Impact of internet social and political Essay Example for Free

Impact of internet social and political Essay The internet is less than two decades old but its impact has been felt by almost everyone in the global village. It has not only revolutionized our personal interaction habits but has also impacted greatly on other spheres of our life, most notably the economy. In many societies, the digital technology has not only influenced the political communication but also the whole political systems. Shapiro (1999) suggests that the digital technology has captured the attention of everyone from the media, government and the general public. Although the invention of the internet has brought with it some negative aspects, the digital technology has been hailed as the man’s new road to the better world. This paper will try to discuss some of the aspects of the internet that have continuously impacted on our social and political behaviours as citizens. Computers and the internet have greatly facilitated and expanded the individuals’ capacities in every sector of the society. Gurstein (2000) contends that the new ICTs have impacted almost everyone from institutions to business to organizations to the political arena. The impact has been so great that every sector of our society feels obliged to embrace the information communication technology in order to either improve the running of the government, community networking or to improve the citizen participation in the new information society. Terms such as â€Å"citizen networks†, â€Å"digital cities† or â€Å"e-governments† have become common expressions these days. They simply imply the new ways of interactions that exist between the governed and the government and new ideas regarding the metropolitan policies, through the use of electronic media (Sclove, 1995). The urban settings, built landscape as well as the social setting in our society, has undergone tremendous transformation from the last decade into the new millennium. The citizens have also not been left behind in this era of transformation. What we consider space, time, and our perception of politics as well as what we consider public or private and local or global has greatly changed. The advancement in the information communication technology has largely contributed to the changes in our cities and contemporary societies (Tsagarousianou, Tambini, Bryan, 1998). There is a new concept that has caught on with most people in our society concerning governance. The term â€Å"electronic democracy† though has been in use since 1960s when most activists introduced a number of communication medias like free radio stations, to make the governments more accountable and responsive to its citizens, has found its way back in the advent of the internet (Sclove, 1995). Internet is currently being used to marshal grassroots groups to support a certain cause by most civil activists. There is also a growing mass of citizen initiatives that help to shape public opinion and thus influencing policies both at the national and local level. The internet therefore has greatly challenged the hitherto monopolies of the most political classes through better communication networks that have empowered the citizens to create a form of democracy in the society (Schuler, 1998). Today, many cities around the globe have created home pages in the internet and forums for interaction with their city residents. Governments around the world both at the local and national level in developed and developing nations alike, have invested in e-government projects through networks that enable citizens access to government structures, engage in online transactions or to get information on government policies. Some of these networks and sites have enable citizens to participate in most decision making regarding the management of urban habitats (Underwood, 2002). The internet has great potential to amass groups of people persuasive to certain ideologies. Many organizations now have websites which they use not only to communicate with their members but to recruit more like-minded individuals into their groups. Indeed the internet has become one of the major tools for lobbying citizens to a particular cause. Such organizations as the Internet Society and Voters Frontier Foundation have been very active in recruiting and educating the public on political issues in America (Tsagarousianou, Tambini, Bryan, 1998). These groups have greatly contributed to the policy making processes through intensive lobbying. The internet has therefore provided a better platform for the citizens to actively participate in the political arena. This development has actually dealt a big blow to the interest group politics that have gone on over the years (Davis, 1999). The internet has impacted greatly on how we interact these days. Due to its widespread and accessibility, the information communication technology has completely changed the forms of social engagements. Today, there are numerous social networking sites that have increased the speed at which we do interact and organize our social activities. The most notable ones are MySpace and Facebook, which have simply taken the social interactions to the next level. These sites not only make it easier to keep in touch with friends and family members but enable subscribers to find other friends online. The era of information communication has ushered in a new way of keeping contacts with others no matter the distance between us. In a nutshell, the internet has reduced the world to a global village where everyone can be reached simply by a few clicks of the mouse (Subrahmanyam Greenfield, 2008). The social networking sites have also been very important in educating the public on social and political problems afflicting the society. There are groups of people who have formed social forums and recruited individuals with like-minded views on the social and political events in the country. Members would be easily reached through the internet and topics as well as current affairs discussed. These forums have been quite helpful in bringing change in the political and social arenas in our country. It is the emergence of the internet as a political tool that some countries like the Myanmar, Iran and China have censored its usage among their citizens. These countries have restricted contents of political and religious materials that are accessible to their citizens (Shapiro, 1999). Again, a new internet phenomenon has emerged reshaping the politics and political activities in many countries around the global. What has been referred to as the internet activism has caught on in many countries and political players and citizens alike have embraced internet to win masses into their camps and political groupings (Tolbert, McNeal, 2003). The current United States president Barrack Obama owes much of his political success to the internet. He amassed overwhelming campaign funds that enabled him outmuscle his opponents in the 2008 elections simply by recruiting a greater mass of followers through the internet. The citizens who were eager for change contributed wholeheartedly to this cause through internet donation. What was most remarkable was the overwhelming following Obama was able to attract over a short period of time in politics. Those who contributed included even non-Americans, who found it easier because of the internet. The internet has also provided leisure activities to its users through social entertainment sites. Currently, there are a number of forums that provide games, videos, and cartoons to entertain internet users. The internet has also enabled easy access to news and information. People these days are able to watch and listen to news, book for vacations, get information on weather and many other things of their interest. There are also thousands of blog sites that have not only provided a platform of communication but have enabled most people to interact by sharing views on various happenings around them. The blog sites have also become political tools most citizens use to lobby people onto their way of thinking (Rodgers, 2003). During the early stages of its development, in the early 1990s, the digital technology led to what many considered internet-euphoria. Many optimists believe it was the new dawn to mankind’s participation in social, political as well as economic spheres in his society. These euphoric evaluation has somewhat changed over the years as more people are now becoming more aware of the dangers technological advancement may pose to the society (Engel, Keller, 2000). There is the issue of lack of internet safety as the social networking sites have proved to be. The critics of internet claim that it may increase cyber thefts or deceits because one may be able to steal one’s identity especially from the social networking sites. The challenges posed by the internet to the political activities have been cited as some propaganda wars between nations which may spill over into real battles (Tolbert, McNeal, 2003). Conclusion The internet has profound altered our societal operation both in political and social spheres. The citizens will continue to access vital information that would eventually empower them which in turn will reshape the politics and political class that have long governed with their interest-based policies. Again, the internet has proved to be a better social tool in our society because it has made interaction easier than before. However, there are a few challenges that must be overcome to make it safer for every user.

