ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaFort Hood, Texas Military Base Shooting
QUOTE (KarimaG @ Nov 15 2009, 06:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was not showing sensitivity in my thread. What I was trying to express what how acts like these affect Islam and other people. My family is aware I am marrying a muslim man, so given past and recent events, and have become the black sheep of the family and everyone thinks that because he is muslim, and bc past and recent events that his only agenda is to come here to make another 911 or to convert ppl again their will. The media is not exactly helpful in deterring these incorrect thoughts. Certainly events like these have impacted other vjers lives. And Im wondering how are they dealing with it. I get alot of crass comments where I work bc they know I am marrying a muslim, and bc I have reverted. Seems when we are all in the same pot, we can (should be) able to constructivly communicate about such matters.


Exactly. I think this is a valid concern. Perhaps the discussion can address this issue?
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2009-11-15 18:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaFort Hood, Texas Military Base Shooting
Please all take a step back from this topic and refocus.

The shooting at Fort Hood was a tragedy which all of us wish had not happened. It is easy for emotions to flare high when reacting to such tragedies. It is a legitimate question to ask how may this tragedy have a personal impact on other individuals, and that is what I read in the OP's original post, using situations from her own life as examples. I did not see anything that showed a lack of respect or a lack of consideration for the victims in her questions. Let's give the benefit of the doubt to each one involved here that we can share the emotions of the tragedy while recognizing that the ramifications may extend beyond the immediate victims.

Name calling, insinuations, and personal attacks really are not necessary, so unless you have something constructive and helpful to add to this thread, please do not post.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2009-11-15 18:26:00
Middle East and North AfricaEID MUBARIK TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS
Thread moved from Removing Conditions to MENA Regional Forum
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2009-11-28 16:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Graduation Day Kenza.
2 posts removed at the request of the OP
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2009-11-29 21:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaME/NA Wedding dress Thread
I would like to see some more of the beautiful wedding dresses - Islamic and otherwise - please:-).
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2007-02-03 23:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaIntroduction
Post containing personally sensitive information removed at OP's request
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2009-09-02 21:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaIntroduction
Totally inappropriate post by an obvious troll - which includes TOS violations - has been removed.

Edited by Kathryn41, 23 August 2009 - 03:36 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2009-08-23 15:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaIs it true CO's read visa journey?

You didn't follow the Ken and Leidys saga closely? The Columbian Consulate followed their VJ thread with much interest. :whistle:


Yes, that's right too - I remember Ken mentioning that from their interview. Again, I expect that it worked in their favour.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-01-01 22:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaIs it true CO's read visa journey?
QUOTE (Jasman0717 @ Jan 1 2010, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
VJ rules good.gif


Yeah, that's something, isn't it? Here is a link to one of the threads discussing it in the Canada Forum - it is actually quite funny at first http://www.visajourn...howtopic=227480. There were several threads where members came back and discussed their interview results and all mentioned that this CO knew about VJ and knew them from VJ. It was a good thing for everyone concerned and all of the interviewees were approved.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-01-01 11:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaIs it true CO's read visa journey?
In the Canada forum several members who have had their interviews at the Montreal Consulate have been interviewed by the Chief Consular Officer and he specifically mentioned Visa Journey and identified these members by their user names on VJ. It was a bonus for them actually, as the CO had a great deal of praise for Visa Journey and found its members who attended interviews to be very organized. He also commented that it 'hurt' the feelings of the Consular staff when they read some of the uncomplimentary comments about how the Consulate was so slow and lazy and didn't care.

So, that is the situation for Canadian applicants. I don't know about COs in other Consulates and other countries but I suspect if one does, others may also. It is always a good policy when posting on a site like Visa Journey to remember that it is a public site and not to say anything that might later come back to haunt you - especially at an interview.

Edited by Kathryn41, 01 January 2010 - 11:24 AM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-01-01 11:22:00
Middle East and North AfricaInterview today in casa...
Please watch it with the judgmental, baiting type of comments - they are mean-spirited and add nothing to the conversation.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-01-06 18:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaResearched: Quick delivery methods to Morocco
Moved from US Citizenship Forum to MENA as a more appropriate location
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-01-25 20:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaAnkara is better or Abu dahbi?
moving this to the MENA forum as more likely to get a response there.

