Legalize it? Yes or No.

[ziggy]

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n318/RoxyPop082904/marijuana-deaths-shirt.png

What are your thoughts on the legalization of Marijuana? From a political perspective, I doubt if it will happen anytime in the near future, but do you feel that it should happen?

[SWedd523]

It should. If the government were to legalize and tax it, they could make all sorts of money. (see Prohibition)

[teej]

Don't really care for it, but I don't see how tobacco is legal and it is not.

I am not a substance abuser in any way, but i will defend people's rights to do what they want as long as they arent hurting anyone else. But I'm against it on my own.

[Ghost Kat]

Don't really care for it, but I don't see how tobacco is legal and it is not.

I am not a substance abuser in any way, but i will defend people's rights to do what they want as long as they arent hurting anyone else. But I'm against it on my own.

Teej... not to start a fight or big debate but do you Smokie Cigs, Drink beer, take sleeping pills, Aspirin for head aches, drink coffee. All those are substances and to call people that smoke weed substances abusers is a little misleading. Out of all those i named which is just a few thing people take on a regular basis...Marijuana is the only one that grow naturally without any help or processing from man. Substance abuse is when you can't get out of bed with out a drink or smoke. Substance abuse is when your entire life is centered around your next "fix". Subsance abuse is when you can't coupe in a normal life without your drug. I don't know a single person that smokes Marijuana that fits into that catagory


Ziggy....My answer to this thread is two words HELL YES.

[teej]

Teej... not to start a fight or big debate but do you Smokie Cigs, Drink beer, take sleeping pills, Aspirin for head aches, drink coffee. All those are substances and to call people that smoke weed substances abusers is a little misleading. Out of all those i named which is just a few thing people take on a regular basis...Marijuana is the only one that grow naturally without any help or processing from man. Substance abuse is when you can't get out of bed with out a drink or smoke. Substance abuse is when your entire life is centered around your next "fix". Subsance abuse is when you can't coupe in a normal life without your drug. I don't know a single person that smokes Marijuana that fits into that catagory

Don't smoke, don't drink other than communion wine if I'm at a catholic service (I'm protestant, so its rare)/for medicinal purposes, I take meds but only for migriane headaches/allergies, but I can function without them. I don't drink coffee. I think the only thing I am remotely "addicted" too is the computer :p.

As far as saying substance abuser, I probably used the wrong word. I have no problem with people smoking weed as long as they don't do it in public/try to sell it to me. It is no different in my mind than tobacco or alcohol, but I won't be smoking it even if it is legalized.

[BETCATS]

my answer can be found in the title of this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlcOezDV0JA&feature=PlayList&p=4B6DBC5C04486857&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=5

As long as nobody laces it with anything, its all good!

[Ghost Kat]

Don't smoke, don't drink other than communion wine if I'm at a catholic service (I'm protestant, so its rare)/for medicinal purposes, I take meds but only for migriane headaches/allergies, but I can function without them. I don't drink coffee. I think the only thing I am remotely "addicted" too is the computer :p.

As far as saying substance abuser, I probably used the wrong word. I have no problem with people smoking weed as long as they don't do it in public/try to sell it to me. It is no different in my mind than tobacco or alcohol, but I won't be smoking it even if it is legalized.

I didn't know you were as young as you are so i guess i can see why you don't drink beer or smoke. My only point was about calling Weed smoker substance abusers to me thats was a unfair stigma...it's cool though

[SWedd523]

A weed smoker can be an abuser. "Normal" people refer to them as pot heads. You can abuse weed, whether you think so or not.

Just like you can abuse the other drugs you mentioned, in addition to gatorade, exercise, hell even masturbation can be abused ;)

He used the wrong term and was a little closed minded, yes. But to say being a marijuana abuser is NOT possible is also a bit closed minded.

[WarioVsMooChicken]

It should be legal, I would never do it though. Very rarely do I see sucsessful people that have weed as part as their life.

Anyone with common sense would know there's been more than 0 deaths from Marijuana. Pic is bothering me <.<

[teej]

It should be legal, I would never do it though. Very rarely do I see sucsessful people that have weed as part as their life.

