Godelsensei

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]Which is why our society is a wonderful thing. As my English teacher would say, [I]"You can stand up at speakers corner and say the Prime Minister's a crook, but if you can't prove it, you're going to be sued for slander."[/I] What a wonderful world we live in. :) Freedom of speach is a right we are all given (throughout most of the world, anyway), but hate material is still hate material. We are allowed to say whatever we want about the government, and our society, as long as we don't say absurd and negative things about people specifically. And, in that case, it's either up to them to sue us, or we'll be charged with harassment.[/FONT] [/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]I'm not talking about books like Huck Finn, where they reffer to black people in a derogatory manner. You probably knew that, though.^^"" I'm suggesting that if a virtual reincarnate of hitler (who's name will not be capitalized) came about spewing nonsense about how all Jewish people disserve to die, and tried to rally people against said group, then there is every reason to censor them. I'm talking about extremist messages here. If some one published a book strongly encouraging the mistreating of women, or the discrimination of a certain ethnicity, it becomes more than self-expression. It's a different kind of taking of offense when some one is offended by swearing, than if some one goes and writes a book about why all people who fit into a certain physical discription should be slaughtered in the streets. Allowing such directly offensive material to be published and distributed is akin to allowing people to spray-paint Anti-semenic messages and swasticas on Richmond Hill homes, sidewalks and cars (Hypothetically, of course--it's entirely unlike the law condones said actions. People who do such things disgust me.).[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]You have to realize that some people are just, well, stupid, to be blunt. As far as wanting to censor Harry Potter goes, wouldn't you have to believe in the stuff to try and involve yourself with it? *sigh* In my opinion, material that contains swearing, sex and violence is fine, when it comes to literature. What is [I]not[/I] fine, is if some one tried to publish a book that was racist, sexist or a fine example of any other -ism. Hate material is different from bold self-expression. Remember that entire business with Catcher in the Rye? How a student in grade seven found it on her teacher's desk, and then he told her that she would enjoy it? So, she brings it home, and leaves it on the counter. Mom comes along, flips through, and WITHOUT READING IT, decides it is disgusting, because it contains the words "piss" and "snot". She tried to get it banned across the country, but the judge said it held great literary value. Go figure. *laughs *** off* As long as material is not extremely racist or sexist, it's pretty much fine by me. *shrug* EDIT: There was once a guy who petitioned for the word "Green" to be censored out of all written and spoken media. Why? Because it's "the colour of the Devil" or some bloody thing. All you can do is pity [I]that[/I] poor soul. *rolls eyes* [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]That explains it! I thought that some of those characters looked like the spirits from Spirited Away. You know, the frog man, the sick cop...they look like some of those extras that were running around at the bath house. *laughs* Skippedry always enlightens. : D[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]AAA!! Never write a story by hand! That is the craziest thing you can do! It takes so long to write down your ideas as they come, you lose track of where you're going. And it's hard to edit. Stick to the computer, my friend. I, too, have gone through some huge writer's blocks, but am currently working on my own story. It took me six months to come up with an idea I liked, characters that I enjoyed writing about, and how to send my message. You have to get used to writing fifty pages, then losing all interest in the thing. It happens to me all the time. You can't expect to go anywhere with all of your work. It's making one or two of your stories really count that pays off. Or else you end up pumping meaningless drivel again and again. No one likes meaningless drivel. If you like the characters you used in this story, but find the story falling flat, try using them in a slightly different setting, or shifting to a story that's less epic, but easier to handle. I always have a bajillion potential stories floating through my head. There are three I want to get done some day for sure, as of now, but the rest will continue to float around until they just dissapear.[/FONT] [/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]I just like the sound of "Boogiepop Phantom". Has a ring to it. I'll have to look into that... What impressed me the most, for sure, about PA was that it [I]was[/I] so realistic. The characters are imperfect, and sometimes downright ugly. It does not glamorize its characters, but rather earns your approval through down-to-Earth-ness. And it does this without being boring. I can't wait to see the rest of it!! My favourite character has go to be Sagi. Or that police guy in the grey suit. ^_^ He's cool. That doll freaks me out though. O_O[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]AAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIYAAAAAAA!!!!! *runs around in circles, screaming and breaking things* [Spoiler]Yashamaru is not a man! What the hell?! Why did they make Gaara's aunt a man?! What is up with this gender change?! ARGH.