Edited by Kathryn41, 30 January 2010 - 11:09 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-01-30 23:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaMy Fiance Denied Visa Today in Casa
MENA is the Middle East and North Africa Regional Forum here on Visa Journey. Here is a direct link: http://www.visajourn...hp?showforum=97 You will find lots of useful information as well as great support from other VJers who are going through or who have similar experiences with the Consulate in Casablanca.

Good luck - and don't give up hope.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-02-02 17:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaA few cultural questions
I would just like to remind everyone that sometimes something meant humorously isn't always seen that way. Gentle teasing and good natured fun is fine but try to make it clear that it is such so it doesn't get seen as mockery. If it was meant as mockery, then please don't go there again. :) Thanks!

Edited by Kathryn41, 10 February 2010 - 08:43 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-02-10 20:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaSunday! New VJ! Daylight Savings!
Duplicate threads merged - I'm trying out the new functions too:) - cute kitty! (and duplicate posts removed)

Edited by Kathryn41, 14 March 2010 - 11:50 AM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-03-14 11:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaDoes anyone know if you are denied if they. . .
They will tell you if they deny the I-129f. From looking at your time frame and the estimated approval notice you are just in the window now of when to start to expect a decision. I suspect your wait will be over pretty soon.

I'm also moving your post to the MENA forum as you may get more specific information from others going through the process with a partner from the same country. Good luck.:)
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-03-17 18:01:00
PhilippinesVJ Day, Honolulu Hawaii, August 14, 1945

Correction

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jap

Correction indeed - a direct quote from your link:



Jap is an English abbreviation of the word "Japanese." Today it is generally regarded as an ethnic slur, although English-speaking countries differ in the degree to which they consider the term offensive. In the United States, Japanese Americans have come to find the term controversial or offensive, even when used as an abbreviation.[1] In the past, Jap was not considered primarily offensive; however, during and after the events of World War II, the term became derogatory.[2]


Please note that the term is offensive and the post in which it was used and was removed was also offensive.

Edited by Kathryn41, 04 July 2011 - 05:09 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-07-04 17:09:00
PhilippinesCity Garden Hotel- Manila
Inadvertent duplicate post has been removed
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-07-04 13:02:00
PhilippinesGod Save the Country
I too was misled by the opening post and had to read the thread more closely to realize that it is appropriate for the original forum in which it appeared so I have moved it back to the Philippines forum. This thread is of a different nature than the purely 'baiting' post started by Steven and which was moved to the P&R forum where it wouldn't be so much of a baiting post but a discussion thread.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-07-12 23:07:00
PhilippinesFiancee had abortion years ago
One warning has already been issued to keep this thread on track and stop posting responses that you know will instigate a strong response. That is considered baiting and any more of it in this particular thread will be dealt with administratively. This is a Regional forum that does share a specific religious perspective. If you do not share that perspective then do not participate in this forum, especially not in this thread. If you have nothing constructive to add to the OPs question and comments then do not participate at all.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2010-04-23 19:19:00
PhilippinesWhat are your 'friends' saying?
baiting post removed
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-07-06 16:53:00
PhilippinesPassport renewal
Moved from Off Topic to the Philippines Regional Forum as the OP is more likely to find individuals with the requested information responding in this forum

Edited by Kathryn41, 14 August 2011 - 02:36 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-08-14 14:36:00
Philippinesi miss the philippines
A number of inappropriate comments have also been removed
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-08-23 19:26:00
PhilippinesCulture test result
Several inappropriate comments have been removed. It is possible to be helpful without being sarcastic or demeaning so, please do so in the future.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-08-23 19:36:00
PhilippinesIs my relationship hopeless??????
Sorry for the delay, I just signed on and read the report.

Thread is being moved to the Philippines forum from the K-1 Visa forum as a more appropriate location for this discussion.

I will also remind everyone to confine your comments to the question asked and don't add your own editorial judgments.

Also, an exchange of personal insults violating TOS has been removed

Edited by Kathryn41, 09 September 2011 - 05:58 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-09-09 17:56:00
PhilippinesLooking for a friend from buffalo new york
Topic has been moved to the Philippines Regional forum from the AOS forum as it is not about the AOS process and is more appropriately posted here.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-07-02 22:03:00
Philippinesgoing to the phil to get married
please do not include personal information like your phone number, address, or email address in your posts. While you need to be a member to post on this site, you do not need to be a member to read this site and posting personal contact information is an open invitation for unsolicited contact by spammers, trolls and those who do not have your best interests at heart. If you wish to have someone contact you, the Private Messenger (PM) function here on Visa Journey is safe and secure. Only those you have invited to participate can read your message so if you wish to share personal contact information with someone in particular, use the PM function. You can find it by either clicking on the "send me a message" link in their profile or on the little 'envelope' under their name. Please remember, this is for your own protection.