Anyone with common sense would know there's been more than 0 deaths from Marijuana. Pic is bothering me <.<

I think theyre saying from directly medical deaths. Weed is just a plant that happens to alter your state of mind for a little while when altered itself. Heavy drugs have direct deaths, not weed. Weed deaths would be from gangs maybe, but the same could be said for deaths related to not wearing the tight color shirt on a bad street. :rolleyes:

As far as success, what about the Beatles? :p I agree with you though, it doesnt help you one bit, at least from what I can tell...not that I've used it.

[SWedd523]

Very rarely do I see sucsessful people that have weed as part as their life.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/ivan1087/R0vWZUSUrVI/AAAAAAAABBQ/dfQHi97nHZ0/barack+obama+smoking.jpg

[SWedd523]

Also, Katt Williams' commentary on weed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuNeJZq9Nuc

[WarioVsMooChicken]

:

As far as success, what about the Beatles? :

I love the Beatles more than most people, but ignoring Musicians and athletes, you don't see many people with productive lives who do the stuff.

I know some people who can keep it to once every week or two, but if you don't use it only on special occasions it seems to mess up lives.

It really needs to be legal though. I don't even see why it isn't.

[davcbow]

I think theyre saying from directly medical deaths. Weed is just a plant that happens to alter your state of mind for a little while when altered itself. Heavy drugs have direct deaths, not weed. Weed deaths would be from gangs maybe, but the same could be said for deaths related to not wearing the tight color shirt on a bad street. :rolleyes:

As far as success, what about the Beatles? :p I agree with you though, it doesnt help you one bit, at least from what I can tell...not that I've used it.

Its like this, I'm 50 years old. I graduated from HS, I graduated from 2 colleges, I am successful at what ever I have set my mind to do. I played music in 4 different bands. I grew up got married raised my kids and sent them to college. I smoked pot every step of the way. I didn't sit around stoned 24/7 but I did smoke it to relax, break the stress of the day. I only quit smoking because of the piss test. I was at work one day and a ceiling tile came lose and fell right when I happened to be walking by, it hit me in the head and busted my head wide open. I was sent to the hospital and had to pee for them. I failed the test and was suspended, I had to go to rehab (a friggen joke) before I could go back to work, this was in 1996. Our country and the entire world has stereo typed pot, its effects on you and the people that smoke it. Bill Clinton smoked it, Obama admitted to doing cocaine when he was young. They both are successful people. The school systems do not teach the truth about pot, they only say it leads to harder drugs.... Until the truth is taught and understood the narrow mindedness about it goes away it will never be legal in this country....:cool:

[Ghost Kat]

A weed smoker can be an abuser. "Normal" people refer to them as pot heads. You can abuse weed, whether you think so or not.

Just like you can abuse the other drugs you mentioned, in addition to gatorade, exercise, hell even masturbation can be abused ;)

He used the wrong term and was a little closed minded, yes. But to say being a marijuana abuser is NOT possible is also a bit closed minded.

OK , I'll give you that anything can be abused if used to much. But to stereotype someone the smokes weed as a substance abuser links their "drug" use to people on crack who beat up old ladies for their next fix. Plenty of people have smoked weed and gone on to do great things. The Music industry, Actors, Artists, Presidents, Scientists, I mean if you want me to get you a long list of their names thats easily done.

Weed doesn't make you go crazy and see pink elephants in cowboy boots. It doesn't make you rob or kill anyone. It's not a gateway drug. People have been using it for thousands of years in many different countries. I've smoked weed since my freshman year of college and have never tried any other drug. I hardly even drink. To show you how back woods country I am the first time i smoked was in the middle of a cornfield. Sadly, Because of the Army I had to quit but best believe the very day i get out I'm buying a pound of Mary-Jane and going wild. Marijuana is relaxing, It opens your mind and allows to you think about things in a different way. If you a creative person in music, art whatever it helps stimulate that creativity. Not one person yet has died from a Marijuana over dose. It doesn't ruin lives or crush dreams unless all you do every day is smoke weed and sit around the house. Thats not the drugs fault, Thats just being lazy. The only reason it is illegal now is because in the 30's racist people saw the boom of Mexicans coming over here with their "Devil Weed". Weed was legal before that, They had a stamp tax on it. It's needs to be legal again, No one has the right to tell me what i can and can't put into my body. Or put me in jail for a plant that grow on earth naturally.

