Abstract This paper discusses the value of a legal obligation as opposed to a moral one. The paper makes references to two documents, "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau and "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King. Both Thoreau and King address the issue of moral obligation versus legal obligation, in which an individual experiences conflict with the government and society as s/he tries to follow his/her free will as a member of the society and the rules and laws imposed by the government at the same time.
From the Paper "In his discourse, Thoreau asserts, ?That government is best which governs least,? which means to say that the least government intervention in the society results to a better state of civil society. This is because he thinks that the government is susceptible to manipulation by people with vested interests, who consider the government as an institution that can be used to provide greater privileges to other people and not the society in general. Thoreau contends, ?But a government in which the majority rule in all cases can not be based on justice, even as far as men understand it."
Abstract This paper begins with an explanation of the Social Darwinism theory advocated by Herbert Spencer and derived from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The paper defines Social Darwinism as a social theory that promotes a society that allows natural selection of the fittest and suggests setting up a social system that extends no benefits to the weak or the ill. The paper points out what is wrong with this theory, examines why Spencer believed it would lead to the attainment of human perfection, and addresses the question of whether Spencer's views were scientific or the result of a social ideology.
From the Paper "Herbert Spencer intended to use Social Darwinism in order to propagate human perfection. An interference with the natural process of selection will alter the course of a perfect society. It is important to identify what interference is. In a society that tends to achieve perfection, any efforts made by any entity to better the state or prolong the existence of the imperfect will be considered as interference. Hence, the poor are one of the weak entities in a society when viewed under the lens of Social Darwinism. The government is the entity that may support/aid the poor to prolong and propagate its survival in the society. Herbert Spencer suggested that the government support or interference by providing aid to the poor will alter the course of a perfect human society by allowing the poverty to propagate. Spencer viewed this intervention as threat to a perfect society, hence opposed all government aid to the poor. In fact, Spence supported the laissez-faire system political and economic system in order to remove all support from the state to the weak and incompetent."
Abstract This paper discusses what body image is, what exactly is being viewed by women in women's magazines and then why these images have the effect that they do. It then discusses women's reactions, how they make them feel and how viewing women's magazines can affect their self-image. It then goes into detail of what could be done to fix this.
From the Paper "Flip absent-mindedly through any young women's magazine and in between the titles and pages of ?4 Hot New Makeup Looks? and "Little Signs He's The One", you"ll see dozens and dozens of women who all look the same. Women advertising one thing or another, all with the exact same incredible makeup, all with skin highlighted with professional lighting and computer touch-ups, all pouting in that sexy manner and leaning in the same seductive poses" all perfectly sweet, sexy, and skinny. All with perfect bodies."
Abstract This paper examines the relationship between reading acquisition and reading skills and the degree of parental involvement in a child's education. This includes participation in homework assignments, attendance at school functions, beliefs about their children's abilities, and how parents emphasize different aspects of a problem in their instruction, depending on their perceptions of the nature of the task and of their children's competencies in reading acquisition and reading skills. The paper includes relevant tables and figures.
From the Paper "Although it is well established that parents play a critical role in both their children's academic achievement and their children's socioemotional development, the most basic reason to involve parents in education is student success (Greenfield & Hecht, 2001). According to Sherlie A. Anderson (2000), parental involvement is "any interaction between a parent and child that may contribute to the child's development or direct parent participation with a child's school in the interest of the child" (p. 61). Anderson notes that there are two types of parental involvement in the reading acquisition process. The first type she describes as "surface involvement"; this level involves one or both parents going to the child's school to volunteer with administrative tasks or supervising children; the second type of involvement consists of the parents working directly with children (under a teacher's supervision) in reinforcing important reading skills. "Parents are a resource that must be tapped to the fullest. They do not replace teachers, but they help fill in the gaps created by staff cutbacks. Parents can be used in a variety of meaningful ways in reading programs" (Anderson, 2000, p. 63). Further, parents stand to gain economically by helping their children learn how to read and succeed academically. According to Nabil Ibrahim, Rose-Marie Weber, and Joann Yaworski (2000), when students arrive at college ill-prepared for the rigors of higher education, it frequently results in remedial classes, lower grades, frustrated students (and parents) and consequentially higher drop-out rates. "It is certainly a concern for those parents who shoulder the high costs of tuition, room and board, and transportation for four years. In addition to students and parents, student success impacts professors and administrators at tuition driven institutions because of its potential effects on retention" (Ibrahim, Weber &Yaworski, 2000, p. 196)."
Abstract This paper focuses on the body image of women in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States. It states what is expected of the women by their culture in the physical "ideal" for a woman and contrasts the expectation with the reality.
