Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Everyone can agree that a stable family background is most likely to Essay

Everyone can agree that a stable family background is most likely to deliver the enviroment that children need - Essay Example A stable family background, founded on marriage, and constituted of a mother and a father, provides the optimal environment for the child. It is the institution of marriage which provides the foundation for a stable family. Research has led to the consensus that â€Å"Families based on marriage are, on an average, healthier, wealthier, and more stable than any other family forms† (Civitas web site). Marriage contributes to the stability of the family and to the well-being of both adults and children in a plethora of ways. It ensures a mutual sense of responsibility towards the children and the sharing of resources. Children have a good relationship with their married parents, mainly due to the time spent together. Marriage increases the probability of the children themselves entering into stable marriages. Economically, marriage is linked to higher income and thus, a higher standard of living for the child. Children of married parents achieve greater academic success, earn university degrees and have high-status employment. These children also enjoy better physical health, have lower rates of alcohol and drug ab use, have fewer mental health problems, are less likely to indulge in delinquent behavior and are at less risk of experiencing child abuse (Civitas web site. Factsheets on the Family). The traditional family structure, composed of the two birth parents, contributes best to family stability and child well-being. Single parent families, which may be the result of bereavement, separation, divorce or bearing children outside wedlock, fail to meet the material and psychological needs of the child. Children of lone mothers have higher chances of living in poverty and deprivation, of getting into trouble at school, playing truant, being excluded and dropping out, having adjustment and socialization problems, being subject to physical, emotional or sexual abuse, indulging in smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, of running away from home and of becoming

Monday, October 28, 2019

Reading Fluency Essay Example for Free

Reading Fluency Essay Reading fluency is defined as the ability to read smoothly and accurately, while using proper phrasing and expression (Bengeny,etal. ,(2010). It is important that students add emphasis and make inferences while reading to process the meaning to the information being read. When practicing reading fluency it is important that students develop automacity. A professional ballet dancer no longer consciously has to think about her form or steps to a routine, a fluent reader should no longer remember to be aware of phonics or spelling rules while reading fluency. These skills will be embedded in the process of reading that it will just come natural to the student. In order for a student to read fluency without consciously thinking of the skill they must be taught systematically and explicitly, at the proper time and sequence. Word recognition, phonological awareness, decoding, and sight recognition are areas struggled readers need most help in (Bengeny,etal. ,(2010). Without this knowledge the reader’s fluency slows down and it will affects their comprehension to the information being read. These are skills that need to be taught to become automatic. Researchers indicate that phonemic awareness and letter knowledge are very important in learning to decode (Bengeny,etal. ,(2010). A student’s inability to identify the sounds in a word as well as blend them to form the words pronunciation may lead to multiple attempts to pronounce unknown words, decreasing the students speed and comprehension. Many students, from elementary school to high school struggle with reading fluency and comprehension. For years researches have studied and investigated elements of effective reading and why there are such a high number of struggled readers. Statistics have shown that 65 percent of eight graders in secondary school students with learning disabilities read below the 20th percentile and the numbers are even greater in urban school districts (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2007). Theorists argue that characteristics of proficient readers are to read reasonable and at an efficient rate (Spencer, S. A. , Manis, F. R. (2010). It is common for students who are struggled readers to have trouble achieving fluency in word and passage reading. Fluency is identified as a critical component to successful reading. Two reading theorist Laberge and Samuels made a direct link between reading fluency and comprehension as cited by (Spencer, Manis. 2010). Student must develop automatist in order to properly comprehend the text they are reading. If the student has not mastered fluency in reading, they will have difficulties learning new reading skills. LaBerge and Samuels (2010) state that as a reader’s fluency increases the cognitive resources are opened and the reader’s comprehension will increase. Many researchers suggest that early readers should develop fluency at an age appropriate level. Students between first and third grade should read connected text identified as the approximate time when most readers should develop this skill. In 2002 National Assessment of Educational Progress founded a strong correlation between fluency and comprehension, and oral reading fluency and students overall reading abilities. There are effective ways that help improve a student’s reading fluency when implementing specific methods of instruction (OShea, L.J. ,Sindelar,P. T. OShea,D. J (1985). There are several fluency- based strategies that a reported to improve the range of students reading abilities, when specific instructional component are combined. Therrien believed that the Repeated Reading strategy (RR) was the most effective strategy to help students who struggled in fluency and reading compression (as cited by Bengeny,etal. , 2010). The RR strategy required the student to reread a short passage for a set number of times or until a certain criterion was met. This strategy was effective with both students who were struggle readers and students without learning disabilities. Therrien believed that a certain protocols must be followed in order for this strategy to be affective (Bengeny,etal. , 2010).. RR is most affective when a first reads a passage aloud to an adult, is provided with a cue during instruction (for example to read with comprehension, fluency, or speed), repeat reading passage at least three or four times, receive corrective feedback as part of instruction, and read until a performance criterion is met (Spencer,S. A. , Manis,F. R. 2010). Morgan and Sideridis (2006) conducted a meta-analysis with students who were identified as at-risk students with learning disabilities. They found that affective fluency strategies integrate goal setting, feedback, reinforcement and instructional components, like RR and listening to more skilled readers read (as cited by Bengeny,etal. , 2010). When using strategies in reading fluency its important follow right components that are associated with benifical outcomes for students. The first component being model reading, allowing students listen to a more skilled reader, either a classmate or an adult. Having a systematic error- correction procedure is important because the student is aware of the errors being made and will learn the proper way to correct it and will be prepared to self-correct errors before made again. Goal setting gives the students a criterion and applies a practicing text until the predetermined performance is met. Performance feedback combined with graphical display of student’s progress; keep the student informed with their performance. Graphs can be shown as visual improvements or regression. Use of a systematic praise and structured reward system are used for students reading behaviors and accomplishments (Spencer, S. A. , Manis, and F. R. 2010). Use verbal cues for students to read with fluency, by promoting greater speed and accuracy. Verbal cues for students to read for comprehension are repeated reading of ability appropriate text out loud to an adult at least three times (OShea, L. J. , Sindelar,P. T. OShea,D. J. 1985). By combining fluency based instructional components; a fluency based instructional package has been created with ready to use materials for teachers to use ad a form of intervention. The foundation of these programs were developed to serve as a addition to a students core reading program; providing systematic guidelines for easy implementation; and allow for greater publication across schools, districts, and states (Spencer,S. A. , Manis,F. R. 2010). Great Leaps is a reading program that is used to help struggled readers. Great Leaps includes two primary sets of materials. Its has a K-2 program used as and addition to a students core reading program and a third through fifth grade program that is used to remediate low-performing students’ reading skills. Great Leaps Reading program is used throughout the United States, Canada and over 40 countries. Over 1,400 schools in New York City Department of Education have adopted Great Leaps reading program in elementary schools (Bengeny,etal. ,2010). Great Leaps is currently one of the most popular and most used reading programs that educator’s uses in addition to students core reading curriculum in pursuit to improve a students reading fluency and comprehension. Great Leaps primary emphasis is on fluency, with the assumption that comprehension will improve if the student becomes a more fluent reader. This program is easy to implement, teachers will administer the lesson in a one-to-one setting for approximately 10 minutes per session daily. The procedure includes three of the evidence- based components such as; modeled reading, goal setting, and performance feedback with graphical displays of student’s progress (Bengeny,etal. ,(2010). During the session student will be reading three timed readings. Each reading will be under the following three headings; phonics, sight phrases, and stories. Each reading is timed for about one minute. The goal for the student is to read each page with no more than two errors a page. Instructors are encouraged to use some form of error correction and to reward students for accomplishments, with praise and small tangible rewards. Error correction must be immediate and followed by modeling of the correct response. When the student successful masters the page, he/she will then progress â€Å"leap† on to the next page, which contains slightly more difficult material (Mercer Campbell. , 1998,p137). Great Leaps reading intervention allows students to frequently practice reading material that are to par with their reading capabilities; practice does not occur during the same session. Furthermore, fluency and comprehension are learning disabilities that are increasing overtime. There are numerous intervention programs available to assist students with their disability. Every district and school has their own techniques and programs they use to help struggle readers with fluency. When choosing the right intervention program for students, research must be done on the program being used. Educators need to be aware of the eight components that are associated with beneficial out comes in students who struggle in reading fluency. The program Great Leaps after being evaluated has been fundamental, due to the minimal research done on this intervention. One study stated that Great Leaps (K-2) program did not aim to evaluate the portion independent from another reading program that was being implemented concurrently (Trout, etal. , 2003). Through researcher Great Leaps is proven to be an effective strategy to improve reading fluency. Researchers have found that this program can be improved by integrating more of the instructional components, such as repeated reading and systematic errors correction. If these improvements are made to the program, the effectiveness of Great Leaps will increase in students (Bengeny, etal. , 2010).