[bing!]

Legalising it deprives it of its appeal as a forbidden substance which is huge with rebellious teens across the globe. It relaxes the mind, broadens one's horizons, stimulates the thought process, 'tis non-addictive... but have you ever spent time with people who consume it on a regular basis (I'm talking daily here) during intoxication? It's a bore-fest, (I know, I've been there (and no, I don't smoke)), everything revolves around acquiring more, spending it, spewing gibberish and giggling, I'm talkin' about college students here, bright/funny/intelligent people in general, not lazy Joes. I prefer them sober, they, themselves, prefer each other stoned, I scold them, they glance at me with stupor, no fun.

For relaxation, seek sleep and slow-tempo music.
For inspiration, expose yourself to various media.
For giggles, hell, look out the window.

Should it be legalised?... yes.

Here's a smiley, I came off to prudish/somber. :)

[SWedd523]

OK , I'll give you that anything can be abused if used to much. But to stereotype someone the smokes weed as a substance abuser links their "drug" use to people on crack who beat up old ladies for their next fix. Plenty of people have smoked weed and gone on to do great things. The Music industry, Actors, Artists, Presidents, Scientists, I mean if you want me to get you a long list of their names thats easily done.

Weed doesn't make you go crazy and see pink elephants in cowboy boots. It doesn't make you rob or kill anyone. It's not a gateway drug. People have been using it for thousands of years in many different countries. I've smoked weed since my freshman year of college and have never tried any other drug. I hardly even drink. To show you how back woods country I am the first time i smoked was in the middle of a cornfield. Sadly, Because of the Army I had to quit but best believe the very day i get out I'm buying a pound of Mary-Jane and going wild. Marijuana is relaxing, It opens your mind and allows to you think about things in a different way. If you a creative person in music, art whatever it helps stimulate that creativity. Not one person yet has died from a Marijuana over dose. It doesn't ruin lives or crush dreams unless all you do every day is smoke weed and sit around the house. Thats not the drugs fault, Thats just being lazy. The only reason it is illegal now is because in the 30's racist people saw the boom of Mexicans coming over here with their "Devil Weed". Weed was legal before that, They had a stamp tax on it. It's needs to be legal again, No one has the right to tell me what i can and can't put into my body. Or put me in jail for a plant that grow on earth naturally.


I just find it pointless. I think its a cop out to look cool. Just the same as drinking beer/alcohol in high school and college before turning 21.

People say it eases their mind. Dude, R&B eases my mind, jogging eases my mind.. If you want to open your mind and think about things in a different way, speak to an intelligent older person or take a philosophy class.


I've never smoked anything, and I've only been drunk one. I can't stand when people are constantly asking me to go smoke with them, or all they ever talk about is how much they smoked or whatnot. It's "cool" because its illegal. Don't tell me it doesn't wreck lives--I just about had one of my friends get expelled from school today for possession.


As for alcohol, it's amazing how many people my age (high school) have been drinking since freshman year or before. I always ask, "What's the point in getting fucked up every weekend?" only to get the same cop out responses of "That shit's fun man!" or "There's nothing else to do out here in the country". Bullshit. It's illegal--so its COOL

I went to London over Christmas Break. Over there the drinking age is 18. I met a lot of younger people over there, and the majority of them don't drink. Know why? Because it's not cool. It's just something else that's available so they don't even mess with it. In America, it's just popular because its a way for the younger crowd to "rebel".


I say make it legal. Tax the hell out of it and make money off the idiots that do smoke. Eventually kids won't do it as much because it's not as cool and we can move past this marijuana craze.

Bing: I couldn't have said it better myself

[Dunk]

I think if people want to smoke weed, why not? It's their body. Hell, if they want to do any drugs, fine by me. We already have legal ways to poison our bodies (alcohol, cigarettes) so why draw the line there? Might as well have more personal liberty and make money. As long as others aren't in danger such as driving under the influence.

