Stages of a Criminal Trial Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Stages of a Criminal Trial - Essay Example Depending on the severity of the crime, after the booking procedure the defendant is either held in custody or released before trial. During the O.J. Simpson criminal proceedings there was a period before Simpson’s initial arrest, as the case’s high media profile resulted in increased legal scrutiny. Eventually Simpson was allowed to turn himself in, before which he started a bronco chase throughout Los Angeles. The O.J. Simpson trial was a serious case and resulted in grand jury proceedings. The grand jury is a special collection of jury members that meet and decide whether the government should issue a grand jury indictment. In the O.J. Simpson trial the grand jury met and decided to issue an indictment against O.J. Simpson for double murder. The next stage of the criminal trial is the arraignment proceedings. During the arraignment proceedings the defendant pleads guilty, not guilty, or no contest ("Criminal law stages," 2011). At O.J. Simpson’s arraignment proceeding he pleaded not guilty. During the arraignment proceedings the court also sets bail. Bail allows the defendant to go free before the criminal proceedings in exchange for a cash deposit. During the O.J. Simpson trail bail was denied by the court system because of the severity of the crime. Notably, many criminal cases are resolved during the arraignment proceedings, as the criminal defendant reaches a plea arrangement with the prosecution. Following the arraignment proceedings, are the pre-trial motions. The pre-trial motions occur without jury observation and function to establish what evidence and testimony will be admissible during the trial ("Criminal law stages," 2011). During the O.J. Simpson pre-trial hearings, in addition to issues of admissib ility, the trial was moved from Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles. Following these stages, the criminal proceedings move to the main trial stage. This stage is the heart of the criminal case and involves

A Look At The Writing Of Romanticism English Literature Essay

A Look At The Writing Of Romanticism English Literature Essay Romanticism, which spans from 1790 to 1850, rose as a reactionary wave against the Age of Reason or Enlightenment. Romantics focused on many themes and techniques which characterized their works and by extension the movement: nature, sentimentalism, idealism, imagination, religion, utopia, memory, symbolism, and heroism. This movement is not only confined to literature, but also incorporated music, art, and philosophy. The Enlightenment, which preceded Romanticism, largely emphasized rationalism, science, logic, reason, religious unorthodoxy, and humanism. Enlightenment philosophes of the French Revolution argued that one attained knowledge through the mind whereas romantics thought that knowledge came from feeling and being in touch with. On the other hand, romanticism is set apart from other literary epochs because it asserted the importance of individualism therefore, romantic writers had the liberty to conform to the ideals of the movement and to detour in a new directions accord ing tot their own individual desires. Because of Enlightenments neglect, Romanticism reasserts nature, feeling, memory, imagination, myth, and spirituality. In Romanticism, nature is lauded as one of the most supreme objects of observation, while the enlightenment intellectuals eyes were fixed on reasoning, political essays, and science. As man experienced nature, he drew closer to reaching perfection, and understanding life. Nature holds the key to decoding the enigma of life. Hence the application of symbolism, derived from nature, is frequently employed in the romantics works. Romantics also regard nature as the place best suited for the unfolding of the imagination. Symbolism utilizes imagery from nature in order to convey a deep message which transcends physical bounds. Darkness often depicted death while light was considered a more life-giving source. Feelings and sentimentalism are core aspects of Romanticism since feelings and emotions are the channels through which man expresses thought and creativity. Romantics though that sensory and sensual perceptions also where vital in validating man as a being and not solely the mind as enlightenment intellectuals taught. Memory and imagination are mental transactions which evoke, project, and create images. In memory, anything can happen details can be altered, exaggerated, idealized, and forgotten. Frequently in the romantics works, nostalgia and a tender evoking of the past play prominent roles where the romantics retrospective vision is viewed in idyllic and perfect color. Romantics often call mythological examples in order to their aid in describing or adding further spiritual or literary significance to their writing. The adherents of Enlightenment spurned religion, spirituality, and God; hence, romantics embraced and re-introduced the importance of God. Man comprised of not only mind, but also soul, spirit, and emotions. A keen interest in exotic orientalism was born and encouraged within the Romantic Movement so attention was drawn to Easter n religion, art, history and culture. Edgar Allan Poe stands out as a Romantic author (1809-1849) who embraced and represented the elements and ideals of the Romantic period. In his poem, Romance Poe touches on a nature scene where he observes a bird, teaching him, as it were, how to sing. The personified bird recalls the poem The Raven where the bird interjects ominously to a love-lorn soliloquy. Very often, romantic authors or speakers of the poems are out in nature. Other Poe poems of his such as Dream, Dreams, and Dream within a Dream, denote an active imagination where the poems conjure up unreal events or transcendent experiences. Along the way, Poe deviated from strict Romanticism to Dark Romanticism. Poe associates himself in the Dark Romantic genre of writing, under which many of his poems are classified, owing to the poems content of a pessimistic view of the human nature and mans prospects. Evil icons and dark, gothic imagery are also incorporated in the poetry (Quinn). Because of his undeniable affiliations with Dark Romanticism and some American Transcendentalists tendency to write on dark, morbid themes peopled with sinister characters, Poe is often implicated as a Transcendentalist as well. The Raven (1845), Tell-Tale Heart (1843), Haunted Palace (1839), and Ulalume (1847) attest as examples of dark, romantic poems permeated with allusions to death, nightmares, murders, haunted dwellings, and demonic epiphanies. Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864), like Edgar Allan Poe, partakes in the Romantic and Dark Romantic literary traditions. His well-liked novel, The Scarlet Letter (1850), has caught the attention of the literary world by its attack against American Puritanism and corruption. Other gothic novels and short stories authored by Hawthorne are The Birth Mark (1851), Bosom Serpent (1843), The Ministers Black Veil (1836), and The House of Seven Gables, (1851). Like other romantics, Hawthorne chose to write about nature, human nature, religion, sentimentalism, and memory, often enshrouding his works in dark themes which center on ostracism, persecution, discrimination, spiritual darkness, and gloom (Crowley). In compliance with the prevailing character of Romanticism, Hawthorne has published a range of nature poems such as Address to the Moon, The Ocean, The Darkened Veil, and Go to the Grave. These self-explanatory pieces indulge in Hawthornes fascination for dismal, melancholic subjects within the sphere of the natural environment. The precursor of Romanticism was the German movement Sturm und Drang with forefather of it, Johann Georg Hamann (1730-1788). Sturm und Drang, literally rendered, Storm and Stress/Longing has its beginnings opposing the Enlightenment warriors of pure cognition and rationalism. Hamanns fundamental doctrine was that God was not a geometer, not a mathematician, but a poet (Berlin 46). Hamann vociferated against subjecting nature and God to the ruler or to a mathematical formula. Major works of Hamann include Wolken (Clouds) and Kreuzzà ¼ge des Philologen (Crusades of the Philologian) and Die Magi aus Morgenlande zu Bethlehem (The Magi from the East). These literary pieces begin to mould the incipient Romantic movements beliefs in nature, religion, and eastern exoticism respectively. It is in this spirit of anti-Enlightenment that the Romantic period emerges. William Wordsworth (1770-1850) is a strong advocate of Romanticism. His vivid poetry recalls picturesque landscapes, blustering oceans waves, and peaceful forests. Renowned nature poems include Tintern Abbey (1798), The Daffodils (1807), To A Butterfly (1801), and The Stars Are Mansions Built by Natures Hand (1820). In Remembrance of Collins (1798), A Poets Epitaph (1800), and Tribute to the Memory of the Same Dog (1807), the poet reminisces about his past childhood, games, and lost friends, honoring their memory by his lines. This attempt to recapture a past loss evokes nostalgic feeling, where the memory helps to regain times of old often pictured with the speaker lamenting over death or still rapturously enamored by a beloved. Religious imagery and nature symbolism clarify meaning and validate spirituality as inà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Along with colleague Samuel Coleridge, William Wordsworth is hailed as a famous romantic nature poet due to his excellent portrayal of nature and obsession with open-air spaces, often in the countryside. Wordsworth distinguishes himself as a nature poet because of his bond forged with nature which goes beyond the physical realm (William). It is a spiritual and emotional bond. Settings in rural zones are places meet for quiet observation and meditation. Wordsworth would avail himself of opportunities to refresh himself out in nature and to write. One witnesses the emotional bond between man and nature for its links with his childhood. In a famous poem, Ode: Intimations to Immortality From Recollections of Early Childhood (1804), Wordsworth explains natures paradise from a childs perspective, the mysteries, and wonders of nature, intertwining it with his own personal history when he was a child. Further, Coleridge as a conservative of the Church of England, talks about natures capacit y to draw man to the divine. In the poem Eolian Harp, Coleridge refers to one intellectual breeze; At once the Soul of each, and God of all. Inebriated and sanctified by the temple of nature, Coleridge is transported by a wind which lures his senses and unites him to One higher than himself. In sum, Johann G. Hamann, Samuel Coleridge, Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and William Wordsworth affiliate themselves to Romanticism through their preferences to adhere to anti-Enlightenment tenets. Their passion for nature, quest for perfection, emotive verse, spiritual inclinations, nostalgic recollections, rich symbolism, and creative imaginations join them in mission and purpose to show that man has a loftier, sublime reach through literature. The Romantic Movement persists in a continuum through the 20th century, heavily influencing future literary eras such as Victorianism and Transcendentalism. Although they have their own individualistic peculiarities it is the acceptance of idiosyncratic differences that enrich their writing, pervading it with its own romantic flavor.