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Analysis of Woman to Man by Judith Wright Essay -- Judith Wright Woman

Analysis of Woman to Man by Judith Wright  Ã‚   I was slightly confused when I read this poem at first, but it became apparent from the rich metaphors, that it was about the sexual relation between the woman and man. It is also about conception - or rather the potential of creating a child from this sexual act - told from the woman's point of view. Judith Wright was very bold in writing such a poem since it was published in 1949, when such issues weren't discussed in the public, but as a well-regarded poet, she had achieved a good reputation for expressing herself, and therefore could write a subjective poem about this issue. The main idea of this poem, is based upon female sexuality and sensuality, and that sex is symbolic of life, or death if pregnancy fails. The title seems to mean now, "Woman to Man" as if the woman is offering herself to the Man, offering her body to create a child, through the act of sex. It also means that the woman has something to give to the man, not only the pleasure, but through blood and pain, a child. The language compliments the mood of this poem, as it varies from a sad and melancholy cry, to a voice of hope, all in a constant confident feel, and by this, the poet's reflections and contemplation?s are communicated successfully to us, making us feel in the same way she has felt. The first stanza begins with a bold and confident entry describing in a simple way the sexual relation between the man and the woman; or better said; Woman to Man. The 'seed' which the woman holds - has the potential of becoming a child. The image of the day of birth as a ?resurrection day? is important in this respect for, just as the resurrection of Christ defeated death, so too, does each individual... ... final line - "Oh hold me, for I am afraid." This line is wholly successful on a dramatic level; for here the real world of passion and pain breaks in. At the same time the poem as a whole has suggested that in each sexual act there is the potential for the creation of new life which challenges time and death. The woman is the proud yet fearful instrument of this process. The poem has   a   rhythmic pattern that compliments the metaphors and paradoxes. The stanzas begin and end, individually, for the first and last lines rhyme, which creates a feeling of ?wholleness? to each stanza, quite appropriate to the act of creating or bearing a child. It is like a song, a pentameter that begins bold, but ends in a quiet tone, making its reader reflect, not only about the ending, but the entire poem as a serious issue, that fornication is, or can be, a holy act.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

What Doesn’t Kill You Make You Stronger

Survival is a word that has a pretty basic meaning, â€Å"To continue existence† I the name from Microsoft Office, there is really nothing to argue about. As I remember Living at 528 N. Bayard Ave; the only way you could live is if you had thick skin. Our definition of thick skin was being able to takes joke and being bullied without crying or running and telling Aunt Sabrina what happened. My cousin Darnell and I would play as much jokes on my sister Desiree and cousin Ruby. Every since I was younger I could remember everyone I know had jokes. Everyone was made fun of, and the only you made it through it is you had to get back at them by a joke or a prank believe that through all the jokes and pranks I am able to not be so offended by the little things people do to bother me and shaped me into a stronger person. I believe in the social world if someone does an act to diminish your character and you don’t shutdown and go in to social isolation then you have thick skin. In this paper I will argue that with more details that when it comes to the saying â€Å"what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger† is the main key is survivalin a social aspect the saying is true. Living in most urban neighborhoods with as many as fifty young children of all ages for all my life you are bound to get teased by someone; especially if you are not the best dresser or have the coolest sneakers on, or the most money. You have to be able to bend and not break. I can remember a time where I was the butt of all jokes but since I didn’t let anything make me go under a rock. These experiences allow me to one a day to be the joke maker and not be subjected to being that weak loser. I can remember a being in Tenth grade at Overbrook High School. Every day I would go into Biology class and we would tell momma jokes so like three kids would gang up and talk about my mom; at this age being 16 I was already prepared since all the encounters in my past that helped me I this situation. That’s the only I made it through high school and it’s the reason why I can hold my own in the world today. On the other side of this debate; I can remember being in my house and my parents bring up how my little sister tell them that me and my others siblings were picking in her. So I said that, â€Å"Well teasing her is not killing her and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and I only trying to prepare her for all the people that will talk to her so it cannot effect her†. Then my dad responded, â€Å"It may kill her and but you are hurting her, or maybe even crippling her and make her socially inapt†. He continue by saying that she may not even want to take risk because of the things that people may say about the from the withdrawal state I may have cause. After making me feel guilty he used a wildlife analogy saying, â€Å"If a lion is hurt in battle then is he stronger†. Then I said another way I can prove how my saying is true is how you see all the people that commit suicide form cyber bullying and from people making jokes about them. They couldn’t handle the joking around or hazing; since it didn’t make them stronger it killed them. Living as long as did you are bound to have days were you are going to receive an amount of jokes, but its up to you if you let them get to you and mess up your life. Your never going to get away from. So when it to survival (at least the social aspect of survival) I believe that the key is â€Å"whatever doesn’t kill you make you stronger. Even though people may say the word â€Å"survival† they have a tendency like Darwin’s theory of evolution â€Å"only the strongest survive†. What I say to that is how do I people get to the â€Å"strongest†. That is where my definition comes in to play you have to endure all the negativity or the positive things that happened to you. So you get to the point of being the â€Å"strongest†.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Imposing Strict Punishment for Driving Offences

Two weeks back, my friends and I witnessed a car accident in front of our very own eyes. The night was still as there were not many cars on the road. However, the silence was disrupted by a loud screeching noise. The flow of conversation came to a halt as we turned our heads in unison towards the source of the noise. At that exact moment, we saw a black car crashed into a lamp post. The front of the car was severely damaged and minutes later, the bleeding driver could be seen limping out of the car. What we have just witnessed serves as proof that road accidents are becoming more and more rampant with every passing day. Some suggest imposing strict punishments for driving offences as a mean to reduce road accidents. In most situations, this holds true because punishments such as heavy penalty, community service and a prison sentence are able to change an offender’s behavior. Moreover, it deters the public from making traffic offences. Heavy penalty should be imposed on those who defy the road rules. For example, those who fail to obey the speed limit on Malaysian roads and expressways can be fined up to RM300, depending on the difference between the speed limit and the driven speed.Compare and Contrast Driving in the Winter and Driving in the Summer A heavier penalty of RM500 should be imposed on the road offenders to deter them from committing the offence again. Besides that, a stricter punishment in the form of a heavier penalty will act as a deterrent to potential road offenders. This method has been proven to be rather successful as a statistics have shown that the number of road accidents have reduced by 39% when a heavier penalty was imposed. If this continues, nobody will dare to go at high speed. After all, money is what motivates or deters people from doing or not doing something. Not only that, I believe that the community service is a good form of punishment especially for the younger offenders. Young being those who are aged between 17 to 35 years of age. In this form of punishment, offenders are forced to carry out between 40 to 300 hours of unpaid work as ‘Community Payback' which includes cleaning public areas such as the community halls, playgrounds and schools. They are also made to wear uniforms while carrying out their duties. Undoubtedly, they would be embarrassed as people would take notice of them and more so if it were their very own friends. They might even be mocked at or ridiculed by passers-by. However, the main aim of the community service is not to make a fool of these people but to bring about a change of attitude in them. By doing the community service, hopefully they are able to experience and appreciate the hardship that others face in maintaining the public areas even though the offence committed was not related to it. One way or another, this might just help them to be a better person. A prison sentence could also be seen as an effective method to reduce road accidents. However, this will take into account the severity of the road offence committed. If it involves the lost of an innocent life then a prison sentence should be compulsory. For instance, the punishment of a two year long imprisonment to those who commit a road offence such as driving under the influence (DUI). If there happens to be a lost of a life due to that person’s irresponsible act, then the prison sentence should be extended to four years. This might seem rather cruel to some but these offenders should think of the consequences before they decide to go behind the wheels while under the influence of certain substances such as alcohol and drugs. Life in prison would be a deterrent to the public in committing driving offences as it strips them of their freedom. Undeniably, the mere thought of losing one’s freedom is enough to send shivers down the spine. With that being said, we can conclude that most people will abide by the law if a sense of fear is instilled into them. Nevertheless, I am also of the opinion that other methods that are not punishment based could also reduce road accidents. For instance, tightening the rules on obtaining a driving license and holding campaigns on road safety in schools. Some may argue that the subtler methods do not work well with today’s society but I think that we should look into the core of the matter to find out where the problem lies. By doing so only then we are able to decide on the best solutions to overcome this ever growing problem. The subtler methods are effective in its own ways as it helps to instill the right mentality into teenagers’ and children’s minds from a young age. In other words, the law enforcers, police and government should find the best solution to this problem and it should incorporate both the elements of the harsh punishments and also the subtler methods.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

