Peter Skrzynecki (Ancestors)

stanza 1 the figures have a nightmarish quality which is developed through simple but evocative visual imagery they ‘hang over you’ and stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ which makes them threatening in number and intimidating in stance the sibilance within the last line augments the tenor of disquiet created by the poet’s reference to these nameless and ‘faceless’ men no reference is made to women which also increases the veiled threat implied by shadowy figures. ne possible interpretation of this might be that male ancestors have greater impact on his cultural and social identity stanza 2 the darkness becomes tinged with urgency as his sleep is broken by whispered secrets. nothing is distinct or clear, developing an atmosphere of uneasiness. it is a scene we can identify with, those disturbing dreams and nightmares that can come to us all in the middle of the night reference is made to the ever-open eyes of these figures. we wonder what are t hey looking at or for, and wether their appearance is a negative or positive omen. t also leads us to wonder whether their visions are insightful or apocalyptic stanza 3 the ring they form around the poet is both encircling and yet directional, their pointing fingers and footprints leading elsewhere to undetermined places. the term ‘ring’ generates a certain feeling of alarm, as if the sleeping figure is being entrapped by these figures from the past directions are unclear, mirroring the indistinct quality of dreams. it also raises the level of uncertainty and apprehension felt by the dreamer stanza 4 hese nocturnal visitors are given a natural backdrop, simply described as a mountain, river, plains, grasses and sand simple, sensory imagery describes the ‘sound of a river’ and a ‘moonlit plain’ giving some semblance of place but not enough to get any real bearings or location it is still a dream-liek landscape; ill-defined but evocative and dis quitening stanza 5 we ponder what these speechless, watchful and hovering figures ‘wait’ for and question their purpose urgency is created by the use of hyphen which creates a pregnant pause in the middle of the question being asked. his involves the reader in the questioning process, challenging us to respond from a personal perspective it appears that these dead ancestors form the past are awaiting new members to join their host, adding resonance to the death theme developed earlier Stanza 6 the nightmarish quality is not relieved by wakefulness which brings limited relief disquiet remains, for consciousness ironically makes their faces disappear just as they ‘became clearer’.They remain metaphorically out of reach the visual intensity of the simile ‘dry/as cake mud’ emphasises the negative impact of this ancestral visitation which neither soothes nor appeases the dreamer stanza 7 this is the only stanza with three lines instead of four; the brevity adds to the discordant images of un-stirring sand, grass and wind which ‘tastes of blood’. the inversion of typical senses jars our expectations the reference to the taste of ‘blood’ refers again to the death theme and adds to the reader’s sense of nightmarish disorientation. mirroring that felt by the disturbed sleeper by the disturbed sleeper.

Jury of her peers Essay

After the first reading 1. What do the women think happened at the farm? The women thought Mrs. Wright might have murdered her own husband. After the second reading 2. What is the climax of the story (When in the story does the narrative take a turn)? The story’s climax is when there are more evidences compiled at the end (the dead bird, broken cage, abuse, marital oppression) this turns the story to Minnie Foster as a victim and not as a criminal. 3. How well does this story fit the model of the stages of narrative? The story shows all the stages of narrative in correct order (intro, rising action, climax, falling action) except that the conclusion is left for the readers to think. 4. What other things do you notice? The women were not allowed to be jurors but in this story, they outsmarted their husbands/men in collecting evidences that would point to who the victim and who the murderer was. The strongest evidences would be the abuse and loneliness experienced by Mrs. Wright and the irony of how the bird and Mr. Wright were killed in the same way. 5. What questions do you still have? Â  Will the women tell their husbands/men what they saw? Will the women stand up at the trial for the evidences?

Discussing and analysing key sociological and psychological issues Essay

Discussing and analysing key sociological and psychological issues which underpin approach to care management - Essay Example s (such as the family of the patient or his/ her gender, race or educational level) should not be criteria for differentiation from the principles and the ethics that govern the health care sector. In this context Arneson et al. (2003, 35) stated that ‘professional nurses experience increasing workplace demands from inside and outside the hospital; The internal pressures of patient care and a traditional organizational hierarchy are coupled with external factors such as medical reimbursement guidelines and competition from other healthcare providers’. Under the above conditions the intervention of the sector’s leaders for change should be considered as crucial. After examining the particular issue Shelley (2003, 13) stated that leaders in the health care industry should ‘understand that staffs reactions to change vary widely; While change itself isnt good or bad, its relative to whomever is experiencing it. Some will feel motivated and energized by change, o thers will feel threatened, anxious, fearful, or a sense of loss of the familiar and status quo. Some may even experience a grief reaction’. The application of the above plan should not be regarded as a permanent solution to the problems that appear in the healthcare industry; however it could be characterized as a primary effort that can lead – if applied successfully - to the delivery of high quality health care services in the future. If we try to identify the particular elements of care management and particular the responsibilities of the care provisioners we will come to the conclusion that although a net of rules and principles exist in the specific area – referring especially to the issues of responsibility and ethical behaviour – in fact the retrieval of evidence for the existence of responsibility regarding the actions of care provisioners can be a very difficult task which in many times is not completed successfully. In this context, Wikler (2002, 48) stated that ‘assessment of the

Avoiding System Development Pitfalls in the IT Decision Making Dissertation

Avoiding System Development Pitfalls in the IT Decision Making Processes - Dissertation Example Likewise, a brief observation of these categorized characteristics of various applications, many categories have been projected. Sprague and Watson proposed the performance dimension of the systems can be categorized or can be divided in to four levels i.e. basic data processing systems, integrated data processing systems, management information systems and decision support systems (Hogue, 1985). However, the research and technology for the DSS continue to revolutionize and by 1996, Whinton and Holsapple proposed five particular types of DSS. These specialized DSS types were text-oriented DSS, database-oriented DSS, spread-sheet-oriented DSS, solver-oriented DSS, and rule-oriented DSS (Power,). Moreover, these last four DSS types were again divided into seven categories proposed by Arnott and Pervan (Burstein & Holsapple,). The seven categories are (Burstein & Holsapple,) personal DSS, group support systems, negotiation support systems, intelligent DSS, knowledge management-based DSS , executive information systems/business intelligence, and data warehousing. However, these sub categories overlaps with some of them but they introduced a diverse advancement of past research. Afterwards, these four levels were categorized as transaction processing systems (TPS), Management Information Systems (MIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS). Information Technology has revolutionized. Business organization dependent on information systems, cater information for decision making. The revolutionized information technology completely modified the business structure and the information required for decision making process. A term called strategic management focuses on building a powerful competitive advantage. It also involves the development of corporate strategy along with the management of the organization according to that strategy (Strategic management.2007). The BRAC university has launched a world class Integrated library system (ILS) (BRAC university launches integrated library system koha dhaka, bangladesh — koha - open source ILS - integrated library system). It is â€Å"an interrelated group of computer programs that automates multiple library operations† (Ebenezer, 2002). The ILS will redefine customer services by advance information technology services that will enhance the process of delivering both electronic information and printed documents. Keeping in mind the long term perspective, the strategic goals for the ILS are constructed as: The infrastructure of the library will be enhanced and well maintained Maximizing the access to the customers for the printed information resources (not digital). Maximizing access to the customer of digital information resources. Establishing strategic affiliation with other libraries locally and globally including schools, colleges and universities. Build learning environments in all accessible locations connected with the library. The strategic goals are to define the library’s strate gic plan and as well as Information technology strategic plan. The current infrastructure has inadequate capacity, size and functionality which are not fulfilling user requirements. Current system has issues related to performance and functionality which is affecting the users. The system cannot be maintained as it needs to be re-designed. The decision for the replacement of the system was made because of

