Abstract
This paper looks at the controversial question of what makes us who we are. The issues of religious and political ideologies as well as the influence of the family are dealt with in this essay.

From the Paper
"This is a complicated question, whether one is referring to something serious like religious belief or political ideology or even something silly like preference in ice cream. Clearly a great deal of influence comes from one's family and the values that one was taught as a young child. But one's political ideology is also a function of extra-familial factors as well including (as Foner so eloquently demonstrates) the historical moment that one is born into and one's own experiences as one grows up.

Tags:personal, essay

Abstract
This paper explains that, although Dorothy Parker may have considered herself to be a feminist, she has been charged of conforming too readily and wholeheartedly to the patriarchal system. Next, the author analyzes Parker's short story "Here We Are", about the uncomfortable and harsh moments between a newly married couple on the train on their way to their honeymoon, to see how she treats the woman. The paper concludes that Parker's opinion on women is not easy to resolve because, given her personality, it is entirely possible that she detested most women and men equally.

From the Paper
"This brings out the hat as an overt symbol of sexuality. Not only is it an article of clothing, it is also a display of beauty, and one over which the woman obsesses. She is very concerned with the man's opinion of the hat, though it is quite obvious that he doesn't really care all that much. The woman believes that her sexual attractiveness and femininity are tied up in her external and removable trappings, whereas the man's only real interest that can be ascertained from this brief glimpse into their lives is...well, you know. The hat is a symbol for the crossed communication wires, as it is the recurring physical issue that arises between them."

Tags:unflattering personality, sex act, idiocy naivete

Abstract
This paper reviews a book on the changing American family by Stephanie Coontz, entitled "The Way We Really Are: Coming to Terms with America's Changing Families." According to the paper, Coontz examines the family structure from a historical and sociological perspective. The review gratefully notes that Coontz does not moralize in this book. Additionally, the paper shows how Coontz points out the historical and sociological flaws regarding the concept of the traditional American family, revealing some deceptions practiced by certain groups, especially conservatives, in touting moral platforms that capitalize on this mistaken image of the family. The review concludes by stating that despite a lot of data and historical discussion, this book remains incredibly light and easy to read.

From the Paper
"The fact that this book has remained so current signals that the confusion and stagnation that Coontz so accessibly describes is still just as present today as it was in the late 1990s, and that little progress has been made in redefining or even understanding the nature of the family in our post-industrial age. It could even be fair to posit that Coontz might think we have taken a step backwards on issues such as same-sex marriage and other familial limitations since this book was first published. One thing that Coontz very consciously does not do, however, is moralize; in fact, moralization is one of the things--perhaps the main thing--that she credits with the warped view of historical family life that many, particularly the political right, hold onto as a cherished dream for the future."

Tags:same-sex marriage, traditional family, single-parents

Abstract
This paper examines how Judy's Blume's novel, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" is a novel written about an eleven year old girl named Margaret getting ready for and surviving the sixth grade. The novel follows Margaret through a family move, the struggle to make and fit in with new friends, sixth grade drama, crushes, and both the psychological and physiological stresses and changes in adolescence. The paper analyzes Margaret's development as an adolescent from the beginning of the novel to the end using specific concepts taught during a typical adolescent psychology class. It uses specific examples from the book and explains adolescent crises like dualistic thinking, peer pressure, and identity formation.

From the Paper
"Margaret demonstrates another clear characteristic of adolescence: dualistic thinking. Dualistic thinking is defined as seeing situations and issues in clear black-and-white terms (Arnett, 2001). This issue is increasingly clear when Margaret discusses her religion. Her mother is Catholic and her father is Jewish. Margaret has a Jewish grandmother who is constantly pressing her to choose a religion. On a paper form her teacher, Margaret writes that she hates religious holidays. Margaret doesn't like being in the middle of two religions, she doesn't like explaining how she "isn't any religion" because her parents are letting her choose her own someday. To her, religion is very black-and-white, and Margaret seems to see herself in a gray area, creating cognitive dissonance for her (Blume, 1970)."

Tags:dualistic, thinking, peer, pressure, identity, formation

Abstract
This paper reviews the article "Are Human Rights Universal?", by Shashi Tharoor. The paper discusses the concepts raised by Tharoor, that the Western World takes basic human rights, such as access to clean water and the right to avoid torture in times of conflict, for granted. The paper then goes on to discuss if the West is able to preserve human rights against threats.

From the Paper
"Review of the Article "Are Human Rights Universal?" In Shashi Tharoor's article "Are Human Rights Universal?" the author raises a series of difficult and unpleasant topics on the concept of human rights. The author begins the piece in pointing out the truism that the majority of those residing in the West tend to consider human rights to be a basic aspect of life; all human beings are accorded basic principles that ensure their personal welfare and well-being, such as access to clean water and the right to avoid undue circumstances in times of conflict, such as torture. However, Tharoor points out that the very concept that there is such a thing as basic human rights is embedded within the Western lifestyle; the peoples of the world do not tend to have the philosophical perspective necessary to consider the possibility of basic human rights for all, let along the mechanisms through which to preserve them against threats."