[/Spoiler] I was rather dissapointed for said reason. And because [Spoiler]Orochimaru has been cringing in pain as Sandaime slowly bleeds to death for FOUR episodes. Maybe even five.[/Spoiler] I mean, what the hell? I curse you, Bandai! Curse you, I say!! @_@ [COLOR=Red]Sasuke-kun, don't read this:[/COLOR] [Spoiler]Ooh!! Lee! What if he isn't healed properly and is...killed...?[/Spoiler] *cries*[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]I started reading Shogun a while ago, but I think my mom took the book to read herself. *mutter* And it was missing three chapters. Don't you just hate it when books dry out and fall apart? _ _U I watched the TV series when I was in third grade. It was amazing, although my seven-year-old mind did not understand all of it. I think the biggest message I took out of it, being a little kid, was how every society has good and bad. I remember a scene where some one killed himself over the carcus of a bird, and how Blackthorne was horrified. I always wondered why these people never stood up for themselves... I have to finish reading the book, once I get a new copy.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]Australia and Ontario seem more and more alike, the more I hear about Australia. Aside from the temperature, I mean. The school I attend is 80+% Asian. The neighborhood this school is located in is maybe 85% Asian. Some one not used to this could be made to feel like a foreigner in their own home. Another form of prejudice, based on race, seems to be how some inidividuals are biased towards [I]themselves[/I]. People will pursue an image or goal that is stereotypically assosciated with their race. Eight out of ten people arrested for gun crimes around here seem to be black. This is statistically, well, weird, seeing as 30% of the area is Asian, 40% is white, and I'm not sure about the devisions of the black and Hispanic population. I'm not saying that black people are natural criminals (which would be an absurd statement to make, as race is one of the least prevelent parts of our genetic makeup), but that alot of people are pressured into perpetuating their racial stereotype. [quote name='CrimsonSpider']Yes, everyone should be treated with the same rights. But you can treat people differently while giving them the same rights I.E. when I say high to one of my nerdy white friends or women, it usually consists of "Hey! How's it going?", while another male ethnicity (and some women) I would say something to the extent of "Sup." with a head-nod upwards (experience has taught me that)[/quote] Why? Every one greets every one with whatever random word comes to their mind. This statement just seems weird to me. I don't find it weird that I know "non-white" people who say "Salutations, salutations!" as a form of greeting. Maybe they, as individuals, are just "nerdy", as you put it. Based on your previous statements, I doubt you would immediately classify all white people as "nerdy", but the above statement sure seemed to imply that. *raises eyebrow* I hold nothing aggainst you, Spider, as I have read your other statements, which basically say you at least try not to be racist, but you could have worded that one a little better. And, dude, if you don't say " 'Sup?", regardless of your race, you're just weird. O.o[/FONT] [/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]I'm not racist. You aren't racist. Racism is discrimination [I]based on race[/I]. You could say that we're all prejudice, but there is such a thing as being biased in a positive way. For instance, you could be biased about whether or not to leave your four-year-old cousin in the care of a child molester, when you have the option of leaving him with your closest friend, who wouldn't hurt a fly.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]Greek and Egyptian mythology are consitered, well mythology, now-adays. Although an atheist will consider any religion to be the same, the fact that such a great number of people believe in these things is what seperates things. I see nothing wrong with educating students about religion, as long as it does not directly condone the beliefs. After all, one of my greater interests is culture and how it develops (but it's not as interesting as the grammar diffrentiations between languages^_^). As for atheists being "offended" by prayer...well, I don't know where you got this idea from. None of the atheists I know (all but one of my closest friends, and most of the people I assosciate with on a regular basis--not because we're atheists, BTW) are anything more than irritated by prayer. Perhaps "irritated" isn't the right word: religious situations are often uncomfortable, especially when the individuals involved know you're an atheist. Anyway, that wasn't really on topic, but I felt like commenting about those two points.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]14 year olds? Voting? Oh my. We-hell, that sounds like a rather [B]bad[/B] idea. One hears enough about those under 25 not being informed enough to vote properly. Now they want children, who have not even been through the school system, half of which probably don't care either way, to vote in the Presidential Election? What would this turn campaigns into? Commercials full of actors and athletes, that it seems marketers think teenagers find appealing? I'm not saying the kids aren't smart enough. It's just that most adults, let alone children, seem to be incredibly uninformed in the ways of politics. I shudder to think of what must be going on in some of these people's brains. I find this rather unbelievable--does any one have any further details?