Abstract This paper analyzes the issue of marijuana decriminalization for medical purposes. Starting with a discussion of an upcoming Supreme Court ruling, the author provides an analysis of the case for decriminalization, including a recent book full of anecdotal evidence. The author then discusses how the federal government has taken a hard line against marijuana users and even doctors who prescribe the drug. This no-compromises attitude led to a lawsuit in 1997, in which several prominent doctors and patients sued the Drug Czar and Barry McCaffrey for violating their rights when, under Proposition 215, marijuana could be used in California and Arizona for medical reasons. The doctors claimed that they had been threatened by the DEA for prescribing the drug, while patients had been arrested and faced stiff penalties. The case has gone back and forth several times, while Proposition 215 has been suspended. The outcome is unclear, and the author finished the essay by describing how decriminalization necessitates removing marijuana from "Schedule I" status, which is reserved for dangerous drugs which have no medicinal value.
This paper discusses the social criticism of the patriarchal and Christian society in the 14th century Italian civilization, as presented in Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron".
Abstract This paper explains that "The Decameron" (Ten Days? Work), written by Boccaccio from 1348 to 1353, illustrates the glory of the Renaissance movement and the destruction of the Black Death. The author points out that Boccaccio provides social criticism through anecdotes narrated by the characters in the novel about patriarchy, women's marginalization, and the dominance and abuses of the Church. The paper relates that Boccaccio looks at the psyche and feeling of women in the midst of a conservative patriarchal society and provides his readers with his "ideal" notion of a woman of his time by providing a characterization of women who are portrayed to not be ideal.
From the Paper "The third group is a moderate mix of the first two groups, opting to live life to the fullest, "thinking it an excellent idea to fortify the brain"for the stench of the dead bodies? seemed to fill and pollute the whole of the atmosphere.? Lastly, the last group of people in Boccacio's society fled from their homes and sought refuge in the countryside, believing that their city was cursed by God: ?? large numbers of men and women abandoned their city? they imagined that the wrath of God? would only be aroused against those who found themselves within the city walls.?"
This paper reviews the methodology of a research project by Frances Henry and Effie Ginzberg entitled "Racial Discrimination in Employment", which asserts that at least in the 1990s, racism was a staple of the Toronto job market.
Abstract This paper explains that Frances Henry and Effie Ginzberg's research revealed the apparent bias of the authors as well as their willingness to predicate their research based on their questionable methodology that was only "quasi-experimental" in nature. The author points out his or her critical concern about Henry and Ginzberg's definition of discrimination and whether or not they are being unjustly harsh in their assessment of many common employment practices. The paper relates that, nonetheless, there are strengths in the article such as having black testers and white testers apply for the same position and go to the same place to be interviewed, which makes possible a very good comparative analysis. The authors stresses that these in-person interviews rely upon anecdotal evidence collected at the site by the tester and not upon any independent statistical analysis.
From the Paper "The problem with having professional actors is that they are obviously not playing themselves; suffice it to say, a case can be made that the in-person testing process was not as authentic as it should have been because thespians were trying to be someone else - as opposed to having ordinary people play themselves in the job interview process without affectation. The biggest problem I see in the decision of Henry and Ginzberg to use professional performers is that professional actors in such a circumstance could "ape" certain mannerisms or employ stereotypical behavior that might in some way distort the outcome of the interview."
Abstract The paper analyzes Freud's well-known book, "The Psychopathology of Everyday Life", which consists almost exclusively of a series of anecdotes taken from the real lives of a variety of people. The paper discusses Freud's overall theme of the significance of inner mental states, the subconscious, as possessing a deterministic quality over outer manifestations of behavior. The paper points out that Freud's analysis is neither subject to close scientific investigation nor is it logically unimpeachable, but concludes that Freud's pioneering efforts, though flawed, opened the door for further study.
From the Paper "Freud's 1901 book, The Psychopathology of Everyday Life, is one of the more well-known works of his, perhaps partly due to the fact that unlike many of his studies of psychology, it focuses exclusively on the life of the ordinary individual rather than the neurotic patient. As such, it was likely from the beginning to find wider acceptance among a readership that, then as now, tends to feel a stigma attached to the felt need that one is "abnormal" or in need of psychotherapy. It thus presents itself as an accessible introduction to Freud's thought."