Mindfulness and Mental Health, Annotated Bibliography

Mindfulness and Mental Health, - Annotated Bibliography Example re professionals: A review of empirical studies of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).† Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 15 (2009): 61–66. Print. The authors lay a foundation on various reasons that may lead to the development of stress among healthcare professionals. On the other hand, the authors show the benefits that exist on mindfulness-based stress reduction. The approach is accredited in enhancing well-being and coping with stress among health care professionals. The source will help in showing how mindfulness has been successive in various fields in reducing mental conditions. I will focus on reduction of stress through adherence to mindfulness. The authors focus on the use of mindfulness as a physiological entity. The authors also describe how mindfulness has been incorporated in modern medicine and psychology. In this article, I will be able to highlight the role of psychology in enhancing mindfulness by focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy. In this book, the authors begin by describing what mindfulness is to an individual. The authors also describe mindfulness and the benefits. One of the benefits highlighted by the authors is on medical and pre-medical conditions. I chose the book due to its relevance to my research on benefit of mindfulness. The material I will use from this book is on benefit of mindfulness to medicine. The book will help in showing how mindfulness benefits. The author notes how mindfulness has become common in today’s society. The author notes on application of mindfulness on various conditions. The article notes mindfulness may not be the ultimate solution but will be common in the future. The author notes that mindfulness has helped in emerging of better mental health practitioners. The article also notes the concept has been successful in the treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. The author further notes mindfulness can transform us in how we relate with problems. The article will

Logical vs. Physical Models Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Logical vs. Physical Models - Research Paper Example Taking the viewpoint of an independent outside base is another responsibility of the model and this assists in understanding the areas that require improvements. Process modeling also assists in defining the desired processes and understands the best manner through which the general system can incorporate it. Process modeling is important for it establishes the patterns that ought to be followed for the consequence of getting a particular desired result. Providing details on the rationale taken in the processes is another responsibility of process modeling. Exploring the courses of the various arguments that are brought up in the development of the process is the task of the process model. Establishing a link between the requirements of various processes and the actual processes is another importance of process modeling. It also defines points where data is extracted for reporting and analysis. A logic model is a type of analysis tool that is used by analysts to identify the effectiveness of particular computer programs. There are times that a particular project may fail and it is the responsibility of the analyst to identify the best logic model to employ and consequently understand the importance of having an overall haul of the system (Dennis, 2012). Using the logic model, the manager has the ability to understand the processes that can lead to increased investment, thus categorize them as either important or disposable, and consequently understand the course of action. A logic model is also used for program evaluation. In the past, program evaluation has always been used using an insider in the system. However, in contemporary days, new reasoning has been brought about by this model and it has helped in identifying and resolving some problems in the evaluation of a program. Some other uses of this model include assisting the database in understanding the current situation in

Social Entreprenuerism Case Study 3 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Social Entreprenuerism Case Study 3 - Coursework Example Social entrepreneurs focus on achieving social, cultural and environmental objectives hence it appeals volunteers and charitable organizations. This study gives an account of OneWorld Health organization that produces and supply drugs to poor people across the world who otherwise continues to die of curable illnesses, but with no drugs to cure those diseases (Dees and Elkington, n.d). The focus of the study is how such organizations are established, how they raise funds to finance their activities and difficulties they encounter while dealing with their clients. OneWorld Health Company is a United States based pharmaceutical organization that manufactures and supplies drugs to the needy people in the society (Dees and Elkington, n.d). This organization was the first charitable organization to be established with an objective of providing drugs to cure diseases of the poor people at an affordable price. The idea of establishing such as organization was based on the reasoning that there are specific diseases affecting poor people and yet they are not prevalent in developed nations. Therefore, Hale thought that such diseases are only found among the people who could not afford to buy drugs that could cure such diseases. According to Dees and Elkington, (n.d), Hale also realized that many healthcare providers such as universities and other research institutions have a capacity and desire to assist the needy people in the society to solve their problems. Such institutions have expertise, which they desire to use in helping the needy people in the society. However, there was a problem regarding the company through which the experts could grant their assistance to the needy people in the society. This is because, the only existing institutions are business oriented that have motives for generating wealth. Therefore, this makes it

U01d1 The American Legal System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

U01d1 The American Legal System - Essay Example The main basis of the common laws is based on the decisions that have been made in previous cases. During a hearing the judges make the decision on a case based on previous cases and previous decisions. It is also essential to understand that if a particular case has not been found in the common law, then the decision made by the judge on a case will become the law. Statutory laws on the other hand are the laws that are made by the government of the specific country. Here the governments play a major role in the law determination and they are also responsible for the development of punishments as well. These laws are made to basically meet the needs of the citizens, or to help in the formalization of the existing laws or even to resolve cases that are outstanding and need the government interference (Hillestad, 2004). Considering the health care systems, it is essential to note that the government has taken over the ‘driver’s seat’ for several organization and the hospitals that are run by the government now hold a monopoly in the markets. Here the local hospitals are given the rights to allow or not the starting up of other newer hospitals in the area (Schneller, Smeltzer, & Burns, 2006). Hospitals are given the right to prohibit any new competition in the markets and this in simpler words means that the local hospital tend to gain a monopolistic power in the industry. This is very similar to providing a company the legal rights to create higher levels of barriers to entry in the markets so that the new competition is completely eliminated. The laws those are present in the market at present are to a great extent the root cause for the several liabilities that have cropped up in the past. To ensure that the health care is improved and the issue of the health care is reduced, the governments needs to allow the health care organizations to be privatized instead of taking on the entire markets and also the level of laws and regulations need to be

Dissemination evidence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Dissemination evidence - Essay Example Consequently, it will contain elaborately detailed nursing experience and nursing workplace value, concise topic and audience as well as definite publishers (Logsdon, Eckert, Beck & Dennis, 2012). Elaborately simple guidelines of the use of screening tools which will be presented in laminated posters will ensure that mother, the key stakeholder, are proficient in the identification of symptoms of postpartum depression (Logsdon, Eckert, Beck & Dennis, 2012). The communication between mothers and nurses will play a substantial role in enhancing the knowledge adoption by mothers as the nurses will elaborate on the precise use of the various tools of screening PPD to the mothers. The knowledge presented from the research will be communicated to the larger nursing community through two channels. First, there will be a publication of the knowledge gathered by the research in a single publication which will be published at the American Nurses Association. This will enhance the access to this knowledge by nurses thus advancing its benefit to the nursing community. Secondly, quality improvement articles will be useful to communicate effectively to specific nurses in different geographic locations which have different culture that need specialized knowledge and skill in order to identify symptoms of postpartum depression in them. In common, these two channels of communication will contain the key measures and strategies for improvement of efficacy of early detection and intervention of postpartum depression (Logsdon, Eckert, Beck & Dennis, 2012). In addition, they will present the impacts of the change and next steps planned to overcome the barriers to early detec tion and intervention of postpartum depression. Logsdon, M. C., Tomasulo, R., Eckert, D., Beck, C., & Dennis, C. L. (July/August, 2012). Identification of mothers at risk for postpartum depression by hospital-based perinatal nurses. Mcn. the American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 37,

Impact of cigarette packages warning labels on Saudi Arabian people Research Proposal

Impact of cigarette packages warning labels on Saudi Arabian people and to what extent - Research Proposal Example In 2012, six Gulf States enforced a law to use graphic warnings which will be printed in all cigarette boxes. Some of the images are of ill people, skeletons, black teeth, and other pictures that are discouraging smokers to quit their behavior. Furthermore, the images are accompanied by warning phrases. However, a study that was conducted in Saudi Arabia indicates that these measures have done very little in deterring smokers from going on with their behaviors. With Saudi Arabia being the 23rd country with the largest number of smokers despite having a small population of approximately 25 million people, the measures are yet to yield any fruits. Many of the smokers in the country have stated that they are more aware of the consequences of their behavior than before (Fischhoff, Brewer, Downs, & United States, 2011). Have the graphic images have not dampened their desire to smoke. Many state that whenever they come across the graphic warnings, they become more aware that smoking is hazardous to their health. Nevertheless, the addition empowers these cautions and the desire to quit the vice. Labeling of cigarette packages with warnings has a major impact on deterring new smokers from starting this behavior. Many of the young people feel that the graphic images make them to think of the repercussions of starting this behavior. However, those who were already affected by addition find it very hard to stop it (La, 2013). Therefore, the number of people who are joining the list of smokers has reduced in Saudi Arabia. However, the number of those who are quitting is very minimal. This is an indication that the warnings are more effective in deterring non-smokers not to engage in smoking behavior rather than encouraging the smokers to quit this vice. Therefore, the government should implement other more effective measures such as imposing stricter law on public smoking and stiff penalties to those who