[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Courier New][QUOTE=Undefeated] (Faith that there is no God is just as much faith as saying there is. Both are equally unprovable.), who are they to dictate to others? [/QUOTE] [COLOR=Gray]Let's not even get started on [I]this one[/I] again. =_= Undefeated, it is very, very reasuring to see that not every religious individual demands that every aspect of every moment of every one's life be directly related to GOD in some way. It would seem that so many 'true believers' will take any slightly negative comment about involving religion in places where it doesn't belong, interpret it as a direct attack at their intelligence, and start insulting every one who doesn't demand that we sit the little children down to pray every morning. Sheesh. I don't know what those people think they're proving. It seems that pretty much every one agrees on this issue for the same reason: no prayer in public schools because the practice has nothing to do with public education. I'm surprised no one else brought up the ever-tabboo CHRISTMAS CONCERT. *scary music* We're not multi-cultural any more: we're no-cultural. *sigh*[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]I always watch the OP. I usually watch the ED, unless it's really boring, or the song just doesn't appeal to me (that is: Ayatsuri Sakon). I love openings, especially, that are really, really, really weird. Some wonderful examples are Narutaru and Paranoia Agent. There's just something awesome about the way these shows are introduced. Haruka Kanata is my favourite song; I am listening to it right now. I think that having great music is one of the key parts to every amazing series. And, dude...like...where is your poll? o.o[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New][QUOTE=Baron Samedi][color=darkred][size=1]I believe this generation will be one of the last racist generations. We are such an eclectic mix...how can we possibly sustain the level of racism of previous generations? Will racism be phased out: Highly likely. Also, I believe that lots of the Asians are highly racist towards others. i.e. Japanese [or Chinese] view themselves as waaay more superior than Koreans or Vietnamese. Racism is everywhere...but going. Slowly going.[/color][/size][/QUOTE] I agree with your points on us being the last really racist generation. After all, the number of inter-racial couples is rising drastically. How can a generation of half-whites, half-blacks, half-Asians or [I]whatever[/I] be as near to racist as we are today? It simply wouldn't make sense. Also, people today are alot more tolerant (if not celebratory) of racial differences. We'll pass that on to the next bunch of kiddies, I should hope. And, YES!, part of it is people being too obsessed with their own culture. I have met quite a few fanatically-Chinese/anything else (I happen to go to school with alot of Chinese people, so, of course, I've seen more of them than any other group, as far as this point goes.). It's one thing to be proud of your race, but preaching your superiority to others is just...well, racist. There's a black guy in my art class, who walks around saying things like, "You whites and Asians all look gay, no matter what you do to your hair or whatever. Black people on the other hand..." He, as an individual, doesn't seem to realize how much of an, as Wrist Cutter would say, asshole he is being. Too many people think their being part of a visible "minority" makes them immune to charges of racism.[/FONT] [/COLOR]

[QUOTE=Lady Macaiodh][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue] I caould be misunderstanding you, but you seem to think that not only is "religion" out of place in schools, but also downright inappropriate. [/COLOR][/QUOTE] [COLOR=Gray] [FONT=Courier New]Sounds about right. The fact stands that we attend [I]public[/I] school in order to be educated on the factual, physical, mathematical, scientific and other such aspects of life. So we can get jobs and become productive members of society. If you wish to pursue a spiritual education, I am not going to get in your way, but please, do it somewhere else. That's what Sunday school, your house, and youth group are for. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]I agree with what has been stated before, on that, if they do it on their own time, I have no problem with it. However, until recently, there was a teacher at my school who would preach throughout her classes. She would harrass any one who came to school wearing any religious symbol that wasn't either Christian or Jewish. That is: if it's not a cross, and it's not the Star of David, it's blasphemy, and an insult to us "moral" fellows. One of my friends has a necklace that has a sword (the blade is a lightning bolt) as a charm. The teacher in question insisted that it was an offense to Christianity and demanded she take it off. At the next parent's night, she went as far as to tell the aformentioned inidividual's mother that she was [I]going to start a cult[/I]. This is an extremist, and isolated incident, but it has led me to be very bitter about involving religion in schools. That is: teachers have the right to shut up about their religious beliefs, and not harrass their students. School is not a religious organization. However, I don't have anything against informing students of other religions [I]without implying that they should be involved with them[/I]. My school puts together display cases about the holidays of different religions, and I see this as a positive thing, simply because it is being presented as a learning experience. It educates us about other cultures. I don't mind the school throwing together a Christmas concert, as pretty much every one celebrates this holiday. And whatever we put together at school really isn't religious--we focus on the superficial, gift-receiving aspects of the holiday. Chinese New Year is a big event at my school, as well (though it is not religious), simply because so many students are Chinese. It's hard not to get involved in Chinese New Year around these parts, anyway... : D So... Alotted prayer time = No. Acknowledgement of something every one celebrates anyway = Why not? (I mean, who doesn't like getting free candy canes from people who'd usually be giving you detentions?) EDIT: Another thing said woman decided to come up with was a [I]Christian Club[/I] of some sorts. They had their picture in the yearbook with the words, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life!" (or something to that degree) written on a portable whiteboard. And they wouldn't let us start a Dungeons and Dragons club after school on Wednesdays. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]As for racism being "essential", using the Yin Yang as an example...well, I must say: I do not agree. Racism, as you stated, is an inevitable, and extremely negative, thing. It is [I]only[/I] negative. I don't see how hating a particular group of people based on their skin colour is in any way positive. And it's definately not "essential." Though there has been a great deal of evening out, as far as different members of society ('different' as in 'not white', female etc...), it's just not good enough. I hate racist people. No one has any right to speak/act against some one based on their ethnicity. You can hold whatever opinion you want, but if it is baselessly negative (or generally negative at all), keep it to yourself. Now, this principle, of course, does not apply to [I]all[/I] aspects of life. Just the ones like the aformentioned issue (that is: discrimination). EDIT: Another issue about racism, is that most people see it as a black and white issue. Obviously, it isn't one. It's a black, white, yellow, red and brown issue, and the offending (i.e. racist) party can be from any one of these groups. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]Does it ever [diserve a boycott]. I don't know whether to be angry or simply dissapointed in the message "Urban Outiftters" is trying to send through that shirt. Apparently, taking action towards improving your country (I should [I]hope[/I] people vote for who they think will improve the country) is "for old people". As for this electronic system: the fact that it was created by a friend of Mr. Bush could be enough to earn some major speculation. However, the suggestion that the voter turnout would be entirely different, if it were web-based somehow, is acurate. As is the point that it would "just be retarded". Hmmm...I can just imagine some thirteen-year-old transfering every vote to Chippy the Pinecone. It's almost scary when you think about how a substantial number more of people voted in American Idol than in the last election. o_o[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]Do I sense a debate over whether or not Bigfoot exists coming on? *wince* I don't believe that there is an ape-man in the woods or a dinosaur in the lake. Perhaps there is some sort of creature that has been sited within Loch Ness specifically, but I would imagine it's just some sort of rare fish. And that there are more than one, obviously... That puddle's pretty deep, after all... [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]Hmmm... A material thing or...wait, you said anything. Haha. Baka no Goderu-sensei... Anyhoo: If I could have one thing, I think it would be the willpower and dedication to finish what I am writing. I know the original goal I set for it was unrealistic, but I hope to finish this thing within a reasonable amount of time. : ) That's all. I would say World Peace or something of that nature, but then everybody's posts would be the same. I mean, who doesn't want World Peace? : )[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]: D Haha--I'm on episode four, and I have no idea where the show is heading. It's not that it isn't going anywhere, it's just that it's so...well, weird. Unpredictable. Haha--yeah, the way they succeeded in making certain characters simply impossible to like is extremely impressive. Too bad it's so hard to find anything past episode five. *cries* And from Anime-Junkies, too...well, episode five is. *triste* >

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]Now, now, Winter, not every society has Bush as its head. ~_^ There really isn't anywhere else to go with this debate. We could run around in circles, making jabs at each other's intelligence, but I have already stated my opinion, and why it is such. Just out of curiosity, Winter, where do you stand? You have neglected to state whether you are for religion in prisons and schools...>_> Either that, or I've missed it. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]No fair! You used a crappy picture of Kiba's hood! I like the "UGH." "No UGH." concept, though. It's to-the-point. : D Yeah, that's what I thought about dog tears, as well. My cat gets drippy eyes sometimes, too. Poor kitty...*pets kitty* I like Kiba's hood because it makes him look very grunge. The fur is a very cool touch.^^ Nevertheless: Kiba & Akamaru PWN you, biatch! : D[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]I wasn't skirting your point, Winter. I was stating why it was not applicable. Religion needs faith, but faith does not need religion. What you stated, Shinken, is accurate. Just because the founders of a country were of a specific religion, it does not mean this trend needs to be continued. As it stands, there are too many people, with too many different beliefs, all committing crimes. What is the point of giving criminals options based on their spiritualtiy? If they have gone and broken the laws of both the state and the church (whichever one it may be), they should not have the right to such an option. [/FONT][/COLOR]