bio lab pill bug Essays

bio lab pill bug Essays bio lab pill bug Paper bio lab pill bug Paper What are the Effect of Different Environments and the Movement of Pill Bugs? Purpose: The purpose of this lab was to analyze pill bugs activity in different environments and determine the effect of wet/dry or dark/light environments have on them and how taxis takes place in their choices in living in areas. Background information: Terrestrial isopods are commonly referred to as sow bugs and pill bugs and have other nick names as well. These pill bugs are also related to lobsters, crabs and shrimp making them breathe with gills. Pill bugs also tend to live in moist cool areas such as underneath rocks and soil in order to keep them from ehydrating. These pill bugs seem to sense their environment with the antennae in front of their body. Males and females are typically distinguished through darker and lighter colors, darker bottom sides being males and lighter being females. They also breathe through their gill like structures within their bodies. Through the first lab experiment that I did, I allowed the pill bugs to move freely without interfering with any of their decisions. After recording the numbers after every thirty seconds I believe that through taxis they chose to move the side where the moist was much higher. Based on my data I have concluded that pill bugs prefer moist living condition than dry. Hypothesis: If pill bugs naturally live under rocks and typically come out during the night, I predict that most of the will prefer the darker setting more than the lighter Materials: Dirt/S0il Roly-polies An apple Mister Shoe box Foam cup Duct tape Procedure: Isopod tracking chart in wet and dry conditions Time (min:sec)# Wet# Dry o:oo 0:30 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8; 30 9:00 9:30 100 8 9 7 6 2 3 4 10:oo 9 Isopod tracking chart with light and dark setting Time (min:sec)# Light # Dark :oo 5 5 4:00 6:30 8;30 5 10:oo 7 Discussion: The purpose of this lab was to identify how pill bugs react in different environments and how taxis takes a role in their decisions. Through this lab I was able to acquire an abundant amount of information to support my hypothesis. Based on the data that came out of the light vs. ark experiment I have concluded that pill bugs prefer darker environments than light. In order to support this data IVe done research, which spec ifically states the isopods, like pill bugs prefer darken areas than light due to the fact that the sun puts these bugs at risk of drying out. The most otable error that could have occurred was the bugs themselves run into each other. In order to fix this problem I could have open the passage wider so that they can easily move freely to each side. For future experiments i believe it should be done outside so that the bugs can feel the heat waves so that it gives the lab a little bit more credibility. This lab should also be done on a larger scale with more details, like either giving them more room on in each environment like a shoe box and having the experiment go on for a couple of days instead of minutes. Conclusion: Through this lab IVe discovered that in order for an animal to survive hey go through one of two actions, kinesis or taxi. This is also proof that animals go through natural selection and the fittest will survive. Conclusion Questions: (B) 1 . Based on your observations, do isopods prefer a moist or dry environment? -Based on my results, these bugs prefer to live in moist areas. (B)2. Would the movement observed be an example of taxis or kinesis? -l believe their actions were an example of kinesis due to higher numbers in wet areas. (B)3. Suggest a reason characteristics could lower the possibility of being eaten due to the fact that not very many predators live where they do (C)l . Did the isopods exhibit kinesis and/or taxis? -l believe that the bugs exhibited kinesis until the darker environment was found, and then after experiencing the darker area they chose to stay there by taxis. (C)2. What is the adaptive significance of the behavior you observed? -In order to prevent dehydration these pill bugs instinctively stayed in the darker cool area. (C)3. How can we apply the findings of this experiment to the study of behavior in other organisms? -Through this experiment I found that this sets an example of the animal kingdom and demonstrates how animals encounter different challenges and come about surviving.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Death of Salesman essays

Death of Salesman essays The book Death of a Salesman is all about the American Dream. However, some take the American Dream a little too far, and thats all they want in life. Willy took this a little too far. He had a false sense of importance in the world. When you do that and shut everything else out, you will lose everything, even yourself. The main character in this book does just that. He is a salesman who wants nothing but to be rich and well liked. After trying and trying to do this and never succeeding, he loses everything and even takes his own life. Its just as Willys son, Biff states at the end: The man didnt know who he was. (Miller138) Willy is the main character in the play. He is a crazy man who develops many problems because of his outlook on life. He let the American Dream take over and basically kill him. He spends all of his life thinking that if you are well liked you will succeed in life and become rich. Success in his mind is being rich and well liked. Even though he thinks that being well liked is so important, he isnt well liked. I know when I walk in. They seem to laugh at me. (Miller36) Over these invalid statements he loses his mind, friends, family, job and his whole life. His way of thinking also carries onto his children. You see this because his two sons turn out to be much like him for the most part. Biff is Willys perfect son, he is Willys pride and joy. Willy thinks that Biff will make it in life and be well liked and successful. Biff while in high school accomplished so much and was very successful. He was an all star football player and was the most popular guy in school. He looked up to his Dad and wanted to be just like him up until the night he went to Boston. That was the night that everything in Biffs life ended. After that he flunked math, didnt graduate, and became nothing at all. Willy throughout ...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

January Holidays Printables

January Holidays Printables January is often the time when cabin fever sets in. After the festive holiday season, the cold, bleak days of winter can seem to stretch infinitely before us. Keep the holiday spirit alive by celebrating a holiday or special day every day in January. Youre likely familiar with many of these holidays and famous firsts However, youre sure to discover some quirky celebrations and not-so-famous firsts in this list that provides something fun for every day of the month. January 1: Start the year off right by celebrating the start of a fresh new year with these  New Years Printables. Will you make any resolutions?   Did you know that the first day of January is  Betsy Rosss Birthday? Spend some time learning about this famous American  woman who may or may not have made the first American flag.   January 2: On January 2, 1788, the state of Georgia ratified the Constitution of the United States. Celebrate by learning more about Georgia. It was also on this date in 1974, that President Nixon signed a national speed limit into law. January 3: Its National Drinking Straw Day! The drinking straw was first patented on January 3, 1888. In 1959, Alaska was admitted as a state. Learn more about the state and celebrate  Alaska Admission .Day. January 4:  Sir Isaac Newton was born on January 4, 1643. One of this scientists biggest contributions to the field was Newtons Laws of Motion. January 5:  January 5 is  National Bird Day. Learn about the birds in your area. Make a simple homemade bird feeder by coating a pine cone with peanut butter and rolling it in bird seed. Hang the cone from a nearby tree branch and see what kind of birds it attracts. January 6:  New Mexico  became a state on this day in history in the year 1912. Its also the date that George  Washington  and his wife Martha were married in 1759. January 7: The  first U.S. Presidential Election  was held on this date in 1789. George Washington was elected the first President of the United States. His opponent, John Adams, became his vice president. January 8: Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin, died on this day in history 1825. Learn more about this famous inventor whose invention revolutionized cotton production in the United States. Its also National Clean-Off-Your-Desk Day, so celebrate by tossing that junk! January 9: There are two quirky holidays today,  National Static Electricity Day and  National Apricot Day. Try an interesting static electricity experiment like bending water with static electricity or making a dancing ghost. January 10: January 10th is  Volunteer Firemans Day and Bittersweet Chocolate Day. Celebrate by learning about one of Americas favorite sweet treats with free printables about chocolate. Then, take some chocolate goodies to your neighborhood volunteer fire department. January 11: On January 11, 1973, baseballs American League adopted the designated hitter rule. Its also National Milk Day, so enjoy a tall glass of milk while you brush up on facts  about baseball. January 12: The first x-rays were taken in the United States on January 12, 1896. It was also on this date in 1777 that the  Santa Clara Mission  was founded. January 13: James Oglethorpe arrived in the New World in January 13, 1733. In 1942, during World War II, German pilot Helmut Schenck  made the first successful use of the ejection seat. January 14: On January 14, you can celebrate Bald Eagle Day or national holidays such as Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day and Dress Up Your Pet Day. January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. His birthday became a federal holiday on November 3, 1983, It is celebrated every year on the third Monday in January.  Ã‚   The date is also  National Hat Day and  National Strawberry Ice Cream Day. January 16:  John C. Fremont   was appointed Governor of California  on this date in 1847. In 1870, Virginia became the first state readmitted to the Union after the Civil War. January 17: Michelle Obama, wife of the United States 44th president, Barack Obama, was born on this date, as was U.S. Founding Father,  Benjamin Franklin. January 18: The New York Metropolitan Opera House held its first jazz concert in 1944. Learn about jazz instruments and other musical instruments today. On this date in 1778,  Captain James Cook discovered the Hawaiian Islands. January 19: Today is  National Popcorn Day  and  Archery Day. Its also the day that Edgar Allan Poe was born in 1809. January 20: Today is  Penguin Awareness Day  and  Basketball Day. January 21:  Civil War leader, Thomas Stonewall Jackson was born on this date in 1824. Its also  Granola Bar Day,  Squirrel Appreciation Day, and National Hugging Day. January 22: On this date in 1997, Lottie Williams of Tulsa, Oklahoma became the first person to be hit by space debris. Commemorate the day by learning about the solar system. January 23: Today is  National Pie Day and  Handwriting Day. Bake your favorite pie and practice your handwriting by writing a letter to a friend or relative. January 24: Gold was discovered in  California  on this date in 1848. Its also  National Peanut Butter Day. January 25: On this date in history, 1924, the first  Winter Olympics  games were  held. January 26: Michigan was admitted to the Union on this date in 1837. Its also Australia Day, the official National Day of the country. January 27:   Today is National Geographic Day and Chocolate Cake Day. Thomas Edison patented the light bulb on this day in 1880. January 28: Today is  National Blueberry Pancake Day and  National Kazoo Day. Enjoy some pancakes and make your own kazoo-style instrument.   January 29: On this date in 1861,  Kansas  became the 34th state of the United States. The ice cream rolling machine was patented in 1924. Its also  Carnation Day and  National Puzzle Day. January 30: January 30th is  National Croissant Day and the birth date of U.S. President,  Franklin D Roosevelt. January 31:  Jackie Robinson was born on this date in  1919. Have fun learning about Americas favorite pastime, baseball. If youre looking for more educational ideas for the month, try some fun January writing prompts.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