Grammar and Irrelevant Material Detracts Essay Example for Free

Grammar and Irrelevant Material Detracts Essay 1. Writing too much. Some students think the suggested page limits are just a general guideline, and its a good idea to go over them. Usually it isnt. While a professor may not mind a paper thats slightly above the limit, especially if the content is good, students who go on and on show a lack of discipline and focus that usually dooms their work. [Read 10 Secrets to College Success.] 2. Writing too little. Its common for professors to encounter papers that trail off well short of the minimum page limit. This is often a sign that the student just doesnt know enough about the topic, hasnt put enough thought into what he or she is going to say, or merely gestures at key points rather than explaining them in detail. If you find your paper is coming up short, do more working. 3. Not answering the question. Some students view the paper assignment as a chance to free-associate. They consider the question or task assigned by the professor as more of a suggestion (or prompt) of something to talk about, rather than a focused request for discussion of a specific issue. Professors, especially ones who have spent hours writing up the assignment, dont view this kindly. In our experience, students lose more points from not answering the question than for making errors in what they write. 4. Including irrelevant material. Its a continual mystery to professors why some students feel compelled to include material that clearly isnt relevant to the paper. From time to time, we even see a confession that these items arent really relevant, but they seemed so important that I somehow had to get them in. Resist the urge to throw extraneous material into your paper. Writing a good paper is a matter of judgment ­Ã¢â‚¬â€about what to take out as well as what to put in—and irrelevant material detracts from the overall quality of your paper. 5. Lacking a thesis. All college papers should have a thesis—that is, an overarching idea or point—clearly set out at the beginning, around which the paper centers. It neednt be something complex or obscure, just a statement of the main point: the one-sentence answer you would give to the question, if you had to answer in just one sentence. Funny how its hard to write when you havent figured out in your own mind what your single main point will be. (Again, judgment plays a key role here.) 6. Not having a direction of argument. College papers need to have an order of presentation: a carefully thought-out logic in which each point follows the previous one with some reason. This creates a feeling in the reader that the paper is proceeding in an orderly fashion toward some goal. Its frustrating for a professor to read a paper in which he or she has no idea why some point is being made now, and not even a clue about what point might come next. No reader likes the feeling of stumbling around in the dark. 7. Including sentences that do no work. All the sentences in your paper should make some definite contribution to developing and proving your thesis. Sentences that do something, that have some muscle, play a real role in advancing your main argument. Sentences like: The Civil War was an important event in American history or In this paper I will be discussing a number of issues relating to the Civil War should be eliminated without hesitation. 8. Not writing in paragraphs (or writing in one-sentence paragraphs). Paragraphs are the building blocks of any paper and its critical to construct a paper using paragraphs of about four to five sentences each. Who wants a single, ginormous building block? And college papers arent like some newspaper articles in which each paragraph is just one sentence. Youre expecting to develop a (small) thought, even within a paragraph, and no one can do that in one sentence. 9. Making errors in spelling and grammar. College professors dont always consciously take off for spelling and grammatical errors, but its hard to give an A to a paper that shows great carelessness in preparation. Were in the age of automated spelling and grammar check. Surely you can recognize those red and green squiggles on your screen and fix them. (And while youre at it, proofread your paper the old-fashioned way: with your eyes. No spell checker will catch those annoying wrong words or homonyms.)