From the Paper "Before we begin to examine cultural variations on aesthetic ideals, we must first understand exactly what is meant by body image. Psychologists typically define body image as being how we feel about how we look (Henson 1). Personal ideas about body image transcend fact and physiology; our body image is purely psychological. How do we see ourselves? How do we think we are seen by others? How do answers to those questions compare to our own physical reality? Our body image is essentially based "on our perceptions of our bodies and the emotions resulting from those perceptions" (Henson 1)."
Is same-sex marriage a civil rights issue? This paper considers major arguments against same-sex marriage and contrasts them with arguments in favor of it.
Abstract This paper focuses on religion, the influence of religion on politics, the Federal Marriage Amendment, and marriage rights and privileges. The paper sheds a positive light on the topic of same-sex marriage. Resources are current, and the paper is argumentative.
From the Paper "Recent political events have shed sudden light on an issue that the American public has long been avoiding: Same-sex marriage. Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry? As human beings and American citizens, are same sex couples entitled to the same protections that law provides to heterosexual married couples? Unlike the usual pro/con debates, this particular issue has three sides. There's the "no" side that argues that the benefits of marriage are sanctimonious and that they should be provided only to opposite sex couples. The "yes" side would argue that marriage is a basic civil right and should be provided to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. The third side meets the previous two extremes somewhere in the middle, stating that while the term "marriage" is sanctimonious and should be reserved only for opposite sex couples, the benefits of marriage should be available to all couples regardless of sexual orientation. Each side has its own theories in a debate that is anything but black and white."
Abstract This paper examines how, in today's society, bullying can be defined much differently than in former decades; bullying today has become much more severe, and even life threatening. It looks at how, while school-aged children are being bullied daily, many parents, teachers, and counselors are unaware of the problem. In order to fully understand why bullying is harmful, it considers what bullying is, why some children more susceptible, and what the signs are that a child is being bullied. It also looks at how one can prevent bullying and help children deal with it and the importance of putting a stop to it.
From the Paper "To help children cope with bullying, the parent should first reinforce what has been taught; if a child is being verbally abused, try to encourage him or her to ignore the bully. If ignoring the bully does not work, children should then be encouraged to speak with their teachers, guidance counselors, or other authority figures. Parents should remain calm and not overreact when children speak to them about being bullied. It may be a parent's first instinct to go to school and try to take care of it, but depending on the severity of the bullying, this may not be the best idea. However, if the bullying continues or gets physical, then a parent must intervene. Parents should first speak with their child's teacher, counselor, or principal, and if necessary, they should contact the bully's parents."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of verbal abuse within marriages. The writer explores what constitutes verbal abuse and how it can play into a marriage. The writer examines many issues surrounding verbal abuse, including its impact on children and its impact on the victim.
From the Paper "Verbal abuse in a relationship can be insidious. It is something that leaves no external marks but can be extremely damaging. The victim of verbal abuse within a relations can become isolated and depressed which makes it even more difficult to recognize that they are being abused and to get out of the situation. It can become a cycle that last for years and provides a negative example for the children of the union to emulate. Verbal abuse does not get the publicity that physical abuse gets, but it can have the same devastating affects."
Abstract This paper explains the history of women's fashion from the 1900s through the 1950s and how the economy and popular culture affected fashion. It explains in detail how the fashion industry was affected by such things as World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. It tells about the "roaring twenties" and the flapper style of Coco Chanel, along with Dior's "new look" of the 1940s.
From the Paper "American women's fashion throughout the twentieth century has undergone drastic changes as the years passed. All through the century, fashion was influenced by the economy and popular culture. Women's fashion especially exemplifies the changes of hair, makeup, dresses, pants, shoes, hats, and so many other things which have all gone through massive modifications. The American women of this century have been especially mindful of their fashion, and their concerns have been brought out through what they wear. Each decade has had their own fashion revolutions and disasters, but each has also brought about revolutionary changes in style, that still affects us today and will for many years ahead."
Abstract This essay examines how the composition of a group, whether for therapeutic or business reasons, affects the outcomes and group goals that can eventuate. The essay contends that group composition needs to be both homogeneous and heterogeneous enough to allow for group processes to occur, i.e. group stages, for the group dynamic to progress and group goals to be achieved.
From the Paper "While it is true that a group is made up of individuals, and without those individuals there would be no group, it is quite impossible to judge the "sort of group" that will eventuate from merely examining the "sorts of people" that constitute it. Doing so would be like "explain[ing] the shifting pattern of a kaleidoscope by taking the tube to pieces and listing the fragments found inside" (Thompson and Kahn, 1970: 12). Systems theorists have long posited, in opposition to individual psychological explanations of group behaviour, that when individuals "merge into a group" something new is created? (Lewin, 1951: 57). This new entity, although comprised of individuals, is believed to be "greater than the sum of its parts" and thus the dynamic that is created within the group is not directly attributed to any one individual but rather the unique interrelationship between those individuals and the force that this interrelationship has on group functioning."