Eating Disorders: A Feminist Issue Essay -- Health Bulimia Anorexia Fe

Eating Disorders: A Feminist Issue What is a feminist approach to understanding eating disorders? Not all feminists have the same understanding of eating disorders. There are many different theories that are prevalent in feminist literature today. This web page will explore some of the different feminist perspectives about the cause of eating disorders in our culture. Power Control and obedience In her book Unbearable Weight, Susan Bordo (1993) makes the argument that the fear of women's fat is actually a fear of women's power. Thus, as women gain power in society, their bodies dwindle and suffer. She states that "female hunger--for public power, for independence, for sexual gratification-- [must] be contained, and the public space that women be allowed to take up be circumscribed, limited... On the body of the anorexic woman such rules are grimly and deeply etched" (Bordo, 171). Naomi Wolf (1991) has a similar explanation of the origin of eating disorders in her bestseller The Beauty Myth. She states: "a cultural fixation on female thinness is not an obsession about female beauty but an obsession about female obedience" (Wolf, 187). Women who remain thin are being obedient; it is another way for patriarchy to control women. "If women cannot eat the same food as men, we cannot experience equal status in the community" (Wolf, 189). Sexuality Sexuality is another issue that feminist Naomi Wolf explores in an effort to understand the prevalence of eating disorders among women. "Fat is sexual in women. . . to ask women to become unnaturally thin is to ask them to relinquish their sexuality" (Wolf, 193). Women who develop eating disorders, especially anorexia, are denying their sexuality and natural female b... ... disordered attitudes and behaviors. Psvchology of Women Quarteriv. 2-0, 2. Goodman, Ellen. (1996). The skeleton look is in fashion. The Tennessean. June 1 1. Mahowald., Mary Betody. (1995). To be or not to be a woman: anorexia nervosa, normative gender roles, and feminism. Nagging Questions. Ed. Dana E. Bushnell. Boston: Rowman Er Littlefield. Martz, D. M., Handley, K. B. Er Eisler, R. M. (1995). The Relationship between feminine gender role stress, body image, and eating disorders. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 19, 4. Morris, B. J. (1985). The phenomena of anorexia nervosa: a feminist perspective. Feminist Issues, 5, 2. Orbach, Susie. (1978) Fat Is A Feminist Issue. New York: Berkeley Press. Swartz, L. (1985). Is thin a feminist issue? Women's Studies International Forum, 8. 5. Wolf, Naomi. (1991). The Beauty Myth. NewYork: Doubleday.

Criticism Philosophy Essay

Not too many people can listen none defensively, or none antagonistically, to criticism. And very few of those who listen admit it when they see that they are wrong. The thing is, we think that admission of guilt, or of being wrong, or that we have made a mistake, is a sign of weakness. Yet true failure is repeatedly refusing to see your faults. Learning to listen to criticism is a life skill that we’d all do well to master. It is about keeping our hearts open (deferring judgment), and ensuring that we are not emotionally aroused (intimidated, irritated, etc.) by our critic (this is deferring reaction). Learning to listen to criticism is about carefully absorbing what is being said, and then honestly evaluating if it is fair, true, constructive or destructive. Only after we’ve carefully listened to and evaluated the criticism can we respond to it. SECTION B: HOW TO TAKE CRITICISM 1). See criticism as an opportunity to work together with the critic to solve the problem; not as an adversarial situation. Even if you can’t solve the problem together with the critic, consider the moment they criticize you as an opportunity for all of you to grow from whatever the problem is. See it as an opportunity for straightening things out; as an opportunity to hear them out, question them where you need clarity; and as an opportunity for you to clarify what needs to be clarified. This calls for changing your mindset; for changing your attitude (from an adversarial one to a positive one) towards criticism. 2). View criticism as valuable information about how to do better, not as a personal attack. Criticism, regardless of whether it is used as a constructive or a destructive tool, can provide us with valuable feedback on our performance. It provides us with feedback on where we’ve fallen short, and that (i.e., knowing what we need to improve on) is important for our learning and growth. So even when your critic uses criticism as a destructive tool (e.g., as a personal attack, or as a way to put you down, or as a way to manipulate you, or as a way to maintain a psychological advantage), identify his intention but decide to pay particular attention to the criticism itself. Evaluate the criticism itself, and identify what feedback you may get from it. To be able to evaluate the criticism, you must †¦ 3). Listen carefully to what is being said. This is taking up all the data, and evaluating it to see if it has any validity. 4). Watch the impulse to defend (See Defense Mechanisms): Just listen and evaluate. Know the difference between emotional thinking and rational thinking; use your head, not your heart. Don’t give in to your emotions (be it laughter, anger, fear, or whatever): simply listen! 5). And if the criticism is too upsetting, ask to resume the meeting later; after a period to absorb the difficult message, and cool down a bit. SECTION C: HOW TO GIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM 1). BE POLITE AND SENSITIVE. This is a call for empathy; for being attuned to the impact of what you say, and how you say it to the person on the receiving end. The person (on the receiving end) is most likely to be defensive. S/he may resort to loud and angry words, or may even cry. Be ready for whatever reaction (including rebuffs, or attacks to hurt you back; breaking down into tears; begging you for forgiveness and sympathy; and so on. There is a whole catalog of reactions to criticism: be ready for any of them, and maintain your calm). 