Bisexual And Transgender LGBT

Bisexual And Transgender LGBT Homosexual identity is abstracted as a life-spanning development process. This process eventually leads a person to personal acceptance of a positive gay self-image and a clear personal identity (Minton McDonald, 2012). According to Habermas theory of ego development, it is utilized to provide a synthesis and understanding of the literature on the construction and maintenance of the homosexual identity. It is concluded that the homosexual identity generally emerges in a three-stage process, in which the person progresses from (1) an egocentric interpretation of homoerotic feelings to (2) an internalization of the normative, conventional assumptions about homosexuality to (3) a post-conventional phase in which societal norms are critically evaluated and the positive gay identity is achieved and managed. In short, homosexual develops in three stages. The first stage is the homoerotic feelings in a self-centered way. The second stage is the internalization of the normative, assuming ho mosexuality in a convention way. The final stage is a post-conventional phase where the critical evaluation of societal norms happens and the positive gay identity is achieved and managed. However, no one knows how exactly homosexuality entered into human history. According to Samhsa, the terms lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) describe distinct groups within the gay culture. The early initiatives for people who were gay focused mostly on men. So, in an attempt to draw attention to issues specific to gay women, lesbian is often listed first. People who are bisexual or transgender have been traditionally left out of, or underrepresented in, research studies and health initiatives. Other than that, a study from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy revealed that the term homosexuality was coined in the late 19th century by German psychologist, Karoly Maria Benkert. Although the term is new, discussions about sexuality and same-sex attraction have occasioned philosophical discussion ranging from Platos Symposium to contemporary queer theory (Pickett, Brent, 2011). However, the gay group is different from sissies and tomboy. According to Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United State, the dictionary itself documents the distinction between tomboy and sissy with gay, while tomboy refers to romping, boisterous, boyish young girl, sissy an effeminate boy or man, a timid or cowardly person (Siecus Report, 2003). Thus for a boy been called sissy can be devastating, as it pierces his self-image at its most vulnerable point. By contrast, tomboy is said with approving tones, and does not detract from a girls sense of worth (Green, 1979). By this definition, it could be understood that a gay individual is more likely to have same sex attraction, but a sissy person may only behave like a girl while having a normal sexuality as other heterosexual males. According to National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), LGBT refers to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. The term gay refers to both men and women who are attracted to persons of the same sex. Lesbian is the term used specifically for women who are romantically and sexually attracted to other women. Bisexual is used to indicate that a person is attracted to both men and women. Some describe bisexuality as an attraction to the qualities a person possesses rather than the gender of the person who possesses the qualities. Bisexual persons often experience a lack of acceptance in both heterosexual and GL communities because of misconceptions and stereotypes associated with bisexuality. Finally, transgender is an umbrella term used to describe someone who experiences his/her gender in a way that varies along a continuum from masculine to feminine (Brown Rounsley, 1996; Perez, DeBord Bieschke, 2000; Cunningham, 2003; Smith 2006). Hall (1996) coined the term of under erasure to refer to the LGBT individuals who happen to occupy outside the field. Within the gay and lesbian community, the subjective voices of transgender people are often marginalized or ignored (Minter, 2000) It indicates that the social status of the LGBT persons often insignificant and lower in rank. Social networking sites are spots where youth are easily influence by sexual text, photos and videos and also creates such materials by own (Rebecca, 2001). New media helps in addressing issues such as sexual health and their important role of youth at risk depends on media which is in use (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2010). To see the ever present queerness in the most prosaic straightness is important to be sure, as it has been for every oppressed minority. Visibility is much important to gays and lesbian because change of social acceptance. 1.1 Problem Statement This study addresses the issue of the portrayal of the marginalized group, known to be LGBT, by the new media and to what extent it influences the perceptions of the young individuals towards this group. A study performed by Free Malaysia Today stated that the Centre for Independent Journalism reprimanded the Malaysian print media for their lop-sided reporting on the Azwan Ismail video that was first made by a group called Seksualiti Merdeka. Azwan, an engineer, shot to fame after he stated his sexual preference in a video entitled, I am Gay, I am Okay. The video was first aired in an event organized by Seksualiti Merdeka. His open statement, however, did not go down well with other media. The Malay dailies newspaper and the community made their displeasure known via various cyber platforms. Some even went to the extent of issuing death threats against Azwan. One prominent Muslim blogger took the government to task for its failure in curbing the spread of gay and lesbian activities ( Free Malaysia Today, 2011). Other than that, Youth Pride Inc also stated that 36.5 % of GLB youth grades 9-12 have attempted suicide and 20.5% of those attempts resulting in medical care (Robin, 2002). In 2005, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) survey of LGBT youth, 90% reported experiencing verbal or physical harassment or verbal assault in the past year (Harris Interactive GLSEN, 2005). All these findings share one conclusion namely LGBT people are greatly discriminated in the society. This study thus chooses to highlight on homosexuality and Seksualiti Merdeka with aims to create awareness among todays generation about the need to respect every persons right, including the rights to be homosexuals. 1.2 Research Objectives To discover the new medias portrayal of the LGBT community in Malaysia. To examine the Malaysian youths perceptions towards the LGBT community in general and specifically towards Seksualiti Merdeka. To create awareness about the issue of homosexuality among Malaysian youths. 1.3 Research Questions How are new medias portrayals of the LGBT community in Malaysia? What are the Malaysian youths perceptions towards the LGBT community and Seksualiti Merdeka? How far Malaysian youths are aware about the issue of homosexuality? 1.4 Research Hypothesis This research has one hypothesis, which is if the new media portrays the LGBT community negatively; the perceptions of youth towards LGBT community will be negative. This means, if the new media portrays the LGBT community positively, the perceptions of youth towards LGBT community will be positive. 1.5 Research Significance This study examines the influence of new media on the youths perception towards LGBT community. The researchers highlight youth perceptions on this issue because in the modern era today, youths are expected to be more open minded apart of being daring to voice out their opinions about any arising issues. A research by Pew Internet America Life Project (2007) revealed that 94 percent of internet users are young people with age range between 18 to 29 years old. This finding indicated that youths today are the active users of new media such as social networks, forums, blogs etc. With new media, the youths can easily get information about LGBT issues that occured in the country or abroad. Therefore, the youths may have more awareness towards LGBT groups. New media is becoming a platform for the youth to express their opinions and to discuss about any issues. Therefore, the researchers think that, there is a need to study more about the influence of new media on youths perceptions towards LGBT community. This study will help to instil awareness and provide a better perspective about the issues of LGBT and Seksualiti Merdeka to upcoming generation. It can also be useful and functional as reference for future researchers who are interested to expand the discussion on similar topics and areas. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Media Portrayal of LGBT Society has always had a general fear or disdain for homosexuality. That is why the media tended to support the already common perceptions, instead of challenging them (Montgomery, 1981). According to Kanter (2012), since the start of television programming, the forms of LGBT characters in entertainment or popular culture have both been limited. If they did exist, they were either exaggeratingly stereotypical, or associated with criminality or deviance. All the way through the 1980s, gay characters were seen on television as cameo roles with particular problems that hold almost non-existent lives, absent of desire or relationships. With the spread of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, starting in the 1980s and into the 1990s, homosexuals were portrayed in more substantial, reoccurring roles (Netzley, 2010). Jackson Gilbertson (2009) explained that versions of the media lesbian that preceded her contemporary incarnation as hot typically cast her in stereotypical and undesirable ways, for example as masculine and unattractive (Wilton, 1995; Ciasullo, 2001). Dow (2001) notes how the lesbian on television historically occupied a fleeting space as an object of humor or as a villain. In her contemporary guise, the media lesbian can most often be seen as constituted within post-feminist discourses that produce women as sexually desiring, sexually plural, and self-pleasing (McRobbie, 1996). Gamson (1995) encouraged the homosexuals to tell their views in the talk shows. Talk show is the place where they get the attention they want and rise out their views which they cannot get in other ways. He is also the only spot in mainstream media culture where it is possible for non-heterosexuals to speak for themselves. A study shows the changes in attitudes towards homosexuality in the United State through fashion in public opinion polls. The results were considered by issues connected to homosexuality which integrated legal status, morality, acceptability, causes, familiarity with self-identified homosexuals, as well as views on both military and nonmilitary occupations, civil rights, marriage and adoption rights, and AIDS. This also concluded that community behavior have shifted in a free-thinking path (Yang, 1997). 2.2 LGBT Youngsters Engagement with New Media Past research had supported the idea that the Internet is frequently a lifeline in the development of sexual health among LGBT young people (Hillier Harrison, 2007). Many of them first come out online, and report learning about sexual behaviours, pursuing friendships with other LGBT young people, and exploring same-sex attraction online (Harper, Bruce, Serrano, Jamil, 2009; Hillier Harrison, 2007). Social networking tools had been widely used among youngsters in getting sexual health information. Importantly, social networking tools do not only allow researchers and practitioners to receive and provide information, but also allow the LGBT young people to exchange information and experiences with LGBT peers, engendering broader development of their sexual health (Bargh McKenna, 2004). This opportunity allows for a greater chance for LGBT young people to test out identities and gather information in a more controlled, private environment than is typical among general Internet resources or large social networking sites (Joshua, Louisa, Samantha Brian, 2011). According to Wilkerson (1994), there several types of homophobic attitudes like the treatment of people with human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) about ways in which HIV is transmitted, media representation of AIDS and the way the medicines purpose reinforces a positive view inimical to lesbians and bisexuals. African-American news websites are growing in influence in terms of the number and loyalty of the unique visitors they attract. Homophobia and discrimination are the top storylines on the African-American news websites we analyzed, followed by culture, religion, and same-sex marriage in equal measure (Siegel, 2012). 2.3 Health Issues among LGBT Community By the 1990s, lesbian, the LGBT youth have appeared only as a separate cultural group. There are quite few youth identified themself or turn as LGBT since social sanctions and stigma contributed to severe repercussions and isolation, limiting access to supportive communities and awareness of sexual and gender identities in the earlier periods. However, only a handful addressed the needs of youths although a range of lesbian and gay service organizations developed in large cities during the 1970s and 1980s. According to Makadon (2008), elimination of health disparities among LGBT individuals, also collectively called sexual minorities, is a critical need for focus on their health. LGBT populations are disproportionately at risk for violent hate crimes, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/ AIDS, a variety of mental health conditions, substance abuse and certain cancers. However, LGBT patients frequently encounter problems with access to quality health services, experiences disparities in screening for chronic conditions, and report a lack of counseling pertinent to actual lifestyle behaviors. Historically, homosexuality has been judged quite harshly due to cultural and religious taboos. The Pew Research Centres 2003 Global Attitudes Survey found that the majority of people in Western European and major Latin American countries (Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil) believe that homosexuality should be accepted by society, while most Russians, Poles and Ukrainians disagreed, and people in Africa and the Middle East objected strongly. Meanwhile, majority of Americans believe that homosexuality should be accepted (Makadon, 2008). Stigma, prejudice and discrimination create a stressful social environment that can lead to a variety of health problems among LGBT group. In LGBT group, minority stress is caused by (a) an external, objective traumatic event, such as being assaulted or being fired from a job; (b) the expectation of rejection and development of vigilance in interactions with others; (c) the internalization of negative societal attitudes (also known as internalized homophobia, transphobia, or biphobia); and (d) the concealment of gender identity or sexual orientation out of shame and guilt or to protect oneself from real harm. In addition, research shows a relationship between internalized homophobia/biphobia and various forms of self-harm, including eating disorders, high-risk sexual activity, substance abuse and suicide (Makadon, 2008). According to Rosan (1978), homophobia is a shortened form of homophilephobia, which means the fear of person neither of ones own sex, clearly not the connotation giv en to these terms in common parlance nor in professional literature. Garner (2008; as cited in Mulick Wright Jr., 2003) describes biphobia as psychological construct of negative attitudes towards bisexual individuals and bisexuality in general. In Malaysia, the rising trend of sexual transmission from 5.3% in 1990 to 22.15% in 2005 (Ministry of Health AIDS/STD Section) indicates that the situation could expand into a general epidemic. Furthermore, the proportion of women infected has risen from 1.4% in 1990 to 14.5% in 2005 (Ministry of Health AIDS/STD Section). Indeed, the female to male ratio of new infections has narrowed substantially. In sharp contrast to men, 64% of HIV infections in women were sexually transmitted. The result of HIV situation has an emergency need to go for gender-sensitive national respond by Malaysia government (Zulkifli, Lee, Yun, Lin, 2007). To do better in lend a hand to LGBT group for their healthcare, people should spend more time and attention to learn about LGBT health and obtain support in making educational improvements. Explanation focus on the clinician-patient relationship and address all threes domains of learning which comprised of attitudes, knowledge and skills would help clinicians to provide better care to LGBT patients. Attitudes have a major effect on health outcomes. Attention to attitudes requires growth in the affective arena. For clinicians, this involves developing awareness of and respect for a patients differences and willingness to listen empathically to that persons experience (Makadon, 2008). 