CSR of Google Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

CSR of Google Company - Essay Example A Brief Outline of Google Company Google Company began as a research project, conducted by two Stanford students. In the year 1996, Larry and Brin conducted a search engine using a distinctive method of grading search results. Since they required a relevant search engine using the internet, the need grew further and, as a result, registered Google.com domain and officially created Google, Inc. in 1998 (Girard, 2009 p. 14). As a search engine during the time, Google had advantages over other search engines because the search results were organized in a relevant manner. Google grew as a popular search engine, which was easy to use. The company has grown to employ over 12,000 individuals worldwide. The company has acquired several acquisitions to permit continuity of innovation. For instance, the company has acquired DoubleClick and YouTube companies. The company’s mission is to organize the world’s report and make it useful and accessible universally. The company takes pa rt in various philanthropic donations (Girard, 2009 p. 21). Corporate Social Responsibility Issues Facing Google Company Although Google Company ranks among the top companies practicing corporate social responsibility under the Corporate Social Responsibility Index (CSRI), the company faces several challenges doubting its ethics and responsibility as an international company. One of the ethical issues facing Google Company is that the company has proved to be deceptive and not outspoken (Meiners, 2011 p. 20). Google has publicly claimed to respect the users’ privacy, inform and disclose to the consumers what they do with their private data. To the contrary, in 2008, a consumer poll indicated that 93 percent of individual interviewed preferred internet companies to ask for authority before accessing personal information. Hence, Google words do not match consumer expectations (Drushel, 2011 p. 47). This is evident from the consumer watchdog, where they have gathered a video on how Google harms the privacy of consumers and unfairly represent what they do. Google does not represent its business fairly or disclose its incompatible interests. The company has always claimed to work for users, but the users pay the company nothing. The company works for advertisers, which indicates a conflict of interest. The company’s cofounders had foreseen and understood the conflict, which the company hides from users as written in their PHD dissertation (Jennings, 2010 p. 57). There is also enough evidence showing that the company’s undisclosed conflicts poses serious risks to users of either defraud or harm. If Google Company cared for its users, it would have bothered having a customer service or would protect the safety and privacy of users. The company is even deceptive in philanthropy. The philanthropy arm of the company has deceptively created the impression that the company’s philanthropy is devoid of a profit aim, which is not true (Miller, 201 1 p. 76). Another ethical issue facing the Google Company is avoiding legitimate accountability, designed to protect others. There is enough evidence indicating that Google Company does not consider it is subject to the same principles everyone is. For instance, One World Trust ranked the company worst in the world survey of accountability. Also, Audit Integrity Firm ranked Google Company in the bottom 2% of all publicly traded organizations, in terms of, governance risk and accounting. In addition, the company founders developed a two-tier

Promotional and Advertising Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Promotional and Advertising Strategies - Essay Example Companies, therefore, find the need to advertise and promote their products. This is done to provide information to consumers, to increase the demand of a certain product or even to make the product stand out from those similar ones from other companies. Companies will, therefore, use different modes of advertisement and product promotion in a bid to get an advantage over their competitors. Companies have no option, but to employ different modes in order to edge out their competition. These strategies are mainly targeted at the consumers. Research has showed that consumers are responsive to these strategies and increase their usage in all companies. In this essay, we are going to delve in the global market of television sets. We shall also review the two market leaders in this category, Samsung and Sony companies. Sony has been the traditional electronics company and has enjoyed some monopoly in the past. On the other hand Samsung is relatively new and has derived strategies to build its brand. Since these two companies produce similar products in the form of TV sets, they have similar strategies to promote their products. Both Sony and Samsung have massive investments in advertising done using modes of advertisement such as print and electronic. Television and internet are the most preferred electronic modes since they have the widest reach. In print media, these companies usually put up billboards and buy space on newspapers and magazines. Advertising helps both companies to delve into new markets, establish and retain their brand and increase their sales in the market. Apart from advertising, the two companies normally use other promotional strategies. The promotional plans are evident through gifts, coupons and other print outs to existing and potential consumers. In most cases, these two companies come up with promotions where consumers are promised cash prizes or even more products as an award. In order for one to win such prizes, they will be

Friday, October 18, 2019

Democratic Socialism and Comparative Advantage Research Paper

Democratic Socialism and Comparative Advantage - Research Paper Example Democracy focuses on the political aspect. It entails political sameness, the rights of all people to participate in the governance of which they are subject (Busky 312). Conversely, socialism highlights material fairness. It is not stern parity, but an end to the enormous discrepancies of earnings and affluence noticeable to the imbalances of rights of ways of production. Democratic socialists’ opinionated that both the economy and community should be ruled democratically to satisfy public needs and not fulfill wishes of a few (Busky 310). To acquire a more fair society, many compositions of governments and economies must be fundamentally changed through immense profitable and social equality so as the common persons can equally partake in making decisions that affect their lives. Socialism was first used in publications devoted to organizations in Great Britain. It was used to refer to a culture in which citizens’ work collectively for the benefit of everyone. Sociali sts have always believed that people are equal by natural rights and this was considered their highest value of people. Socialists hold democracy in high esteem. People in an independent socialist society have the right to express themselves and given due consideration. In a socialist society, people vote in the government. The government is formulated through legitimate, fair and free elections. However, sometimes democratic socialists are mistaken with governments that are dictatorial and authoritarian. True socialism lives in a democratic society. Democratic socialism is based on humanistic ideals with the eventual objective of allowing each person the prospect and way for their personal development and satisfaction. This is made possible in a society where self-realization turns into a reality in a supportive, non-competitive social situation. Several countries in the world employ this form of governance. They Include China, the second prevalent economy in the world after the U. S and Russia a superpower as well as Scandinavian countries and France. Other third world countries embracing the concept involve Venezuela and Bolivia. They also include Burma, Vietnam, Cuba and North Korea. For instance, preceding the Russian Revolution in the 1920s there were existences of socialist countries anywhere as well as fully grown democracies. During those times, women rights were still curtailed, and women were barred from voting. The prevailing capitalist states supervised in undemocratically customs over their colonial domains. The Russian revolution changed this equation significantly. As many people engaged in questioning the link between socialism and democracy, the existing socialism turned out to be anything but democratic. Socialism obliges an entity according to (Harrington 288), into societal collectives contrasting capitalism, which promotes individualism. People are deemed as social animals that reside in a society that has regulations to guide it. These ru les demand a lot from an individual but as well gives the individual self-government, total control of their work freedom from poverty and freedom to pursue a better life. This contrasts the capitalist American concept that promotes separation from family and community as well as subjects an individual to high stress. The supposedly free individual in the concept is instead conformist and conventional.

Annotation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Annotation - Assignment Example Nonetheless, the other authors support a balance between prohibition and legalization while Angela Hawken advocates full legalization. One possible bias of this book is when Caulkins implies that the responsible majority users of marijuana should sacrifice their fun in order to aid the irresponsible minority. Nevertheless, he does not prove that prohibition has protected the minority irresponsible users. The article is based on the gateway hypothesis. It researches the prevention or invention and genetic factors of using other prohibited drugs after using marijuana. The gateway hypothesis implies that a marijuana user will commence using more lethal/ hard drugs at some point in their life. According to the study, marijuana users are most likely to try heroin and get addicted to it. As such, marijuana use makes it possible for the user to advance to more lethal and dangerous drugs. The authors used adolescents as part of the study. The study is biased since correlation is not always cause. Marijuana typically precedes rather than follow the initiation into other illegal drug use. However, alcohol use and underage smoking precede the use of marijuana. Therefore, marijuana is not the first gateway to illegal drug use. Khatapoush, Shereen, and Denise Hallfors. "â€Å"Sending the wrong message†: did medical marijuana legalization in California change attitudes about and use of marijuana?." Journal of Drug Issues 34.4 (2004): 751-770. The article suggests that the recent policy changes in California have had a minimal impact on the attitudes and behaviour related to marijuana. The authors in their study to assess and analyse the effect of legalizing medicinal marijuana among the youth used telephone survey data. Consequently, they found out that some marijuana behaviour and attitudes did change after proposition 215 in 1996 was passed. Conversely, marijuana use did not increase. The major possible bias of the study is that sanctioning the use of

Thursday, October 17, 2019

The US-China Taiwan Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The US-China Taiwan Crisis - Essay Example History of the US – China Taiwan Crisis The crisis that emerged in China and Taiwan began as early as 1949 with the Kuomintang Party. This Party is the nationalist party of China and was defeated to Communist rule during this time. The tensions which arose caused the party to move across the Taiwan Straight from Beijing, causing the Communist Rule to stay in China and Taiwan to try to separate under the rule of the Kuomintang (Christensen, 1: 1999). The main approach that Kuomintang took was to try to separate from mainland China and to continue with the nationalist rule and regulations which were believed to be a part of the party, often referred to as the Taipei Regime. By 1979, there was a call from Beijing for the Kuomintang Party to stop trying to divide Taiwan and instead to reunify into one China. The approach was to both liberate Taiwan and to work toward national development within each region, despite the differences in party agreements. The proposal was based on ope ning santong, which included commercial, postal and travel exchanges. The exchanges included siliu, which was four areas of concern, including academic, cultural, economic and athletic interests. It was believed that this approach would stop the differences on both sides and would lead to equal and fair agreements among both (Zhao, 22: 1999). Relationships with China After the Korean War in 1950, the US became involved with the political imbalances and began to pressure China to accept this party as the true government. To further establish this, the Chinese government was able to retain the seats they held at the UN with five members still sitting at the Security Council. The approach was furthered in 1972 with Nixon visiting China and trying to create a peaceful agreement between China and Taiwan. This was the first involvement with the United States to the Taiwan and Chinese debate, even though there was acknowledgement of the divisions from 1950 with Taiwan as a rogue state (Ros s 48: 2002). The relationship approached developed the Taiwan Relations Act, which persuaded both sides to create mutual security treaties, as opposed to separating as a nation. The main approach was to persuade both sides to work in cooperation and to open foreign relations ties for more opportunities. The persuasion was followed with a sense of security that could be used for those in East Asia (Goldstein, Schriver, 147: 2001). The Relations Act became effective in 1979, the year in which China worked toward economic agreements with Taiwan to stop the tensions between both countries. This stated that the United States would be involved with supplying the needed defense items to Taiwan in the case of an outbreak, specifically because the division of 1949 left the different area with a threat to the security of the area. This was combined with the act stating that there was only one China, as opposed to being a Taiwan and China. Even though there was acknowledgement that both could remain separate, the legitimate source of government pointed to only one China existing. By 1982, this was followed by six assurances, which consisted of guidelines which could be used for bilateral relations (Dumbaugh, 11: 1998). While there was acknowledgement at this point that both wanted to remain separate countries, the foreign relations