2). BE SPECIFIC. Don’t criticize the whole person (by using global labels or sweeping generalizations). It is demoralizing for people to know that there is something wrong without knowing what the specifics are, so that they can change. Focus on the specifics; saying what the person did well, what was done poorly, and how the situation could be changed. The following approach is very effective (I call it the VWXYZ-approach): V – Tell the person what they did well (â€Å"You did this and that very well.†); W – Tell the person how happy you are, and/or how beneficial to you (or to the organization) this positive input was; X – Tell the person what was poorly done; Y – Tell the person what the damage means to you (or to the organization); Z – Give the person suggestions, if you have any, as to how the situation can be changed or rescued. Tell them how they would be expected to handle a similar problem in future. 3). OFFER A SOLUTION (See Z above). The critique, like any useful feedback, should point to a way to fix the problem. Show the person other possibilities and alternatives. 4). BE PRESENT. Critiques, like praise, are most effective when given face to face, and in private. Writing a memo, letter, or email robs the person receiving the criticism of an opportunity for response or clarification. In conclusion, you have to differentiate between criticizing someone and fighting them because of your own secret agenda. When you criticize, you want the person to improve, so that s/he can be better, or so that you can live in harmony together. But when you fight someone, you criticize out of hate or resentment: your agenda is to hurt, not to help. SECTION D: THE MYTH OF REALITY We all see reality through different colored glasses. Our feelings, inborn abilities, psychological make-ups, personalities, egos, characteristics, physical or emotional well-being, fears, desires, needs, wants, beliefs, and so forth, all play a role in our perception of reality. The assertion, †THERE ARE NONE SO SURE ABOUT (THEIR PERCEPTION OF) REALITY AS THOSE WHO ARE TOTALLY DELUSIONAL,† has a grain of truth in it; at least when it comes to things that can be disputed. Since our perceptions of reality differ, those who criticize us do so based on the perceptions (of reality) that they have in their minds. Our critics’ perception of the reality of what they are criticizing us of usually differs from ours. If one perception can be demonstrated to be 100% correct, then those on the wrong side of perception should admit that they are wrong, without any fear of being conceived as weak! The real truth is that admitting that you are wrong (when you realize that you are) is a sign of being strong minded. If, as in many cases, none of the various perceptions of the conflict-causing situation can be demonstrated to be 100% correct, then we should acknowledge that our perceptions are different, and simply agree to disagree. Before you criticize someone, be sure that your own perception of reality is 100% correct. If you are not so sure, be sure to point out from the onset that you (and the one you are criticizing) have different perceptions of reality, but you are not sure whose perception is correct. You may then criticize the other person’s perception, and then defend your own. SECTION E: TYPES OF CRITICISM Behind each criticism, there is an INTENTION to either put down the one being criticized or to help them (i.e., to build them up). Whether one intends to build up or to destroy, they will use STATEMENTS which are either FACTUAL, or FALSE, or (as is usually the case) a MIXTURE of TRUTHS and LIES. To analyze and evaluate someone’s criticism, we have to LISTEN very carefully to what they say. If we are not sure that we have heard them correctly, we have to SEEK CLARIFICATION. We have to: I). IDENTIFY THEIR INTENTIONS (to help or to put down); II). DETERMINE THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY CRITICIZE US (are they patronizing/condescending/adversarial or tactful/sympathetic/building up?); III). DETERMINE WHETHER THEIR INFORMATION IS ACCURATE OR WRONG. We must SEPARATE FACT FROM FICTION. We now look at the different types of criticism. 1. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM This occurs when your critic is motivated by the desire to help you; that is, when the person who criticizes you means well. Their manner of presenting the criticism may be good or bad, and they may possess facts, or a mixture of facts and fiction, or only inaccurate information. But the important thing is what drives the critic is the desire to help you. 2. DESTRUCTIVE CRITICISM In this kind of criticism, your critic’s intention may be one or more of the following: 2.1). PUTTING YOU DOWN. This may be in the form of a pointless nagging, or habitual recitation of your failures, or calling you names when they criticize you, or making sweeping generalizations; 2.2). ONE-UPMANSHIP. This occurs when one tries to maintain a psychological advantage over you, or to prove that they are better than you; 2.3). MANIPULATION. The critic may criticize what you are doing in an attempt to get you to do something else. This is often called CHILD PSYCHOLOGY. o SECTION F: RESPONDING TO CRITICISM There are two ways of responding to criticism; one is Ineffective Response, and the other is Effective Response. 1. INEFFECTIVE RESPONSE STYLES These are: 1.1). AGGRESSIVE STYLE. The techniques used include: – Counter Attacks; – Insulting or name-calling; – Loud Denials; – Mocking (Cynicism); and – Sulking in anger. This style of responding to criticism is adversarial, and often leads to fights and/or resentment. 1.2). PASSIVE STYLE. In this style of response to criticism, you agree, apologize, or surrender at the first sign of (a usually destructive) criticism. You may panic and tremble physically. Or you may remain silent in a coward manner (which is different from sulking angrily). In this response style, you give your critic too much power, while sending your own self-esteem crashing rock-bottom. You do not seek clarity, and you do not even try to defend yourself. You do not try to give clarity, even where you feel you have been misunderstood, or wrongly accused. You may even take responsibility/blame for things that you have not done or said. Your fear overpowers you, and you just wish to be left in peace! 