Tags:human, rights, universal

Abstract
This essay discusses the importance and function of illustrations in children's books. The essay focuses specifically on the books "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak and "The Little Prince" by Antoine De Saint-Exupery and discusses the ways that the illustrations found in these books encourage literacy in children.

From the Paper
"People need stories and books to help them make sense of their world, and children are no exception. Reading children's literature can be a wonderful way for parents and children to share feelings, concerns, and emotions. Illustrations in children's books are visual representations that help children explore their physical environment. The stories of children's literature can be communicated through both words and pictures, and can be realized in either their visual or their verbal forms. Children can 'read' the illustrations and understand the story either on their own or as a parent reads the words aloud."

Tags:children, illustrations

Abstract
This six-page paper is a discussion about why we choose the foods that we eat. The writer touches on color, texture, our senses and flavor among other factors in how we choose our foods to eat. There were no sources used to complete this paper.

Abstract
Youth crime - or the spectre of youth crime - concerns all of us. Suffice it to say, how this issue is addressed by the court system is a hot topic of discussion that invariably gets around to the central matter of whether or not the system is too lenient when it comes to young offenders. The following paper will argue that the conditions placed upon young offenders who are released from custody are frequently overused or misapplied and that they cause more harm than good. Of course, there are proponents of the current system who argue the exact opposite: the wide-spread imposition of conditions upon release cuts down on youth delinquency and allows the system to more carefully monitor at-risk young people. Nonetheless, the following paper will look at section 515 and its provisions, highlight just how over-used these provisions are, determine the role of the courts and the role of the police in creating this unhappy situation, and will finish up by looking at how the conditions which are applied often seemingly have no relationship to the actual nature of the crime. In the end, Canada is unjustly criminalizing its youth.

From the Paper
Youth Justice: Why (and How) the Conditions of Release for Young People Are Over-Used Youth crime - or the spectre of youth crime - concerns all of us. Suffice it to say, how this issue is addressed by the court system is a hot topic of discussion that invariably gets around to the central matter of whether or not the system is too lenient when it comes to young offenders. The following paper will argue that the conditions placed upon young offenders who are released from custody are frequently overused or misapplied and that they cause more harm than good. Of course, there are proponents of the current system who argue the exact opposite: the wide-spread

Tags:conditions, bail, youth

Abstract
In this paper, the writer reviews the article by Thurman and Allen, simultaneously relating personal impressions, opinions and comments relating to the primary question this study addresses: "Are lactation consultants affecting breastfeeding success?". The writer considers some of the reasons a mother may choose not to breastfeed her infant and looks at the role of individuals with certified lactation consultant credentials. The writer explains the role of the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and also includes an interview with a friend who relates her personal experience with breastfeeding. The writer relates that from this study, he gained a greater understanding of the help that individuals with IBCLC certification are able to provide for new mothers. A figure is included in the paper.

Outline:
Introduction
Study Components
Breastfeeding Considerations

From the Paper
"Now, however, the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), a recognized credentialing agent in breastfeeding support, assures a specific standard of education, training, and knowledge that non-certified "lactation consultants may not possess (Thurman & Allen, 2008, p. 2). Along with earning educational credits relating to breastfeeding, individuals with Certified Lactation Consultant credentials must complete extensive clinical training with breastfeeding mothers and earned a passing grade on the final lactation consultant's exam. Once the individual passes the exam and has been certified, the professional lactation consultant must re-certify every five years. After 10 years, the lactation consultant must re-take the exam for recertification. For mothers to become knowledgeable about what may happen when they start breastfeeding, it is vital that they receive proper informative information regarding breastfeeding. Healthcare providers sometimes fail to provide new mothers with information explaining the benefits of breastfeeding over formula feeding (Thurman & Allen, 2008, p. 1).
"Professionals who are knowledgeable about breastfeeding serve as one of the key components in not only encouraging new mothers to breastfeed their babies, but also in educating family members regarding the significance of breastfeeding and the value of supporting the mother to breastfeed her baby. Thurman and Allen note: "Breastfeeding initiation and breastfeeding maintenance benefit from the skills and assistance of a supportive experienced individual" (Ibid.)."

Tags:mothers, newborns, milk, nutrition

Abstract
Judy Blume's classic novel, "Are You there God? It's Me, Margaret", is considered one of the best and most enduring pieces of modern young adult fiction for its exploration of topics and situations that occur in the lives of almost every adolescent. This paper explores the novel in terms of how Blume's presentation of the character of Margaret allows Blume to address issues experienced by adolescents, especially younger girls