Work, People and Productivity Mgt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Work, People and Productivity Mgt - Essay Example The model helps the managers to establish the organizational focus by moving from the well-being and development of the employees to the well-being and development of the organization. Indeed, the model helps in the establishment of an adaptable, flexible, stable, and controlled organization. Since, organization leaders in an organization cannot agree on what contributes to the effectiveness of an organization, the model provides the best framework to define effectiveness. Furthermore, since organizational culture differs from one organization to another, the model helps managers to understand and pass the reference organizational culture to the other stakeholders. The competing values model helps in the differentiation of leadership roles and organization of the leadership roles and personality traits into an organizing schema, which enables organizational leaders and individual managers to understand their responsibilities. Moreover, the model helps organizational leaders to address certain issues like how to be innovative, how to organize and allocate resources, and how to collectively grow and establish organizational change. In addressing these issues, the model enables managers to achieve organizational effectiveness by addressing the competing positive tensions within the organizational culture. Most assuredly, the competing values model can apply in all aspects and levels in organizations where it can help organizational leaders to make effective decisions, motivate employees, recruit employees, establish organization capacity, enhance quality, change organizational patterns, assess financial performance, enhance competency, and evalua te communication within the organization. Managers can use the language and concepts of the model to associate with people at different levels in an organization. Indeed, the model helps managers to diagnose and manage the

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The US-China Taiwan Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The US-China Taiwan Crisis - Essay Example History of the US – China Taiwan Crisis The crisis that emerged in China and Taiwan began as early as 1949 with the Kuomintang Party. This Party is the nationalist party of China and was defeated to Communist rule during this time. The tensions which arose caused the party to move across the Taiwan Straight from Beijing, causing the Communist Rule to stay in China and Taiwan to try to separate under the rule of the Kuomintang (Christensen, 1: 1999). The main approach that Kuomintang took was to try to separate from mainland China and to continue with the nationalist rule and regulations which were believed to be a part of the party, often referred to as the Taipei Regime. By 1979, there was a call from Beijing for the Kuomintang Party to stop trying to divide Taiwan and instead to reunify into one China. The approach was to both liberate Taiwan and to work toward national development within each region, despite the differences in party agreements. The proposal was based on ope ning santong, which included commercial, postal and travel exchanges. The exchanges included siliu, which was four areas of concern, including academic, cultural, economic and athletic interests. It was believed that this approach would stop the differences on both sides and would lead to equal and fair agreements among both (Zhao, 22: 1999). Relationships with China After the Korean War in 1950, the US became involved with the political imbalances and began to pressure China to accept this party as the true government. To further establish this, the Chinese government was able to retain the seats they held at the UN with five members still sitting at the Security Council. The approach was furthered in 1972 with Nixon visiting China and trying to create a peaceful agreement between China and Taiwan. This was the first involvement with the United States to the Taiwan and Chinese debate, even though there was acknowledgement of the divisions from 1950 with Taiwan as a rogue state (Ros s 48: 2002). The relationship approached developed the Taiwan Relations Act, which persuaded both sides to create mutual security treaties, as opposed to separating as a nation. The main approach was to persuade both sides to work in cooperation and to open foreign relations ties for more opportunities. The persuasion was followed with a sense of security that could be used for those in East Asia (Goldstein, Schriver, 147: 2001). The Relations Act became effective in 1979, the year in which China worked toward economic agreements with Taiwan to stop the tensions between both countries. This stated that the United States would be involved with supplying the needed defense items to Taiwan in the case of an outbreak, specifically because the division of 1949 left the different area with a threat to the security of the area. This was combined with the act stating that there was only one China, as opposed to being a Taiwan and China. Even though there was acknowledgement that both could remain separate, the legitimate source of government pointed to only one China existing. By 1982, this was followed by six assurances, which consisted of guidelines which could be used for bilateral relations (Dumbaugh, 11: 1998). While there was acknowledgement at this point that both wanted to remain separate countries, the foreign relations

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Air Asia Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Air Asia - Case Study Example However, they tend to value quality service, and are willing to pay for excellent service. On the other hand, Asians are less likely to concentrate on quality of service, and are willing to compromise quality service for a low price. Furthermore, people in the U.S. and Europe can use other forms of transport for short trips such as speed rail, bus etc. However, there are hardly any world class rails in Asia, and air travel remains the only option for many travelers. Some people in Asia might use bus, but the advent of budget airlines has made it cheaper for travelers to fly instead. Given today's economic climate, low-fare service would be a hit in any part of the world and the Gulf region is no exception. Although, the Gulf region has a good per capita income, lower and middle class travelers would nevertheless welcome low-fare service and it would definitely affect the large carriers in the Gulf Region. Q2: Air Asia is a budget airline which was on the verge of bankruptcy, but sprang up in 2001 to become the world's cheapest airline. Air Asia is a budget airline and succeeded in getting the lowest cost per kilometer of any airline. It was largely in part because of the declining demand for air travel and fleet purchases in the aftermath of 9/11. Thus, time was a key player in ensuring that Air Asia got the lowest cost structure possible. Furthermore, Air Asia also differentiated itself from other carriers by initiating ticketless travel. Under this new method, travelers had to book tickets online and there was no hassle to for travelers to go through agents. This made travel easy for the passengers and helped further in the reduction of distribution costs. However, Air Asia was similar to other carriers because all carriers of its type focused on low cost travel and targeted small business travelers. Moreover, Air Asia just like other carriers also offered only three types of fares. This was to stimulate demand for these carriers and attract travelers from major airlines like Malaysian Airlines. Q3: By reading the case study, I feel that Air Asia was wrong in its decision of Internet booking. Although this has been a viable option for many travelers, it has also meant that the airline is losing potential passengers who do not have access to the Internet. Air Asia is targeting relatives and small travelers and many might not have access to Internet. Furthermore, I also feel that expanding too much in a short period of time might have its disadvantages. Purchasing a lot of fleet might be a cause of concern given today's shifting business climate. It would be difficult to make monthly payments if uncertain conditions force demand to plunge. First, Air Asia came into the market at the right time. Just after the terrorist attacks of September 11, the aviation industry took an uncertain turn and there was a drop in demand. This caused the market for fleets to go down and leasing costs were reasonable, causing Air Asia to penetrate the market. Also, Air Asia expanded beyond national borders and grabbed the opportunity to serve neighboring countries. Moreover, Air A

Monday, October 14, 2019

Interaction with teacher Essay Example for Free

Interaction with teacher Essay It was all what I wanted. It was what I dreamt of long before. But it was all taken for granted by the people around me. I was always the top student among all the six graders in our school, and due to that I am one of those whom they regards as their priceless gem because I always come up with something, like a new idea about a certain issue. I have been one of those sent for if there are contests. They say I act and think like an adult already. Not like any other regular students, I also happen to excel in sports and other curricular activities. I am also a runner. I have always been running on track since I was in grade three. I exerted much effort in it because it is my passion. Day after day I spend time in training and being exposed to tracks to win in future races but i never forget to maintain my good grades in my academics. In class, I have this very close teacher in Math. I also love Math at that time that is why I also like my teacher. It so happened that my Math teacher also happens to be our classroom adviser. Sometimes, after classes and I do not have any practice in the track, we always have chitchats and she would always advise me to pursue whatever dreams I have in mind and never to forget to remember the people around me that had help me in achieving things in life. She also told me not to be sidetracked and still give importance with my studies because that is the most important achievement in life. There were difficult times during my training but I still managed to persevere because I have a goal and that is to win. I never thought of quitting the training even how tired it gets. I continued to pursue my dreams and visions that one day I will reap my reward in due time if I will not fail and go frail. I can say that I am very determine and aggressive to reach my dreams that time. I think I just deserve every victory I get as i go along with my chosen path because of the diligence that I have manifested. Time came when I joined a race. Every people would know me would say that I have great chances of winning the first place because of my hard trainings and my trained skills. The event came and I was all set out to win the race but to my surprise, my coach talked to me in private and asked me not to win the first prize. I can be in second place or third place as long as I won’t be the champion. I was so devastated upon hearing this coming from my coach, my mentor, the one who served as my model. I wouldn’t know what to do. I was so troubled and kept thinking whether to agree and follow my coach or to go on the different way and achieve my dreams. It was the most difficult part of my life, to choose something that no one would be hurt. My conscience, my will to win and my loyalty to my coach we’re all fighting. What would I choose then? The event proper came, and the race started. I was on track and was leading. Many of my friends and families were all cheering for me. This made me more determined to go on faster and faster. The finish line is almost near when I remembered what my coach told me. My heart was beating as I saw the finish line. For the finish line would mean victory and success but for now, it meant devastation and tragedy for me. A few seconds before I reached the finish line I slowed down, giving the others opportunity to win. When I slowed down I noticed one girl who was always at my back during the track was now leading the race. Finally, the girl made it to the first place while I was the second placer. All my friends, families and relatives were all dismayed by what happened. They all expected that I would win the race. I was down and weary, to the point that it already affected my performance in school. I felt so ashamed and so coward for not fighting what is right. I have low self- esteem for quite some time and my grades got lower and lower. Then one Thursday afternoon, my Math teacher and classroom adviser called my attention. She and I talked in her office. I knew she was going to reprimand me for my poor performances at school. Well, at the back of my mind that time it was alright if she will reprimand me because I just deserve it. But to my surprise I was wrong, totally wrong. The moment I entered the room she smiled at me. Smile? Why would she smile to someone who is a loser? Then she offered me a seat. During those moments I am still very clueless on what would happen as we talk. Then she asked me if I am alright, so I said yes but I said it tears just fell on my eyes. She told me to be true to myself and whatever I feel I should share and let it out. So, I expressed my frustrations and everything that happened in the race. She told me that she understand why I was having low performances at school the past few weeks. But my life should not stop there. She told me that I am still very young and that many opportunities would still knock on my door and if that happens I should grab it immediately. She told me that everything happens for a reason and for a purpose that is to shape and mould us to become a much better person than what we are. She told me that my life should not end there because there is still so much in store for me in the future. Stubborn as I am, I told her that I do not want the future, what I want is now. She then answered me that I should live one day at a time and take one step at a time. With her words of wisdom, I was cheered. It really matters if you talk with someone who has a lot to say about life, like my teacher. I could not imagine that she would help me out because all along, I thought she was just a Math teacher, nothing more, but it was proven wrong. My teacher really touched my heart and transformed my life. After that talk, I started again and now with a positive outlook in life that no matter how I fall I should make a choice to rise up again. That was how I think even though I was just in sixth grade that time. Later it was found out that the father of the girl, who was the champion, paid my coach so that I won’t win at all. Imagine, all along my opponent knew that I was really something. They knew that I can really win the race that is why they were all threatened by my victory. I was a threat to everyone who was in the race that eventually made the father of the other girl bribe my coach to destroy my vision, my goals. But no matter how they put me down, the truth came out and it was on my side. Success, winning and victory are not about running a race after all. It is more of having a clear conscience that you made it that far because you never cheated, hurt anyone and stepped on other’s shoes for you own gain. I thank my teacher for the words of wisdom she has shared to me during the lowest point in my life. Teachers really do make a difference in this world. They are not just there to teach you academically but they are always there to support you and mould your being for you to become a better individual that every society dreams of having especially in this cruel world right now.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Examination Of Muted Group Theory Sociology Essay