1.3). PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE STYLE. This may involve being silent, but not fully cooperative. Or you may respond passively by apologizing and agreeing to change, only to get even with your critic later; by not being fully committed to whatever you promised; or by botching it up; etc. 2. EFFECTIVE RESPONSE I). TRY TO DETERMINE YOUR CRITIC’S PERCEPTION OF REALITY. When someone criticizes you, ask yourself what may be their perception of reality; ask yourself what may be driving him/her to criticize you. Remember that we all see reality through different colored glasses. Resist all urges to respond (aggressively or passively, through panicking or being submissive) before evaluating the criticism. If you are not sure what your critic’s perception of reality is, and if you are allowed to, ask them (See III below). If you are not in a position to ask them directly, evaluate their criticism; for you may get, from the criticism itself, an idea of what your critic’s perception of reality is. In any case, it is important to be sure of what your critic’s perception of reality is. II). EVALUATE THE CRITICISM. It may be possible to tell from your critic’s tone of voice, from their facial expression, or from their posture, what their intentions of criticizing you are. It may be possible to tell this from context (this applies especially when you get a written critique). It is important to IDENTIFY what your critic’s INTENTIONS are. Whilst evaluating your critic’s criticism, do not jump into conclusions, and do not rush to responding. Forget your self-esteem, and concentrate exclusively on the criticism. – As already mentioned, you first have to identify your critic’s perception of whatever they are criticizing you of. – Next, identify the critic’s intention: Do they wish to build up or to destroy/hurt? Is their criticism constructive or destructive? – Next, determine the manner in which the critic gives the criticism: is it good or bad? Are they patronizing/condescending, or are they considerate of your own feelings? Hear their tone. Do they want to help or hassle? – You may also take into consideration your relationship with the critic. Is it a loved one? Is it your boss or superior? Is it a friend? Or is it someone who doesn’t even know you that much? Whatever the case, you want to live in harmony with the critic; but you also want to correct misconceptions. You want to clear the air, and clarify what needs to be clarified. – Check whether the criticism is accurate. Is the critic using facts, a mixture of truths and lies, or only lies? III). PROBE. As already pointed out in I), when someone criticizes you, they have a certain perception of what they are criticizing you of, and it is your right to be sure that you correctly understand what they say. – Ask your critic to be specific; not to make sweeping generalizations. – Ask him to support his claims. – Ask him whether he is sure of what he is saying. – Ask him what his perception of the situation is, and whether he is sure that his perception is correct. – Ask him to give examples of where you went wrong, and to tell you how you should have performed in those instances. – Ask your critic to tell you exactly What you must do. Having probed the critic, and having evaluated his criticism, decide whether his criticism is constructive or destructive; decide whether his manner of presenting the criticism is good (considerate) or bad (patronizing/condescending); and whether the information he uses is accurate, inaccurate, or a mixture of truths and lies. We now give guidelines on how to respond to (constructive and destructive) criticism. 2.1 HOW TO RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. Depending on your critic’s nature, he may couch his constructive criticism in terms of good suggestions for change, or he may patronize you. However well-meaning someone may be, patronizing and/or condescending (which occurs when someone tries to appear better) is bad, and is likely to provoke an adversarial reaction. This is because when someone is patronizing us, we are bound to feel uncomfortable, and we may give in to impulsive negative reactions. So even when your critic has good intentions, the MANNER of GIVING the CRITICISM may spoil it all (See â€Å"HOW TO GIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM† in ‘CRITICISM PHILOSOPHY I’). In criticizing you, your critic will use some statements which are true or false, and/or some statements whose truth values may be unknown. He may have accurate or wrong information. – If, in criticizing you constructively, your critic uses accurate information, or facts, to patronize you, or uses facts in a condescending manner, you may acknowledge the truth or validity of his point(s), but point out that his patronizing (or attempts at appearing better) is spoiling or defeating his good purpose (i.e., to help). – If your critic puts his (accurate) information in a good manner, acknowledge the facts and thank him for pointing them out. Tell him that you are going to consider his points. – If your critic’s information is inaccurate, you may correct him. Thank him for trying to help if his manner is good; but if, in addition to using wrong information, your critic’s manners suck, tell him that not only is his information inaccurate but his patronizing or condescending is really uncalled for. – If your critic uses a mixture of facts and lies, acknowledge the facts (and give thanks for them), and correct misconceptions. 2.2 HOW TO RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO DESTRUCTIVE CRITICISM Let’s now suppose that you have determined, to your satisfaction, that your critic’s intention is not to help you, but: to put you down; or to maintain a psychological advantage over you; or to manipulate you. As in the constructive case, your critic will use some statements; some of which may be true, whilst others may be false. In handling such a critic, simply acknowledge what is true and refute what is a lie. Disprove what needs to be disproved, and state your opinion on what is neither here nor there. It is important not to pick a fight, but to concentrate on the criticism.

