Abstract This paper examines several violent crimes committed by youthful violent offenders and illustrates how early incidents of animal abuse is one of the common threads in the history of many of these youth. In addition to a history of animal abuse, the author found that many of these youth came from homes where there was domestic abuse and that this abuse often occurred around the children. The author lists behaviors that should send out warning signs and also suggests who should be contacted in order to deal swiftly and efficiently with these offenders.
From the Paper "According to Meloy (2001), youth who murder their family or commit shooting sprees at their schools may be the type of predatory murderer described by Steiner above. In addition to a history of animal abuse, they have frequently been a victim of bullying and have fantasies where they compensate for the flaws they see in themselves in violent ways. They are often substance abusers and often fascinated with weapons. It is likely that they will feel both angry and dysphoric (Meloy, 2001), and may have narcissistic and/or paranoid tendencies. The compensatory fantasies may grandiose idea and careful planning rather than acting on impulse. Meloy reports that Luke Woodham, mentioned in the first paragraph, wrote, "I am not insane. I am angry. This world shit on me for the final time... I am not spoiled or lazy, for murder is not weak and slow-witted. Murder is gutsy and daring." He saw his crimes as self-validating."
The paper explains the factors and issues that contribute to poverty in America. Using up-to-date figures, it details the many reasons why so many children are living in poverty and how that affects their lives in areas such as education and family life.
Abstract This paper details how poverty in America is a never ending problem, where currently 40% of all U.S. children are at risk. The author explains who there are several risk factors raise the risk level such as single parent homes, lack of education, ethnic backgrounds and low income levels. This paper examines these and other risk factors and proposes solutions that can help break the cycle of poverty.
From the Paper "Despite being the wealthiest and most powerful nation on Earth, the United States has a poverty rate that is two to three times greater than other advanced industrial nations. According to the US Census Bureau, 37% of all children in America live in low-income households, and 13.8% live in poverty. Today 15 million children in the United States live below the poverty line. Every day more than 2,600 children are born into poverty with 27 dying as a direct result of it. The bureau also contends that one in five children under the age of three live in a state of poverty. Over 2.1 million children who are poor face the likelihood of impaired development both mentally and physically, as food may not be readily available. Roughly 25% of all minors go hungry or run the risk of being hungry in poor tenements."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth discussion of multiculturalism, it defines it and states that an entirely different view of culture is needed in the intellectual discourse of society. Elst analyzes culture using the example of analyzing sex. Elst makes it clear in his analysis that pluralities of identity are the norm, that everyone is multi-ethnic and multi-racial in some fashion. Finally, the paper concludes that each individual should study and redefine his own culture.
From the Paper "Even in the current, mainstream political debate over what constitutes ?multiculturalism,? it is common cultural parlance to view culture as a static entity. Multiculturalism is defined as the manner in which more cultures are integrated into the fabric of the dominant discourse, rather than as a way of deconstructing notions of how culture itself is perceived and misperceived. As the title of Dirk Van Der Elst's book Culture as Given, Culture as Choice, suggests, however, framing the debate in such a fashion is not necessarily the most radical choice. Elst suggests that nothing really exists as ?culture,? rather culture itself is a constructed, socially produced norm."
Tags: cultural, multiculturalism, Dirk, Van, Der, Elst, social, norm
Abstract A discussion of the problems within the field. The include micro, mezzo, and macro systems within the substance abuse field of practice. Historical development within the field is also described as well as suggested improvement in the treatment.
From the Paper "A social worker that specializes in helping clients that are substance abusers addresses many varied problems. If the client wants help (which can be an issue in of itself) he/she has to first deal with stopping the abuse of drugs (alcohol is included in the same category). Locating a good inpatient treatment facility is an important step in helping the client. It should be determined if it would be best for the client to enter a detox/rehab facility that is located away from the immediate area, so that they might be better able to focus their thoughts and energies on working to end their dependency. The treatment facility should be familiar with treating the particular problems of detoxification and rehabilitation of the client, based on his/her drug usage, as different substances require different courses of treatment."
Abstract The following paper discusses the elements of successful communication, effective advertising, and the factors that cause information to cross the line into propaganda.
From the Paper "Communications strategies are concerned with the planning, implementing and control of persuasive communication with customers or potential customers. The strategies are the plan and the tactics are the action. Advertising is a strategic persuasion consistent with the objectives of the person or entity sponsoring this communication.
Advertising is mass communication that is paid for. It is the most visible element of the marketing mix; it ha the broadest potential reach of all forms of commercial persuasive communication.
Advertising is a form of mass selling, employed when the use of direct, person-to-person selling is impractical, impossible, or simply inefficient. It performs the same general role of all communications as a whole: it informs, creates awareness, attempts to persuade, and reinforces buying behavior of present customers. It can also play a major role in positioning a company or its product(s)."
Abstract The following paper begins by describing the link between sport and society. It then moves on to discuss competition as essential to sport. This is followed by a discussion of the link between society and competition. Perspectives on overemphasizing sport will then be given as well as a discussion on the value of sport to society. Finally, the paper concludes by summarizing the problems that result when competition in sport is overemphasized.