Abstract This paper shows that the media has misrepresented homosexuals in many different ways. Television and newspaper are especially differing in their portrayals of homosexuals. Current television programs have divided homosexuals into a distinct cultural group, typecasting them as sharing the same personality, lifestyle and values. They are often seen on television as being the victims of ridicule, as they are utilized in television program for providing a humorous effect. The paper shows that converse to television, newspaper, and at times radio, expose the negative portrayals of homosexuals, depicting them as being unnatural and immoral. Furthermore, the media has played a part in placing stigmas upon homosexuals, including the association they are believed to have with sex crimes, drugs and terminal sexually transmitting diseases.
From the Paper "Presently, television is a considerable contributor in the stereotyping of homosexuals. Excessively effeminate mannerisms, high pitched speaking voices, exaggerated garish and stylish clothing are images of homosexuals which are common on almost every television channel. This is, however, a vast media misrepresentation, since in reality homosexuals are considerably difficult to identify. Television particularly places gay men in brackets, giving them shared personality traits and occupations. On television programs, homosexual characters entertain audiences by predominantly possessing an energetic and flamboyant character, often even being outspoken transvestites."
This paper discusses the history of Chinese and Japanese emigrants in the formation of the American identity as related in Ronald Takaki's "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America".
Abstract This paper relates that the success of both Chinese and Japanese emigrants symbolizes their efforts in constructing an industrialized and agricultural America. The author points out that, because of hardship and discrimination, both groups formed their own communities and labor unions in order to strive for labor rights for their contributions, which gradually developed strong alliances with their own cultural values and thus helped to create a multicultural America that resists notions of assimilation. The paper concludes that, if the history of these ethnic groups were eliminated, there would be blank pages in the history of America because this people built the wealth of America.
From the Paper "In the 1800s, America was sought as a "New World" of opportunities and a better life for emigrants who were "pushed" out of their country by economic depression and "pulled" by hopes and dreams of fortune. Many Chinese migrants came to America to seek sanctuary from intense revolts and harsh economic conditions in China caused by the British Opium War (Takaki 192). The Japanese emigrated to America for similar reasons as the Chinese. 1868 was the year of the Japanese Meiji Reform and the government financed national defense by heavy taxing in order to establish a strong centralized society."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the various social situations and experiences encountered, in the area of law enforcement, which influence and mold the personalities of police officers. This paper delves into the long-standing personality theory that dictates which particular traits are patterned within an individual's personality. The writer of this paper explores and details the shared personality traits evident among police officers, including their desire to help others, as well as the need for respect and dignity normally associated with the profession. This paper discusses the relevant published research, which states that certain individuals choose a career in law enforcement for a variety of reasons, including: Job security, wages and benefits as well as a clear career path.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
General Concepts of Police Personality
Nature versus Nurture: Socialization and On-The-Job Experiences
Men Police Officers: Status, Gender and Personality
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Based on the status model of personality, there is a distinct "pecking order" in place in virtually all police departments across the country that helps initiate newcomers to the profession into the field; new recruits to the force will ignore this hierarchy at their peril. According to Gerber, the high-status officer in each partnership type will be perceived as having more instrumentally oriented (dominating and instrumental) traits and the low-status officer will be viewed as having more expressive traits. In addition, the status model predicts that officers' perceptions of their personality traits will be affected by group status-the overall status of their partnership in relation to other kinds of partnerships. In her review of Gerber's analysis, Monago suggests that this study showed that sex category and work experience played instrumental roles in personality adjustments."
Tags: law, enforcement, career, profession, traits, personality, research
Abstract This paper explores the importance of cultural diversity in nursing. The paper examines both the legal, and the moral/ethical obligations of professionals in the field to represent and embrace diversity. The paper concludes that in order to reach this goal, nursing education must include more trans-cultural coursework and emphasis.
From the Paper "Developing sensitivity to diversity is not only a legal obligation in the United States. It is also a moral and ethical obligation that speaks directly to aspects of the social contract and the longstanding human need..."
Abstract This paper reviews Eric Scholosser's 2002 book "Fast Food Nation" and its portrayal of the dehumanization of the fast-food industry and losses to the American consumer. The author presents many aspects of the fast food culture.
From the Paper "We've all heard and most likely dismissed the adage that we are what we eat. Usually if we spend any time at all bothering to think about this, we have some vague idea that it means if we eat unhealthy things than our own health will suffer. While that's certainly ..."