Tags:anecdotes, speech, action, subconscious, mental, states
This paper reviews Edite Cunha's essay "Talking in the New Land" about her life experience, from the age of seven to the age of nine, of having English as a second language.
1,120 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 0 sources, 2008, $ 38.95
Abstract This paper explains that Edite Cunha's "Talking in the New Land" demonstrates her great effort, living in a melting pot and trying to find her role in the family. The author points out that Cunha shows the struggle of being the interpreter for her family with great credibility, strong emotions and logic. The paper relates that Cunha gains credibility by using anecdotes of her younger self and by showing her emotions at each time. The author underscores that, when the young Edite is either forced to speak English or has to translate from English to Portuguese for her father, her feelings are always cold and fearful. The paper suggest that Cunha is trying to impress upon the readers that often with learning the public language the consequences are negative.
From the Paper "In the beginning of the essay, when Edite is explaining her name, her words are filled with love, "in naming their daughters Maria, my people were expressing their love and reverence for their Lady of Fatima." But when in an English school she explains, "I never knew quite who I was" when her teacher changed her name to sound more American. Another example of intense emotion was when the young Edite and her father go to the Employment division and Edite reads the words on the doorway she recalls, "there was a growing coldness deep inside me.""
Abstract This paper explains that, unlike scholarly works of political science, Chris Matthews in his book "Hardball" employs a highly readable journalistic style and brevity of expression, which will ensure the book's status as a modern-day version of Machiavelli's "The Prince". The paper points out that Matthew's compendium of handy quotes and anecdotes, when applied to the rarefied sphere of politics, tend to carry a considerable amount of truth. The paper also explains that Matthew's book focuses on the highest levels of political power including many case studies of former presidents. The paper then offers of brief biography of US President Bush and applies three of the book's aphorisms to Bush's political career.
From the Paper "Another defining aspect of the Bush presidency is the sanctified doctrine of "it's not who you know; it's who you get to know." In other words, personal relationships are as important - if not more important- than professional competence, diplomatic savvy, and political intelligence. This principle has guided George W. Bush since his days as a baseball league owner, and it continues to do so during these dying days of his presidency: "The lesson is obvious. If you want to do business with someone, don't forget the personal aspect.""
Abstract The paper examines the movie "Sicko", a documentary based on the investigations of the filmmaker and on anecdotal evidence from people, about the failure of the U.S. health care system in serving the people who need it most. The paper points out that these particular people may have been failed by the system, but that does not mean the system fails the majority of people. The paper highlights the questionable reliability of the filmmaker's portrayal of other countries' systems as better. The paper concludes that further research is needed to prove that the film is representative of the true situation.
From the Paper "The movie Sicko (Michael Moore, 2007) is a documentary about the health care system in the United States and how it is failing the people who need it most. There is no surprise in that simple statement, for most people already see the health care system as in need of reform, and efforts to do so have been offered for some time, though not developed enough to make people believe that the reform can be achieved. Moore thus plays off an already existing concern about high costs, poor insurance coverage, discrimination on the basis of economic status, and medical decisions being made not by doctors but by insurers more interested in saving money than in good health care. The film is shaped around the investigations of the filmmaker and around anecdotal evidence from people who hade been mistreated by the system, or at least who believe they have been. There are a number of reasons to accept what is said in the film, and some reasons not to accept all that is said in the film."
Abstract This is an essay about the progression of morality. The author argues that morality progresses in human beings in one drastic, breathtaking moment, rather than gradually. This is an anecdotal, subjective view of the progression of morality.
From the Paper "To be truly human is to experience the universal struggle between good and evil. During early childhood, one is entirely unaware of what is "good" and what is ?bad.? One only knows what actions reap rewards and what actions provoke punishments. There comes a time in everyone's life when he or she discovers morals, and that time is the beginning of being truly human. That time is not a gradual shift; it is a moment, and a defining one in everyone's life?though it may not seem to be that important at the time. Because that moment is mostly a strange chill on the back of one's neck after doing something evil, or a light, airy feeling of joy at having done something benevolent, it is not an especially extraordinary moment. It is only with hindsight that the true meaning of that chill or that joy may be gleaned. As it just so happens, I recall when I discovered the revolting sweetness of being malicious and first understood evil as a real phenomenon, rather than what one calls a villain on a Saturday morning cartoon."
