Sarah Baram

you must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you. RB

Tag: Education

September 25, 2010

Come One, Come All

These next coming days will probably be the only days I stick to a severely biased news network and do not mind doing so. Why? Well, because for once, they are beyond right and I cannot seem to do anything but nod in agreement with them. The network? Fox News… Now, please, stop shaking your finger at me. The issue? Immigration. I know, immigration has been so drawn out and chatted about it is almost unnerving.  But, as long as there are border hoppers and illegal workers illegal immigration will always be relevant, so why not chat some more concerning it?

Everyone knows the deal with illegal immigration. I mean deal as in definition, so far very few parties have made out well in this illegal situation and I am sure you can guess by process of elimination that so far, America has not been one of them. In 2007, America’s immigrant population reached 37.9 million, this including both legal and illegal immigrants.  This statistic translates roughly to one in eight of those residing in America to be immigrants. If one would like to go further and know how many of those immigrants happen to be illegal, it is about one in three. Where do many of them hail from? Nearly half of the Mexican immigrants in America are here illegally, along with one half of Central American immigrants and one-third of South American immigrants. It may sound like the singling out of an ethnicity, but it’s not, it is just a cold hard truth.

With this constant flow of negative statistics, a person has to wonder: why are these immigrants coming, and staying, illegally? Is it for the American Dream of that darling cape with a white picket fence? Ah, to have two full sized bathrooms and a breakfast nook. Or is it because they are safer here in the good ole’ United States? I mean, who really wants to stay in Mexico with this unending drug war? No hands? I didn’t think so. Then what is it?

If you could enter a country, nearly free of financial cost, send your children to school without having to pay taxes, and possibly receive government financial aid, wouldn’t you jump on that border crossing band wagon? Welcome to America, land of the free.

I know, illegal immigrants do participate in their share of work, and at a depressingly low cost. Remember, this low cost is generally paid under the table, tax-free. It is that cost that makes these illegal immigrants attractive, and so employable by corporations and small businesses alike. Actually, so employable that they are among the highest percentage of employed people residing in New York City today. Citing recent Census statistics, Mexicans, as the one of the largest immigrant groups present in New York City, are more likely to be employed than an actual New York City native. This employable nonsense is not something that is only harbored in New York City; it is spreading among the country too. Illegal immigrants are taking jobs that should rightfully be handed to those who live in America, legally.

If only the problem with illegal immigration stopped with those who have become employed over legal American citizens. There is also the crime to think about. First off, illegal immigration is a crime punishable by the United States government. A family of illegal immigrants crossing American borders and staying undermines America’s national security and puts a drain on national funding. Though, statistics can be found that illegal immigrants are less likely than an American native to commit a heinous crime due to fear of being deported, isn’t living in America illegally and forcing Americans to pay the way heinous enough?

If all of this is true, then why did Stephen Colbert appear in Congress fighting for rights of immigrants currently residing and working in the United States? He may like to speak out for those who are not usually heard, and fight for their rights but… Why would you give an illegal resident Constitutional rights? I may not have been there when the Bill of Rights was first drafted, but I am immensely confident that “We the People” meant Americans, and those legally residing in America.

Colbert’s show of meager intelligence and mockery was just that, nothing more. Essentially, his satirical notion came down to those illegal immigrants holding agricultural jobs. Colbert, before addressing Congress did participate in a day’s work to become a sort of self-proclaimed expert.

“And the farm work? It is hard. Really, really hard. You have to bend over to pick things a lot. It turns out – and I did not know this – most soil is at ground level.”

- Stephen Colbert

Farm work may be grueling, but does that mean a legal American would deny such a job? I would like to think the answer to that question would be a ‘no’.

Stephen Colbert’s appearance may have been nothing more than a headache inducer, but the Democratic Party seems intent on making illegal immigration more of an everlasting migraine. It looks as if Colbert may have had one thing right, many of them may be out of jobs come November.

This notion in turn brings me to The DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act. If I were to go with the nutshell explanation of what The DREAM Act really is, I would tell you it is amnesty for illegal immigrants between the ages of twelve and thirty-five. Oh yes, amnesty. How? By receiving credits in higher education or serving proper military service, those illegal immigrants previously in the United States for five years, can apply and be granted American citizenship. The cost? Well, that would mean American taxes paying for those four years of high school, and the possible years before that, required by any higher education institution. And an illegal immigrant participating opts to go in to the military? Those positions are paid once boot camp is completely. So yes, the Democratic Party wants to pay illegal immigrants to become legal.

Then, what does the Republican Party so desire within the realms of illegal immigration? Do not fret; this issue was rightfully addressed in their newest “Pledge to America”.