I spark every now and then if I feel like it and I'm 37 and have a high paying job and a master's degree from a top school. I just like to have fun. No excuses. If you think it's a thing for high schoolers and rappers, you haven't gotten older yet and don't know a lot of people. :)

[davcbow]

I think if people want to smoke weed, why not? It's their body. Hell, if they want to do any drugs, fine by me. We already have legal ways to poison our bodies (alcohol, cigarettes) so why draw the line there? Might as well have more personal liberty and make money. As long as others aren't in danger such as driving under the influence.

I spark every now and then if I feel like it and I'm 37 and have a high paying job and a master's degree from a top school. I just like to have fun. No excuses. If you think it's a thing for high schoolers and rappers, you haven't gotten older yet and don't know a lot of people. :)

Amen Dunk, Im 50 the only reason I dont mess with it any more is because I have to work for a living and they check me every now and then. If it were legal Id still be smoking it to relax or just to feel good. I feel that one reason it isnt legal is because the drug companies dont want it legal because they cant sell their nerve pills and sleeping pills and other crap if people were allowed to legally use pot and Im not talking off the top of my head, I know people that use these pills and they tell me if pot were legal they wouldnt mess with doctors and the pills they prescribe. Bing you must read a lot to get your opinion and sweed I know people in their 70's and under that smoke pot it isnt just a young kid thing. Some of you guys have never even tried it just like some of the government folks and doctors and general public but yet you believe everything you ever read about it and think you know how it is. Try it before you condemn it.... Its not near as bad of a thing as alcohol is.... I know people that jog and play sports that smoke pot but not cigarettes. I havent smoked in almost 14 years now and I damn well know what Im talking about. Im just tired of people that think they know it all telling me how to live and what I can and cant do. Same with the seat belts laws and things like that, but thats another story.....:cool:

[dnbman]

Not only is there no logical reason for keeping Marijuana illegal, but I think the vast majority of Americans really don't think Marijuana is a big deal. They may pretend like it is to appease various governing bodies or electorates. However, I think if you went door to door right now in just about every neighborhood in America, most people wouldn't consider it a big deal.

I have no interested in using pot at all. But there's no reason to keep it illegal.

[SWedd523]

http://consumerist.com/5213814/9-legal-drugs-with-extremely-disturbing-side-effects


Compare those side-effects to that of Marijuana and then consider the legality

[davcbow]

http://consumerist.com/5213814/9-legal-drugs-with-extremely-disturbing-side-effects


Compare those side-effects to that of Marijuana and then consider the legality

Geeze and pot is bad for us? Give me a freakin break...:cool:

[MattD]

Subsance abuse is when you can't coupe in a normal life without your drug. I don't know a single person that smokes Marijuana that fits into that catagory

i have to say that i do... several people actually. but on a different note, yeah sure legalize it

[x2pacalypse]

i blaze every so often, i wouldn't consider myself a failure im going to UNC next year...but honestly i don't really get much out of being high, i just relax a little, but ill get paranoid as fuck most of the times, but when i do get a good high, its a feeling that just can't really be explained

i have friends where pot does rule their lives...they make stupid decisions like rolling in the ghetto and almost getting shot, and one of my friends goes to school high, therefore his grades suck...so i see both sides of the argument

i really think it should be legalized though, because then the lives it does rule won't be so...sketchy? i guess, people aren't going to be expelled from school, or suspended, because lets be honest, that's the administration that is ruining lives OVER weed, not the weed itself, that's like saying if masturbating was made illegal, all of us would ruin our lives when we were jailed for it

its not smoking weed that ruins lives, its the illegality of it and punishment

[Ghost Kat]

I just find it pointless. I think its a cop out to look cool. Just the same as drinking beer/alcohol in high school and college before turning 21.

People say it eases their mind. Dude, R&B eases my mind, jogging eases my mind.. If you want to open your mind and think about things in a different way, speak to an intelligent older person or take a philosophy class.


