a practicing Jew and provided a good look at the wide-range of Jewish beliefs and practices. She explained that some are simply Jews by birth but never practice the religion, and others that believe and practice a strict form of Judaism that emphasizes the rules contained in the Talmud. She loved her religion because of the culture, beliefs and the history. She talked briefly about the Holocaust, and stated that no religion has ever gone through such a horrible event as the Jews for their religion. To the group, Carol seemed more open to other religions and religious practices. However, we were left questioning what Jews really believe because of her openess. 

 

Dana McMakin identified with the Mormon faith, and , to the group, was very specific about what she believed and how America had chanced Mormonism out of the country. She provided us with 12 Articles of Faith that all Mormons believe. Her religion centers on the vision of Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon and prophets and apostles today. She stated that the most common misconceptions about her faith are that Mormons are not Christian or that they are a cult both of which were not true. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week #4 Other Forms of Discrimination

 

See student wikis for information on these types of discrimination. Please feel free to post your own opinions as well. The more discussion the better! 

 

Cecilia's page 

 

Joel's page

 

Utti's page

 

Nathaniel's page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.