Edited by Kathryn41, 29 September 2011 - 08:32 AM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-09-29 08:31:00
Philippinesair travel
Topic has been moved from the AOS forum to the Philippines Regional forum as question is country specific and better addressed here
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-11-06 19:19:00
PhilippinesIs this a Bigamous Marriage?
People are becoming somewhat sensitive to phrases and words used through out this discussion. The term 'anchor baby' refers to foreign mothers who enter the US with the intent of having their children here so as to gain some sort of toe-hold on US residency. The initial comment where this phrase was used did not state that the OP was in this situation and was meant to discourage people from heading in that direction. The term was not 'introduced' into the discussion to become part of the discussion so it would be good to try and not make something more out of this comment than was meant or implied. That being said, while the phrase is a legitimate albeit unsavory word and many people do find the phrase and the concept disturbing - and part of a totally different discussion than the one in this thread - it would be a good idea if everyone stopped any discussion about this issue and returned to the OP's actual situation - the legal status of his marriage and what courses of action are open to him under the circumstances.

As the OP has asked for input and does have a lawyer working on his situation, I am going to allow the thread to continue but remind everyone to please stay on topic and address your comments to the OP and not to each other. The best we are able to do in this unique circumstance is to offer opinions based upon our different levels of knowledge and experiences in the hopes that some of them might provide the OP with a better understanding of the options and challenges he faces.

Edited by Kathryn41, 11 November 2011 - 06:56 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-11-11 18:41:00
PhilippinesCENOMAR
As this topic is specific to the Philippines I have moved it to the Philippines Regional forum where the OP is most likely to get the best responses.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-12-12 20:08:00
PhilippinesTATTOOS during Medical at St Lukes Manila
One post violating TOS has been removed along with one post quoting TOS violation. Administrative action has also been taken.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2011-12-31 18:16:00
PhilippinesReally Need help......When Should be the right time to Schedule my Interview?
Duplicate threads on the same topic have been merged together. It is not necessary - nor useful - to post the same question in more than one forum. While this topic relates to a matter concerning the K-1 visa, it is asking specifically about processes involving the Manila Consulate so I am leaving the merged thread in the Philippines forum.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2012-02-21 23:36:00
PhilippinesUSEM doesnt know abt our papers
triplicate threads on the same topic have been merged. Please do not start a new thread in different forums to ask the same question. Please continue the discussion in this thread only. Thank you

Edited by Kathryn41, 27 February 2012 - 10:47 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2012-02-27 22:45:00
PhilippinesFilipina
This thread is now closed at the request of the OP as the topic seems to have run its course.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2012-04-17 16:47:00
PhilippinesFilipina
A number of off-topic posts attempting to derail this thread have been removed. The discussion is not about mail-order brides, it is about the use of stereotypes and racist/sexist comments by American spouses discussing their Filipina wives and fiancees as expressed here on Visa Journey.

Continued attempts to derail the thread with off-topic posts will result in a thread-ban.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2012-04-05 16:52:00
PhilippinesFilipina
Post containing personal attacks has been removed. Edited, acceptable parts of the post is returned to the thread below:

Crashed~N2~Me, on 04 April 2012 - 07:11 AM, said:

I am frustrated with the constant (posted) stereotypes, male chauvinism, abusive sexism and regular insults...thrown at Filipino women and culture.


We have moderators . . . .