Dropping Out When It Makes Sense to Quit School

At first glance, dropping out of school is a terrible idea. The outlook for high school dropouts is considerably more bleak than for teens who finish their education. According to a 2005 study by the non-profit Brookings Institution and Princeton University, adults ages 30-39, who never completed high school were earning $15,700 a year less than their colleagues with high school diplomas, and $35,000 a year less than adults of similar age who had attended college for two years. Dropouts are more likely to be unemployed or on welfare. In addition, the incarceration statistics - which arent correlated but are worth noting - are alarming. Two-thirds of the inmates in state prisons are high school dropouts. Artistic Teens Who Delay School That said, there are a few cases where dropping out or delaying completion of a traditional education makes sense. Young musicians, dancers or actors who are already pursuing professional careers as teens may find the standard school day difficult to manage. Even if school hours dont conflict, rising for an 8 a.m. class may be impossible for someone with late night gigs on a regular basis. Most of those students and their families opt for private tutors or independent study programs which allow them to graduate on time. Some students choose to defer their education by a semester, a year or longer when professional commitments require traveling or excessive hours. Thats a decision a family needs to weigh carefully. Many young actors and musicians, including Dakota Fanning, Justin Bieber, Maddie Ziegler and others manage to continue their education while pursing professional careers - but it takes commitment to do so. Health Issues and School Health issues may also necessitate a pause in education while your child heals, gets his physical or mental health condition under control, or finds an alternative path. From being in treatment for serious illnesses like cancer or other diseases to managing depression, anxiety or other psychological challenges, school can sometimes become secondary to the pursuit of good health. Again, most teens and their families opt for tutors or independent study programs which can be done privately or under the auspices of a public high school district, but there is no shame in needing to put academics on hold in order to take care of more pressing health issues. Additional Reasons Teens Drop Out According to the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network, other reasons teens drop of out school (in order of frequency include: pregnancy, unable to work at the same time as going to school, needing to support the family, need to care for a family member, becoming a mother or father of a baby, and getting married. However, nearly 75 percent of the teens who drop out eventually finish, according to the Brookings Institution. The majority earn their GED while others finish their coursework and actually graduate. Before freaking out at the very thought of your child dropping out, carefully weigh the pros and cons of dropping or stopping out. A traditional path to a high school diploma is not necessarily the right fit for everyone, and after the initial shock of the idea has subsided, you may come to the conclusion that your child would be better off pursuing an independent path to adulthood. That doesnt mean you shouldnt encourage - indeed, insist - on pursuing an alternative route to a diploma. Give your child time to consider your input, with the knowledge that you are ready to support him or her in whatever way you can to help reach the goal of completing their education. Then, formulate a plan with your child for resuming their education - via re-enrollment, tutors or independent study, or on e of the second chance education programs available, such as the GED. Whatever path your child takes, completing his or her education is the ultimate goal and parental help will only make that easier. Successful High School Dropouts They do exist! Billionaire  Richard Branson, CEO of VirginMultimillionaire David Karp, founder of TumblrFilmmaker Quentin TarantinoRobert De Niro, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Uma ThurmanJay-Z, 50 Cent and Billy Joel

One Of The Main Problems With The Law Is Injustice In The

One of the main problems with the law is injustice in the criminal justice system. There are so many innocent people serving time in jail. The criminal justice system in America was created to keep communities safe, to respect and restore victims, and to return offenders who leave prison to be self-sufficient and law-abiding. What the system has become is a monumental failure that our states and nation can no longer afford. There has been a growth in crime, but that may be because of the growth of technology and receiving information. Wrongful conviction and prison overcrowding are known as major issues in the criminal justice system because prisoners are held liable for crimes they did not commit and taxpayers pay for the care†¦show more content†¦According to statistics, Blacks have a disproportionate representation in the prison system. Some say that Blacks and Latinos and more likely to be charged for a crime because of their race (Blumstein p.39). Incarceration rates be tween Blacks and Whites are disproportionate, with a ratio of seven blacks to one white. This is a profound example of racial discrimination (Gabbidon, and Greene). Most say that the main cause of wrongful conviction is corruption in the justice system. The Justice System may convict an innocent of a crime just so someone is held liable for said crime, and in order for them to move on to the next case. We have all heard or read, whether on the news or in the paper, about criminal cases where individuals are convicted of crimes and sometimes even given the death penalty; and in most of these cases they were given a public lawyer, that may have been inexperienced with these types of cases, or did not put as much work into the case as they should have. Which led to a clearly innocent individual being held liable for a crime. Such incompetency on the part of a defense attorney undoubtedly results in some wrongful convictions (Warner). Lives have been known to be torn apart by prosecutor ial misconduct. Numerous safeguards have been placed in our judicial system, to help protect against wrongful convictions of innocent people. One of many protections our judicial system provides to protect against wrongful convictions is the presumptionShow MoreRelatedThe Need For Civil Disobedience Essay1172 Words   |  5 Pagescomes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but because conscience tells one it is right.