The Half Brothers By Elizabeth Gaskell and My Oedipus Complex By Frank

The Half Brothers By Elizabeth Gaskell and My Oedipus Complex By Frank O'Connor These two stories are very different upon first glance. For example one is about a pair of half brothers set in Victorian times and the other is about a small child named Larry who thinks he's a lot wiser then he is. However, if you look deeper you can start to find similarities between the two. They have similar themes, and links can be made between them. A big difference between them is the titles. For example 'The Half Brothers' is a very self evident title but 'My Oedipus Complex' is a little more obscure. 'My Oedipus Complex' is ironic because although Larry does have a strong attachment to his mother it is an exaggeration to call it an Oedipus Complex. The title is almost as if the narrator is mocking himself. 'The Half Brothers' is indeed about two half brothers. Another difference between the titles is that they make they reader react in different ways. For example 'My Oedipus Complex' is an intriguing title whereas 'The Half Brothers' is simple and obvious. The reader would be more drawn towards 'My Oedipus Complex' because the word 'Oedipus' is unknown and the word 'complex' makes the story seem interesting and almost mysterious. The title of "The Half Brothers" wouldn't catch the reader's eye because it is boring and the words are all familiar. When looking at the general themes of the two stories it becomes clear that they are very similar. For example both have the theme of jealousy. In 'The Half Brothers' it is William Preston's jealousy of Gregory and in 'My Oedipus Complex' it is Larry and his father's jealousy of each other first and then of Sonny. In both stories it is jealousy of a mother's love, ... ...the ending of 'The Half Brothers' makes the reader think, because of it's regretful conclusion whereas the ending of 'My Oedipus Complex' doesn't give the reader a lot to ponder on as it is a simple happy ending. This makes the stories suitable for different types of reader. If they want a light-hearted book 'My Oedipus Complex' is more suitable but if they want a book that teaches them a lesson then they should choose 'The Half Brothers'. Overall I preferred 'My Oedipus Complex' to 'The Half Brothers'. This is because it is set more recently and the language is easier to understand, I found it easier to relate to. Also it was humorous. 'The Half Brothers' also had good points such as it made me think and gave me a greater understanding of Victorian language. 'The Half Brothers' is a more educational story whereas 'My Oedipus Complex' is light reading.

Spanish Language and Latin America

1 International Baccalaureate History of the Americas HL Required Summer Reading Study Guide Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America By John Charles Chasteen Foreign Affairs November/December 2000 states: Born in Blood and Fire is a briskly written yet sophisticated introduction to Latin America that will be greatly welcomed by non-specialists and experts alike. Chasteen paints on a very broad canvas, but he succeeds in capturing with enviable conciseness the major ingredients of Latin America's uniqueness and complexity.Especially welcome is his graceful integration of Brazil into the overall picture, which general histories of Latin America often lack. He first takes the reader from the European conquest through the colonial consolidation by Spain and Portugal before looking at the role of indigenous communities in the new order imposed by the Europeans and African slavery's social and cultural consequences. He then follows with the independence movements and the uneven attempts at nation-building in the nineteenth century; race, ethnicity, religious and liberal ideologies, and the roles of key individuals are also covered.Chasteen concludes with the recent return to economic liberalism, this time in the context of open elections, continuing poverty, and social exclusion of large segments of the population. A stellar performance! Summer Reading Directions: The answers to these questions should be well thought out, typed, 12 point font, single spaced, New Times Roman. The completed review sheet is a summer long process that is not designed and should not be attempted at the last minute. This assignment will be due on the first full school day of the 2011 – 2012 academic school year.These questions will prepare you for the first 2 day examination made up of 96 multiple choice questions and 57 matching terms. This is the first grade of the course and will set the study tempo for the remainder of the school year. 2 Study Guide/ Discussio n Questions John Charles Chasteen’s Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America. Chapter 1 – First Stop, the Present 1. 2. 3. 4. According to Chasteen, what is the unifying theme or unifying conflict that characterizes Latin American history? Is this a good choice? What might be some strengths or weaknesses of this focus?Why do Cuba and Brazil have such high populations of African Americans? Define â€Å"liberalism† as Chasteen uses the term: What are the different attitudes toward Latin Americans that have been common in the U. S. during the twentieth century? Chapter 2 – Encounter (1492-1600) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. What were some of the ways the historical and cultural context of the Iberian peninsula shaped the attitudes and practices of Europeans who first sailed to the Americas? Compare the Portuguese colonization of Brazil with the Spanish Colonization of what would become Mexico and Peru.Important similarities and differences? What larger significance does Chasteen see in the name change from â€Å"Island of the True Cross† to â€Å"Brazil†? What three areas of Africa provided the majority of Black slaves for the Americas? Members of which European country became the most active slave traders? From Chasteen’s perspective, what were the key factors that enabled vastly outnumbered Spanish forces to conquer the Aztec and Inca empires? In what specific ways do Las Casas’s life and values stand in contrast to those of the majority of Spaniards who came to the Americas?Briefly define or identify the following terms: Encomienda Tupi Pedro Alvarez Cabral Moors Francisco Pizarro Malinche (Marina) Salvador (Bahia) Chapter 3 – Colonial Crucible (1600-1810) 1. 2. 3. 4. In what ways did economic realities contribute to the prosperity and influence of colonial Spanish America in comparison to colonial Brazil? Name the four viceroyalties and their capitals that came to exist in Spanish America: W hat does Chasteen mean on p. 77 when he says that â€Å"transculturation and hegemony often went together† in Latin America?Do you think he’s right? Name four areas that Chasteen considers peripheral areas or â€Å"backwaters† of colonial Latin America: 3 5. Compare attitudes toward race in Latin America as described in this chapter with attitudes in the U. S. as you understand them. What significant similarities or differences do you see? Briefly define or identify the following terms: Sor Juana de la Cruz â€Å"honor† in Latin America Gracias al sacar Quilombos and Palenques Potosi Zumbi Rebellion of Gonzalo Pizarro Tupac Amaru II Engenho AleijadinhoChapter 4 – Independence (1810-1825) 1. 2. 3. 4. In what ways did events in Europe affect the movements for independence in Latin America? According to Chasteen, which independence movements in Spanish America were actually popular revolutions? Which were primarily â€Å"revolutions from above† ? How did the Brazilian independence movement compare with those in Spanish America? What impact did the independence movements have on patterns of colonialism in Spanish America?Briefly define or identify the following terms: Creoles Jose Maria Morelos Llaneros Simon Bolivar Jose Antonio Paez Peninsulars Vicente Guerrero and Augustin de Iturbide Nativism Battle of Ayacucho Miguel Hidalgo Pedro I Chapter 5 – Postcolonial Blues (1825-1850) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Why did liberalism in Latin America seem to collapse in the years following the wars of independence? What were some of the main characteristics of a caudillo? What factors helped Brazil maintain its territorial unity during the years when many regions of Spanish America were splintering into numerous new nations?In what ways does Chasteen suggest the social structure in Latin America remained the same after independence? How did it change? Who were the main â€Å"outsiders† involved in Latin America during this period? This outside involvement was particularly notable in the two former centers of colonial power, Mexico and Peru. What shape did it take in each place? Briefly define or identify the following terms: Juan Manuel de Rosas â€Å"El Supremo† Caste War of Yucatan Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna The regency years â€Å"el pueblo† Rafael Carrera â€Å"La Nina† Central American Republic 4Chapter 6 – Progress (1850-1880) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What were some of the significant aspects of liberalism emphasized by the key Latin American liberals mentioned in this section (be as specific as possible)? Why did Maximilian fail to reinstate conservative rule in Mexico? Based on Chasteen’s examples, what seems to have been the most common way for women to become public figures during the nineteenth century (the few, that is, who did become public figures)? Give two examples. Liberals in Argentina agreed on the traditional tenets of Latin American liberalism. What issue divide d them?Compare the way Argentine and Brazilian liberals confronted what they considered the â€Å"national tragedy† of racially mixed societies. Do leaders in one of these countries seem to be less racist in their thinking than leaders of the other? Briefly explain the issues and significance of the following wars (and note the dates when each took place): The Triple Alliance War The War of the Pacific The Chaco War Briefly define or identify the following terms: Benito Juarez Birds Without a Nest (1889) â€Å"Golden Law† William Walker Ten Years War Domingo Faustino Sarmiento 6.Chapter 7 – Neocolonialism (1880-1930) 1. Describe the â€Å"great export boom† that marked Progress for Latin America between 1870-1930. What were its most important characteristics? Which crops or exports seemed most beneficial to Latin Americans and why? Which one seemed most harmful? Compare the governments of Mexico and Brazil during the neocolonial period: Based on this chap ter how do the ideas of neocolonialism and â€Å"importing Progress† relate to one another? Early in the chapter, Chasteen suggests that the concept of neocolonialism is both an internal and an external phenomenon.What does he mean, and, after reading the chapter, would you agree with that analysis? Describe the rise of U. S. influence in Latin America: Why did the South Cone region of Latin America attract the majority of the new immigrants? 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Briefly define or identify the following terms: â€Å"banana republics† Ruben Dario Porfiriato Cientificos Rebellion in the Backlands Paulina Luisi Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine Cesar Augusto Sandino Positivism Pan o palo Jose Marti Jose Enrique Rodo 5 Chapter 8 – Nationalism (1910-1945) 1. 2. 3. . 5. Based on the chapter, what were the most important aspects of nationalism in Latin America? Why did nationalism emerge in the early decades of the twentieth century? Compare and contrast nationalism in Mexico with that in Argentina and Uruguay and also with Brazil. Did nationalism in any one of these countries seem more thoroughgoing than in the others? Why? Why did import-substitution industrialization (ISI) provide greater benefits for countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina than for places like the Dominican Republic or Honduras?Why did the wave of nationalism seem to have very little impact on Central America? Briefly define or identify the following terms: Constitution of 1917 Pancho Villa Constitutionalists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Batllismo Hipolito Yrigoyen Victor Raul Haya de la Torre Indigenismo ISI Getulio Vargas Estado Novo Heitor Villa Lobos Lazaro Cardenas â€Å"Good Neighbor Policy† Mexico’s â€Å"declaration of economic independence† Populists Juan and Evita Peron Emiliano Zapata Chapter 9 – Revolution (1945-1960) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Why would Brasilia represent the â€Å"perfect symbol of the ost-Vargas moment in Brazil† and the PRI the perfect symbol for Mexico at the same time (252)? Chapter 8 talked about the popularity of Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy. Why did relations between the U. S. and major Latin American countries begin to sour in the post-WWII years? Why did the U. S. tolerate the National Revolutionary Movement (MNR) in Bolivia while it actively supported a proxy force to oust Arbenz in Guatemala? Based on this textbook, would you say the Cuban revolution was more an expression of Marxism or of nationalism? Why? What were the goals of liberation theology?Briefly define or identify the following terms: Raul Prebish Jacobo Arbenz Che Guevara Bay of Pigs (1961) Declaration of Caracas (1954) Pablo Naruda Fulgencio Batista Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) Juan Jose Arevalo Jorge Luis Borges Granma Paulo Freire 6 Chapter 10 – Reaction (1960-1990) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. On what basis does Chasteen argue that the Soviet Union was not involved in Latin American Marxist movements outside of Cuba during the 1960s and 1970s? Why did rule by military juntas become widespread in Latin America by the mid-1970s?What did the Brazilian generals mean when they said that the cake had to rise before it could be sliced? Why didn’t the poor ever get their slice? How did the Argentine experience of military rule differ from that of Brazil? What were the most important factors that contributed to the overthrow of the Popular Unity government in Chile? In which countries of Latin America were â€Å"dirty wars† most intense and devastating? What were the main factors that fueled guerilla wars in Nicaragua and El Salvador? Why does Chasteen place Colombia in the â€Å"countercurrents† section at the end of the chapter?What was different about Colombia? Briefly define or identify the following terms: â€Å"national security doctrine† Alliance for Progress Gabriel Garcia Marquez Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo Tupamaros Salvador Allende Augusto Pinoc het Tlatelolco massacre â€Å"dirty war† Somoza family Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) Contras Daniel Ortega Violeta Chamorro â€Å"fourteen families† Oscar Romero Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) La Violencia Pablo Escobar and the Medillin Cartel M-19 U. S. School of the Americas Chapter 11 – Neoliberalism (1990- ? ) 1. 2. 3. 4.Why did neoliberalism become the popular political/economic ideology for Latin America during the 1990s? Compare neoliberalism with the liberalism with the liberal reforms that swept the region from 1870-1930—in what important ways are they similar? How do they differ? What insights does the Chilean success story provide into the strengths and weaknesses of neoliberalism? What are the primary environmental issues surrounding the Amazonian rain forest? Briefly define or identify the following terms: Neoliberalism MERCOSUR Zapatistas NAFTA Maquiladora Candomble, Umbanda, Santeria