From the Paper "Sport can be identified as an important part of society, often reflecting the values of society. Christopher Bates Doob in Sociology: An Introduction notes how sports stars are idolized, being seen as the ultimate models of success, with Michael Jordan, Shaquille O"Neal and Charles Barkley being given as examples, with it being noted that these sports stars are famous, wealthy and widely marketed. The impact of sports on people is largely related to identity and to the process of people identifying with sports people. In the Olympics, country competes against country, with spectators of a country cheering for their own and reacting as if they have won when the athlete wins. The reality is that the spectator has no relationship with the athlete except that they share a common culture. Logically, this seems absurd that the spectator would register a win because the athlete wins. This shows the way that people associate with the sports person and the way their actions impact directly on the spectator. It also shows just how much sport means to an individual. The same can be applied to town against town sports, or university against university sports. In all cases, the spectator identifies with a certain side and this gives the sport meaning to them.?
Abstract This paper analyzes the historical contribution of the role of media by looking at the theories of Noam Chomsky and Marshall McLuhan. The author covers several different topics in this paper, including the role that the internet and television have contributed to the globalization of news and how the world is viewed by the masses. The author details the theories of Chomsky and McLuhan on mass media and its affect on the new world order. The author feels that both of these men feel that it is the role that mass media has changed the world in the last half of the twentieth century and in many cases, for the worse. In Chomsky's case, he feels that the media is manipulating society and for McLuhan, it was the nature of mass media itself that he felt was so dangerous.
From the Paper "The theories of Marshall Mcluhan and Noam Chomsky provide an in-depth view of the role of media in our lives; Marshall Mcluhan was a media guru who developed theories about the role of media in mass popular culture. Mcluhan became famous and fascinated the scholarly world through two of his renowned books on media "Understanding Media" (1964) and "The Medium is the Message" in which he developed his critique of media and provided some fruitful analysis in understanding the role of media. Noam Chomsky is a well-known scholar, who has been very critical about the US policies; his theories concentrate on how government uses media to control the masses, diverting their attention from real issues and concerns."
Abstract A quick look through any magazine article or book about Marilyn Monroe is almost certain to turn up the word "goddess". This paper examines why that should be the case, for surely none of her fans believed that she was in fact a divine being equivalent to Athena or Diana? The author feels that it is imperative not to dismiss her elevation to the pantheon as mere hyperbole. While she was certainly beautiful and famous, many other movie stars are also beautiful and famous and yet have not earned her sobriquet of goddess. This paper examines what qualities Marilyn possessed to make her in the eyes of her fans something nearer to divinity than simple mortality. It also contains a brief biography of the star.
From the Paper "But how did this tragic story become the biography of a goddess? Its tragedy was perhaps actually an essential element of it, for no doubt what has attracted many people to become fans of Marilyn since her death is the element of tragedy that clings to her. She seems to us to be very much a figure struck down by the fates, a character from the classical world in which people's own actions matter less than the plans that the gods have for them."
Abstract This paper explores how the media affects the body image of women and the way in which they perceive themselves. The writer makes reference to Fannie Flag's, "Fried Green Tomatoes" and comments on examples of eating disorders, their symptoms and their psychological make-up as seen in the movie
From the Paper ?I?m just so FAT!? Do these words sound familiar? Depending on who you are and how you view yourself, maybe they do and maybe they don"t. But it is clear that nowadays women just aren"t content with their body image. They complain that their boobs are sagging, their tummy has rolls, their hair is turning gray, wrinkles are creeping on their face, their underarms are flabby, they just don"t feel SEXY, and the list goes on and on. Why all the fuss" I think this concern is rooted particularly in the media. I remember flipping through several magazines and seeing stick skinny supermodels flaunting themselves. Obviously, how women really are today is very different from what society portrays them to be. So while women are busily trying to fit into the cookie cutter mold of this "perfect" body, they miss the complete picture. Stressing yourself out by trying to get the perfect look isn?t going to make you happy because in the end it will just eat away at your well being. Instead, I believe that you should accept and love yourself no matter what size and shape you are."
Abstract This paper discusses political socialization, the process of developing political opinions, biases and even political apathy. It discusses the influences of family, schooling, peers, mass media, political parties and religion on one's beliefs. Four methods of indoctrination into the political society are also discussed-- latent, manifest, affective, and instrumental socialization.
From the Paper "Political socialization begins early on in life and is an ongoing process affecting individuals throughout. It is how people eventually identify personal beliefs and expectations in American politics. These political views can include our level of patriotism, faith in the democratic system, standards by which we hold governing bodies, and opinions regarding public policies. From the playground to the classroom, the office to the dinner table, much of our lives affect our political opinions. The most easily identified agents of this are family, schooling, peers, mass media, political parties and religious influences. Further more, these means indoctrinate us in the political society through four basic methods: latent, manifest, affective, and instrumental socialization."