1.     Establish Operational Control of the Border: We must take action to secure our borders, and that action starts with enforcing our laws. We will ensure that the Border Patrol has the tools and authorities to establish operational control at the border and prohibit the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from interfering with Border Patrol enforcement activities on federal lands.

2.     Work with State and Local Officials to Enforce Our Immigration Laws: The problem of illegal immigration and Mexican drug cartels engaged in an increasingly violent conflict means we need all hands on deck to address this challenge. We will reaffirm the authority of state and local law enforcement to assist in the enforcement of all federal immigration laws.

3.     Strengthen Visa Security: To stop terrorists like Omar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Christmas Day bomber, we will require the Department of Homeland Security to review all visa applications at high-risk consular posts and prevent aliens from attempting to avoid deportation after having their visas revoked.

This whole debate may sound like it is leaking from a Conservative’s mouth, or maybe even a Tea Partier’s political leanings but isn’t it just common sense that illegal immigrants are illegal? This then striking the possibilities of a well-rounded education, employment opportunities and equal rights… Away? That is what I had though, but who knows, maybe it’s not common sense and somewhere along the way a large group of Americans forgot what “We the People” truly means. Or, maybe that meaning has just evolved in to more of a “Come one, Come all, here is my open wallet” type of interpretation.

8 comments
September 2, 2010

Eat Your Language, Sir

This morning I had the pleasure of sitting at a local IHOP with no other company than a wonderful waiter and one of my newest textbooks. I sat studiously taking notes, leisurely sipping at a coffee and eating my usual fruitful Danish crêpes. The textbook at my side during the breakfast has become a particularly new venture of mine, Spanish. I have always been enthralled by the language and culture but never ventured beyond the word taco language wise. And yes, I know, taco probably does not even count since I learned it at Taco Bell in the fifth grade.

Aside from my mother tongue of English, my foreign language background lies in French. As a teensy second grader, an old woman used to make the trip to the classroom I was in to speak French with us. The woman taught us the alphabet, numbers and some weather related phrases. My French studies, however, did not continue again until seventh grade where I stayed after school most days to keep my learning on going in hopes of one day being fluent in a language my family seemed to be rooted in, a handful of them anyway.

From middle school to about my junior year of high school, my French studies were quite solid. I had class every day, and stayed after school about two days a week. I traveled to Quebec for a long weekend in tow with two French teachers and about a dozen other students. We practiced our dicey language on the less than concerned natives. On that trip, I was also introduced to porn by a gothically dressed roommate and sat on. Consequently, my thumb was broken. However, none of that is even slightly relevant.

After graduating from my high school years, I took a two yearlong breather from the French language. Then, the spring before last, I decided to begin again. I continued on with my studies for two semesters, then decided against continuing for personal reasons.

My personal reasons went as follows:

-       Although I had spent years tangling myself up in the French language, it did not seem to want to tangle itself up in me.

-       I had no yearning plans to visit France or any other French speaking country, aside from Canada. And, as most know, English comes easy in Canada.

-       There is no real use for French in America. Really.

The decision was then simple: stop taking French. Fin.

Now, I am studying Spanish. Why? I want to go to Spain, and because Ernest Hemingway has convinced me rather thoroughly. Conveniently enough, Spanish is also quite usable in America. So, Spanish. Hola.

Now that you have had a thorough and somewhat exact introduction to my language studies, I can begin the true story at hand. Foreign Languages and IHOP. I know what you’re thinking: This is going to be some racist rant about the wait staff. Oh, not at all.

As I was sitting doing my homework, an elder couple sat in the booth adjacent to mine. The husband of the couple noticed my Spanish textbook and proceeded to ask why in the world I would be studying such a language. I smiled, and laughed nervously as any polite young woman would. That was not a proper answer for him, so he continued on. His next reasoning for sighting that suddenly controversial Spanish textbook was that I would need to know the language fluently in order to get a job. I replied, “Well, no.” I assumed that would be the end of it.

After another small conversation with my waiter, the husband looked to me again. He was beaming with frustration at the sight of a white American girl learning Spanish. He found it ridiculous and proof that our country is crumbling. He asked what other languages I knew. I told him French. Then, he asked if I planned on learning anything else. I smiled, and for kicks went on to say Arabic. How nice it was to see the revolted look smeared upon his face. Quick thinking can be so fantastic.

For those who sympathize with this man’s frustration with Spanish becoming a spoken language among American citizens, let this be your perspective. I attend a nationally recognized University with students from across both the United States and the world. Of the mix that we are: 39% are Hispanic, 19% are white or Non-Hispanic and 18% are black. It is more than safe to say that our country is diverse, just by the judgment of one University. But, I am sure you have noticed that. Why haven’t all of us accepted it then?

This elderly man brings forth three questions. Was he afraid of the communication that could take place between the minority and the majority? Was he racist, or just in denial? Does he believe that all those in America should only be speaking the native tongue of English? Who knows, but stepping in to that IHOP with my Spanish textbook, I was not expecting that particular confrontation.