African Americans and Politics Essay

For decades African Americans have faced struggles throughout history. Most notably, African Americans were involved in slavery, suffrage, and the civil rights movement. These struggles were very visible and everyone was aware of what was going on. However, now African Americans are involved in a struggle that it not visible and recognizable. This is a struggle that is used to capitalize on wealth and prevent African American families and individuals from living normal lives. They are involved in environmental racism. Environmental racism â€Å"refers to intentional or unintentional racial discrimination in the enforcement of environmental rules and regulations, the intentional or unintentional targeting of minority communities for the siting of polluting industries, or the exclusion of minority groups from public and private boards, commissions, and regulatory bodies. †[1] This form of racism has been plaguing African American communities for years and most people have not taken notice. There are many form of environmental racism; however, this paper will specifically address redlining, blockbusting, racial profiling, and housing segregation and how each has impacted the African American community. Redlining is the act of refusing or increasing the cost of services such as loans, insurance, banking, and access to healthcare to citizens based upon race. The practice involves taking a map and drawing a red line through neighborhoods where banks would not invest money. Redlining was used to segregate African Americans in the housing, workforce, and school market. Parents had to find work in other areas of the city because there were not any resources available in the community. Because of redlining, schools became over crowded with 50 students crammed into one classroom. With the schools overcrowded, teachers were not able to provide special attention to the needy students and other students became uncontrollable. Cathy Cohen would argue that African Americans were being marginalized in the school system. To be considered marginalized means, to have continuously been denied access to dominant resources, barred from full participation in dominant institutions, and defined as â€Å"others, â€Å" living outside the norm and values agreed upon by society (Cohen 1999). African American students were all forced to go to one school in the community to keep them out of the White schools. Along with marginalization, Blacks were, and still are, a part of a power struggle. Blacks were seen, and will always be seen, as an inferior race. Also, Blacks have been disempowered knowingly and unknowingly. African-Americans have been taken advantage of and used to make other races feel superior. Blockbusting was a practice used by real estate agents and developers in the United States to encourage white property owners to sell their homes by giving the impression that minority groups (such as African Americans) were moving into their previously racially segregated neighborhood. [2] When African Americans began to move into the inner city, fear arose that they were an economic threat. Blockbusting was also the cause of many White Americans moving into the suburbs. The practice of blockbusting involved an African American purchasing a home for very cheap in a predominately White neighborhood. The real estate broker would contact the White residents and offer to buy their houses for quick cash and resell the house to an African American family for much higher. Real estate agents claimed that African Americans moving into a predominately White neighborhood would cause property values to go down and urged White homeowners to sell as soon as possible. Real estate agents indicated that the property values would go down because African Americans would not keep up their property, avoid lawn care, and if would affect the entire neighborhood. This practice has caused major shifts in urban neighborhoods, especially Chicago, in recent decades. The Blockbusting methods were profitable and became common across the nation. For example, by 1962, when blockbusting had been in practice for fifteen years, Chicago had over 100 operators and the city had been changing an average of two to three blocks a week for several years. Blockbusting is the reason why cities such as Chicago are now predominately African American and the surrounding suburbs are predominately White. Blockbusting caused African Americans to be marginalized as well. They were denied fair participation in the housing market. Real estate agents inflated housing prices for African Americans to gain commission. White homeowners already had prejudices about African Americans and the real estate agents only made the situation worse. The stereotypes that Black families do not take care of their property was the main reason White homeowners sold their homes. Racial profiling is â€Å"the inclusion of racial or ethnic characteristics in determining whether a person is considered likely to commit a particular type of crime or an illegal act or to behave in a â€Å"predictable† manner. †[3] The practice of racial profiling is a huge problem in the United States. African Americans are usually the targeted victims in the act of racial profiling. It is believed that an African American driver will be more likely stopped than a White driver. Some police officers share the belief that Black drivers will most likely possess an illegal substance of committing an illegal act. However, policemen argue that they do not base their arrests on race but are greatening their probability of a successful search. Some policemen also argue that the probability of catching a Black offender is greater than catching a White offender. Whether the statement is true or not, it places a bias on African Americans and White Americans. The belief that African Americans men are more likely to commit crimes is unfair and not true. One cannot base the behavior of all African American men on the ones that have done wrong and been imprisoned. Another belief of racial profiling is it is the cause of the racial disparities in the American prison system. There are many more African American men in the jail system than there are White men. The previous statement is mostly likely to be true. Because some policemen hold biases and have prejudices against African Americans, it will cause more African Americans to be placed in the jail system. Another instance of racial profiling involved African Americans owning nice material possessions such as a car or a house and African Americans being in a predominately White neighborhood. For example, in an episode of Family Matters, Eddie was in his car travelling through a predominately White neighborhood and was pulled over by the police for â€Å"failure to signal. † However, the routine traffic stop turned into nothing more than a beating for young Eddie. The significance of the episode shows that racial profiling does exist in the United States and it takes place every day. The practice has impacted African Americans because hundreds of innocent people have been harassed and humiliated by police officers simply because of their race. The most recent national example of environmental racism occurred when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005. When New Orleans was flooded with tons of water, there were no relief efforts for days and almost a week. Many believed this was due to the fact that majority of the New Orleans population was African American. The population was basically ignored for days until the help decided to come. Citizens of New Orleans were faced with intentional racism and were denied help for several days. This has impacted African Americans because many people died because of the heat, starvation, and disease from the water. African-Americans have been marginalized for centuries. To be considered marginalized means, to have continuously been denied access to dominant resources, barred from full participation in dominant institutions, and defined as â€Å"others, â€Å" living outside the norm and values agreed upon by society (Cohen 1999). Most recently, African-Americans were marginalized in regards to the outbreak of HIV/AIDS. While HIV/AIDS was once considered to be the disease of white gay men, Blacks are now the center of the epidemic. With the turn of the new millennium, the outbreak of AIDS in the Black community has soared. Black men who consider themselves to be â€Å"down low† are the center of the rising epidemic. The men have intercourse with other men while continuing to have intercourse with their female partners thus spreading the AIDS virus. Even though the soaring rate is shocking, there has been limited response from the African-American community. One can argue that Blacks have been marginalized from the resources to treat the epidemic. However, the Black community seems to be ignoring the spreading AIDS virus and focusing more on electing a Black president and high blood pressure. While both electing a Black president and lowering high blood pressure are important issues, similar emphasis should be put on the rising AIDS epidemic. In a sense, African-Americans have marginalized themselves from dealing with AIDS. Continuing to turn a cold shoulder to the issue will not fix the problem. Although Blacks are being marginalized when it comes to AIDS, they are also marginalized when it comes to property and social relationships. For example, when it comes to receiving bank loans, African-Americans is marginalized heavily. Some bank loan officers practice redlining which causes Black residents, whether qualified or not, to be denied loans for property. By using the redlining technique, bank loan officers are marginalizing Blacks from being able to own their own property. Relating back to the AIDS epidemic, Black men were marginalized for having the virus. For instance, if a Black man was open about his homosexuality would be marginalized heavily. Homophobia could be a valid reason for the marginalization of Black men. With open homosexuality, an African-American could be left out from participating in activities and denied being recognized as a normal individual. Homophobia could damage an individual’s social life and leave him feeling disempowered. [4] Along with marginalization, Blacks were, and still are, a part of a power struggle. Blacks were seen, and will always be seen, as lower than Whites. Also, Blacks have been disempowered knowingly and unknowingly, which is the center of environmental racism. African-Americans have been taken advantage of and used to gain wealth and keep at the bottom of the ladder. In short, there are many types of power struggles. One does not have to see power to know that it is taking place. [5] For instance, being called an inferior race is a power struggle within itself. African-Americans that believe that they are actually inferior will begin to act that way. They will begin to doubt themselves and their abilities in life. Once they have it in their mindset that they are inferior, it will cause them to act that way. Housing Segregation is â€Å"the practice of denying African American or other minority groups equal access to housing through the process of misinformation, denial of realty and financing services, and racial steering. †[6] The act of housing discrimination involves real estate agents and landlords not providing African American families with an accurate account of available housing. Housing segregation happens when landlords and real estate agents lure White Americans to available housing only in white communities, and African Americans to Black or diverse and mixed communities. The realtor and landlord usually work together in the process and will agree not to tell the African Americans about the available units in the European American communities. This process goes back to the assumption that African Americans residents will bring down the property value of homes in the neighborhood because they will not take care of their own property. Housing segregation is intentional racism that excludes African Americans from participating fairly in the housing market. Black families should be able to live wherever they please without regardless of the demographics of the neighborhood. With all that African Americans have been through, environmental racism should not be ignored or taken lightly. People should take heed to the practice and fight for what is right. All of the above forms of environmental racism have plagued the African American community. It has caused a major shift in the urban cities such as Chicago. Real estate agents have inflated the costs of housing for Black families moving into predominantly White areas. African American families can fight the issues by becoming more aware of their surroundings and becoming familiar with the practices. They can hire good lawyers to defend them and fight for justice. With regards to the AIDS epidemic, African Americans have been marginalized when it comes to resources and thus leads to environmental racism. African American of the new generation, as a whole, should stand together and fight the justice that was promised to them in the United States Constitution. ———————– [1] Dictionary. com [2] Dictionary. com [3] Dictionary. com [4] Cathy J. Cohen, The Boundaries of Blackness (The University of Chicago Press) 47-48. [5] John Gaventa, Power and Powerlessness (The University of Illinois Press) 1-32. [6] Dictionary. com.