2.4 LGBT involvement in international human rights Under international human rights law, all persons who including LGBT community are entitled to equal rights, including the rights to life, security of person and privacy, freedom from torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, and the right to be free from discrimination (The Road To Safety, 2012). There are more than 80 countries still maintaining the laws that make same-sex consensual relations between adults a criminal offence. In year 2008, such laws were used in Morocco to convict six men, after allegations that a private party they had attended was a gay marriage. On 19 July 2007, six men were arrested after a young man who had been arrested on theft charges was coerced by police into naming associates who were presumed to be homosexual (OFlaherty Fisher, 2008). According to journal The Road to Safety (2012), LGBT refugees in Uganda and Kenya are among the most vulnerable of refugee populations. Due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, they can be targeted for violence by other refugees and some members of the host populations, harassed and extorted by police officers, and marginalized from accessing services from government institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). According to Julie (2006), LGBT advocates have engaged in two very different kinds of activities on the international human rights stage. First, they have engaged in traditional human rights activism, using the traditional human rights techniques of monitoring and reporting to apply existing human rights norms to LGBT lives. These rights included the right to privacy in the criminal law context; the right to equality; the right to family; the right to non-discrimination; the right to freedom from torture (applicable in cases of forcible cures for homosexuality and psychiatric mistreatment generally); and the right of transsexuals to recognition of their new gender. Second, they have tapped into both traditional monitoring techniques and human rights culture-building efforts to promote new international human rights that are important to LGBT lives, including the right to sexuality. Until the mid- to late-1990s, most of LGBT advocates that involved in the international work on gay rights were also working with LGBT-specific organizations, such as the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA). This organization was found in 1978 in Brussels as a world federation organization, and today it is joined by more than 500 gay and lesbian organizations from ninety countries on all inhabited continents. From its inception, ILGA has focused on presenting discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation as a global issue. Another prominent group during this era was the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), founded originally in 1990 by Russian and US activists and now a US-based organization with offices in San Francisco, New York, and Buenos Aires (Julie, 2006). 2.5 Seksualiti Merdeka in Malaysia The rejection of homosexuality by Malaysian law and culture leads to the rise of human rights to the LGBT people. An increasing integration of Islamic political thinking and practice that builds on literal interpretations of Islamic textual sources is the main reason for why LGBT rights are neglected. Muslims who are under group of LGBT facing politically charged from conservative of normative Islamic discourses on sexuality and gender. To fight for their rights, LGBT community in Malaysia had formed Seksualiti Merdeka or Sexuality Independence in the year 2008, founded by Pang Khee Teik and Jerome Kugan. Seksualiti Merdeka is an annual sexuality rights festival held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and represents a coalition of Malaysian Non-Government Organizations which included Malaysian Bar Council, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), Empower, Pink Triangle Foundation (PT Foundation), United Nations, Amnesty International and general public. The term used to highlight the fact that even after Malaysia independence, not all Malaysians are free to be who they are. The organization believes that everyone in Malaysia deserves to be free from discrimination, harassment and violence for their sexual orientations and their gender identities. They believe it is our right to be responsible for our own body and believe everyone is entitled to the freedom to love and the freedom to be, whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, i ntersexes, straight, asexual, pansexual, or simply fabulous (Sexualiti Merdeka, n.d.). Being a Muslim-majority country, Malaysia would have to reiterate its strong objections to a policy that clearly contradicts the principles enshrined in the religion of Islam. On November 3, 2011, police banned Seksualiti Merdeka as the festival was deemed a threat to national security and a threat to public order. Co-founder of Seksualiti Merdeka Pang Khee Teik said that they are not trying to promote homosexuality. This festival is actually the chance for Malaysians to listen to their story, why after all these years of trying to be somebody else, some of them have found peace with themselves and to accept who they are (Chun, 2011). According to Mosbergen (2012), on September 2012, Malaysias Education Ministry has endorsed guidelines to help parents identify gay and lesbian symptoms in their children. The guidelines are as below:- Symptoms of gays: Likes having a fit body and likes to show off by wearing V-neck and sleeveless clothes; A preference for tight and bright-colored clothes; Attraction to men; and A preference for carrying big handbags, similar to those used by women. Symptoms of lesbians: Attraction to women; Besides their female companions, they tend to distance themselves from other women; A preference for going out, having meals etc. with women and a preference for sleeping in the company of women; Not attracted to men Pang Khee Teik, however disagreed with the guidelines and he advised the ministry to rely on sound research instead of endorsing pseudo-experts as this could be damaging to children. Pang said education is an important tool to address inequality but the ministry had instead sought to use it for teaching hate, promoting inequality and playing politics. Besides that, the ministry should teach all children to be confident and to respect one another, no matter who they are. Seksualiti Merdeka thus was prepared to brief the Education Ministry if its officers were willing to listen to reliable research on the LGBT community (Asia One, 2012). 2.6 Online discussion of sexuality According to Mckee (2004), in one of the  ¬Ã‚ rst published articles addressing online discussions of sexuality, the homophobic comments made by composition students using the synchronous chat program interchange to brainstorm possible topics for a research essay (as cited in Regan, 1993). When a student raised homosexuality as a possible topic, a number of students posted homophobic comments: Were taught that homosexuality is a sin; A homosexual once made a move on me. I really didnt like it. I mean I really didnt like it! and To whoever was thinking about the topics of death and homosexuality, heres a thought, why not join together and do a project on the death of homosexuals? Not by AIDS. At the time of the exchange, the researcher Regan was unsure what to do when confronted with these comments, but she did try to redirect the conversation by interjecting, Has anyone thought about writing about homophobia? but it does not seem that her efforts were successful at redirecting what she called socially sanctioned classroom terrorism (McKee, 2004). Regan was distressed that the online environment enabled students to articulate their fear and hatred of homosexuals in a way that would not have happened in the traditional classroom, and she concluded that online spaces are not egalitarian, as was frequently claimed at the time. 2.7 Discrimination towards LGBT group in Malaysian Context Malaysia is one of the countries that illegalized homosexuality. Among the reasons for the country`s disapproval of homosexuality is its status as an Islamic nation, where everything that goes against the Islamic law and teaching is strictly prohibited and thus, condemned. According to Goh (2012), the rejection of same-sex behavior is not one that has emerged from a socio-political vacuum. Sexuality is considered taboo (Goh, 2012; as cited in Jerome, 2008) and appears to have a prominent place in the psyche of many Malaysians, notably institutional quadrants of Islam. Islamic civil and religious authorities closely observed on Muslims in Malaysia, ravaging the sexual lives of Muslims that are as private as khalwat (illicit close proximity) and zina (illicit sex or adultery) (Lee, 2010:31). In the Malaysian legal context, male homosexuality or gayness as a globally-recognized cultural trope has no direct equivalence to sexual identitiesà £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ Section 377A, 377B and 377C of the Malaysian Penal Code make provisions against acts of sodomy or liwat without being gender-specific, although it is in section 2 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territory) Act 1997 that one discovers a clearly-defined morphology of liwat as sexual relations be tween male persons (Goh, 2012). Uproars over male homosexuality in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries came into prominence with two major events. First is the sodomy charges of the former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and second is the festival celebrating the human rights of sexually-diverse persons, Seksualiti Merdeka. Raging debates on homosexuality in relation to Anwar (Kanaraju, 2007) and the banning of Seksualiti Merdeka in 2011 (Shazwan, 2011) caused innumerable forums on men`s masculinities population to mushroom among the Malaysian. Back in the year 1992, the Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad made the statement that democracy would lead to homosexuality (Offord, 1999). Dr Mahathir used the conflation of homosexuality with democracy to consolidate Malaysias cultural borders (and its postcolonial status), so that Malaysian people can maintain the pureness and uniqueness. Dr Mahathir is drawn on cultural specificity in this context to explain the indigenous from the foreign, and homosexuality is conceived of as alien and other. It is in this sense that Anwar Ibrahim is bothered by the use of the accusation that he is homosexual. Anwar has been notable for his liberal views about democracy and transparent government (The Asian Renaissance, 1996). To simply do away with opposition and perceived threats to his authoritarian rule, Dr. Mahathir can inscribe upon his enemy the descriptor of homosexual (Offord, 1999). Prior to the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) leaders summit in Kuala Lumpur in late 1998, amid the controversial jailing of Anwar and civil unrest and demonstrations, the role of homosexuality as a political and cultural tool of difference was propounded strongly by the Malaysian Foreign Minister, Dr Abdullah Badawi. It was his contention that sodomy was a serious offence in Malaysia; it was against the countrys religious and social values (The Weekend Australian, 1998). Dr Badawi maintained that in certain places in Europe, and perhaps Australia and America, they do not treat it as something big but to Malaysia, it is bad consider as a scandal. Following Dr Mahathirs accusations against Anwar, a Peoples Anti-Homosexual Voluntary Movement was formed to combat the dangers of homosexuality. In one blow Dr Mahathir succeeded in undermining Anwars credibility and deployed homosexuality as the number one impossibility. Anwar, also a Muslim, entrenched the perceived, corrupting value of homosexuality by asserting in the Time interview that his character was assassinated by this descriptor (Offord, 1999). Therefore in Southeast Asia today, this is one sense of where homosexuality is located, something that is demonized, and deeply disturbed. It is conflated at once with democracy, corruption, and foreignness. It does seem clear that when the nation state perceives a threat to its existence, that danger is frequently translated into sexualized terms. Same sex sexuality is deployed as the alien other, linked to conspiracy, recruitment, opposition to the nation, and ultimately a threat to civilization (Offord, 1999). 2.8 Theory applies between relationship of Media and LGBT Community Media plays a very important role in human life, where people get more of information they need from it. Therefore, to be more understand the influence of media on youths perceptions and opinions about homosexuality, the study chooses to employ framing theory. The concept of framing has been variously attributed to sociologist Erving Goffman and anthropologist Gregory Bateson. Frames allow journalists or media in general cover and package issue. The choice of journalists who shelter a story can influence the way issues are framed. The theory describe that the message framer has the choice of what is to be emphasized in the message, as the view through a window is emphasized by where the carpenter frames, or places, the window. If the window had been placed, or framed, on a different wall, the view would be different (Botan Hazleton, 2006). According to Muthudotin (2010), this theory suggests how media influences the thinking of people. The model of framing is related to the agenda-setting tradition like media telling the youth what to think, but not what to think about. However, it is more focused and expands the research by focusing on the nature of the issues and then places it within a field of meaning which can easily effects the audiences. Framing is an important topic since it can have a great influence. If we look at dissimilar context in Malaysia, sexually explicit content on media will be associated with values and eastern culture which hold norms of decency and morality. Eastern society, which is very different from western society, has an unusual mindset of perceiving sexual content. Everything which is related to sexuality is perceived as taboo and people would refuse to discuss the matter openly. In addition, as a Muslim country, Malaysia struggles to bind the whole thing linked with sexually oriented content (Mariesta, 2012). According to The Star online (2011), Pahang and Malacca are the states that practicing Islamic laws in punish Muslims engaging in homosexuality. Once the state amends and g