Examination Of Muted Group Theory Sociology Essay Imagine for a moment that you find yourself in an exotic and far off land. You have been forced to live in a foreign country that speaks a completely different language than yours. You struggle day after day not just to articulate yourself in this strange, foreign tongue, but to simply be heard and have your opinions appreciated by your new peers. Instead you find your new neighbors disregard every word you say and write you off as inarticulate or just plain dumb; or even worse they ignore your unique existence and experiences altogether. This is exactly the sort of phenomenon that Muted Group Theory details and why it is so incredibly fascinating. This literature review will define exactly Muted Group Theory and its basic tenets are, delve into the theorys origins, and provide a few examples of its further use before moving on to several research studies illustrating the theory in practical, scientific application. The Muted Group Theory of Communication seeks to explain and rationalize the faults inherent in language and the ways in which it fails many of its users. While most individuals would simply dismiss language merely as a tool of communication to be molded in order to fit their specific needs; in actuality, language acts as a dominant and controlling factor in establishing and shaping its users. Muted Group Theory asserts that because language was developed primarily by the dominant group of society; specifically white males of greater income and socio-economic status, that minority cultures and non-dominant groups such as women, individuals of lower economic means, and non-whites are thus muted by their own lack of influence on the formation of their language (Wood, 2008, as cited in Turner West, 2009). Because non-dominant groups have had little to no contribution towards the creation of their language they are poorly served by it. Muted Group Theory emphases a minority groups inabi lity to fully and properly articulate themselves or designate their unique experiences due to the necessity of translating their individual views and opinions into what is essentially a foreign language (Wood, 2008, as cited in Turner West, 2009). The language of a particular group does not consistently support or function for all of its members with any sense of equality due to the disparity in their involvement in their languages development (Kramarae, 1981 as cited in Orbe, 1998). Muted Group Theory posits that language acts as a representation of a societys overall ideologies. The dominant sector of a group conceptualizes a means of communication which not only maintains, but perpetuates their specified worldview and establishes it as the correct and proper language for all of said groups remaining members (S. Ardener, 1975, as cited in Orbe, 1998). As it is defined as a critical theory, the Muted Group Theory of Communication is both valuable and worth exploring because it str ives to reexamine the established status quo of a society or culture, it highlights the imbalances and unfairness within said society for its possibly unsuspecting inhabitants, and lastly; and most importantly, it proposes potential solutions to these problems plaguing said culture (Turner West, 2009). Muted Group Theory interestingly illuminates individuals to the unconscious methods through which a language and its creators dictate and manipulate interpersonal behaviors and relations as well as concepts of ones own self-identity. Muted Group Theory finds its origins within the research of social anthropologists Edwin and Shirley Ardener and their work on social hierarchy and structure. Muted Group Theory developed following the Ardeners examination of the, at the time, male dominated fields of ethnography and social anthropology (Turner West, 2009). Individuals and groups which inhabit the highest tiers of a social hierarchy define the specific communication system within a culture and the non-dominant groups are thus relegated to working within the confines of whatever communication guidelines the ruling class has consciously or unconsciously imposed upon them. Subordinate groups are thus rendered mute as the mainstream structures of communication echo the dominate groups perceptions (E. Ardener, 1978, as cited in Orbe, 1998). A further implication of Muted Group Theory founded by the Ardeners is that the silencing of women as a muted group bears a direct correlation to deafness of their male counterparts. The notion put forth here is that even if a minority group has yet to be muted, on the whole or in a specified subject, the continued obliviousness committed by the dominant group as they ignore the assessments and opinions of their subordinates results in a lack of any further articulation on said subject by the non-dominant group as they thus become muted over time (S. Ardener, 1978, as cited in Turner West, 2009). Put simply, a dominant group, by not understanding or completely ignoring the views of their subordinate counterparts, can in essence silence these views completely. The repercussions of this sort of passive thought suppression are staggering. The undesirable ideologies and wishes of a silent minority can be expunged over time simply by ignoring them. This idea is highly reminiscent in the old adage to ignore a bully into leaving one alone. Though its genesis lies with the work of Edwin and Shirley Ardener, Cheris Kramarare is commonly regarded as the true founder of Muted Group Theory. Kramarares work expanded on the ideas brought on by the Ardeners, and tailored it primarily to the study of communication. Kramarare focused Muted Group Theory into three paramount assumptions: women, and other minority groups, view the world far differently from men due to the division of labor, due to male-centric political superiority, mens views and communication systems are given priority, thus restricting the communication of women, and other subordinate cultures, and lastly, in order to effectively partake in a society, non-dominant groups are forced to shoehorn their own ideologies into the dominant groups established system of expression (Kramarare, 1981, as cited in Turner West, 2008). Kramarares work expanded the bounds of Muted Group Theory and inspires further inquiry and analysis to questions and concepts raised by the Ard eners initial research. Far more intriguing than the unfortunate in-articulation of minority groups brought on by Muted Group Theory are the stunning implications of the theory on the development of an individuals self-concept. From birth men and women are treated vastly different by society at large. From the color of the clothes they are put in to the way in which they are described, male and female infants are immediately indoctrinated by the societal views and expected gender roles of the dominant group they were born into. Muted Group Theory further invades into ideas of self-concept via the ways in which dominant groups perceive society. Female nurses, for instance, are limitedly defined by societys dominant group as either hardened battle-axes of anti-femininity, or ultra-compassionate and sensitive angels of mercy. These highly constricting labels, imposed by dominant groups, limit these women to identifying themselves as one of these two, polar descriptors (Callan, 1978, as cited in Turner West, 2 009). Because of the restricted definitions provided by dominant groups, these nurses can only potentially conceive themselves as aligning with one of these completely differing camps and are thus limited in the development of their own self-concept and individual identity. The first of the research studies examined here focuses on the muting inherent in the culture of date rape found on many college campuses. A rape culture can be defined as an environment which supports attitudes conducive to rape and increase sexual violence risk factors (Buchwald, Fletcher Roth, 1993, as cited in Burnett et all., 2009). The study in question, Communicating/Muting Date Rape: A Co-Cultural Theoretical Analysis of Communication Factors Related to Rape Culture on a College Campus was authored by Ann Burnett, Jody L. Mattern, Liliana L. Herakova, David H. Kahl, Jr., Cloy Tobola, and Susan Bornsen and was first published in the Journal of Applied Communication Research in November of 2009. Burnett et al. (2009) sought to uncover how certain attitudes and outlooks regarding the act of rape, as expressed by social, individual, and cultural perspectives, stemmed from various behaviors preceding a possible rape, during a rape itself, and as a response to a rape occurring. Th ese attitudes served to mute college students, primarily women, and possibly perpetuate the continued creation of a rape culture on college campuses. Their research primarily utilized Muted Group Theory in a co-cultural theoretical paradigm in order to define campus rape culture through communication focused on rape and sex, the negotiating of sexual consent, the potentiality of a rape to occur, a rape itself, the aftermath and repercussions of a rape, and peoples perceptions of, and reactions to, date rape (Burnett et al., 2009). Burnett et al.s (2009) study methodology chiefly utilized hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry. Hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry involves delving into the shared, lived experiences of individuals who have been involved in a specified phenomenon (Lanigan, 1979, as cited in Burnett et al., 2009). Researchers utilizing a phenomenological approach search for any central, underlying themes behind a given experience and attempt to develop general or universal implications from them (Creswell, 2007, as cited in Burnett et al., 2009). Phenomenological inquiry involves researchers gathering descriptions of lived experiences, reviewing the various capta found to uncover any essential themes of the experiences, and discovering any interrelatedness among the established themes (Nelson, 1989, as cited in Burnett et al., 2009). The capta for Burnett et al.s (2009) study were gathered through nine separate focus groups at a Midwestern university. These focus groups contained five with just wome n, two of only men, and two groups were co-ed in composition. The university in question housed an approximate population of 12,000 students, contained fifteen fraternities or sororities, and had a Division 1 athletics program on campus. The study did not specify a need for focus group members to have been rape victims to be involved. Focus group moderators utilized an open-ended conversational style in order to encourage member participation (Nelson, 1989, as cited in Burnett et al., 2009). Topics put to the focus groups included various definitions of, and motivations for, rape, alcohols role in rape, post-rape options, potential reasons why rape is not reported, how to avoid possible rape scenarios, and group members perception of the prevalence of rape on their campus (Burnett et al., 2009). Following this, the gathered capta were reduced by recognizing what given factors were essential to the experience and which were not, and then attaching meaning to the essential elements re maining by contrasting and comparing the different given experiences and how the identified themes contributed to them (Nelson, 1989, as cited in Burnett et al., 2009). Burnett et al.s (2009) results indicated an ambiguity surrounding date rape that silences potential, meaningful intercourse on the subject and mutes both possible and actual victims of date rape. Burnett et al. (2009) found that focus group members had great difficulty in pinpointing a firm definition of date rape as they felt situational factors affected any interpretation of the event. For instance, although sexual consent was suggested as an essential element, focus group members probed which non-verbal and verbal actions could be construed as consent. Because they had no firm way of defining what date rape was, both male and female participants were muted from recognizing the signs of date rape or when to report it. Students are thus forced to rationalize their notions of rape because their culture, the college campus, fails to do so (Burnett et al., 2009). On an individual, psychological level, the focus group members, even the women, utilized primarily dominant, male-driven language to characterize known date rape victims as overtly promiscuous individuals whose state of dress could almost function as a form of consent. Participants also noted how males are often praised for extreme sexual prowess and a high number of partners whereas women are cast in a negative light for the same sort of behavior. These common views reiterate the dominant position of men in society and their influence on the language and ideologies concerning date rape (Burnett et al., 2009). From a post-rape perspective, female focus group members questioned the strength and validity of their ability to communicate a lack of consent. This sort of interrogation places the responsibility for the rape on the victim (Burnett et al., 2009). Both female and male focus group members agreed that the reporting of date rape is muted due to further ambiguity regarding the cor rect steps to take following a rape and a fear of others reactions to said rape. This fear of victim blaming only serves to further isolate and mute anyone who has been the victim of date rape or knows a victim who is choosing to remain silent (Burnett et al., 2009). Additional dominant groups such as a colleges administration and staff can silence victims and perpetuate a date rape culture through a lack of backing for anti-rape preventative education and post rape support services on campus. This lack of recognition of date rape in the dominant discourse leads individuals to mute themselves via various explaining-away tactics in order to not contradict the mainstream. Following their study, Burnett et al. (2009) concluded that both male and female students participate in the inherent muting of a date rape culture and that date rape victims are actively muted before, after, and even during a rapes occurrence. The largest factor in the continued perpetuation of campus date rape culture is the failure of the student population to properly and affectively define what constitutes date rape and sexual consent. Because there is no firm classification of either of these, date rape victims, and potentially the rapists as well, have no clue they are actually involved in a date rape. The scope of this study, while thorough on the campus it took place, is in actuality quite limited. Because Burnett et al. limited their focus to one specific college campus in one specific area of the country it cannot be considered an entirely accurate representation of possible rape cultures on college campuses across the board. Along with its scope, the studys testability is extremely limited because of their research methodology. While relying on interpersonal communication allowed for a more personal and in-depth examination of various individuals experiences with date rape, these particular views are that of the individual in question and cannot be affectively measured with any sort of documentable accuracy. The parsimony and heurism of the study are both notable, however. At its core, the explanation for the continuance of date rape culture is exceedingly simple and direct and the new thinking initiated by the study is of paramount importance. Hopefully, colleges can use the data provided here to better arm their student bodies against possible date rape in the future. The second research study being examined here involves the gender specific effects of muting on outdoor ropes challenge courses. The study, authored by Phillip A. Irish III, first appeared in the Journal of Experiential Education in 2006. Irish (2006) sought to discover the myriad of effects that verbal muting, a primary means for modifying a courses objectives, has on both genders and how successfully they can accomplish the tasks set forth by the moderators of these ropes courses when thusly limited. The ultimate goal of the study was to better arm ropes course facilitators with documented research to supplement their own experience and intuition in an effort to further the communication enhancing nature inherent in these sorts of challenges. The ropes course study examine two primary hypotheses: on specifically masculine-attributed outdoor ropes courses, muted males will experience stronger goal engagement, specified by proximal distance to said objective, than their muted, female counterparts, and, conversely, the greater time spent on a particular task will result in greater disengagement of muted males, measured by increasing distance from goal, than muted females in the same given time span. The methodology of Irishs (2006) study involved adult groups being given one of three possible outdoor ropes challenges: Doughnut, Thread the Needle, and Water Wheel. These challenges were selected specifically for because they involve the team members navigating a specific, centralized piece of equipment while simultaneously not limiting participants free movement about the challenge arena. These trials were also selected due to their generally male oriented objectives, such as lifting individual members up into the air. In differing groups, either all of the men or all of the women were verbally muted though gesturing and pantomime were allowed. The average group makeup consisted of five males to three females with individuals being lined up and divided my height in an effort to spread the height advantage out to each group. Distance measurements were taken every two minutes during the planning phase of the given challenge. The results of Irishs (2006) study indicate varying shifts in involvement by both sexes in regards to factors of group composition and the handicap of verbal muting. When looking at group makeup, there was no correlation on the involvement of males or females in the task based upon the increased number of females in the group, or male involvement based on the increased number of males in the group, however, when the number of males increased, regardless of other factors involved, female involvement dropped significantly. When the influence of verbal muting is examined, again, male involvement is curiously unaffected by muting or not, but female involvement dramatically lowered when they were muted. Irish (2006) felt his research was successful in terms of providing future researchers a methodology for empirically measuring involvement and interest in a task with relation to muting and non-muting factors. While muting had little variant effect on the position and involvement of males, muted females were generally twice as far away from the specified goal as non-muted females (Irish 2006). Muted females seemed to disengage entirely from the task as the positioned themselves farther away from the goal than their male counterparts. Irishs (2006) research shows slight correlation to male disinterest and disengagement overtime, but not enough, he felt, to be entirely conclusive and supportive of his original hypothesis. Irish posits that greater effect of muting on women may be due to the verbally communicative style generally attached to women. The implications of Irishs research on future Muted Group Theory are compelling. Even though Irish was not trying to illustrate the ways in which male dominant groups subjugate female non-dominant groups, the results of his research still support that central tenet of Muted Group Theory. As discussed previously, Muted Group Theory posits that male originated language forces women to translate everything into what essentially amounts to a foreign tongue. Irishs examination demonstrates how the severity of the male language barrier places women in an ingrained mindset of near constant verbal translation in order to be heard and understood by their male counterparts. When this verbal element is removed from their repertoire, women are left with no further tools to successfully navigate the ropes course or contribute in any meaningful way; because of both an inability to fully articulate themselves in a now non-verbal, male-centric language and because their male counterparts will essent ially ignore their female-oriented non-verbal communication tactics. The scope of this study is quite narrow as it only delves into a small aspect of muting; however, the study provides a high level of testability as the data provides an easily repeatable experiment in an effort to replicate the results and has great utility as it can be used to reinforce the basic notions of Muted Group Theory. The third research study being explored delves into the realm of email communication and how the once gender neutral communication arena now exhibits gendered voices which are being muted. The study, authored by Heather Kissack and Jamie L. Callahan was first published in the Journal of European Industrial Training in 2010. Kissack and Callahan (2010) sought to critically asses the validity of newfound research indicating increased textual gender cues in regards to preferred language use in email based communications. Kissack and Callahans goal was to illustrate how the muting of feminine voices occurs even in email communications. The methodology of Kissack and Callahans (2010) study is fairly straightforward. The study utilizes a vast array of previously completed research into the foundations and implications of Muted Group Theory on subjugating the speech of women and draws logical correlations to previous research on male-female communication in a structured organization as well as studies on genders impact on email conversing. The arguments posited are logically consistent and draw understandable conclusions between already researched topics. Kissack and Callahan (2010) discovered that feminine voices are more than simply marginalized in the work place as was once believed, but are in fact muted as well. Despite lacking the visual and audio cues of verbal language, email communication has still developed unique male and female centric consistencies which allow them to be easily distinguishable to a given reader (Corney, de Vel, Anderson, Mohay , 2002, as cited in Kissack Callahan, 2010). Even if the names of sender and receiver are omitted, either sex can easily identify the gender of email senders as gender specific language cues aid in this accuracy (Savicki et al., as cited in Kissack Callahan, 2010). Kissack and Callahan (2010) successfully accomplish their studys goal of shedding light on the still prevalent issues of feminine voice muting, specifically in an arena that most thought to be gender neutral be default. What is most intriguing about the work of Kissack and Callahan is that the majority of email users would claim the format to be primarily without gender bias. After all, the anonymity presented on the internet allows a user to appear as any gender they wish. This research study shows great logical consistency and scope through the great volume of research Kissack and Callahan have done to draw successful correlations between preexisting research topics. This study also shows potential to stand the test of time because it initiates a heuristic response to a fairly modern invention and the biases that have unfortunately come along with it. These growing trends could even be reexamined in the future to further track the validity of Kissack and Callahans work and to measure if any improvements have been made in the field. Kissack and Callahan focus strongly on the critical aspects of Muted Group Theory in an effort to inform (re: warn) our modern, technology-dependent society; as forward thinking as we think we are, to the dangers of gender muteness now creeping its way into email communication. The suggestions of their work are frightening. If gender bias and muted groups can find new life thriving in technology can these relics of a bygone era ever truly be stamped out? The fourth study observed focused on the application of two primarily feminism based theories, standpoint theory and Muted Group Theory, to emphasis the resilience and fortitude of individuals living in rural America and plan more effective methods of community-based healthcare promotion to better suit their needs. The study was authored by Deborah Ballard-Reisch and was first published in Women Language in 2010. Ballard-Reisch (2010) sought to rectify the vast differences in her previous research on the lives of rural Americans with that of some of her statistician and epidemiologist peers whose own research painted a vastly different, and far less optimistic, picture of frontier life. Ballard-Reischs (2010) methodology, in a similar fashion to the previously explored work of Kissack and Callahan, utilized a veritable melting pot of formerly gathered research and theoretical ideologies in an effort to repurpose them into a grounded, community based approach to better serve the healthcare needs of diverse rural and frontier constituents. Ballard-Reisch (2010) combined aspects of Muted Group and Standpoint Theories together with engaged scholarship and a community-based participatory research approach to more effectively recognize the strengths, needs, health issues, and dynamics of these rural residents to create and exercise far more efficient health promotion interventions. Ballard-Reischs research showed that rural areas contain a higher percentage of older adults than anywhere else in America (U.S. Census Bureau, 2009, as cited in Ballard-Reisch, 2010) and that women constitute a far larger portion of this percentage than anywhere else in the country; representing 52% of individuals aged sixty to sixty-four, and representing 68% of individuals aged 85 or older (CDC, 2010; ERS/USDA, 2001, as cited in Ballard-Reisch, 2010). Ballard-Reisch also discovered that despite containing a far larger portion of elderly Americans, one of the largest groups of consumers of healthcare products and services in the country (Wright, Sparks, OHare, 2008, as cited in Ballard-Reisch, 2010), rural areas hold a far lower concentration of able, effective healthcare professionals than their urban counterparts (ERS/USDA, 2007, as cited in Ballard-Reisch, 2010). The engaged scholarship approach suggested by Ballard-Reisch emphasizes collaboration and cooperation between both r esearchers and collaborators in a learning community to cultivate a theoretical and practical knowledge base (Van de Ven, 2007; Barge Shockley-Zalaback, 2008, as cited in Ballard-Reisch, 2010) and the community based participatory approach she posits underlines the participation of community members along with scholars to more properly research and address various issues of mutual interest (Israel et al., 2005, as cited in Ballard-Reisch, 2010). Ballard-Reisch (2010) theorizes that these two approaches in tandem can be utilized to unmute the healthcare issues of the disenfranchised elderly population of rural America and more successfully serve their needs. Ballard-Reisch believes the older individuals living in rural America must un-silence themselves and take an active role in shaping the future of their health. Ballard-Reischs research highlights the ways in which rural Americans, primarily older women, have their problems muted by a mainstream that instead chooses to focus its attention on the healthcare needs of urban individuals only, leaving the frontier population to fend for themselves. Because they are members of several non-dominant groups; elderly, female, and rural-based, these individuals are triply muted and to such an extent ignored by the urbanite healthcare professionals they so desperately need. Ballard-Reischs proposed solution would seem to be the most effective approach as it plays to the community focused nature of these rural areas and allows them the forge their own path to health moving forward instead of relying on the otherwise preoccupied dominant, urban groups for a hand out that may never come. Ballard-Reischs ideologies most notably show heurism as they seek to stimulate new kinds of thinking to solve old problems. The utility is less substantial as Ballard-Reis chs ideas require a lot of additional legwork and extensive knowledge and research of individuals who are often less educated, and less willing to educate, than their urban counterparts. The ramifications of Muted Group Theory are astronomically important. Something as simple and taken for granted as ones language has astounding implications towards ones ability to not only articulate their thoughts, but also generate said thoughts in the first place. By not having a specified word for something; whether it be an object, an idea, or a feeling, that notion cannot exist. It is fascinating to explore how; hopefully unconsciously, white, heterosexual, upper-class, males have strictly dictated for muted groups exactly how they can not only think, but perceive.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Summary Of Wuthering Heights By Emily Bronte :: essays research papers