Tags: development, beliefs, religions, America, environment, democracy, government
Abstract A paper which explores how the media contributes to the bad eating habits of the American people. It examines issues such as advertising, projection of the "cool" or perfect image, targeting of children, dental problems and health issues. The paper also discusses ways in which the media can be used to deliver positive and educational messages.
From the Paper "Children are an easy and promising market. According to MediaQuotient research, an American child watches TV for 25 hours a week; some of the children have television set in their bedroom, where they can spend time relaxing in bed watching their favorite cartoon with an ice cream gallon in hand. Families also often have their television on during meals, as 18% of the participants say always, 22% say often, and 26% do it sometimes, showing that much of the time they are exposed to TV shows and commercials."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of Malcolm Gladwell?s,"The Tipping Point- How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference." It reviews the different theories posited in the book about how to market a product, the different factors that need to be considered when bringing a new product to market. Using examples from the book, the paper looks at what triggers were involved in turning around the images of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Hush Puppies. The paper suggests the ability to manipulate the 'tipping point' was key to their successful turnaround.
From the Paper "Yet another thought is that if social trends start slow and then pick up in momentum to become a tidal wave, marketers can well prepare for an anticipated "tipping point" by laying the ground for it in advance. Suppose, for example, socio-cultural forecasts predict an overwhelming increase in teenage boys who think "violence is uncool" and that "true machismo lies in outwitting and outmaneuvering your opponent". As a marketing manager of an entertainment brand such as a TV network, or video games, one could well prepare for such an eventuality by slowly and steadily bringing in at first, niche programming, that offers intelligentsia games and increasing the marketing weight behind such products as the trend favoring such type of entertainment increases. By doing so, it would be possible to be ready for ?the tipping point.'"
Abstract The following paper examines the distinction between interest groups and social movements which are sometimes hard to distinguish. This paper argues that interest groups are usually more narrowly focused and depend on organized supporters of otherwise loosely mobilized citizens within a larger social movement.
From the Paper "Elections are formal procedures for choosing officers or making binding decisions concerning current and future policies. Elections are widely held in private organizations, such as corporations, church groups, or labor unions. Public institutions hold elections to select officers, to choose representatives, and to settle specific policy questions. Elections also may take place within specific governmental bodies or institutions as, in the United States, when members of a state legislature elect a speaker of the house. The discussion that follows, however, will focus on public elections for officers of governmental units or to decide public policy issues. Such elections commonly have a larger number of persons entitled to participate and are part of the total political process within the governmental system."
Tags: contest, policy, preferences, competing, candidates, government
Abstract A paper which presents a detailed discussion about the war on terrorism and the media's manipulation of the war. The writer outlines the societal views of the US attacks on Middle Eastern soil. The writer also describes the way the media has manipulated society members regarding the attacks by refusing to cover certain issues and cooperating with the US government.
From the Paper "One of the earliest ways that the media began to manipulate the world opinion about the United States attack in the Middle East was its coverage of Bin Laden's reaction to the attacks on 9-11. The media on an almost world wide basis began to claim in November that Bin Laden had proclaimed credit was his for the attacks(Truth pg 10). Media in the United States, Britain, New Zealand and other nations insisted that he had admitted, "we did it" (Truth pg 10). It was reported that he confessed on a news network in England. This would have a very heavy impact on the way society would view Bin Laden and the war against the Middle East. Until this occurred, America as well as other nations were outraged at the attacks on America which killed thousands of civilians but there was a hesitation about who to attack. "
Abstract This paper discusses how multicultural students in public schools are taught. She explores teaching methods used in multicultural education. The author seeks to understand what it is like for students and teachers to learn and teach in a multicultural environment. She concludes that multicultural learning provides academic and social benefits to students. She explains the factors of race, gender and ethnicity in multicultural learning. Finally, she examines the new multicultural method of involving parent involvement in their child's schoolwork.
Table of Contents
Teaching Methods
Project Reach
The Multicultural Heroes Project
Multicultural Reading and Thinking (MCRAT)
Multicultural Literacy Program (MLP)
Opinion of these Programs
Students and Teachers in a Multicultural Environment
Race, Gender and Ethnicity in Multicultural Environment
Parent Involvement in Schoolwork
Conclusion
From the Paper "In addition to these educational benefits, it is noted that these students have higher self-esteem because they understand the value and importance of their own cultures and in doing so they can appreciate other cultures. Students also find these types of interactive curriculum fun and exciting, this encourages school attendance. In addition, students in these programs have an increased desire to socialize with children of other races when they are outside of the classroom.
Multicultural education can be very challenging for teachers because most multicultural curriculums require days of training and hours in preparation just to teach a lesson. Teachers also have to make sure that students are learning the basic curriculum of the school. However, teachers who have implemented these various programs have found that there own perceptions about different ethnic groups had changed. These changes in their own perceptions have allowed them to teach more effectively to all their students. In turn, students are more comfortable with teachers and are more apt to ask questions, which encourage learning."