I've never smoked anything, and I've only been drunk one. I can't stand when people are constantly asking me to go smoke with them, or all they ever talk about is how much they smoked or whatnot. It's "cool" because its illegal. Don't tell me it doesn't wreck lives--I just about had one of my friends get expelled from school today for possession.


As for alcohol, it's amazing how many people my age (high school) have been drinking since freshman year or before. I always ask, "What's the point in getting fucked up every weekend?" only to get the same cop out responses of "That shit's fun man!" or "There's nothing else to do out here in the country". Bullshit. It's illegal--so its COOL

I went to London over Christmas Break. Over there the drinking age is 18. I met a lot of younger people over there, and the majority of them don't drink. Know why? Because it's not cool. It's just something else that's available so they don't even mess with it. In America, it's just popular because its a way for the younger crowd to "rebel".


I say make it legal. Tax the hell out of it and make money off the idiots that do smoke. Eventually kids won't do it as much because it's not as cool and we can move past this marijuana craze.

Bing: I couldn't have said it better myself


What your doing is putting your personal opinion over another persons RIGHT's. Should it be legal to tell me I can't smoke? It shouldn't matter if you think it's to look cool or rebel, You're in high school. You're not old enough to know why grown people still smoke and it's not to be cool or rebel. You have a slanted view since you're still young. Cigerette's and Alcohol are for 18-21 and over. Those people should have the right to choose what they do with and to their body. I forget somtimes how many young people have been lied to about drugs and sex. Trying to "protect" them just leaves to people being ignorant of actual facts.

[SWedd523]

What your doing is putting your personal opinion over another persons RIGHT's.
Where is it stated that smoking weed is a right? Marijuana is illegal--for young people AND old people.

It's not my opinion as much as it is my morals. I think it's disgusting to see people as young as 7th and 8th grade smoking weed, getting drunk, and having sex. I've seen the dumb things young people can do when they get trashed, and for that reason alone, I can see it justified as being illegal.

Don't tell me that since I'm in high school, I don't know why older people do what they do. I've experienced the negative effects of adult alcoholism first hand. But that's not something I'd want to get into on here.

I've spoken with philosophy majors/teachers, judges, lawyers, and adults of all ages that drink, smoke weed, and still get trashed. I think I have a pretty wide range of knowledge on the subject. Sure, I make my own opinion, and I have the RIGHT to do that.


Remember, I'm advocating making it legal--just like you. Don't argue with someone who agrees with you, even if we have different reasons for it.

[teej]

Remember, I'm advocating making it legal--just like you. Don't argue with someone who agrees with you, even if we have different reasons for it.

That's his right :p:p

[SWedd523]

That's his right :p:p
Only giving advice ;)

[Ghost Kat]

"I've spoken with philosophy majors/teachers, judges, lawyers, and adults of all ages that drink, smoke weed, and still get trashed."

You just made my point for me. These are grown people that do "drugs" and are very productive. We may both want it legalized but you called smokers idiot's and said they only do it to look cool. Correct?

[SWedd523]

"I've spoken with philosophy majors/teachers, judges, lawyers, and adults of all ages that drink, smoke weed, and still get trashed."

You just made my point for me. These are grown people that do "drugs" and are very productive. We may both want it legalized but you called smokers idiot's and said they only do it to look cool. Correct?
I didn't make your point dude. I call people that do it to look cool idiots.

If you do something for no other reason than because "it's the cool thing to do", then you're an idiot.

[Ghost Kat]

I didn't make your point dude. I call people that do it to look cool idiots.

If you do something for no other reason than because "it's the cool thing to do", then you're an idiot.

No Sir, That is not what you said and yes you did make my point for me. Eariler you stated that weed has ruined lives and even the lives of friends of yours. But now you say you have spoken to lawyers, and others who drink and smoke all the time. So either it ruins lives or people ruin their own lives and just happen to smoke weed too. You did not say only the people who smoke because it's the cool thing to do are idiots. You said You wanted it legalized so the idiots who smoke it can pay the high taxes on it if they want to smoke. I don't know what type of people you know, But as an adult the folk I know that smoke could care less about being "cool". Being "cool" is only something you worry about when your young. Now I worry about paying my bills on time and having a place to live. Also finding ways to keep my girl from complaining all the time so I don't have to OJ that girl (bitch).