† Conscience is the main sense of human being that helps to distinguish what is wrong and what is right. Thus, conscience has to be a main driving force when people encounter unjust laws of government. One of the philosophers who favored this idea was Henry David Thoreau. 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It isRead MoreLetter From Birmingham Jail By Martin Luther King Jr. Essay1683 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail† was to defend the strategy of nonviolent direct action in Birmingham and to justify the process and characteristics needed to attain the goals of both nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience in a just manner. One of the main purposes of King’s â€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail† was to defend the strategy of NVDA in Birmingham. King defends this strategy in the beginning of the letter when he states â€Å"It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham,Read MoreThe Criminal State of Mind1681 Words   |  7 Pages1. Crime is a violation of the criminal law, and it is also related to sociology because it is an action that society considers wrong to do. The current state of mind of the criminal can also affect the intention of the crime. The most common crimes in our society are burglary and robbery. These are two different types of crimes. Burglary is the act of stealing without any violence, and robbery is the act of stealing with the force or threat of violence. The terms Actus Reus (guilty act) and MensRead MoreMahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela1504 Words   |  7 Pagessimilar with pacifism, but it is not pacifism. Since the mid-2 0th century, non-violence and civil disobedience become the main form of social change, and it also is respected political and social philosophy. As the practice of social and political change, non-violent has the essence difference with pacifism, it is contrary to the wishes of the oppressed, and it struggle with any injustice and power political. In my final paper, I will instruction three famous Non-violence movement leader: Mahatma GandhiRead MoreThe Gentrification Of Chinatowns Across The United States871 Words   |  4 Pageslandlords sell their building for big sum of money resulting in evictions. Such injustice is hard to stop because its not illegal, and all of the stakeholders besides the Asian Americans living in Chinatowns are happy with development. The possible winnable solutions to the problem of gentrification would be to strengthen the community so that the city representative could hear their voice and opinions when it comes the their problem. Asian Americans shou ld try to be involved as United States citizens moreRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Letter From Birmingham Jail1052 Words   |  5 Pagesmatter of fact, this letter is coming from the people in the Birmingham jail, stating their inner thoughts about the non-violence action, which just goes against the violence and the injustice in most cases. Although this essay response intends to provide the people in the Birmingham Jail of how to solve the serious problems of the violence and non-violence action from several perspectives, here, the focus is paid on the rhetorical analysis in this letter, mainly on the pathos logos and ethos respectivelyRead MoreSocial Injustices Of The United States885 Words   |  4 PagesSocial injustices People always praise our world is beautiful and peaceful, but they ignore the injustices still exist and some of them without good solutions. Although people believe social injustices are unfair and will bring pain and tear, they are used to treating them as air because they never experience these unequal things. Likewise, the discrimination occurs both in upper class and regular class between Puerto Ricans and Mexicans. For example, there was an obvious discrimination happenedRead MoreMoral Responsibility1256 Words   |  6 Pagesbe where it is without the laws that have been placed and the citizens who follow the laws. In order for this to happen the knowledge and acceptance of the laws are needed to establish order. African Americans had been secluded in the past through harsh laws of segregation. Although many believe disobeying the law is morally wrong and if disobeyed a punishment should follow, Martin Luther King’s profound statement, â€Å"One has the moral responsib ility to disobey unjust laws† (King 420) leads to greaterRead MoreThe Nineteen Sixties Riots: Disasters Waiting to Happen Essay843 Words   |  4 Pagesreally be traced back to three main reasons: (1) discrimination and deprivation, (2) the civil rights movement and its doctrine of civil disobedience and (3) continuous mistreatment by the police. Racial injustice and discrimination is, perhaps the most obvious reason for the uprisings of Negro citizens of the ghettos in the sixties. Slavery laws were rejected in the 1860s but in the hundred years since then, Negroes were constantly subjected to Jim Crow laws and second-class citizenship.

Analysis Of The Black Community Labeling Who Is More...