Comparing Rousseau and Mill on Liberty

Comparing Rousseau and Mill on Liberty 1. Compare Rousseau and Mill on liberty. In what way can Mills argument be read as a critique of the conception of freedom at the heart of Rousseau s argument in On the Social Contract (especially concerning the general will )? Which account of liberty is more persuasive and why? Rousseaus principal aim in writing The Social Contract is to determine how freedom may be possible in civil society, The general will expresses itself through the laws of the state. The government is distinct from the sovereign, and the two are almost always in friction. This friction will ultimately destroy the state, but healthy states can last many centuries before they dissolve. General will The will of the sovereign that aims at the common good. Each individual has his own particular will that expresses what is best for him. The general will expresses what is best for the state as a whole. Will of all The sum total of each individuals particular will. In a healthy state, the will of all is the same thing as the general will, since each citizen wills the common good. However, in a state where people value their personal interests over the interests of the state, the will of all may differ significantly from the general will Rousseaus conception of freedom in The Social Contract is that people attain their freedom through a transformation from a state of nature to civil society. His contention is that we can be both free and subject to political authority; Rousseau thinks it s possible to be autonomous and subject to law when we obey those laws of which we are the author. He justifies this model of political authority by saying that government and laws are the will of the sovereign we give our consent for them to exist. That consent is guided by what Rousseau calls the general will. The general will is an idea that signifies the wishes or welfares of society as a whole. The purpose of the general will is to guide society to a common good ; to advise society in its creation of laws and express what is best for all individuals in a society. The problem with the general will is that it seems to reject individual diversity. Considering all individuals revoked their natural liberty through the change from the state of nature to civil society, Rousseau thinks that society must force individuals to conform to the general will, or as he puts it, society must force them to be free . To Rousseau freedom is attained when people follow the general will . Mills essay On Liberty is a strong counter argument to Rousseau s conception of freedom, especially regarding the general will . According to Mill, in order for a society to be free it must avoid interfering with the lives of its people wherever possible. The threat, as Mill sees it, is that if we subscribe to the concept of the general will then society risks becoming paternalistic; a tyranny of the majority 1, where minority views are supressed if they do not conform to those of the majority. Mill thinks that society constrains the individual, and that society should be limited in what it can do; he enumerates three conditions upon which society must follow in order to be free: freedom of thought and feeling , freedom of tastes and pursuits and the freedom to unite with other consenting individuals for any reason providing it does no harm to others I will discuss this in more detail later. He states that No society in which these liberties are not, on the whole, respected is free 2. Mill wants to avoid principles as much as possible because he sees them as constraints. The only principle that Mill does want to establish is the harm principle what he calls the object of his essay. The harm principle says that the only time one can use power over others, individually or collectively , is for self-protection . He says that the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others . This principle claims that if an individual is not doing any harm to anyone in their actions, then society has no right to interfere. Over himself says Mill, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign , the individual, not society, should be free to choose how they want to live. Mills conception of freedom appears to be a version of negative liberty , a sort of freedom that allows one to do what they want because there shouldn t be a law to restrict them from doing it. His freedom is the absence of obstacles, barriers or constraints 3. Rousseau characterises two types of freedom in The Social Contract: the natural liberty which is limited only by the strength of the individual 4 and civil liberty which is limited by the general will 5. Natural liberty is the freedom to follow one s own desires. Civil liberty is the freedom one attains when they follow the general will. I think the biggest problem at the heart of Rousseau s social contract theory is the way he deals with individuality. His social contract says that if an individual disagrees with the general will then they must be wrong, and for their own good they must be forced to conform to the general will. Rousseau says that if anyone refuses to obey the general will he will be compelled to do so by the whole body; which means nothing else than that he will be forced to be free 6. Mill would undoubtedly consider such forced conformity a tyranny of the majority because of his strong belief that individuality is something that should be protected  passionate belief that individuality is something that should be protected and nurtured. As such, the essay illustrates his disgust at how he believed society squelches nonconformity. Through this Rousseau thinks that this makes sure a society will not depend upon any one person. Like Rousseau, Mill talks about a type of civil or social freedom; however, unlike Rousseau he doesn t speculate about a state of nature . Rather, Millstates that his theory is justified by utilitarianism and not a comparison between a state of nature and civil society. I think Mills argument is more persuasive because he isn t making an assumption that we have natural rights . Mill doesn t seem to think we have natural rights, and even if we do, Rousseau doesn t tell us how we can be certain of what they are. Rousseau appears to think we have an intrinsic freedom that exists in the state of nature, and he wants to merge the individual liberty one supposedly has in the state of nature with civil society. One might suppose that the state of nature is a place of complete chaos. A place with no rules or restrictions to tell people what they can or cannot do, but even if this was the case, Rousseau would argue that we are still constrained because we re still in an adversarial position to our desires, we would be still in chains . Rousseau thinks that civil freedom is better than natural freedom because civil liberty gives one freedom from their desires. we own in a state of nature with civil society. Rousseaus social contract theory, especially his notion of the general will, makes it seem impossible to avoid a tyranny of the majority that Mill talks about. Rousseau doesnt seem to perceive a distinction between who we are in public and what we are in private. By demanding such active citizenship, he is demanding that our public persona take precedence over our private self Mill thinks that the individual has an important duty in society. Individuals function as great counterbalances for society regardless of the validity of what they think. Simply the process of listening to alternative opinions and ideas is going to be beneficial to society. Even if an individual or minority has an idea that is different from the majority, and even if that idea is wrong, discussing and acknowledging the idea is good because it can only prove that majority opinion is correct. This process would actually make majority opinion more correct. The second aspect of Mills conditions society must follow is that of tastes and pursuits . One might be led to think about Mills Many people may misinterpret Mills view as a form of negative liberty . Negative liberty being the absence of restraint. Objections to Mill what actually constitutes harm? See 121251 I think there s a certain amount of compatibility between the two ideas. All it would take is for the general will to Healthy cultural climate Freedom of thought and feeling .chapter 2 Freedom of tastes and pursuits chapter 3 How can Mills argument be read as a critique of Rousseau s conception of freedom? How might Mill object to the notion of the general will ? How would Rousseau respond? One might object to Mills argument by saying this . How Mills theory fits in with utilitarianism Positive vs negative liberty see 121423.doc Works Cited Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty and The Subjection of Women. London: Penguin Group, 2006. Rousseau, Jean Jacques. The Social Contract, A new translation by Christopher Betts. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.