'The herd of possessed swine could have no worse spirits in them then those animals of yours, sir!' (7) How could readers of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights not laugh at this quote? I found the book exciting as well as awful to read. It was so difficult and hard to read, but in the end was worth it. The characters were the ones that made it so enjoyable to read but made it also too complicated. However, all of them were fun to ?get to know?. My favorite is Catherine. She is bratty, spoiled and hopelessly selfish. I love to hate her. Then again, I also have pity on her. The combination of her up bringing, with her personality has caused her to be like this. Take for example the reason she marries Edgar. She says ?And he will be rich and I shall like to be the greatest woman of the neighborhood, and I shall be proud of having such a husband.? (78). It is as if she cannot see anything but what is best for herself. Nelly talks to her, and tries to get her to see her selfishness. Even there my point is proven. Nelly hates Catherine, even though she has the negative feelings toward her mistress, she still can see what Catherine is doing wrong, and instead of letting Catherine go on, she tells her. Catherine is so wrapped up in herself. It is pretty annoying to read about her because she is so conceded. One of the things she says is ?But I begin to fancy you don't like me. How strange! I thought, though everybody hated and desp ised each other, they could not avoid loving me.? (120) I cannot even understand how someone could think that about himself or herself! Catherine is so stuck up! Nelly is a weird character in this book. She seems to be the mother, especially to Catherine. One of the things I like most about her is the fact she is not stupid, she understands people, but does not abuse it. Then again, she is too smart to be a maid. It really seems like she is educated. My favorite quote she says is ?I went about my household duties, convinced that the Grange had but one sensible soul in its walls, and that lodged in my body.? (119) I suppose the reason I think she is so motherly is because she is a lot like my mother, a little cheeky, knows how to control people younger than she is, smart, and can clean well.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Racism: Black People and New York Times Essay

