All religious beliefs are meant to be respected and tolerated in the United States. However, this tenant of the US constitution is often forgotten. Discrimination of Muslims is just one example of how the United States does not place all sects of religion on an equal footing. Catholics and Jews have been disrespected, preference towards WASPs given, and today it often seems as though citizens perceive any religion as controlling or as seeing itself as the ultimate, one truth. Some citizens do not tolerate their traditions while preaching a culture of tolerance .

I like this sentence because it reinforces the notion of a liberal arts education that it is about more than individual, career oriented success. It also sparks the question of how much the state is responsible for the education of its citizens and how much the citizens are responsible for contributing to the state. Public education even at its highest level must be a supplement to one's progression and not the controller of it.

My initial reaction is one of disgusted surprise, like I have been asked to try a new food so many people have raved about but it turns out the taste is rather gross. I have come to this University ignorant of its roots. This line displays the importance of knowing our history. It is crucial to be aware of one's past in order to improve in the future. The taste of racism is obviously still apparent at this University and all over the country. This is a reminder that this problem isn't new, and is absolutely time to find a solution.

This line bring me to my Engagement course this quarter, The Individual and Society. The individual goes to college and pursues a unique education and liberation of self in order to be functioning within the context of a society most likely less unique and less liberated than he is. This line wouldn't fly today, in a discussion about education. Today, we go to school in order to escape society and become completely singular, to become individual in the most literal sense of the word. Today, in this increasingly utilitarian and relativist culture, functioning in a community is not as important as gaining knowledge for its own sake and discovering truth for yourself.

My initial reaction is one of disgusted surprise, like I have been asked to try a new food so many people have raved about but it turns out the taste is rather gross. I have come to this University ignorant of its roots. This line displays the importance of knowing our history. It is crucial to be aware of one's past in order to improve in the future. The taste of racism is obviously still apparent at this University and all over the country. This is a reminder that this problem isn't new, and is absolutely time to find a solution.