Abstract This essay compares and contrasts two of Edgar Allen Poe's frightening and haunting tales, "The Tell Tale Heart" and "The Cask of Amontillado". The author also cites parallels between the stories and Poe's dark life. The paper analyzes Poe's imagery and effective narrative style.
From the paper:
"Best known for his poems and short fiction, Edgar Allan Poe deserves more credit than any other writer for the transformation of the short story from anecdote to art. He virtually created the detective story and perfected the psychological thriller" (Anonymous Edgar Allan Poe POE.HTM). All of Edgar Alan Poe's work is known for its use of all elements of writing in portraying incredible stories that often haunt the reader. He was skilled in every aspect of writing it seems, especially in relationship to anything that was slightly obscure or eerie, which are also elements of the writer himself. His stories "The Tell Tale Heart" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are no exceptions to these conditions or realities."
Abstract The following paper critically analyzes whether divorce is a devastating act that reverberates down the decades, inflicting permanent harm on adults and children or whether it is a healing act for the family torn by conflicts that are far worse than any divorce might be.
From the paper:
? Wallerstein's research is anecdotal, limited to a homogeneous, affluent, Caucasian sample, and was not contrasted with a control group. She did not track similar families torn by conflicts who nonetheless stayed together. Her work's most serious flaw, however, is her skewed sample: every family came to her because they were already experiencing serious problems. And thus her work has been criticized by some colleagues, because it does not take into account the complex tangle of emotions and difficulties that dysfunctional families suffer, whether they divorce or not.?
Abstract This paper looks at the book, "Girl, Interrupted," which is the autobiographical account of Susanna Kaysen's life just after her graduation from high school in the late 1960s. The movie, is an adaptation of the book. The author reviews both works, which deal with a woman with borderline personality disorder, one of the most common, and misdiagnosed types of mental illness facing women.
From the paper:
"Another anecdote from the book that meets the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is Susanna's dissociative episode. One day while simply sitting in a chair in the common room at the hospital, Susanna had the random notion that she had no bones in her hand. Susanna instantly, and for no apparent reason, became completely convinced that there were no bones in her hand. She was thus immensely disturbed and resolved to bite down on her hand until it bled in an attempt to get all the way down to the bone. Susanna felt as though she must see her bones to know that they are there and she refused to take anyone's word for it. This psychotic episode seems as though it may also be tied to a feeling of emptiness."
A discussion of the dangers of drunk driving and the lives it affects, including appeals of pathos (heart and values), ethos (character) and logos (facts & logic) to convey a powerful message to the reader.
Abstract A healthy balance between the different arguments of pathos, ethos and logos (emotion, value, character, and facts & logic) are found in this essay which which deals with the dangers of drunk driving. Included are interviews with those who have personally been affected by drunk driving, as well as personal anecdotes, and significant facts and statistics. All sections of the paper are strategically organized in order to better convey the message to the reader.
From the Paper "It was the first day of March. It was the type of day where the chill and dampness seemed to penetrate your soul. I silently watched as Jeremy's mother laid a blood red colored rose on the marble stone. Wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, she ran a hand across the letters of his name that adorn the cold gravestone. Jeremy Taylor (1982 ? 2000). She said a silent prayer and turned towards the car. She glanced back once more before walking away. Today Jeremy would"ve been eighteen. He would"ve been able to vote or play the lottery if he wanted to. In a couple months he would?ve graduated ? top ten in his class! He would"ve walked across the stage, gotten his diploma, and tossed his cap high into the air with all his friends. He would"ve made his plans to leave for college. He had already been accepted into an Ivy League school. How desperately he wanted to become a lawyer. His mom always said she could tell he would make a great lawyer by the way he argued with his sister?.But all that changed within a moment. His life was ended at the hands of a drunk driver as he made his way home from school one fateful February afternoon. No longer would they see his smiling face. No longer would they laugh at the childish burping contests he had, as boys do. No longer would they hear the crowd cheer his name as he scored the winning touchdown or the sound of his voice as he excitedly told of his plans to become the best lawyer they had ever seen. All of that was gone now, because someone chose to drink and drive. Watching my friend's burial was one of the most emotional experiences I can recall. I think of how scared he must have been in his final moments. I wonder what he was thinking as he lay there dying. It was an eerie feeling to know that the casket could not even be opened during the service because of how horrific were the injuries that he had sustained. Now whenever "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton comes on the radio, I think of him. I will never get the chance to say goodbye or to tell him all the things I wanted him to know. I can only hope he knows how much he was loved and will be missed. Rest in peace my angel."