Collins argues that it is dangerous to engage in a comparison of ranking oppression because it shapes competition for attention, resources and theoretical supremacy. According to Collins, race, class and gender are â€Å"interlocking categories of analysis that together cultivate profound differences in our personal biographies.† By using the three levels of oppression, provided as interlocking categories, it helps explain how to combat the notion of who is more oppressed than whom. The reason it is problematic to compare and rank oppression is because it encourages individuals to oppress someone else to feel superior. Therefore, oppression becomes full of contradictions because it creates conflict within those who are oppressed when there†¦show more content†¦Wilson explains that the inner city behavior suffer from many years of exposure to the similar situation, which created the depiction that individuals prefer to be within the same cycle of poverty. Where in re ality, it is adaptions response to racial exclusion that traps many individuals within their neighborhood. Hence, creates limitations for opportunities in employment and mobilizing from their current circumstances. Wilson further argues that the need of understanding the impacts of cultural forces, because it affects how individuals cultural traits that interpret their views and beliefs. Professor Thompson shares the example of how women continually having children out of wedlock, which is evidence of how their cultural impacts how they interpret their reality. These patterns will continue to happen with communities if the cultural, in which they live in, does not change. Wilson emphasizes the advantages of class programs that would address employment assistance and supportive series. His argument is by tackling and analyzing the culture within communities that deal with the issues of poverty and inequality. I agree with Wilson tactics the need to mainly attempting to understanding and create reasoning as to why individuals are stuck within the cycle of poverty. The government currently does not provide individuals sociology assistance in detaching themselves from poverty. Instead, womenShow MoreRelatedRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 PagesDonnaree, my wife, and Donnisa, my daughter, the two persons around whom my life revolves; and to the ancestors whose struggles have enabled us to survive and thrive This page intentionally left blank Foreword One of the most useful things about Ennis Edmondss Rastafari: From Outcasts to Culture Bearers is that it correctly traces the connection between the emergence of Rastafarianism and the history of resistance and black consciousness that has been part of the Jamaican experience forRead MoreAn Analysis of Terrorism Essay9824 Words   |  40 PagesAn Analysis of Terrorism On September 11, 2001, every person was stunned with the earth shaking news that the World Trade Center (WTC), the highest building in the world was attacked by terrorist. This was done by hi-jacking two commercial airplanes which plowed the two famous sites. More than 5,000 American was feared dead. This was the most recent and most devastating terrorist act that brought terrorism into the timelight. Terrorism is a term of uncertain legal content. The term itselfRead MoreCritical Analysis of Zaabalawi by Naguib Mahfouz6285 Words   |  26 Pagesgovernmental policies or to â€Å"objective conditions† whose responsibility cannot be attributed to the government (1996, p. 6). People manipulate the truth by lying while labeling them as â€Å"white lies†. The paradox is that the so-called â€Å"white lies† ruin our lives and make the clean sheet of our honest nature to be dark and even black! For instance, in â€Å"An Enemy of the People†, the mayor, Peter, asks Dr. Stockmann to tell a lie to people about the â€Å"polluted baths†; however, the responsible doctor neverRead MoreGp Essay Mainpoints24643 Words   |  99 PagesSingapore: Culture 4. Environment a. Developed vs. Developing b. Should environment be saved at all costs c. Are we doing enough to save the environment? d. Main reasons for environmental problems nowadays 5. Religion a. Religion divides more than it unites b. Religion and politics c. Science and religion 6. Terrorism a. Can terrorism ever be eradicated? 7. Sports a. True purpose of sports nowadays b. Sports and Media 8. Foreign Aid a. How effective is Foreign Aid? 9Read MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesBehavior that helps you actively study and prepare material for class. Chapter-by-chapter activities, including built-in pretests and posttests, focus on what you need to learn and to review in order to succeed. Visit www.mymanagementlab.com to learn more. DEVELOPING MANAGEMENT SKILLS EIGHTH EDITION David A. Whetten BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY Kim S. Cameron UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Prentice Hall Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai

Role of Religion in Environmental Conservation free essay sample

The current assignment is about the role of religion in environmental conservation. Every society of the world follows certain religion or has a particular set of beliefs. Religion is the basic instrument which patterns the behavior of the people throughout the world. It provides the basic principles, rules and guidelines to its followers to spend their lives. It directs the people to do certain acts and avoid certain things or acts. Some things may be considered as holy while some may be attributed as unholy. This categorization may also be termed as sacred and profane. There are also certain socio-religious taboos in the societies around the world. Socio-religious taboos exist in most cultures, both Western and non-Western. They are good examples of informal institutions, where norms, rather than governmental juridical laws and rules, determine human behavior. In many traditional societies throughout the world, taboos frequently guide human conduct toward the natural environment. Environment comprises of both the living and non-living objects around the human beings. This may include natural resources like forests, water, soil, mountains, herbs, air and living organisms. Different religions guide the people to utilize these natural resources as well as these religions put some limitations in the utilization of environment. Religion and Environmental Conservation: The major religions of the world like; Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism have certain doctrines about the relationship of human being and environment. These religions guide its followers about the utilization of natural resources and about the conservation of environment. In the Buddhist tradition, environmental responsibility is a result of the natural interaction between humans and nature. One of the misconceptions that prevent humans for reaching happiness is the false consideration of their own importance. As a consequence, humans lose their links with nature, destroying valuable resources as a result of their greed. Overcoming greed will provide a better internal equilibrium, as well as a better preservation of natural resources. Humans should be like bees that take the nectar of flowers without destroying them. Buddhist culture also acknowledges a moral communion between humans and nature. The land will produce proper fruits when humans deal properly with her. Human greed causes division and ownership conflicts, which implies violence and destruction. Susan M. Darlington in his article, â€Å"The Ordination of a Tree: The Buddhist Ecology Movement in Thailand† tells about a Buddhist ecology movement which is started by Buddhist Monks. These monks