[SWedd523]

No Sir, That is not what you said and yes you did make my point for me. Eariler you stated that weed has ruined lives and even the lives of friends of yours. But now you say you have spoken to lawyers, and others who drink and smoke all the time. So either it ruins lives or people ruin their own lives and just happen to smoke weed too. You did not say only the people who smoke because it's the cool thing to do are idiots. You said You wanted it legalized so the idiots who smoke it can pay the high taxes on it if they want to smoke. I don't know what type of people you know, But as an adult the folk I know that smoke could care less about being "cool". Being "cool" is only something you worry about when your young. Now I worry about paying my bills on time and having a place to live. Also finding ways to keep my girl from complaining all the time so I don't have to OJ that girl (bitch).
You need to go back and reread the post you keep quoting. The entire thing is talking about people my age. They do it to look cool.


As for the post about older people I've spoken to, you're misreading that as well. I'm not saying the philosophy majors, lawyers, and judges smoke weed. I'm saying they are intelligent people that have an older person's knowledge on the topic.

The part about "adults of all ages" are the ones that do it still, and they're not in the same positions.



Either way it doesn't matter. It's illegal, and it's illegal for a reason. The reason is justified. I want it to be legal and so do you. We're in agreement as far as that goes.

[Ghost Kat]

Either way it doesn't matter. It's illegal, and it's illegal for a reason. The reason is justified.


Why is it illegal and why is that reason justified?

[SWedd523]

double post

[SWedd523]

wow, two double posts

[SWedd523]

Why is it illegal


http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_is_marijuana_illegal

7. Advocates for marijuana legalization rarely present an appealing case.

To hear some advocates of marijuana legalization say it, the drug cures diseases while it promotes creativity, open-mindedness, moral progression, and a closer relationship with God and/or the cosmos. That sounds incredibly foolish, particularly when the public image of a marijuana user is, again, that of a loser who risks arrest and imprisonment so that he or she can artificially invoke an endorphin release.

Sound familiar?

and why is that reason justified?
It's justified because nobody has done anything about it. If you don't like it, stop sitting here talking about it and do something. Call your mayor, governor, representatives, or the president.

[Ghost Kat]

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_is_marijuana_illegal

7. Advocates for marijuana legalization rarely present an appealing case.

To hear some advocates of marijuana legalization say it, the drug cures diseases while it promotes creativity, open-mindedness, moral progression, and a closer relationship with God and/or the cosmos. That sounds incredibly foolish, particularly when the public image of a marijuana user is, again, that of a loser who risks arrest and imprisonment so that he or she can artificially invoke an endorphin release.

Sound familiar?
.


I am so happy you posted that. You helped me prove an early point I made after a post by davcbow. People that smoke all say it helps with "creativity, open-mindedness, moral progression, and a closer relationship with God and/or the cosmos". Since they are the one doing the "drug" I think they would have a better opinion of what that "drug" does to you then anyone else. The "public image" of the weed smoker is a media creation. Just for TV type bullshit. Why is every smoker in the movies or TV some hippie looking slow thinking loser as you call them? Thats part of the so called "war on drugs". By promoting an untrue characterization they control the idea and the image.

Think about it,

How do they portray Black people on most TV shows? Thugs? Pimps? Drug dealers? Trouble?

Jewish people? Greedy? Penny Pincher?

How about people that drink? Best portrayal I can think of is Barney off the Simpsons. Fat sloppy can't stand up and walk confused all the time.

The media control's how we view people. By having TV shows were the Gay actor is the stereo typical flaming gay person thats a missrepresetation of the culture as a whole.

Does that explain why the "public image" isn't the same as the reality of what the media has constructed? They have an agenda that's why it's still illegal. The Government makes alot of money off drug raids,putting people in jail, and going after cartel bosses. Thats federal jods in law enforcement, court rooms, bails bondsmen, prison guards and on and on. We have had a war on drugs my entire life and nothing has changed. That to me says that the government isn't really trying to stop drug sells. They just want to put on a good show.