So by all means, (complain about) constant, rampant abusive sexism, insults, etc. . . . it will have zero affect on the very good moderation at this site because to be a moderator here you cannot look for people to punish for imaginary crimes. :)


Edited by Kathryn41, 05 April 2012 - 02:19 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2012-04-05 14:18:00
PhilippinesFilipina
Just an observation about the above question re: traditional

Many cultures have a traditional 'norm' that has worked for the majority of its citizens. This norm does change over the generations and generally when we refer to a 'traditional' society, most of us mean the one or two generations that preceded our own. For me, the 'traditional' norm of the US culture is the one epitomized by the 1950s and 1960s and illustrated by such shows as Leave it to Beaver, Happy Days, etc. - shows I grew up with. The 'traditional' family home in the US in the 1950s was different than in the 1940s and 1930s - and different from the 1970s, 80s, 90s etc. Each of us really measures the 'traditional' culture from our own perspective in time. I suspect the older members among us view 'traditional' to refer to how our parents grew up. Mothers generally stayed home and looked after the family and the house. Fathers went out to work. I know for me that is the 'traditional norm' that I experienced. Those who were born in the 70s most likely have a different interpretation of 'traditional'. It is not meant in a pejorative way, but as a description of a way that was considered a lifestyle followed by the majority of individuals in that generational perspective.

Edited by Kathryn41, 04 April 2012 - 06:06 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2012-04-04 18:03:00
PhilippinesFilipina
After review, I am re-opening this thread to discussion.

It can be hard to discuss racist posts without listing examples. Fortunately, names were not used, just examples, although those who read these threads regularly will probably be able to identify those to whom the quotes refer. This topic can be very sensitive so I do appreciate everyone treating their posts with integrity and not using them as an opportunity to make snarky swipes at other members.

Racism, unfortunately, is a very difficult issue to address effectively, for several reasons. The first is that many posters do not realize that the attitudes they are expressing are indeed 'racist' and inappropriate. Some individuals are indeed 'racists'; some are merely ignorant and insensitive. It does not make it right, but it explains some of the difficulties in getting racist comments to stop. Racism is never appropriate, and finding gentle ways to bring it to the attention of a poster that their comments stereotyping cultures as if they are a one size fits all, interchangeable 'units' rather than unique individuals who share a cultural identity with as many different expressions of that culture as there are individuals is a good way to try and address the problem. Attacking someone for their comments generally does not allow them the opportunity to 'hear' what you are saying; rather it puts their back up and they go on the defensive. Defensiveness never allows someone to be receptive to the possibility that perhaps they were inappropriate. It closes down the possible avenues of communication - and education.

So, I do not see this thread as baiting, rather as an avenue to express the frustration felt by individuals who have been 'targeted' with that one size fits all, interchangeable 'unit' mentality that turns individuals into objects rather than people.

This forum is about those involved in relations with men and women from the Philippines, so the American half of the couple may refer to their partner as my filipina or my filipino as a way of identifying each other's position within the relationship. I hope that in many cases the use of the possessive case indicates a sense of pride and participation in the partnership rather than 'ownership', but I agree, that in many posts it is unclear whether the American partner feels his or her spouse is a partner or a possession. This attitude is not, unfortunately, unique to the Philippine forum either, but raises its heads in some of the other forum as well.

I know that it may appear that such racist comments get far greater free rein than they should, and I must agree. It is not because Visa Journey supports racism, rather that the moderation on Visa Journey responds to reports sent to us. There are many times where there is a racist comment made that goes un-reported, and so unaddressed. There are also times when comments are reported as racist but are not racist. Mentioning that someone is of a different culture does not mean the comment is racist, and yet we get reports of such topics as racist as well, so we ask your understanding if at times we do not respond as appropriately as we could. We do the best that we can, but like everyone else here, we are only human as well. Sometimes, we have bad days, and personal issues and too little sleep and too many worries too, just like everyone else here. As much as we try to remain objective, sometimes we fail.

So, with that said, I will ask that each of you try to treat other members with respect, recognizing that we all have different backgrounds and experiences, and sometimes when we find our 'button' being pushed, try to think it is not an intentional act by another to be nasty (although sometimes it is) but someone posting in ignorance, and this is an opportunity to 'educate them'. . Please express your concerns politely and remind posters that racist comments stereotype people and in labelling everyone by generalities, you may well miss the truth in the situation, as well as insulting and hurting other members on this site. If that doesn't work, then please, report the offense to the Moderation team and we will do the best we can to address the issue.

Thank you

Kathryn
VJ Moderation Team

Edited by Kathryn41, 04 April 2012 - 03:36 PM.

Kathryn41FemaleCanada2012-04-04 15:28:00
PhilippinesShe's doing it again.
Additional posts violating TOS have been removed and administrative action taken.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2012-04-03 22:46:00