I digress. ¿Cómo se dice ‘Just eat your food.’ en español?

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August 17, 2010

How to Get a Job

I am a twenty-something that attends University full-time, writes a consistent blog in hopes of turning it in to a worthwhile column and in dire need of a decently paying, part-time job that is willing to mold to my educational and meager social schedule. I am a master of mental notes and post-it organization. I can juggle a handful of tasks at once and still manage to have some moments to myself throughout the day. Technology is both my savior, and handy tool. I can socialize on all fronts whether it be behind a glass counter or through a Twitter mention. All the while, selling something, educating someone, or handling someone else’s child. Oh, and making a batch of cheese dusted popcorn. My capabilities are truly impressive. And, where do they land me?

Currently, nowhere.

If I filled out my resume true to my experience, my list of jobs held would be nearly endless. Paid or unpaid, since the seventh grade I have just about managed to have something. I volunteered at a religious day camp as an arts and crafts counselor, and babysit for three children (one, nearly a genius). I did a small amount of chores at home until a spider came out of a bundle of leaves I was racking. Quickly, I retreated inside and gave up on being the stereotypical child.

Then, at fifteen, someone decided to give me something called a paycheck. Ah, and that paycheck was a rite of passage all right, with one minor detail. The paycheck was coming from my parents, spider less but nonetheless I was a child being given earned money by their parents.

My parents had opened a lingerie store, and not the dirty kind. Although, we received a phone call every day asking for some type of sexually pleasing mechanism or sexual swing. It was the kind of lingerie store that filled the homey inside of a well-painted cape style home. An expensive bustier hung on the area over the fireplace with an antique frame accenting its edges and lace thongs on a sort of hand painted dining room table. I cleaned, hung panties, and fitted both women and men for delicately decorated bras. It was awkward, but pleasing. One year later, our lilac painted door was shut for good.

Two months later, I landed the perfect job in my small town. It paid nine dollars an hour and gave us sixteen year olds the right to party on the job. This job was at a three-screen theater. The place was a dive, but had the adoration of all of us. We sold tickets to the inside proudly and made the best popcorn. After hours, we played. We had Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties and when the power in the town went out for six hours, we all managed to congregate in the dimly lit lobby to play go-fish. It was beautiful.

Of course, if you show a sixteen-year-old money, they get greedy. My second employable summer, I began a second and third job. By day, I was a camp counselor to a herd of fifth graders. By night, I was either popping popcorn or running concerts that boasted five equal sets of local bands. I could have rolled in that money, but instead, I spent it away.

By senior year of high school, I learned what it meant to pace myself. I kept two jobs and traded one for something a bit more comfortable. I worked the theater and the occasional concert, and every day after school worked in a latch key program. It was a sweet time but upon graduating and moving to university, it quickly became bittersweet. I came home to the theater for two years every Christmas and summer break, but soon realized I had outgrown it.

At university I was bored and without four wheels to drive with. Consequently, I had no job until the arrival of those four wheels in my sophomore year. Then began my time in childcare. My first family came with four children. A newborn that knew exactly how to dirty a diaper, a two year old that refused to learn the potty, a three year old with sass, and a five year old that wished the two year old to be adopted and returnable.  I lasted three months and left their garage running. After a quick stint at another lingerie store, I met the perfect family. A young boy that loved to talk and build Lego cars and a younger girl that just wanted to bake and play horses. We painted, and played safari and on hot days we walked to the local café for lemonade. My time there was one year, but worth every hour. It seemed the pay just happened to be a perk; the real treat was spending time with those children.

Now, it has been one month since leaving my post as nanny. I frequent Craig’s List, and Simply Hired meticulously searching for hiring part-time positions. I have also learned the art of walking in to any store with a manager and asking to apply. So far, I have had one and a half interviews. The half interview being the worst, seeing as I only count it as a half, you can imagine. I walked in, was told there really was no job, looked up and down by the woman and told to please leave. The full interview? It was a wonderful experience and I did receive a call back for a second interview. Tomorrow. Here is to hoping.

Why is this finding a job business so hard though? At sixteen, I was so employable. Now at twenty something and educated, no one seems to need or want me. I am aware that the economy has it a bump in the never-ending road of history making but I thought President Barack Obama had come out to the American people to say things were getting continually better? I have yet to see the results.

Since this is the age of technology, my worrying self resorted to Google to find out just how am I supposed to get a job? Now, please. My results forced me to stumble on to what some may consider a gold mine. Network, research, volunteer, personal marketing, interview, cold call. The list goes on and on. All I can think is: All this nonsense for a part-time job? At the mall?