are popularly known as â€Å"Ecology Monks†. This movement is developing in Thailand and other Buddhist countries. It is focusing on the local and national problems of deforestation and ecological destruction. The Buddhist involved in this movement see their religion as critical for providing practical as well as moral guidelines for ecological conservation. The major aim of Buddhism is to relieve suffering, the root causes of which are greed, ignorance and hatred. The monks who are involved in this movement see the deforestation, pollution of the air and water, and other environmental problems as caused by people acting through these evils, motivated by economic gain and the material benefits of development and industrialization. These monks forbid the people from damaging the natural resources which have a good impact on the environment of Thailand. Islam has provided different texts that support the environmental responsibility of human beings. Islam has divided the things for human use into â€Å"halal† (lawful or permissible according to Islamic law) and haram (sinful). Many species of organisms are haram according to Islam like; lions, dogs, pigs, monkeys, cats, bear, jackal, parrots, crow, eagle, etc. The Muslims avoid eating these organisms due to which they are protected and constitute a major portion of the environment. Some hadiths include sayings of Prophet Mohammad prohibiting the wasteful use of resources, most importantly of water, which is a very valuable resource in Arab lands. A significant hadith in this regard includes an admonition by a God Messenger to a devout Muslim who is wasting water in holy ablutions. This implies a clear condemnation of sumptuous attitudes with regard to natural resources, since the carelessness deserves a reproach even when the water is wasted during worship. Another hadith emphasizing the plantation of trees says that; â€Å"to plant a tree is sadqa-e-jaria† (keep on getting rewarded). Islam also forbids the cutting of trees in graveyards and the use of graveyard trees are haram for Muslims. The Earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you his stewards over it. The whole earth has been created a place of worship pure and clean. Whoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit is rewarded. If a Muslim plants a tree or sows a field and humans and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is counted as charity on his part. In the Quran, Muslims are taught to look after the environment and not to damage it. Devote thyself single-mindedly to the Faith, and thus follow the nature designed by Allah, the nature to which he has fashioned mankind. There is no altering the creation of Allah. (Surah 30 : 30) Allah is he who raised the Heavens without any pillars that ye can see. It is He who setup the Earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and flowing rivers. All this is God’s creation and Muslims should therefore seek to protect and preserve environment. Moreover by doing so they protect God’s creatures. (Quran 2-4 and Quran 17:4) Hinduism is also very relevant to the environmental responsibility of humans, especially in rural communities, which have a strong conviction about caring for the land. Ancient Hindus felt the Supreme Being’s presence in everything around them. Since these heavenly forces sustained all living creatures and organic things on this earth, to please God, they felt they must live in harmony with His creation including earth, rivers, forests, sun and air. Hinduism is a way of living according to one understands of principles of Vedas and Upnishads. Veda is revealed knowledge. The Vedas traditionally believed to have been written around 3000 B. C. ( as accepted by German scholar Max Muller) and considered sacred in Hinduism contain one thousand and twenty-eight hymns dedicated to thirty-three different Gods out of which most often addressed Gods are nature Gods. Surya (Sun God), Indra (Rain God and King of Heavens), Agni (Fire God). Ano Bhadrah: Kritwo Yantoo Vishwathana (Prayer in devotion to nature for the upliftment of mankind.   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Do not cut trees because they remove pollution. † (Rig Veda 6:48:17) â€Å"Do not disturb the sky and do not pollute the atmosphere. † (Yajur Veda 5:43) â€Å"We invoke all supporting Earth on which trees, lords of forests, stand ever firm. †(Atharva Veda 12:1:27 ) â€Å"Don’t destroy forest with Tigers and don’t make forest devoid of tigers. Forests can’t be saved without tigers and tigers can’t live without forests because forests protect tigers and tigers protect forests. † (Virat Parrva 5. 45-46) Humans should avoid any form of pollution and alteration of the natural balance. For instance, when somebody needs to dig the ground, they should fill the hole afterwards to repair the land and keep the original balance. Human care is especially critical with trees, which are the main reservoirs of life. Forests are considered sources of life and protectors of the land against soil degradation. This caring for trees has recently been manifested in two environmental movements, very active in India in the last decades: Chipko and Appiko. Both try to protect the forests from industrial exploitation and are a clear manifestation of this close relation with the land. Hindu religion has prohibited the prey and killing of animals, especially the cow (a sacred animal) and its followers are vegetarians. This results in the protection of biodiversity and conservation of nature. In Hindu culture, the moral relations between humans and nature can be found in some sacred texts. The earth answers as a living organism to the humans’ ways of using its resources, being gentle and fertile when they take proper care of her, and violent and cruel otherwise. Therefore, humans have a moral responsibility not to harm the earth in any way, avoiding pollution and using natural resources properly. Reed L. Wadley and Carol I. Pierce Colfer in their article â€Å"Sacred Forest, Hunting, and Conservation in West Kalimantan, Indonesia† tell that sacred how forest sites play an important role in conservation and local livelihoods of Iban community. Such sacred sites mark important historical and mythical events, providing the Iban with meaningful connections to the local landscape. They also provide important forest products such as fruit crops and rattan and may function as sources of forest regeneration. Bruce A. Byers, Robert N. Cunliffe, and Andrew T. Hudak in their article, â€Å"Linking the Conservation of Culture and Nature: A Case Study of Sacred Forests in Zimbabwe† tell about the role of traditional religious beliefs and traditional leaders in conserving remnant patches of a unique type of dry forest in the Zambezi Valley of northern Zimbabwe. In these areas forest loss is dramatically less in forests that are now considered sacred, or were in the past connected to sacred forests. This shows that how religion plays an important role in the preservation of environment. Christian religious doctrines emphasize respect for nature and emphasize that humans are the stewards of Gods creation. Christians imbued with an ethic of environmental stewardship may have access to religious resources that could facilitate pro-environmental behaviors. Many liberal and moderate Protestant denominations have made explicit statements supporting not only conservation, but even broader social changes to limit human degradation of the environment. To conclude we can say that the different religions all around the world has certain doctrines which tells about the protection of the biodiversity. These religious teachings have a significant impact on the preservation of environment.