This paper presents a detailed examination of racial profiling, the act of police officers or other law enforcement officials using race as a factor in deciding whom to stop and search on the street, in the United States.
Abstract The following paper takes the reader on an exploratory journey through the issues that surround racial profiling and discusses the various problems that are encountered. Some of the issues addressed are whether or not racial profiling exists, the problem that most law enforcement departments refuse to undergo a study and that they deny that racial profiling exists and the state of literature regarding this topic at this point is more anecdotal than scientific. In addition the writer contends that the topic is controversial because the United States believes that it has rid itself of prejudice and racism and to open the topic of racial profiling by law enforcement personnel is admitting that its possible the nation is backsliding.Finally, this paper examines how the events of September 11th stepped up the pace of racial profiling by law enforcement and grew to include new groups of people.
From the Paper "Racial profiling is a topic that is seen across the nation in the media. Racial profiling has often been referred to as the phantom occurrence because thus far departments across the nation patently deny its existence. The topic is a growing one in light of the September 11, 2001 attacks on America. Racial profiling has been a top news story since that attack but it was an issue for many years before that.
One of the hardest things to debate in this heated topic is whether or not it exists. There is not a law enforcement agency in the nation that has stepped up to the plate and acknowledged that it does indeed profile using racial criteria. It is something that New York City's finest have been accused of over and over again while the chiefs and mayors adamantly deny the rumors. It is something that News shows spend entire segments trying to prove with the cases that are claimed to have happened because of it(Dotings, 2000)"
A paper which discusses that despite the severe limits placed on Chinese women throughout their history, they still managed to demonstrate tenacity and courage and the power of decision within these restrictions.
Abstract The paper discusses how women throughout Chinese history have experienced the oppression their tradition and culture exert as well as the power only members of their sex can attain in their chosen domains. It shows that although readers have been exposed to historical anecdotes relating foot binding and Man's superiority to women, there are also many stories relating their freedom and tenacity, whether they are wives, concubines, courtesans or prostitutes. The paper discusses how the history of Chinese women is not necessarily limited to persecution and being dominated, it is also peppered with inspirational stories of women who have been able to find happiness, success and fulfillment within the parameters Chinese tradition and culture dictate.
From the Paper "The girl split from her first family with the understanding that she was never going back to them nor even allowed to communicate with them unless she had the permission of the man. On the surface the procedure is very much like a father marrying off his daughter, making the same arrangements as if it was a legal marriage. However there were a few things that distinguished the wife's status over that of the concubine. Legally, a Chinese man can only have one wife but could possess innumerable concubines. So the status of wife was more special than that of the concubines. Wives were also allocated property upon their marriage while concubines were not. Concubines did not have dowries and their first family did not receive any presents from the man upon losing their daughter."
Abstract This paper examines good business ethics and customer service as presented in this book. The book explains to a business owner that he can still provide good customer service without compromising on one's profits. The paper also quotes some of the anecdotes from the book.
From the Paper "The book started with a story entitled, ?The Interview,? wherein the author quotes Bill O?Brien, former CEO of the Hanover Insurance Company, at the start of the chapter: ?[t[here are two fundamentally differing views of human nature and work. The "objective view" sees work as a source of economic means. The "subjective view" is concerned with the effects of work on the person. By the end of the 21st century, quality will become commodity, and companies will be distinguished by the wholeness of their people? (McCarthy 21). This quote defines the wholeness of what the book is, and true enough, the story that followed after this well- thought of excerpt from O?Brien resembles the situation the characters of the first story are in."