[ohara831]

In my youth, I would have said Yes. Now, I lean towards No. Having made stupid mistakes myself over the years, I'd try to help as many people as possible. Altering ones state of mind, either by alcohol or drugs, is only a temporary solution to a problem someone has, and in the end it only digs them a deeper hole. And with a 9 year old daughter and an 18 month old son, I know they are going to have tons of obstacles with which to deal as they grow up. This world is a tough place, and if I can do anything in the world to make things easier for them, I will. Eliminating any future potential pitfalls is always helpful. My younger brother started on weed when he was 11 years old. And now, almost 25 years later, he's a dope head who has spent the last 15 years in and out of prison. It's a gateway drug and cannot lead to anything good in the end. I know some will say that you have to let others make their own mistakes, and I cherish every right I have under the Constitution to have freedom to choose. But sometimes, you just have to shake your head and wonder at why some will just do something to their mind or body. Anyway, no offense meant to any of my fellow Bobcat fans. I just say to you "Be strong of mind, body and character. You only go through this life once."

[teej]

How do they portray Black people on most TV shows? Thugs? Pimps? Drug dealers? Trouble?

Jewish people? Greedy? Penny Pincher?

How about people that drink? Best portrayal I can think of is Barney off the Simpsons. Fat sloppy can't stand up and walk confused all the time.

The media control's how we view people. By having TV shows were the Gay actor is the stereo typical flaming gay person thats a missrepresetation of the culture as a whole.

^You forgot that they portray everyone who follows a religion as a Bible-thumping, all-out praying all the time person with no life condemning other people hypocrite.

Unfortunately, each of these groups has plenty of people that give them that stereotype. I go to a public school, and most of the African-Americans like to pretend they are in gangs, and all but maybe ten guys listen to rap music and degrade women. And maybe half of those ten are gay. Of the homosexuals at my school, maybe half are the limp-wristed type who you know are gay the moment they walk in the room. Of the Jewish kids, most of them ARE actually greedy, sad as I am to say. I can't really speak for the kids who drink, because I don't hang around them all that much, but they get in their fair share of trouble. So Kat, to your point, the stereotype is earned, and very much lived out, especially in young people. It's even worse among the adults I know, especially the religious part. And I say that as a practicing Christian. They make me ashamed to say that. But you can't say the public image as you call it is undeserved.

[SWedd523]

^You forgot that they portray everyone who follows a religion as a Bible-thumping, all-out praying all the time person with no life condemning other people hypocrite.

Unfortunately, each of these groups has plenty of people that give them that stereotype. I go to a public school, and most of the African-Americans like to pretend they are in gangs, and all but maybe ten guys listen to rap music and degrade women. And maybe half of those ten are gay. Of the homosexuals at my school, maybe half are the limp-wristed type who you know are gay the moment they walk in the room. Of the Jewish kids, most of them ARE actually greedy, sad as I am to say. I can't really speak for the kids who drink, because I don't hang around them all that much, but they get in their fair share of trouble. So Kat, to your point, the stereotype is earned, and very much lived out, especially in young people. It's even worse among the adults I know, especially the religious part. And I say that as a practicing Christian. They make me ashamed to say that. But you can't say the public image as you call it is undeserved.

See, the thing about stereotypes is... they're usually true. People complain about being stereotyped, then turn around and fulfill the stereotype.

[Ghost Kat]

Stereotyping pigeon-holes people in neat little categories and smothers the complexity that makes up each person. Stereotypes are counter productive because if you categorize people, you treat them with certain behaviors that are attached to those categories. Basically you see what you want to see. Where did you get the image of the limp wrist gay person? Would that be a image the media has help mass produce? Jews are greedy?? Everyone is greedy, A person's religious belief doest predetermine their need to Scrooge Mcduck money. Jewish people are nomore greedy then any other human. Stereotyping isn't helpful at all.Thats like me saying all Germans are related to Nazi's. My X used to hate that. It's like me saying every white person has a KKK outfit in there closet. Now not all white people are racist, But there's enough. Like not all black people are in gangs, But i guess the ones at your school are enough to prove the stereotype?