The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution Essays

The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution Essays The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution Essay The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution Essay The fourth Amendment of the Constitution The fourth amendment to the US constitution was adopted as part of the Bill of Rights in 1791. This amendment forbids any person (especially those directly associated with the government) to search a persons home, businesses, or things to be seized without a warrant obtained by using due process. When the beginning government of the United States came to be, the fourth amendment stated that, The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized (US Const. Art. 4, Sec. 4).With the 4th Amendment, there has to be a reason to believe that the object being searched/seized for is at the place where the search warrant is issued.The passing of the Patriotic Bill of 2001 by Pres. Bush after terrorist attacks to the US has changed what the 4th. Amendment is all about.People are losing their rights as citizens by trailing their invasion of privacy in the following examples:First, telephone and internet conversations between two parties could be listened or read by someone else without knowing about it; and secondly, searching residence without a search warrant obtained by a judge following due process is no longer necessary if someone is labeled as a domestic threat to the nation. According to Pres. Bushs Patriotic Act Bill, courts are required to order the installation of a pen register and a trap and trace device to track both telephone and internet dialing, routing, addressing, signaling information and content, to obtain information ongoing criminal investigation. By intercepting all forms of Internet and telephone activity, the government wants to make it easier to seize the grou

Free Essays on After The First Death

Kate extraordinary bravery and weakness The term terrorism is a word that catches a lot of people’s eyes. For instance the terrorists that attack America last week, September 11, 2001; the time frame was around eight thirty Central Time, this was the â€Å"Attack on America,† by terrorists from a foreign country. It is kind of like what’s going on in the book After the First Death, where terrorists have hijacked a school bus. Which a girl by the name of Kate was driving the bus with a lot of little children on it. She was substituting for her uncle the day of the hijacking. Artkin and Miro were the two that hijacked the bus. Miro had the intentions of killing a man today, but Kate was on the bus. The killing of a man was the way of reaching manhood. Kate was the typical All-American cheerleader but she had a slight bladder problem. Throughout the novel Kate is brave but at the same time confused. Kate has a very unique side to her. Kate is driving the bus to the location that Artkin and Miro wanted her to drive. Kate wasn’t used to taking demands from people, but in this situation she did. The weakness that Kate has is a weak bladder. The bladder problem comes about on the way to the abandoned bridge that, â€Å" her pants were wet- her panties†¦she gripped the steering wheel†¦but these things didn’t matter.† Whenever she gets nerves like in this situation of the hijacking her bladder problem comes up. Why does Comier give her a bladder problem? â€Å"She felt like crying the way she had when she was a little girl and crying solved things, brought rescued.† She felt like crying the way she used to when she was a little girl because she thought she would have gotten rescued. Kate was a very brave person in the hostage situation, she knows that she has to show no fear in for her and the children’s benefit. â€Å"She rips at the edge of the tape.† She tries to make an escape because she’s thinking that she really doe... Free Essays on After The First Death Free Essays on After The First Death Kate extraordinary bravery and weakness The term terrorism is a word that catches a lot of people’s eyes. For instance the terrorists that attack America last week, September 11, 2001; the time frame was around eight thirty Central Time, this was the â€Å"Attack on America,† by terrorists from a foreign country. It is kind of like what’s going on in the book After the First Death, where terrorists have hijacked a school bus. Which a girl by the name of Kate was driving the bus with a lot of little children on it. She was substituting for her uncle the day of the hijacking. Artkin and Miro were the two that hijacked the bus. Miro had the intentions of killing a man today, but Kate was on the bus. The killing of a man was the way of reaching manhood. Kate was the typical All-American cheerleader but she had a slight bladder problem. Throughout the novel Kate is brave but at the same time confused. Kate has a very unique side to her. Kate is driving the bus to the location that Artkin and Miro wanted her to drive. Kate wasn’t used to taking demands from people, but in this situation she did. The weakness that Kate has is a weak bladder. The bladder problem comes about on the way to the abandoned bridge that, â€Å" her pants were wet- her panties†¦she gripped the steering wheel†¦but these things didn’t matter.† Whenever she gets nerves like in this situation of the hijacking her bladder problem comes up. Why does Comier give her a bladder problem? â€Å"She felt like crying the way she had when she was a little girl and crying solved things, brought rescued.† She felt like crying the way she used to when she was a little girl because she thought she would have gotten rescued. Kate was a very brave person in the hostage situation, she knows that she has to show no fear in for her and the children’s benefit. â€Å"She rips at the edge of the tape.† She tries to make an escape because she’s thinking that she really doe...

Dangerous Household Chemicals in Common Products

Dangerous Household Chemicals in Common Products Many common household chemicals are dangerous. They may be reasonably safe when used as directed, yet contain toxic chemicals or degrade over time into a more dangerous chemical.   Dangerous Household Chemicals Heres a list of some of the most dangerous household chemicals, including the ingredients to watch for and the nature of the risk. Air Fresheners.  Air fresheners may contain any of a number of dangerous chemicals. Formaldehyde irritates the lungs and mucous membranes and may cause cancer. Petroleum distillates are flammable, irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs, and may cause fatal pulmonary edema in sensitive individuals. Some air fresheners contain p-dichlorobenzene, which is a toxic irritant. The aerosol propellants used in some products may be flammable and may cause nervous system damage if inhaled.Ammonia.  Ammonia is a volatile compound that can irritate the respiratory system and mucous membranes if inhaled, can cause a chemical burn if it is spilled on skin, and will react with chlorinated products (e.g., bleach) to produce deadly chloramine gas.Antifreeze.  Antifreeze is ethylene glycol, a chemical which is poisonous if swallowed. Breathing it can cause dizziness. Drinking antifreeze can cause serious brain, heart, kidney, and other internal organ damage. Ethylene glycol has a sweet flavor, so it is attractive to kids and pets. Antifreeze typically contains a chemical to make it taste bad, but the flavor is not always a sufficient deterrent. The sweet smell is enough to lure pets. Bleach.  Household bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, a chemical that can cause irritation and damage to the skin and respiratory system if inhaled or spilled on the skin. Never mix bleach with ammonia or with toilet bowl cleaners or drain cleaners, as dangerous and possibly deadly fumes may be produced.Drain Cleaners.  Drain cleaners typically contain lye (sodium hydroxide) or sulfuric acid. Either chemical is capable of causing an extremely serious chemical burn if splashed on the skin. They are toxic to drink. Splashing drain cleaner in the eyes may cause blindness.Laundry Detergent.  Laundry detergents contain a variety of chemicals. Ingestion of cationic agents may cause nausea, vomiting, convulsion, and coma. Non-ionic detergents are irritants. Many people experience chemical sensitivity to dyes and perfumes present in some detergents.Mothballs.  Mothballs are either p-dichlorobenzene or naphthalene. Both chemicals are toxic and known to cause dizziness, headaches, an d irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure can lead to liver damage and cataract formation. Motor Oil.  Exposure to the hydrocarbons in motor oil can cause cancer. Many people are unaware that motor oil contains heavy metals, which can damage the nervous system and other organ systems.Oven Cleaner.  The danger from oven cleaner depends on its composition. Some oven cleaners contain sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which are extremely corrosive strong bases. These chemicals can be deadly if swallowed. They can cause chemical burns on the skin or in the lungs if the fumes are inhaled.Rat Poison.  Rat poisons (rodenticides) are less lethal than they used to be, but remain poisonous to people and pets. Most rodenticides contain warfarin, a chemical which causes internal bleeding if ingested.Windshield Wiper Fluid.  Wiper fluid is toxic if you drink it, plus some of the poisonous chemicals are absorbed through the  skin, so it is toxic to touch. Swallowing ethylene glycol can cause brain, heart, and kidney damage, and possibly death. Inhalation can cause dizzin ess. The methanol in wiper fluid can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested. Methanol damages brain, liver, and kidneys and can cause blindness. The isopropyl alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, causing drowsiness, unconsciousness, and potentially death.​