My full interview I came across twice, once through a Craig’s List posting and second through walking straight in to the store. I was completely unaware of the coincidence, but learned from it that: Persistence is key. After the interview I continued with that method by sending a well-written sentiment thanking the store’s manager for taking the time out of her afternoon to interview me. I told her I thoroughly believed I would be the best possible fit for her business and I hoped to hear back from her soon. And, I did. Tomorrow is my second interview, as I previously mentioned, and I hope all goes in my favor.

For now, I will wait and continue my continual job applications and resume sending. With fond memories of my last work experiences, I’m hoping for the absolute best with the next. But I have to wonder; will it work out that way? Does it ever? For anyone?

26 comments
May 18, 2010

Got Diversity?

At fifteen years old, I chose to take a fusion class of American History and American Literature known as American Studies. In a touch of modest irony, the class involved much more than American Culture, it was a fusion of all those cultures that have come to serve as the foundation of the United States of America. I found the course enlightening, and did not understand why so little of my classmates had opted to take the course. It taught me much more than an appreciation of our country’s history and it’s literature. American Studies taught me that the United States truly is that melting pot you learn about in elementary school, and that our country is founded on a mutually understanding of diversity and respect for that diversity.
Now, back to Arizona, and their ever so knowledgeable Jan Brewer. Something tells me she went to a school headed by those with a very small mind, and narrow perspective.

What is her newest bill? Arizona House Bill 2281. This down to earth winner prohibits ethnically biased classes. In other words, if a class concerns one race, it is prohibited from being taught. Here is the breakdown, courtesy of 2281:

-       Promote the overthrow of the United States government.

-       Promote resentment toward a race or class of people.

-       Are designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group.

-       Advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of pupils as individuals.

Sadly, this bill is nothing new in Arizona. State school chief, and attorney general candidate, Tom Thorne has been pushing the bill for years. Thorne believes classes concerning other ethnicities and cultures harbored a type of “ethnic chauvinism” and taught students that whites, in the United States, are responsible for suppressing minorities. What a backwards way of justifying prohibiting classes that teach diversity. Thoughts, anyone? I taste irony.

One might understand a bill such as this passing if it had some basis in reality. Yes, various school districts in Arizona do offer classes and programs geared towards African-Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans. These classes teach students the history and literature of different races and cultures, but successfully manage to relate the class’s subject matter back to American history, giving it a sort of American perspective. Where is the chauvinism?

This bill does have a clear and present target seen in a Tucson Unified School District, with a particular aim at the Mexican American Studies Department. As the program claims, however, it relies on hegemony as a basis of its creation.

It baffles me, personally, that a sane person could sit down and willfully sign away a student’s right to education. A student will gain from knowing mathematical equations, they will gain with an expanded vocabulary, and a student will gain tremendous amounts if they are well versed in the many cultures that come to stitch our country together. Signing away a student’s right to that type of education merely signs away part of their right to appreciate the diversity living within their home country.

After Jan Brewer’s second controversial bill in the past month, it is safe to say: Jan Brewer, you must be a racist with an agenda and a transparent Trojan horse. I feel that is far from judgmental, clearly this woman is using her spot to put down minorities, primarily Mexicans, right to live in America, and the right of students to learn about the different cultures of minorities, particularly Mexican culture and history.

Governor Jan Brewer’s bill has not been enforced with a proper and vocal bashing. The United Nations human rights experts expressed a great deal of concern sprouting from Arizona’s new educational reform. They believe what all other opposing people do:

“The state superintendent of schools, the primary state official who promoted this legislation, has repeatedly stated that the law is aimed at eradicating particular existing ethnic studies programs that provide instruction featuring the history, social dynamics, and cultural patterns of Mexican-Americans in the United States.

‘The independent experts noted that “such law and attitude are at odds with the State’s responsibility to respect the right of everyone to have access to his or her own cultural and linguistic heritage and to participate in cultural life. Everyone has the right to seek and develop cultural knowledge and to know and understand his or her own culture and that of others through education and information.”

Eugene Robinson, a brilliant writer from The Washington Post, brings up a great point that remained virtually untouched by other media outlets. Does this law then, in turn, abolish the ability to teach basic history?

“More than half the students in the Tucson Unified School District are Latino, the great majority of them Mexican-American. The land that is now Arizona once belonged to Mexico. Might teaching that fact “promote resentment” among students of Mexican descent? What about a class that taught students how activists fought to end discrimination against Latinos in Arizona and other Western states? Would that illegally encourage students to resent the way their parents and grandparents were treated?”

There is clearly a basket of unresolved issues present in Arizona. It is true that certain parts of Arizona are suffering from illegal immigrants, but not to the extent of deserving the newest immigration law. There is also no uncertainty in my mind, and many other’s that educational reform is entirely unneeded and just another bigoted move.

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