See the point I'm making? When you stereotype people it leads back to the one's that are no where near the made up public image.By implanting this "public image" as i called it, they make you see what they want you to see in people. You stop looking at them as regular people in certain ways and all you see is that stereotyped action which leads to characterization which leads to a false perception. Also when you sterotype someone long enough, those people start to believe in what they are told. People don't fullfill stereotypes. They are generalizations, You tell someone something or treat them a certain way they start acting out their role, it's just human nature. The reason they fullfill the sterotype is Tv, media and people, our social core, have already painted the picture of what that person is suppose to do. The Stereotype of the weed smoker is doppy, slow thinking, slow acting, slow talking, funny ( or laughs uncontrolably at everything ) paranoid, usually long haired and always having problems with the police. Those that don't smoke think thats a perfect picture of the Pot-Head. Those that smoke and lead productive lives say, thats a Government and church created lie to keep kids from smoking.

[teej]

Stereotyping pigeon-holes people in neat little categories and smothers the complexity that makes up each person. Stereotypes are counter productive because if you categorize people, you treat them with certain behaviors that are attached to those categories. Basically you see what you want to see. Where did you get the image of the limp wrist gay person? Would that be a image the media has help mass produce? Jews are greedy?? Everyone is greedy, A person's religious belief doest predetermine their need to Scrooge Mcduck money. Jewish people are nomore greedy then any other human. Stereotyping isn't helpful at all.Thats like me saying all Germans are related to Nazi's. My X used to hate that. It's like me saying every white person has a KKK outfit in there closet. Now not all white people are racist, But there's enough. Like not all black people are in gangs, But i guess the ones at your school are enough to prove the stereotype?

Not everyone is greedy. Since we're all Bobcats fans, I think we can look at Matt Carroll and see a guy who isn't greedy. Or maybe Mek? He gives plenty of that salary we gave him. No, the number of greedy Jews is disproportionate to the number of greedy humans. At least in my experiences and across time. Hell, look at Larry Brown. He's pretty greedy, and never satisfied.

And yes, there are lot's of white racists, both of my granddads being such and I suspect my dad to be one. But theres more than a lot of counterracism too. Just look at the following of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

And I didn't say the kids at my school were in gangs, I said they PRETENDED to be in gangs. Which is worse, because they want to be in that struggle for life over a color of shirt or bandana. Not trying to better themselves.

I'm not saying stereotypes are good, I'm just saying that more often than not, if you meet a person who falls into of of these categories, they are likely to exhibit these behaviors. And they don't seem to mind.

[Marvel]

Hypocritical if you ask me that tobacco is legal,along with alcohol and other such "smoke mirror drugs" that are sold.Legalize it? Hell yeah.
I don't really want to go into how i smoked my 1st joint blah blah blah, but i still do to this day and i smoke with a lot of different people with different backgrounds some Uni students(very smart),some Interior Designers,my uncle who runs and owns the Dome Stage scaffolding business and none of them are from this streotype, that society or the media has portrayed to the general public.
Some people just react differently to drugs,some just can't handle.

[ALong13]

I've never smoked but I do believe we should legalize marijuana, however I also believe an age limit should be on it, say 21.

Our country is in huge debt any bit of income will be beneficial. Marijuna can be taxed and should bring in lots of money to help with our debts. I know a lot of people who smoke marijuana at school and I've never seen it effect them too much. Sure they eat a big lunch due to the munchies and laugh at every little thing, but for the most part they are usually relaxed and cause no trouble at all. Some of those kids are honors students and have said they believe the drug helps them actually be more comfortable for example one boy said he usually drives safely and slower when he's high because he doesn't want to get pulled and is trying to be safe as possible. If marijuana has no big harmful effects, helps people stay relaxed, and helps with the national debt I see no reason why it illegal. I've heard a lot more alcohol related deaths than I have on deaths relating to marijuana as well. And a few more final points, imagine how much faster our judicial system could process cases if they didn't have to deal with every little marijuana related case. Finally, we'd have a lot more room in our jails and prisons if we didn't have to deal with this mess.