Research article and then write as essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Research article and then write as - Essay Example 60). The child sexual abuse can be easily understood as a sexual offense against a child in which, the child is coerced to have some sexual contact with an adult. The child who undergoes sexual abuse goes through many disturbing and depressing phases that affect his or her personality negatively. The sufferers of sexual abuse can commit suicide or can continue to live with shame and guilt. Different people have different feelings and understanding of the happening. The symptoms of child sexual abuse as displayed by the victims are appearance of depressiveness, suicidal ideation, troubled sleep patterns, troubled eating behaviors, frustration with physical appearance, feeling of dirty outlook, pelvic aching, gastrointestinal issues, traumatized appearance of the individual, amnesia, trouble in creating interpersonal relationships, fear of intimacy, and so on (Hall & Hall, 2011). Mrazek & Kempe (2014) describe about symptoms of child sexual abuse that can be ‘bruises and abrasions’, ‘sleep disturbance’, ‘excessive masturbation’, ‘phobic states’, ‘depression’, ‘running away from home’, ‘homicidal rage’ towards the victimizer, and many other issues regarding development and social settlement (p. 14). The symptoms involved in child sexual abuse are really disturbing and depressing for the individual and his or her family. Overall, it can be said that child se xual assault and abuse is an offense that disturbs the life and development of a child and also affects his or her family negatively. The victims of sexual abuse undergo psychological, physical, social and developmental problems in their lives. The child who is sexually abused suffers through a number of issues, but the case of every victim is different. The victims may experience the feelings of shame, guilt or self-blaming. This self-blaming and guilt may lead to suicidal feelings and ideas

Analysis Of City Of God Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analysis Of City Of God - Essay Example However, the government strives to put up with the bulging population pressure by establishing a housing project in the outskirts of Rio. Nevertheless, the demand is so high and with housing being considered a luxury by a section of the citizenry, slums start to develop in the city.Global cities are defined as cities with huge impacts and influence on the development of the global economy. Rio de Janeiro is one of the global cities as depicted in the film ‘The City of God'. During the 1960s, Rio was experiencing rapid economic progress and had numerous economic activities. This was largely attributed to the city's beauty, cultural diversity, attractive beaches and the globally renowned landmarks. Therefore, the city attracted a huge number of tourists leading to increased business and expansion. However, Rio, like all other global cities experienced varying challenges which ranged from insecurity, huge gaps between the affluent and the underprivileged in society among other pro blems. Resultantly, this is one of the reasons why urban planning in global cities is a difficult activity.Education is a crucial tool for personal development and intellectual growth. A nation that invests wisely in education easily manages to move ahead in most aspects of its development such as the economy. In the ‘City of God', people are quite ignorant and skeptical of embracing education despite being accessible to them. For some, however, they are eager and cooperative in trying to attain formal education.

Business Simulation in Motor Industry Research Paper

Business Simulation in Motor Industry - Research Paper Example The first model caters to the market segment - City Size and Under 25 age group. The car is 3/5 Door Hatch Type with a 4 Cylinder Engine. It has an option of Superior Sound System/iPod. Buyers under 25 yrs of age are mostly single individuals with low to average income. They normally use the car as basic transportation for everyday activities. The second model caters to the market segment - Medium Size and 25 to 40 age group. The car is a 2/4 Door Saloon/Estate Type with a Large 6-8 Cylinder Engine. It has several options such as Multi Location Airbags, Dual Fuel Operation, 6-Speed Gearbox, Speed Limiter, Electronic Stability Control, and Safety Package. Buyers in this age group are mostly average income individuals who have high preference in comfort, speed, style and safety. As a new entrant to the motor industry, the corporate strategy of the company is cost leadership. The car models will be positioned in the market as low priced in order to effectively penetrate the customer base. The goal of the pricing strategy is to create a company's share in the total market. The first model will be priced at 11,007.08 while the second model will be priced at 18,216.85. However, even at a low price, the company forecasts an 18% gross profit margin. At the first year of production, the company will be manufacturing in one factory. It will be producing 50,000 units of each model. The factory will be employing at full capacity of 4,000 workers. The average wage offered to each employee would be 400, which is higher than the minimum wage per week in the industry. In order to increase productivity, the company will initially invest in 20 units of automation. Forecast Production and Sales Model 1 Model 2 Total Model cost per car [Mm] 7,200.00 9,385.00 Design cost per car [Md] 888.00 1,553.50 Options cost per car(1) [Mo] 450.00 3,486.50 Material cost per car [M=Mm+Md+Mo] 8,538.00 14,425.00 Productivity (cars/worker/year) [Pr] 41 39 Workers per car [Wk = 1 / Pr] 0.024 0,026 Weekly wage [W] 400.00 400.00 Labour cost per car [L = Wk*W*50] 487.80 512.82 Total cost per car [C = L + M] 9,025.80 14,937.80 Selling price [P] 11,007.08 18.216.85 Gross Margin % [= 100*(P - C)/P] 18% 18% Forecast Sales (units) [S] 50,000 50,000 100,000 Total Sales Income m [= S*P] 550.35 910.84 1,461.19 Forecast production (units) [N] 50,000 50,000 100,000 Total Material Cost m [= M*N] 426.90 721.25 1,148.15 Total Labour Cost m [= L*N] 24.39 25.64 50.03 Profit Forecast ( million) Income Costs Total Sales Income 1,461.19 Total Material Cost 1,148.15 Total Labour Cost 50.03 Gross Profit 263.01 Fixed Overhead(2) 124.11 Promotion 40.00 Depreciation(2) 66.00 Operating Profit 32.90 Net Interest Payment 14.00 Pre-tax profit 18.90 Tax (30%) 5.67 Post-tax profit 13.23 Cash Flow Forecast ( million) Cash In Cash Out Opening Bank Balance 500.00 Total Sales Income 1,461.19 Total Material Cost 1,148.15 Total Labour Cost 50.03 Fixed Overhead(2) 124.11 Promotion Cost 40.00 Factory Cost 650.00 Automation Expenditure 10.00 Tax Payment 5.67 Balance before Loan (66.77) New Loan 200.00 Closing Bank Balance 133.23 NX0441 Business Game Decision Form Semester 1 2009/10 Seminar Group . Team Number .

Critical evaluation of Agist policies, and age discrimination Essay

Critical evaluation of Agist policies, and age discrimination legislation in the UK , focusing on employment - Essay Example These may be related to older peoples use of, and relationships with, particular housing types or social care and health services. They may also be related to features of older peoples social, economic and cultural lives. Cross-cutting both of these disciplinary and subject contexts, older peoples relationships with their environments have been a sustained field of research interest. Most recently, the concern in ageing research for environment, space and place has become even more widespread. Two reasons may be suggested for this. First, this interest may be part of a wider emphasis on place as a central focus of investigation within a range of social science disciplines. Indeed, as part of cultural turns, many social sciences have recently undergone what may be termed spatial turns and have increasingly embraced the importance of space and place and how they may impact on, and represent, human experiences, behaviour and activity. Moreover, place has increasingly been conceptualised not only in a physical sense, but as a complex symbolic and cultural construction. Second, and more practically, academic interest in space and place has also been motivated by unprecedented demographic, social, fiscal and technological changes that have impacted simultaneously in many countries (McKeever and Coyte, 1999). Indeed, these are well documented, and include rapidly ageing populations, changing kinship relationships and responsibilities, an ever broader range of health and social care and increasingly limited resources with which to provide it. Together they have radically altered, and broadened, both the ways and the places in which health and social care is provided. Importantly, change has meant that the health care system is no longer hospital-based, discrete and bounded, but diffuse. Health care sites now include virtually every setting where human beings reside in, frequent and, importantly, live in (McKeever and Coyte, 1999). Being substantial

Presentations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Presentations - Essay Example c. Time – Because students can participate in classes wherever they have an internet connection, there is a significant reduction in the amount of time the student spends in preparing for and getting to class. Students who are nervous about taking online classes are typically nervous about it because they can’t envision the advantages they will receive or because they are concerned about the quality of the education they will get. For this reason, I structured my presentation to address these two major issues in a way that points out to potential students how the industry has changed in recent years to bring online education up to the standards of brick and mortar education. Since many students considering online learning are non-traditional students, meaning that they have other responsibilities in their lives, I felt it was important to address these issues most strongly. For this reason, there is a heavy emphasis on the convenience, cost and time savings available in obtaining an education through online sources and pointing out the ways in which online learning has been working to overcome some of its inherent disadvantages, such as interaction among students and teachers. Bodain, Yan & Robert, Jean-Marc. (2000). â€Å"Investigating Distance Learning on the Internet.† Internet Society of Canada. Retrieved July 2, 2006 from

Short response#5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Short response#5 - Essay Example mund Freud and Albert Einstein helped in the launching of modernism via the use of scientific and irrational methods that were new at that time (Hunt 753). This modern era was characterized by new revolutionaries in science as scientists continued their research and discoveries. According to hunt, these discoveries came to shake the foundation of traditional scientific certainty as they posed a challenge to the widely accepted knowledge regarding the nature of the universe (754). At first, these new discoveries were not accepted well, but later on, people came to see their significance as they transformed the foundations of science. According to Porter, many achievements in the modern scientific sector made it easy to for medicine to be regarded as the motor and measure of progress (71). Medicine was used a solution to many deceases affecting humans and also for booting the immunity of the body. Additionally there was the introduction of contraceptives that helped in keeping in check the population growth rate. All these features promoted the development and progress of the society as avoiding diseases and controlling birth rate meant a more stable and developed society. Many European philosophers seemed to doubt the ability of traditional science to solve the social problems that kept coming up in the modern society. There was this belief of positivism that promoted the use of scientific methods to uncover enduring social laws. However, challengers of positivism pointed out that the ever changing human experience was not a basis for constant or enduring social laws (Hunt 753). In addition, the progress of science had its problems in cases of medicine whereby diseases seemed to be more challenging than anticipated. This made critics to question the role played by medical science in improving health, and if it played any role at all (Porter 72). Furthermore, the use of birth control stirred a lot of controversy as many critics saw it in a different light. Since

