Journal One - Michael Burns

Think about the group or population that your APPLES organization is serving. Do you think that mainstream society defines this group in a way that is simplistic or homogenous? Is this a negative or positive stereotype? Have your recent encounters with members of this group changed the way that you define or “see” that group? How so?

I am Working with the CH-HRI Human Rights center. I have worked with this group on and off for over a year and a half. I was in the class that basically saw the creation of the HRI and the Center at Abbey Court.

After spending time with some of the Latin-Americans, I have realized that they are obviously stereotypes about them, and most of them are true to some extent. Sure, Everyone knows why they wanted to come to America. It is no different than our ancestors coming to America hundreds of years ago. They want a better life for their family. Growing up in a blue collar town I can understand their struggle. They may no necessarily like their profession, but they do it anyway to put food and the table and clothes on their families back's. By spending time with some of the residents of Abbey court, I have realized that they are not looking for any hand outs. In my first encounter, I was surprised to find out how shy some of these people were. They almost felt shocked that we would be lending out a hand. They Quickly warmed up though. Some of the more racial stereotypes are obviously negative, but I do not think that the stereotype referring to work or living is negative. It comes down to survival, and that is what they all are trying to do.