Terrorist Attack on American Soil Essay -- September 11, Al Qaeda Terr

September 11, 2001 was by far the worst terrorist attack on American soil. Many viewers witnessed the catastrophic events live on national television. As the smoke and dust settled in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, Americans were left to ponder what the attacks meant for the nation. Following the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush addressed Congress and the nation on October 7, 2001, announcing, "On my orders, the United States military has begun strikes against al Qaeda terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan" (The White House, 2001). It was at that moment that the military of the United States of America was ready to extend their capabilities to prevent and conquer hostility both on home soil and abroad. Each soldier is sworn into oath when the decision is made to enlist in the military, they vow to defend our country and to fight for our freedom. As a result of the September 11th attacks on our nation, soldiers in the United States (U.S.) military were subjected to take on the oath that they vowed and to fight multiple wars that required longer deployments and quicker redeployment times. While the actions of wartime are essential to maintain the high levels of security for our nation, the unconstructive, stressful, and demanding distress of longer deployments may very well be overshadowing the benefits by annihilating the personal lives of U.S. Army soldiers. For some soldiers in the U.S. Army, the distress of combat can be overpowering and detrimental on them physically and psychologically, leading them to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Alcoholism Defined Alcoholism is known as a disease, syndrome, sign, or symptom among an individual who consume... ... the journey of this debilitating disorder. Soldiers who are fortunate to take advantage of treatment methods should succumb to their miraculous power by utilizing them to overcome daily and life altering stressors that may cross their path in life. Undoubtedly, research studies will be an ongoing process to determine the culprits that lead to alcohol abuse and to assist in decreasing the rates. It is clear that alcoholism will be an ongoing issue among society. The reality of alcoholism is that people will do whatever it takes to psychologically cope, not realizing the damaging affect that it may have on their life. I am in high hopes that the future will have improved treatments and that the United States Army will continue to provide support to those who have fallen to victim to alcoholism due to their experience during military conflicts on the battlefield.

Essay example --

Paternalism John Stuart Mills is wrong when it comes to his rejection of paternalism. Mills is taking a position that is in line with that of classical liberalism which in many ways is in opposition to paternalism. This ideology only acknowledges the individual and does not take in account the larger society. Many do not like to be told what is right when it deals with something that does not affect anyone but themselves. The issue with this is that individuals are part of something. They are part of a family, community, city and nation. The impact of those choices might be seen as insignificant and not have relevance outside of their own lives but it is a small picture view and forgets about the big picture. Mills is right that paternalism is taking away liberties but those liberties affect others in ways that a person might see. Society should act as a parent to its individuals because they could cause weakness or issues that go beyond the realm of one’s own household. According to the harm principle that Mills seems to be a supporter of, hard drug bans are justifiable because drug usage does effect more than just the user in many ways. Most drug bans are in response to some perceived negative that the lawmakers saw and wanted to prevent or stop. There are times in history the reason for the ban was less than just but as a holistic perspective most of the time the substances caused problems that had very negative effects on communities. Many times, the purchase of the product comes from an illegitimate source. South American drug cartels and the Mexican cartels that many times transport the product across the border in the United States undermine the rule of law and public safety in those nations including the Unite... ... not fundamentally different when looking at the larger perspective from banning drugs like cocaine. Cocaine addiction and the other issues in this essay are all issues that different groups of people say should be individual liberties but have real impact negatively on the society around them. The issues of paternalism is that could be abused and made into tyrannical regime as Mill fears but there is a large difference from telling a motorcycle rider to wear a helmet to telling people they cannot voice political opinion. The argument is guilty of the slippery slope fallacy. As long the system has stated rights that cannot be infringed like the constitution does the in the United States this that slide to tyranny should be prevented in a society that is rooted by the concept of rule of law. We do not just exist as individuals but also as parts of society.

Gun Control Laws Take Guns Away from Law-abiding Citizens Essay

Gun control is a very big issue in the United States today. Many people don't agree with the gun control laws that they have today. Gun control laws only take guns away from law-abiding citizens. Many people have their own reasons for owning a gun. Why would the government want to make it harder for people to own a gun? People that own guns are not very likely to be attacked by criminals. Owning a handgun is one of the best ways of protection. The second amendment states "the right to bear arms" does this grant everyone a right to own a gun? Gun control laws have not been proven to do anything for citizens. Gun control laws just make it harder for a good guy to own a gun. Gun control laws are not a good idea. Gun control only takes guns away from law- abiding citizens and it does nothing to stop criminals from buying illegal guns, who are unlikely to obey the law and register their guns (Long 45). In many cases the term gun control is improperly used. The definition of gun control is; government regulation of possession and use of firearms by private citizens (Zimring 23). The government is using it as way to take our right to bear arms. There are many reasons that people want to own a gun. One of the main reasons that people own a gun is protection. In a survey given about guns, " self defense" was the primary reason for owning a gun (Nisbet 114). Guns provide a great source of psychological reassurance even among citizens who are not especially concerned about the fear of crime of being victimized (Long 53). The right of self-defense and the right to use firearms for defense of self and family are the cornerstone of individual rights enumerated in the U.S. constitution (Nisbet 89). Why does the government ... ...r when they own a gun. The second amendment clearly states "the right to bear arms" doesn't let the government try to change that. Don't let gun control laws fool the public, because they have not been proven to reduce crime at all. So go out and buy a gun before that right is taken away. Eventually guns might just be a thing of the past. So practice your right to protect your country and vote against gun control any time that you can. Work Cited Page Long, Robert. Gun Control. New York: H.W. Wilson co, 1989. Nisbet, Lee. The Gun Control Debate: You Decide. New York: Prometheus, 1990 Zimring, Franklin E. and Gordon Hawkins. The Citizens Guide to Gun Control. New York: Macmillan, 1987 Zimring, Franklin E. "Gun Control" The World Book Encyclopedia. 1995 ed. Media WatchÂâ€"June 1997 "Gun Rights Forces Outgunned on T.V." 23, April 1999

