Redskins... Insulting or Tradition?

This is a symbol that many of us in the Washington D.C. area see all the time. After all it is just a team name that is almost eighty years old. The Washington Redskins first got their name back in 1932. It was originally in honor of their first head coach who was part Native-American. At that time our country was not very politically correct. I chose this image since I am a die-hard 'skins fan, and I am interested in the on going battle over the name.

Now days many people find this name very offensive, it is a direct slur at Native-Americans. The team has been brought to court nearly a dozen times in an effort to get them to change the name. It is due in court once again at the end of October.

I understand why this name is offensive and would understand if the team was forced to change it. As a fan I have grown up with the name and grown up loving the team with that name. So it is very hard to conceive parting with it, even though I believe Native-Americans have more than the right to do so. I personally do not find it offensive, as it was originally named with good intentions. But if you look at it directly and purely as a word it is pretty outrageous. There are many other minorities and derogatory words that would never be allowed to be a team name; so why is this name still allowed. Maybe it is because it is steeped in tradition, or maybe the judge just does not see the controversy. Either way both sides need to sit down, look within themselves and decide how they personally feel, and fight for what they believe.

The responsibility in social networking.

There are many ways for the youth of our world to expose themselves. With the introduction of social networking it has become all too easy. Myspace and facebook allow people of all ages to post information and pictures of themselves and too access others information. These websites describe themselves as a way to stay in touch, unfortunately some people may be using these websites for other purposes. The debate is over who's responsibility it is to stop these people who are using the websites for less than honorable purposes.

In the article, "MySpace and Sex Offenders: What's the Problem?", the author states that Myspace is making it too easy for sex offenders to pray on children and that they should do more to prevent it. It states that Myspace is being reckless in protecting and preserving our children's privacy. While arguing the other point "MySpace Not Responsible for Predators", states that the users are responsible for what they post not the website. "MySpace Not Responsible for Predators", argues that most users are aware of what they are posting and that anyone can access it.

In my personal opinion it is not the websites to blame. Although they should do more to ensure that not just anyone can find a way to somehow access a young child's information, it is the user to blame. In most of the user agreements it states pretty clearly that these are public sites and that the public has access to it. If you want to post images of yourself then post them but do not be surprised or act innocent if there are repercussions. The social networking sites do what they can to limit who can see what, but every time they do the users complain. When facebook was college I.D. only other college age kids got angry, when Myspace went to friends only, users threatened to boycott using their site. It is the users that limit what the social networking sites can do, and it is the users that decide what to post.

My family life is what has most influenced my opinion on this matter. I have a younger sister and try to stay very aware of how she "markets" herself. If I found out that she was putting pictures up of herself that others could pray on I would be disappointed in her not the website. I use most of these sites and I see how easy it would be for a predator to use them towards their advantage, but I also see how easy it is to keep them from being able to use your personal page. Either way you look at it YOU are responsible for what YOU post, the website does not force you to use their website.

With all the new technology in our world we need to be smarter about how we use it. We need to educate the children in our country how dangerous it could be and how to use it properly. Websites such as Myspace and facebook are on the front lines of the debate on social networking, but the simple matter is they are here to provide a service, a service you do not have to use. The user is responsible for their own safety, though the websites should do everything they can to work with the users to make that easier.

"Live On The Positive"

If I had to create a bumper sticker that modeled my philosophy for life, it would be, Live On The positive. It is a motto that I try to model my life after. I like to think that I am a very care free and fun individual. Live On The Positive, means having fun and finding good in every situation, regardless of how bad it might seem. There are many negatives in the world around us, all of which can make it hard to stay positive.

When one of my good friends was killed in a fire we started a charity foundation in her honor. It is called "Live On The Positive." We raise money for underprivileged kids so they may play sports, and purchase supplies for other hobbies. Her name was Christine Renee Maire and she was one of the most joyous and caring people I have ever met. She was very artistic and was planning on graduating with a degree in graphic design. She often used her own paycheck to buy kids supplies for art. So naturally it was a no brainer when we were trying to think of this charity.

Live On The Positive, is simply not letting anything bring you down. It is always looking for adventure and fun while helping yourself and others. If we can all try to "Live On The Positive," the world would be much more stress free.