I think everybody has heard about segregation. We all know about how everybody used to say separate but equal is okay. I think that racism is still going on today, even though it isn’t as obvious. It’s a disease that a lot of people have, which we must find a cure for. It’s a little harder to cure than the common cold though, but I think that it’s just as bad as it used to be. The first example of racism is when they are going to the trial in the book, To Kill A Mockingbird when Scout, Jem, and Dill are going to the trial and trying to find a seat in the balcony it says, † . . . and steered us gently through the black people in the balcony. Four Negroes rose and gave us their front-row seats. † (Lee 164) This is a good example of racism because it shows that blacks had to stand if whites wanted to sit down. So it shows segregation. Another quote is, â€Å"The colored balcony ran along three walls of the courtroom. Like a second veranda†Ã‚ ¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lee 164) This says that there was still a lot of segregation because it was just a â€Å"colored balcony†. That’s the only place blacks were allowed to sit or they could stand in the back. One more quote that I have from the book that says racism was, and still is a problem is, â€Å"But around here once you have a drop of Negro blood, that makes you all black. † (Lee, 162) I really think that this is a strong quote, because I think that it’s true. If someone doesn’t like one group of people and then they find out that your slightly one of them. They automatically push you away. My reasoning for them doing this is because they are either scared or jealous of them. It also says that people don’t try to get to know people very well. Lots of people did and still do make judgements based on outward appearance. In this paragraph, I’m going to prove to you that racism still exists, just as bad as it did in the 1930’s. Even though there isn’t segregation anymore racism is still a problem. People are racist mainly against blacks. Like this article says, † . . . 88 black men have been executed for killing whites, while only two white men have been executed for killing blacks. † (New York Times, February 24, 1995. A Long History. Laws once gave penalties by race.) It shouldn’t matter what your skin color is depending on how severe your punishment is. Another article says, † . . . when blacks committed crimes against each other without involving whites, the legal consequences wee lower than when whites were harmed. † (New York Times, February 24, 1995. A Long History. Laws Once Gave Penalties by Race. ) This one shows that once whites were involved the crime suddenly got a lot worse than they were making it. I think that with some proof from the book that shows how it used to be. Then some proof of how it has been in the last few years, I think that anyone can clearly see that racism is just as bad as it used to be. My solution to the problem of racism is very hard to do. It is known as a disease, but this isn’t one we can take some medicine for and cure it. This is one we have to teach. Racism is not caught, but taught. We have to teach each other that it doesn’t matter what we look like on the outside, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. How do we teach this? We can go to schools all around the country. Do a lot of different public speaking sessions. That is how I would cure racism. So in conclusion, I hope that I have convinced some of you that racism is just as bad as it was in the 1930’s. You can plainly see that Harper Lee, even as a little child could see that racism was going on. Then it was a little more obvious, but we still need to realize it. Just because racism is just as bad as it was before doesn’t mean that we can’t change that.