Physical Abuse- I think that creating positive touch would empower many individuals. Just like so many people are kinesthetic learners, many people feel love by positive touch whether that be hugs, massages, or respecting ones space. Also in employment or school settings it would benefit our bodies if we participated in activities that better our bodies; such as having a health day event that includes yoga, healthy eating and relaxation. Activities such as these have the capability of rejuvenating an individual.
Emotional Abuse- Treating everyone equally but also respecting their differences. Being kinder to others in general is a form of postive emotional interactions. The media plays a large role in how we interact with others. I believe that gossip television and reality shows with catty and physical fights create a negative image of how we should interact with others.
Economic Abuse- National Health Care, Affirmative Action, Welfare and also more programs that help individuals find a job or find resources that can better their career and financial stability.
Threats- Instead of employment agencies threating to fire an individual, helping that individual better its current situation and understanding their current situation. Obviously an employer cannot keep an employee if they are not doing their job at all but often there is a story behind the lack of motiviation. For example my best friend's sister was fired from Dairy Queen after years of working there because one day one of the top business men of the company came in and she was not friendly enough. Her cousin had recently been shot and her grandmother diagnosed with cancer.
White Privilege- White people need to use their white privilege to help others without this same privilege. Not only volunteering their time but also educating others around them that might not be as aware of others' stories. Just like we talked about yesterday in class, we need to bring these issues where they are currently not spoken of.
Using Children- Honestly, race should NOT play a part in a child's life. It is ignorant to think it does not, but it shouldn't. Every child regardless of race or of their family background should be treated in the same way in the education system. Each child deserves an education that will better their future and allow them access to higher education, employment and a successful and happy life.
Intimidation- Creating optimism and positivity can be so powerful in an individual's life. Take for example Barack Obama's winning of the Nobel Peace Prize. He was chosen as the recipent of this honor back in February before he had served barely any time as our president. He was chosen for this award because of his ability to create optimism amongst millions of people.
Sexual Abuse- Sex and sexuality needs not be taboo. It is a normal part of everyday life and should be able to be discussed. Saying that though, it should also be available to be private. Individuals should be able to decide whether or not they can express their sexuality publically and if they choose to, we as a people need to try to eliminate judgement.
Isolation/Exposure- Police need to be evenly distributed and made sure that they are treating people of all backgrounds fairly and respectfully. A friend of mine from Northeast Minnneapolis was recently complaining to me that not until Northeast began to be more populated by white people did more police come. Even with these new police though they are not rolling through the white neighborhoods, they are in the lower socioeconomic neighborhoods that include predominantly people of color. There are police at almost every corner but when my friend's mom, who is Latina, called due to commotion she heard at her neighbors house, the police never came. The police seem to have a certain agency in this neighborhood that does not actually help the people living in the neighborhood. Police need to be in more communication with the area they are serving. Like in some of the programs we recently read about in class, individuals can be served properly and empowered when they decide what they need.