Presentations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Presentations - Essay Example c. Time – Because students can participate in classes wherever they have an internet connection, there is a significant reduction in the amount of time the student spends in preparing for and getting to class. Students who are nervous about taking online classes are typically nervous about it because they can’t envision the advantages they will receive or because they are concerned about the quality of the education they will get. For this reason, I structured my presentation to address these two major issues in a way that points out to potential students how the industry has changed in recent years to bring online education up to the standards of brick and mortar education. Since many students considering online learning are non-traditional students, meaning that they have other responsibilities in their lives, I felt it was important to address these issues most strongly. For this reason, there is a heavy emphasis on the convenience, cost and time savings available in obtaining an education through online sources and pointing out the ways in which online learning has been working to overcome some of its inherent disadvantages, such as interaction among students and teachers. Bodain, Yan & Robert, Jean-Marc. (2000). â€Å"Investigating Distance Learning on the Internet.† Internet Society of Canada. Retrieved July 2, 2006 from

Personal Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal Reflection - Essay Example In this course reflection paper, I will discuss trust in God and also to love God and my neighbors. Trust is one of the hardest traits to gain when dealing with others, so that makes it difficult to reach that level with God. Trust is not specifically mentioned much in the bible, but there are many verses that touch on this area. One such verse is "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."1 This is one of the most powerful verses in the bible, yet it is also very simple as well. Anyone could understand the meaning of this verse, even those who do not consider themselves to be Christian. The key theme of this verse is to trust God because he has the future all mapped out already. Too many people have stress in their life because they are uncertain of what will come next. I learned in this course that as a Christian I should not worry about tomorrow and instead trust God that everything will come to pass. There are many verses in the bible that can be interpreted multiple ways, but this is not that is almost crystal clear. From this verse I now understand that God already knows my future, and so I should just trust him and not worry about my life. The second point I want to touch on is the simplest commandment of them all, and that is to love God and love my neighbor as myself. Jesus said "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself."2 These verses are quite clear that we must love God first and then once we have that connection we can then move onto the next stage. I must admit that this verse is a great help for Christians who do not know how to live their lives. In the Old Testament there were many laws and commandments, and it was almost too difficult to follow all of them. However,

