Meier Article

"Teachers encounter greater numbers of children each year with little book reading experience" I really believe this due to the fact that we now live in a very technology based world, with computers, video games, interactive DVDs and more advanced toys, why would a child find a book interesting at all. Parents also these things as occupiers for children, rather than reading to them. I have seen it first hand with friends whose kids I have watched grow up. One couple with 3 children do have all of the electronic things but they still read to their children almost every night before bed and done so since before each child could even understand the concept and the level of intelligence that these children have is quite noticeable, they are much more intellectual and advanced than kids even older than them. On the other hand another couple whom I am friends with have only a son and books were really only introduced to him when he entered school, as a result the child has trouble in school. It's not that he is unintelligent, he is very good with hands on tasks, problem solving and puzzle games, but lacked that early introduction to books which now hurts him at school.

Salim Muwakkil Article

I found this article rather interesting, and unfortunately it is very true. I have seen this racial bias in the Yachting industry where I worked and still do freelance work occasionally. I was the captain of an 80 foot motor yacht based in Ft Lauderdale, FL and worked on other boats as well. I was around many other boats and crew persons and basically everyone working on these boats was very European looking, meaning lighter hair, lighter skin, fit and attractive. My Captains license is rated near coastal 100 tons and has various endorsements. If I was to go up against someone shorter with dark hair and darker skin who had an 400 ton oceans license with much more experience, I would still most likely get the job because of my appearance. I have even seen job listings for yacht captains that have stated must be blonde, have blue eyes and be at least 5'11" to even be considered. It's a very biased industry, the boats are white, beautiful and the owners want their crew to match.

I don't agree with the bias, but it's the way it is and I am very privileged in the yachting industry, somewhat for the fact that I have very good credentials, vast experience and a perfect safety record, but more for the fact that I am 6' tall, blonde haired and have blue eyes.

So for anyone to say "racism is over" is 100 % wrong.