Race as a Social Reality

Race as modern idea: In ancient times people didn’t divide society in physical appearance instead they were divided because of their religion, class, language and status.

Race and freedom were born together: For example when the United States was founded, equality was a radical and new idea. At the same time the U.S economy largely depended on slaves and forced labor.

In our times race continues to be an important social idea that gives people different opportunities depending on their physical traits.

Society has created better opportunities and advantages for someone who is white.

We are on a society that is based on stereotypes and individual prejudice. By this I mean that physical traits are very important and that the racial aspect will decide someone’s status in society.

Race is neither a biological nor a genetically known term. Different studies have proved that two Japanese can be genetically different as Japanese and a Colombian. The genes that are uncharged of establishing skin color, hair form, and other physical traits are few.

.RACE. The Power of an Illusion. CALIFORNIA NEWSREEL. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. ‹http://www.pbs.org/race/001_WhatIsRace/001_00-home.htm›.

Juan Camilo Gómez

Three Set Grand Slam Matches for Men

Recently I’ve heard about the idea of reducing men 3-5 sets Grand Slams matches to just 2-3 sets matches. It will be a hard decision to take well tradition will be lost but men could now have the opportunity to extend their years on the tour. In this entry I would like to see and explore the different pros and cons about this interesting issue.

Pros for shortening men Grand Slam matches: For a professional male tennis athlete is always a challenge playing a Grand Slam. The actual format for men is playing the best of 3-5 sets (Only in Grand Slams). This will ask the player for a better physical and mental strength. Men, Grand Slams matches, are constantly going above the 4 hours of play. After the match both players would be exhaust and will have a minimum time of 24 hours to recover and be ready for another lengthy match. Grand Slams matches are a huge physical challenge for every player and with time running, players are not going to have the fuel neither the energy to play at the same level for four hours. If matches are shortening men will have the opportunity of playing a lengthier carrier.

Cons for shortening men Grand Slam matches: The four biggest events on the tour are the Grand Slams (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US open). These are all played to the best of 3-5 sets. It is a huge challenge going into a Grand Slam. But after all tennis is a huge challenge and it is a sport that demands huge physical and mental strength. Grand Slams are the tournaments that only few can win. Why? Only the best players can win a Grand Slam well with 3-5 sets format there would not be fluke performances.

In my opinion Grand Slams must continue with the tradition of playing 3-5 set matches. Tennis is a sport that asks for hard work and sacrifice. Grand Slams are the ultimate challenge and only the best would have a chance of winning it.

Juan Camilo Gomez

09/03/2014

Venezuela's problems now taking international scale

Since early this year Venezuela’s government is struggling to take control. Thousands of people are taking over the streets and are demanding a change of office and the end to a period of economic, social, and political depression.

Now for Venezuela problems are even bigger, their internal conflict is expanding and other countries are getting involved. In this case I am talking specifically about Panama.

Panama is demanding Venezuela to pay a debt of more than $1bn. Venezuela’s government took and impressive and immediate decision. They cut political relations with Panama. The president of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, has publically spoken about this. He thinks it is a coward decision coming from Venezuela which he describes as a country “rich in petroleum”.

Maduro also went firing back and said that Panama was conspiring with the United States to intervene in Venezuela’s internal affairs. He gave diplomats from Panama 48 hours to leave the country.

Reckless Maduro taking actions and sending Venezuela to a bigger abysm.

Juan Camilo Gómez

09/03/2014

Alice Su

Both Coming of Age in the Syrian Conflict and How Do You Rank Refugees are articles written by American journalist Alice Su.

In the first one she shares her personal experience about the Syrian conflict and cites different sources from whom she received information and personal stories. As a reader I was impressed with Su's article about the Syrian conflict. She show us the conflict in a different way, this by sharing experiences from Syrians who at the time were refugees at Jordan. This article help the readers see the Syrian conflict in a deeper way.

How Do You Rank Refugees? This is the second article I read. Alice Su now tries to inform us about the Sudanese conflict. The difference between both of this articles are that in this one she uses a more formal and informative style. She is giving a good background about the Sudanese conflict and have good evidence that supports her article.

Juan Camilo

My name is Juan Camilo Gomez. I am a senior at Colegio Panamericano. I enjoy playing tennis and I like to spend time with my family and friends. The main purpose of this blog is to write about political conflicts around the world. I will also write about sports (specially tennis). I am competing in the Colombian national tennis circuit.