This Issue Of Cosmetic Surgery

This Issue Of Cosmetic Surgery In recent years, the popularity of cosmetic surgery has escalated significantly. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2008, some 12 million cosmetic procedures, most of which were minimally invasive, were performed in the United States alone. As Dutta (2008) cited in Swami et al (2012, p. 55) claims, this situation is not only found in North America, but also for instance in Europe which has currently become the second-largest market for cosmetic surgery. Concerned with the maintenance or enhancement of physical appearance (Swami et al, 2012, p. 55), cosmetic surgery is an invasive physical practice, offering people an opportunity to modify their body (Lirola and Chovanec, 2002). Through discourse of cosmetic surgery, mainly influenced by the media, which as Lirola and Chovanec, (2002, p. 488) claim both constructs the need for such a practice as well as legitimizes it, more people are becoming increasingly willing to undergo such practice. Among these people and according to ASPS statistics (2009a, as cited in Swami et al, 2012, p.55) the vast majority of cosmetic surgery patients are young women. Boseley (2012) reports that 6 in 10 (63%) 16 to 24 year olds were ready to undergo cosmetic surgery to ensure feeling better about their appearance. It has become a habit that cosmetic surgery interventions are also being given from parents to their teenage daughters as birthday or graduation presents with breast implants being the most favourite (Gilman, 1999). This is because media and vicarious experiences are promoting unrealistic beauty ideals which are in turn influencing young peoples attitudes towards their own looks. Because of this, cosmetic surgery needs to be seen as an important social practice because it merges the attention given to the body by an individual person with the values and priorities of the consumer society (Lirola and Chovanec, 2002). 1.2 Personal Perspective This issue of cosmetic surgery has always fascinated me. Seeing middle aged and even older people paying good money to rejuvenate their looks, has become a common scenario. However, cosmetic surgery done by young people who are still in their prime, always fascinated me to a much larger extent. I was always curious to find out why these young people decide to opt for surgery. While growing up as a teenager and even to this day that I am now a teacher, youth worker and a mother, even I were and still am aware of things which I do not like in my appearance. However, it never occurred to me that I should go for cosmetic surgery or when it did, it was just a thought which quickly passed. This curiosity is what led me to conduct this study. When does one cross the line and decide to opt for the surgical fix? Both as a student of Youth and Community Studies and in my line of work, I meet a lot of young people who in my eyes are all beautiful in their own way. This is not however always in unison with their perception about their own self. Through this study I would like to find out what it is that really that makes young females to undergo cosmetic surgery. This study however will be more interested in the sociological motivations since it has a sociological approach. That is why this study is interested in the interaction between social actors. Is society influencing their way of thinking or are their perceptions and the decisions they take unaffected by the cultural hegemony? 1.3 Organization of the Study Apart from the introduction, this study comprises of four other chapters. The literature review (Chapter 2) presents a review of the literature related to the study of the body and cosmetic surgery. Starting from Descartes mind-body dualism and the difficulties it posited to sociology in studying issues related to the body, the literature then shifts to a more embodied sociology giving more importance to a lived body. Other issues tackled are how the body has come to be seen as our identity and also gender. Since this study focuses on young people, it then takes a look at what forms the body image of adolescents and how consumer culture influences the body. Finally it gives a very brief history of cosmetic surgery and how are young females being affected by it. Chapter 3 gives a detailed explanation of the methodology of the study. It explains how the participants were chosen and how the interviews were done. It also deals with how the data was analysed, ethical considerations taken and the limitations of the study. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the study and their interpretation in the light of the literature found in Chapter 2. Chapter 5 concludes the study by answering the research questions which the study was set to answer and also presents recommendations for future research. This chapter has given some brief background information of what will be presented in this study, while the chapter that follows will explore the literature that will help the interpretation of the data analysis. Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Introducing the body. It was only recently that the body has become one of the main concerns within sociological theory. Before this time, the discipline of sociology looked at human beings as the social actors or the social agents whose character and behaviour depended on their social location, beliefs and values (Turner, 1984). The founding fathers of sociology viewed the body from different perspectives. Marx and Engels shared the belief that in order for society to exist, the continual reproduction of bodies was salient. They looked at bodies as both the means and the object of human labour. Durkheim believed in the dual nature of human beings which he referred to as homo duplex. He believed that the basic divisions of body and mind led to a true antagonism between our individuality and our spirituality, which according to him made it almost impossible to ever be at peace with ourselves as one cannot follow both natures, since one is rooted in morality and the other in the desires of the body. Weber w rote about the rationalization of bodies through time and space and the controlling of emotions. He believed that the more capitalism enters in the bureaucratic structures, the more dehumanising and disenchanted the modern individual feels, confined in its iron cage. Simmel wrote about the senses and human emotionality. He believed that the eye, out of all the senses, had a distinctively sociological function since the interaction of individuals is based upon eye contact between them (Williams and Bendelow, 1998). As Turner (1984) claims, it is evident that human beings both have bodies and are bodies, which fact makes human beings embodied, just as they are enselved (Turner, 1984, p.1). Recently a lot of studies have tried to address the corporeal existence of human beings. However, in spite of intriguing findings and better understanding of the subject, according to Crossley (2001) some persistent dilemmas remain. Drawing from previous philosophical theories about the body, it was not easy along the years for sociology to arrive to a decent solution to the philosophical ambiguity of the mind-body dualism. It was Rene Descartes (1596-1650) who living in the Enlightenment era was greatly influenced by scientists like Galileo and their contemporary scientific discoveries. It was a time when the physical sciences, as we know them today, were emerging and there was a strong belief that everything could be explained by the laws of mechanical causation. With this belief in mind, and always in search for the knowledgeable truth, Descartes started to doubt everything that he could not be sure of. He even doubted his very own senses, reminding himself that he had sometimes had vivid dreams (Crossley, 2001, p.9). However he came to the conclusion that the only thing that he could be sure of was that he was thinking and therefore that was proof enough of his existence. Cogito ergo sum meaning I think therefore I am is Descartes most famous statement which was the very beginning of the Cartesian dichotomy, i.e. the mind-body dualism. For Descartes, the person is the mind. He believed that the mind is clearly elevated over the body and that the body is a non-essential aspect of his true nature (Crossley, 2001).It is a common belief that in a time when everything was reduced to scientific explanations, Descartes, being the religious man he was, aimed to keep an element of the spiritual, giving importance to creativity and the soul through the prominence he put on the mind. Many were the scholars (Ryle, 1949; Merleau-Ponty, 1965) who critiqued the Cartesian dualism and exposed the dilemmas it posited to sociology. As Crossley (2001) clearly explains in his book The Social Body: Habit, identity and desire, the mind-brain identity theorists believed that there is no interaction between the body and the mind and the fact that both of them act together at the same time in a plethora of human beings everyday activities, led to the conviction that the mind and body are in fact one. Crossley (2001) argued that sociology could critique this theory for being too reductionist and for sticking to the Cartesian framework it sets out to critique. In The Concept of Mind, Gilbert Ryle (1949) depicts the Cartesian dichotomy as the myth of the ghost in the machine, the ghost referring to the ghostly nature of the mind which is not physical in nature, while the machine refers to the body that does not contain any human characteristics, also described as corpse or meat by Leder (1998). Ryle (1949) believed that Descartes committed a category error when he took the mind as distinct from the body. For Ryle, who was a firm believer that dualism was wrong, both body and mind must be reconceptualised if we really are to overcome dualism He sets the way to a non-dualistic sociology when he manages to exorcise Descartes ghost strongly and convincingly. He wanted to challenge the notion that the mind is superior to the body. For Ryle, the mind is not a separate thing. He believed that mental life is embodied. Crossley (2001) gives a detailed explanation of how language, emotions, consciousness and understanding are not as many think simply introspective. Ryles (1949, as cited in Crossley 2001, p.41) main concern was to show that such mental concepts are used by embodied agents in specific contexts of action. Merleau-Ponty (1992, as cited in Crossley, 2001), who like Ryle challenged the mind-body dualism, managed to take his work a step further. He believed that looking at behaviour was salient in dissolving this dichotomy. For him all behaviour always had a purpose and meaning in the social world. Through this he also brought up the issue of social agency. He delved into the nature of perception and posited that desire, emotion, cognition and perception are not, strictly speaking, separate parts of our behavioural life but rather integrated and mutually affecting aspects of a single and coherent structure (Crossley, 2001, p.89). Merleau-Ponty sees the body as more than an object yet less than a subject since it both looks for and reacts to meanings in diverse everyday situations. This is Merleau-Pontys sentient and sensible body, presented to us as a body which can touch yet can be touched, can see yet can be seen, can perceive yet can be perceived. As Crossley (1995) explains the key is to understand that the perceiver and the perceived are relational beings (ibid, p.46) like two sides of a coin, not separate from each other but changeable facets of one and the same being. Therefore to the question What am I? Am I a body or am I a mind? one can quote McGuire (1990, as cited in Williams Bendelow, 1998) when he posits that human beings are embodied agents who experience the material and social world in and through their mindful bodies (p.4). My body is not something additional to me, it is not something which I, as a disembodied spirit, reflect upon. It is who I am. (Crossley as cited in Martin, 2012). 2.2 Shifting from sociology of the body to embodied sociology. Williams Bendelow (2002) claim that sociology has shifted from seeing the body as disembodied to giving more importance to a lived body referring to ones own experiences of his/her own body, as him/herself. This gave rise to what is today called embodied sociology, a kind of approach which lets us reflect upon the interconnectedness of bodily, mental and social interaction. Crossley (2001) posits that the human body does not simply exist in itself, but also for itself. This is the main reason why social agents continuously inspect themselves in the mirror and worry about how they are portraying themselves to others. Through a reflexive process, individuals, being embodied beings, turn back onto themselves and work to effect the change they want to see. They turn to excessive exercise, dieting and sometimes go as far as having their bodies surgically transformed. This duality of being and having also applies to habit making us habitually self-reflexive. As embodied beings, it is not just us who have our bodies and habits. Our bodies and habits are also perceptible to others which mean that we are never in complete possession of ourselves (p. 141) because our selves depend on something beyond our control the collectively valued forms of representation. Crossley claims we only manage to have ourselves by learning to see ourselves from the outside through social interaction as other. Our embodied self depends on the way the body that I am and I have is positioned in the intersubjective order that results from the social significance of our corporeal appearance. This echoes Cooley (1902, as cited in Crossley, 2001) when he argues that individuals develop their sense of self from the image of our self which others reflect back to us in interaction (p. 143). Meads (1967, as cited in Crossley, 2001) concept of I and me where the I takes the role of the other as a means of turning back upon myself, to reflect upon myself as me (p. 147) is at the root of this concept. It is in this way that individuals develop their concept of self by acting out the role of the other. The I and the me are not in competition with each other for predominance but rather enjoy a temporal and reflexive self-relationship of an agent who chases her own shadow (p. 147). The split between I and me is between a sensuous and socialised bodily agent and the image which that agent is able to form of itself (p. 147). Meads main emphasis is about reflexivity and how the self (as I) becomes conscious of itself (as me). By adopting the role of the other, social agents are able to scrutinize themselves and this helps them to free themselves from self-blindness, which is caused when embodied agents look out upon the world from their very own place. In this way the views, values and perspectives of the generalised other directly influences what Bourdieu (1996) calls the individuals habitus, and the sedimented dispositions that result have a direct impact of her sense of self which unsurprisingly influences her behaviour. This reflexivity highlights why the human body, although specific, gendered and once regarded as fixed, cannot nowadays be as easily defined (Evans, 2002). As Foucault claims there is no natural body (McNay, 1992). Evans (2002) believes that the notion of the body is always accompanied with an already deeply socialized set of expectations. Bordo (2003) confirms this by stating that cultures grip on the body is a constant, intimate fact of everyday life (p.17) showing that our bodies, like anything else that is human, are heavily influenced by culture. Feminism, especially in the work of Judith Butler (1990, 1993) and Susan Bordo (1993) has also questioned the belief that bodies are biologically given and fixed, and argued that the human body is both culturally and historically specific. 2.3 The body as a form of identity Giddens (1991) argues that gone are the days when traditional stable identities were derived from ones position in the social structure. In this era of late modernity attempts to base identity on the body has become popular, and hence society is witnessing a reflexive concern with identity and the body. Shilling (1993) argued that with the individualisation of the body, the body has become an agent of symbolic value, in Bourdieus (1996) term a source of symbolic capital. Despite this, the work of Bourdieu makes us realise the importance class has for understanding embodiment. Bodies, for Bourdieu, mark class in three main ways through the individuals social location, the formation of their habitus and the development of their tastes (Gill et. al, 2005 p.5). This shows that the management of the body is pivotal to status acquirement and hence salient to identity. Skeggss (1997) work on young, British working class women clearly shows this by emphasizing the ways in which they used th e shape, styling and design of their bodies to challenge or even break away from class assumptions that declared them as inferior (ibid.). Featherstone (1991) argues that the body has become to be seen as a vehicle of self-expression, a view supported by consumerism. Efforts to create and retain a coherent and viable sense of self-identity are often called body projects. These are manifested through attention to the body, particularly the bodys surface (Featherstone 1991). This is because in contemporary times the surface of the body has become the main location where object relations are handled, not only in the individuals identity formation years but also throughout our whole life (Blum, 2003). 2.4 Gender Literature shows that females are more obsessed by these body projects, possibly because as Evans (2002) argues the female body, unlike the male, has always been regarded as unstable and malleable. Feminists claim that female bodies have significantly been more vulnerable to cultural manipulation of the body (Bordo, 2003).Women are generally seen as passive while men as active. In his analogy of men and women with animals and plants respectively, Hegel (1967, as cited in Bordo, 2003) ably represented the duality of male activity and female passivity. So powerful and deterministic was this that as Bordo (2003) writes, when Guttmacher analysed sperm under the microscope for the first time he refused to describe sperm as waiting for the ova and instead portrays them as cruising, as if they were looking to pick up girls. Despite this however, classical images in the Holy Bible depict the woman as a temptress (Eve, Salome, Delilah) as do the more contemporary secular versions in movies su ch as Fatal Attraction. In an era where sex sells, literature shows that the womens body has become sexualised, sometimes objectified and at others depicted as a manipulator. A homogenous, indefinable ideal of femininity constantly requires women to attend to the very finest detail in fashion. As Bordo (2003) continues to claim, female bodies have become docile bodies, bodies whose forces and energies are habituated to external regulation, subjection, transformation, improvement (p.166). Although male concern over appearance increased significantly during the late 1970s and 1980s, studies confirm that a huge gender gap still exists. Women seem to be much less appreciative of their bodies and show extreme negative assessments on their distorted bodily perception (Goleman, 1985). They also seem to judge themselves more severely when they realise that they are not conforming to the cultural ideals of beauty. This is becoming worse as time goes, since many females continue to be dissati sfied with their body image perception. It is interesting to note that in a study held in 1985, teenage girls were the group most dissatisfied with their appearance (Bordo, 2003). 2.5 Body Image in Adolescent Girls At the macro level, the sociocultural perspective highlights the importance of an appearance culture that honours and shapes cultural ideals of beauty (Vilhjalmsson et al., 2012). It is during adolescence that this culture, represented by the media, family and peers, manages to make adolescents internalise these normative beauty ideals (Jones, Vigfusdottir, Lee, 2004; Thelen Cormier 1995). As Blum (2003) explains, adolescents obtain their body image totally from the outside. The adolescent girl enters the world uncertain whether her face and body would be consented by those around her. There are many definitions of body image, a term coined by Paul Schilder in 1935 (Blum 2003). However it is generally understood as a mental image of ones body as it appears to others (Featherstone, 2010, p.194). He claims that body image also changes with time and space. Ferguson (1997a, 1997b) argues that there has been a shift from a closed body image in the nineteenth century to a more open and ambiguous sense of body image today (Featherstone, 2010). This ambiguity relates to another concept- the body schema, which is more related to the felt body. While body image is in simpler words the look one has for others, in which the visual appearance is essential, body schema goes deeper than this and involves the non-visual sense of the body. This draws attention to how our senses work together not just to help us perceive the world around us but also how we sense and interact with other bodies in everyday life situations. It goes beyond the mirror image, focusing mainly on body rheto ric which is central of charisma, a characteristic which most attracts peoples attention (ibid.). Despite this however, young females are increasingly becoming more concerned about their bodies and about how to achieve the ideal standards of beauty and bodily perfection. Armet (2008) states that this is leading to a body-image crisis in American adolescents, with increased numbers of young girls suffering from low self-esteem, obsessive exercising and disordered eating. Through the cultural emphasis put on judging women solely on how they look and how much they conform to standards of beauty and fashion, girls are becoming more self-critical of their own body. They try to dedicate all their energy to perfect their outside appearance. This is because for the young female her body is the primary expression of her individual identity (Armet, 2008, p.2) which she aims to improve by buying clothes and other things to further enhance her exterior surfaces. These issues form a discourse that stresses the importance of the body. The young female has learned to give priority to her bodys physical appearance since she has come to regard her body as her identity. This leads to implications in her adolescent behaviour where a quest for identity becomes a struggle with her body-image (ibid.). 2.6 Consumer Culture and Body Image As Featherstone (2010) posits, it is naturally understood that consumer culture is obsessed with the body. We are constantly being bombarded by media images of models, celebrities and other stars showing off their beautiful, perfect bodies. They are generally portrayed as happy and youthful, and enjoying luxurious surroundings. Critics have argued against this kind of narcissistic life, pointing out its superficiality and an abandonment of human values. This is because according to them the concern with body image is often dangerous as it creates a diversion from the importance of social justice and equality. Most of the images used in advertising, are technologically abused, to the extent that their level of beauty is often unattainable. These images do not simply represent what there is behind them but what one should aspire to be. These are the images that are making us compare who we are not and who we would like to be (Featherstone, (2010, p.197). These comparisons lead us to tr ansformation -presenting the before and after picture- which is today pivotal not just in consumer culture but is also one of the key tenets of Western modernity. Celebrities, media industries and sportspeople are replacing scientists, explorers and intellectuals proving the shift from the virtues of consistency and steadfastness to a charming and engaging appearance (Featherstone, 1982, 2007). The constant fascination with celebrity lifestyles made available through cable, satellite and the internet keep showing us how they maintain their good looks and bodily fitness while coping with their challenging lives. Even when they fall and have to deal with drugs, alcoholism or weight problems, they are seen as triumphant since fitness regimes, diets or gurus put them back on the road to self- improvement (Featherstone, 2010). This puts pressure on individuals especially females who thanks to the media imagery fall victims to feeling unhappy with their bodies, to start routines sometimes drastic, of self-improvement (Bordo, 2003). A new body image gives one a new improved self-image and a more exciting quality of life. Since even status and social acceptability has come to depend on looks it is indeed of no wonder that today taking extreme care for ones appearance becomes an obligation to self and portrays those who ignore this obligation as being flawed. As Featherstone (2010) remarks, clothing, cosmetics and adornment used to enhance ones look become not just a constructed appearance of what one wants others to see, but also reflexively they provide an outward image which seeks information in the returned glances of others, for the inner narrative of what one feels one should be (p. 198). This is mainly found in contemporary Western societies, where being a woman has often been referred to as a form of theatre (Sontag, 1978, as cited in Featherstone 2010)) where women are constantly watching themselves being looked at (Berger, 1973, as cited in Featherstone 2010). Nevertheless beauty has also become associated with moral goodness. The body, especially the face is seen as a reflection of the self, through which a persons inner character is manifested (Rivers, 1994; Twine, 2002, as cited in Featherstone, 2010). Kuhn (1990, as cited in Featherstone, 2010) explains however how cosmetics do not only make up the woman but also the image, capturing both the elegant appearance, but also the look which summons up the inner narrative (p. 198). This puts together a narrative, evidence of an embodied person. Charisma and stardom draws attention to presence, which is an additional aspect to body image. It is something which needs to be felt and works in a different way to beauty. It is an experience communicated between bodies which create affective resonances, and hence is trusted more than just an image. This is the affective body, which contrary to the body image, is a body without a specified image. Here we think about the feel good impression sensed via affect. The moving body presented on television, cinemas and video captures a body in process. Affect is communicated by non-verbals such as gestures, and facial and body movements. Here, the image has become a process where in contrast to the conventional sense of body image, is presented as an affective body which provides additional embodied information. Consumer culture is still, however, constantly asking consumers to scrutinize themselves for imperfections, and to measure up to ideal bodies presented in the media (Featherstone, 1982). This points towards the work of Giddens (1991) who wrote about a high degree of reflexivity in late modernity, since these actors are investing in body projects as a means to enhance their self-identity. This view was criticized for keeping with the mind-body dualism and for its overemphasis upon the rational choice of those who seek to control their bodies (Budgeon, 2003; Shilling and Mellor, 1996, as cited in Featherstone, 2010). But really and truly, is the choice rational, when we are constantly being bombarded by all these pressures to look good, almost convinced that this will lead us to a better life? The body has become to be seen as salient for a good life, the look good: feel good transformation which, thanks to consumer culture, is portrayed as available for purchase to one and all. It is common belief that body works will not just upgrade the body to reach societal constructs of beauty but are also pictured to open a full range of lifestyle opportunities. Body modifications have nowadays become the means to create a beautiful appearance and hence a beautiful self (Featherstone, 2010). 2.7 Cosmetic Surgery -a brief history According to Albin (2006) body modifications are defined as changes made to the body, either self-induced or by the hand of another, that result in permanent alterations visible to the unaided eye. These modifications, which include tattooing, piercing, and cosmetic surgery to name a few, all share a common motive that in the end the individuals find pleasure in bodily expression, decoration, and attractiveness that can ultimately be admired by others. Cosmetic surgery is certainly one of the most impressive techniques for body reconstruction. It is the kind of surgery where the surgeon cures the cosmetic defects and emotional pain resulting from lack of liking and acceptance of ones appearance (Blum, 2003). Cosmetic surgery falls under the umbrella of plastic surgery, however cosmetic surgery only deals with surgery that has to do with the aesthetic, referring to surgery done on a healthy body simply for the improvement of looks. Haiken (1997) reports two separate developments that account for the emergence of cosmetic surgery. The first development was when early cosmetic surgeons were considered charlatans or beauty doctors and were not taken seriously albeit certain techniques they developed are still in use today. The second development came with the First World War, when surgeons gained expertise while trying to treat disfiguring scars of soldiers for cosmetic purpose. From the late nineteenth century, cosmetic surgery was associated with actresses since their careers always depended on the longevity of their good looks and by 1923 it was set in the public imagination as a celebrity practice (Blum, 2003). Gradually, a technology that was primarily aimed at replacing malfunctioning parts has caused an ideology promoted by desires of transforming and correcting, challenging the very materiality of the body (Bordo, 2003). Sarwer et al.(2004, as cited in Swami et al, 2007) believe that a rise in media fascination, higher incomes and loss of stigma are but a few reasons why even the common people in postmodern times are opting for the surgical fix especially in countries like the Netherlands, where cosmetic surgery is offered free through publicly funded healthcare (Gimlin, 2007, as cited in Swami et al, 2007)). Studies show that rates of cosmetic surgery have risen significantly both in Western and non-Western countries during the past twenty years (AS APS Statistics, 2008; BAAPS Statistics, 2008; Jones, 2008, as cited in Gimlin, 2010). Recent studies show that young people between the ages of 16 and 35 are turning to cosmetic surgery more than ever. 2.8 Young females and cosmetic surgery Body-image scholars claim that it is much easier to succeed in the world if one is good-looking (Blum, 2003). Appearance culture imposes the thin hourglass shape as a female body ideal (Vilhjalmsson et al.,2012). Although many were the researchers who have indicated that this contemporary feminine ideal of thin attractiveness is unattainable for most women (Irving, 1990; Levine Smolak, 1998; Silverstein, Perdue, Peterson, Kelly, 1986; Wilcox Laird, 2000), it still triumphs despite its opposition. As Ferron (1997) claims body image lies at the heart of adolescence and hence young females enter the world longing for their looks to be approved by those a

ACG 2021, Introduction to Financial Accounting, Fall 2000, Exam 2 Explanations :: UFL Florida Business Accounting

ACG 2021 Fall 2000 Exam 2 Answer Key Explanation Based on the Order of Version A 1) A defined contribution program is one with â€Å"Regular, defined contributions to the fund. The fund balance changes in value with the accumulation of contributions and earnings and is decreased by benefits paid. Benefits received depend on the fund balance available at retirement.† (9-21 in the notes on page 247) 2) This is an error because ordinary repairs (ones that do not increase the original useful life, efficiency or capacity of the asset) are to be treated as expenses and entirely reported on the income statement in the year they are incurred. This error overstated assets by adding the $3,000 to the asset account incorrectly and understated N.I. by failing to record the $3,000 as an expense. 3) If the bonds are selling at 98 ½ ($24,625,000) then they are selling at a discount. This means that the market rate is higher than the stated rate. When the bonds were issued the market rate was the same as the stated rate so the market rate must have increased. (10-20 in the notes on page 274) 4) Here we need to consider two issues. Interest is not capitalized when an asset is purchased but it is capitalized when the company constructs its own asset (only for the period of construction). These concepts are discussed in chapter 8. Inventory is not a capital asset and therefore does not include financing costs. (8-3 on page 193 and 8-7 on page 197). 5) Financial Leverage is Average Total Assets/ Average Stockholders’ Equity. It measures how many dollars of assets are employed for each dollar of stockholder investment. It can be increased by increased borrowing or repurchasing outstanding stock. In laymen’s terms it is the proper use of debt to bring a higher return to owners. (Page 266 of the book, letter C of the ROE Profit Driver Analysis) 6) – 8) Segments that are used to answer the three questions have boxes around them. Using the effective method (assumed unless stated otherwise): Interest Expense = Beginning Carrying Value x Market Rate (Carrying Value = Face Value – Discount) The Present Value of the note is: P.V. = 400,000 x factor (using single sum table where i=8 and n=3). 317,520 = 400,000 x 7.938 (the attached table has 7.9383 on it but this gives a number close enough to be able to pick 317,520) The following journal entries would be made throughout the life of the note: 1/1/00 Equipment 317,520 Discount 82,480 Notes Payable 400,000 12/31/00 Interest Expense 25,402* (Question (8)) Discount 25,402 *1/1/00 Carrying value of 317,520 (400,000 – 82,480) x .