Criminal Defense Case

Criminal Defense Case Most people are aware of process to convict a criminal defendant. The prosecutor must prove â€Å"beyond a reasonable doubt† that the defendant is guilty of the crime in question, and that the accused is not required by law to present the court with any evidence, or prove he or she is innocent. Under the United States Constitution’s Fifth Amendment, a criminal defendant is not compelled to state under oath against himself. However, in some criminal trials, the defendant wants the opportunity to prove he or she is innocent by presenting the court with a defense. The following paper will discuss the various types of defenses criminal defendants can introduce to defend against criminal charges, and differentiate between the legal and medical perspective on mental illness and insanity (University of Phoenix Course Syllabus, 2009; Law Library, 2009). In most criminal defense cases, even though the defendant may have intentionally harmed another person or property, he or she may maintain that his or her case was an exception to the standards of criminal responsibility and that, as a result, he or she should not be found guilty and undergo any penalties. According to the Law Library (2009), â€Å"There are invariably unusual situations in which people intentionally cause harm, but the purpose of punishment would not be furthered in these cases† ( ¶4). In addition, due to psychological or intellectual challenges, some individuals are not held criminally responsible for their harmful conduct. Therefore, to accommodate these types of cases, defendants have the opportunity to avoid criminal responsibility by presenting defenses (Law Library, 2009). Two categories can identify criminal defenses: â€Å"I did not do it† (factual) and â€Å"I did it, but †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (legal). Defendants of the â€Å"I did not do it† category, try to avoid punishment by claiming that he or she did not commit the act in question. Defenses that fall into the â€Å"I did not do it† category are the Presumption of Innocent, Reasonable Doubt, and the Alibi Defense. Defendants of the â€Å"I did it, but †¦Ã¢â‚¬  category do not deny committing the act in question but instead, try to avoid punishment by claiming that the act was due to unusual circumstances. Defenses that fall into the â€Å"I did it, but †¦Ã¢â‚¬  category are Self-Defense, the Insanity Defense, Under the Influence, and Entrapment (Nolo, 2009; Schmalleger, 2010). The presumption of innocence means that every individual is presumed innocent until convicted, either as the result of pleading guilty or in a trial. This presumption means the defendant does not have to defend himself on his behalf, but instead, the prosecutor must convince the jury of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant may remain silent during the entire court process, not call upon any witnesses, and simply argue that the prosecutor failed to prove their case. The defendant goes free, if the prosecutor fails to convince the court that the defendant is guilty (Find Law, 2009). Defenses of reasonable doubt, the prosecutor must convince either the judge or jury assigned to the case that the defendant is guilty â€Å"beyond a reasonable doubt. † This could be a difficult standard to meet. Because the high burden of proof, means the evidence in favor of the defendant are to be resolved of all doubts by judges and jurors. With such a difficult task imposed on the prosecutor, a defendant may simply argue that there is indeed reasonable doubt (Nolo, 2009). The alibi defense is different from other major defenses; alibis are based on the claim of actual innocence. The defendant present evidence and or witness testimony proving that he or she was somewhere during the time the alleged crime was committed. For example, Jason Jones, 26, and his brother, Corey Jones, 29, were release from jail when federal prosecutors failed to counterattack the brother’s alibi. Frederick H. Cohn, a lawyer for Jason Jones, was able to prove that during the time of a federal witness killing in the Bronx, both brothers were approximately five miles from the scene of the crime according to Jason Jones MetroCard (The New York Times Company, 2009). Self-defense is commonly asserted by individuals charged with a crime of violence, like battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or murder. The defendant does not deny committing the crime, but instead, claims that his or her action was justifiable due to the other person’s threatening actions. The fundamental issues in most criminal trials are, who was the aggressor, was self-defense necessary, and was the reasonable amount of force used by the defendant. Although people are allowed to protect themselves from physical harm, it must be in the belief that a physical attack is about to occur. Further, an act of self-defense cannot exceed more force than is believe reasonable. A person who uses too much force may be guilty of crime. For example, the aggressor physically tries to attack the defender with his fist and the defender defends the aggressor back with a knife, stabbing the aggressor several times. The defender would be guilty of the crime since the force use was not reasonable (Nolo, 2009). The insanity defense is based on the standards that a person cannot be criminally responsible for the crime in question, if he is incapable of controlling his behavior and cannot understand the differences between right and wrong. Since some individuals’ do suffer from a mental disorder, the insanity defense prevents them from undergoing any criminal penalties. Here are some important points of interest. Not often, but when a defendant does enter a plea of â€Å"not guilty by reason of insanity,† judges and jurors almost never supports it. Maybe it has to do with the conflicting agreements between the legal and medical perspective. There are several definitions when it comes to insanity since both the legal system and medical experts cannot agree on one single meaning. McNaghten† defines insanity as â€Å"the inability to distinguish right from wrong. † â€Å"Irresistible impulse† defines insanity as â€Å"a person’s act may be wrong, but because of the mental illness his actions cannot be controlled. † Further, defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity is not released by confined to a mental institution for further evaluations, and in some cases, spends more time in the institute than they would if they were in prison. On behalf of the defense, a psychiatrist must testify after examining the case and defendant’s history (Find Law, 2009). Defendants that commit a crime while under the influence of alcohol or drugs sometimes argue that they cannot be held accountable for their actions since their mental functioning was impaired. However, intoxication, especially voluntary does not excuse criminal conduct. Most people are aware of the side effects of drugs and alcohol, thus holding them legally responsible for committing crimes as a result of their voluntary use. However, in some states, if the criminal crime requires â€Å"specific intent,† the defendant can argue that he was too intoxicated to have formed that intent. Although the defendant is still partially to blame for his actions, the punishment is less severe (Find Law, 2009). Entrapment takes places when a government official forces a person to commit a crime and then tries to punish them for it. In some cases, however, even if a government agent did suggest the crime and then help the defendant commit it, the defendant could still be guilty if the judge or jury believes the defendant would have committed the crime anyways. Entrapment defenses, thus, can be difficult for defendants with prior convictions of similar crimes (Find Law, 2009). In conclusion, a defendant is given the opportunity to present evidence on his or her behalf, even though he or she is not obligated to do so under law. Throughout this criminal defense case analysis, we were able to discuss the differences between criminal defenses of â€Å"I did not do it† (factual) and â€Å"I did it, but †¦ ,† (legal), as well as explain the various types of defenses under each category. Further, we are able to conclude that although there are a variety of criminal defenses that can be used to defend a person’s innocence, does not necessarily mean that the courts will agree with his or her actions or defense to actions. Reference Find Law. (2009). Criminal law: Common defenses: Defenses to criminal charges. Retrieved December 01, 2009, from http://criminal. findlaw. com/crimes/criminal-overview/common-defenses-to-criminal-charges. html Law Library. (2009). Criminal law principles: Defense principles. Retrieved November 30, 2009, from http://jrank. org/pages/18462/Criminal-Law-Principles-Defense-Principles. html Nolo. (2009). Defenses to criminal charges. Retrieved November 30, 2009, from http://www. nolo. om/legal-encyclopedia/article-30275. html Schmalleger, F. (2010). Criminal law today: An introduction with capstone cases. (4th ed. ) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. The New York Times Company. (2009). Murder case dropped after MetroCard verifies alibi. Retrieved December 01, 2009, from http://www. nytimes. com/2009/01/01/nyregion/01murder. html University of Phoenix Course Syllabus. (2009). CJA 343: Criminal Law. Retrieved November 30, 2009, from the University of Phoenix Student Web site.

Fundamentals of Marketing Essay

1.0. Course Description: The course is an introduction to the language and issues of marketing with an emphasis on learning to develop responsive marketing strategies that meet customer needs. The course focuses on basic marketing concepts, the role of marketing in the organization, and the role of marketing in society. Topics include market segmentation, product development, promotion, distribution, and pricing. Other topics, which will be incorporated into the course, are external environment (which will focus on integrative topics with marketing,  such as economics, politics, government, and nature), marketing research, international/global marketing with relevance to cultural diversity, ethics, the impact of technology on marketing, and careers in marketing. 1.1 Course Perspective: We all have many experiences with marketing from the viewpoint of the consumer. In this course, we will take the perspective of the marketing decision maker. I hope you will learn that there is much more to marketing than you might have expected. From the textbook, participation assignments/homework, and class discussions, you will learn about the decisions that marketers must make and tools/frameworks that will assist you in making those decisions effectively. By the end of the course, you should understand the complexity and challenges associated with making marketing decisions as well as ways to design effective marketing strategies. On the practical side, this new understanding of marketing should make each of you a more knowledgeable consumer. 1.2 Course Learning Goals and Objectives: Accordingly, the course emphasizes the following: To analyze the role of marketing within the firm and society. To expose you to the two parts of a marketing strategy: the target market and the marketing mix. To study the four basic variables in the marketing mix: product, promotion, price, and distribution. To exercise analytical, communication, and presentation skills (through use of technological aids, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and the Internet)—the basic tools of marketing. 2.0. Textbooks: Principles of Marketing, 13th Edition, by Kotler/Armstrong, Pearson Education 2012, ISBN 978730225574 3.0. Recommended Reading: A Selective reading packet is prepared for the course, which comprises Harvard cases, company cases derived from Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, â€Å"Principles of Marketing† , 7th edition, articles derived from HBR, SBR, and other significant business journals, as well as latest developed Chinese cases. Related handouts will be distributed in the class. 4.0 Method of Instruction: The course is highly interactive between the class and the instructor. Through case studies/presentations, problems, and specific company client activities, students will have the opportunity to use the concepts, ideas, and strategies presented in class. Problem-solving sessions occur in both individual (primarily) and team (occasionally) settings. This undergraduate course will incorporate a lecture and project-based approach to the principles of marketing. The textbook used in this course will be used as a reference point for the discussion(s) of the marketing plan project. Students are encouraged to read and inculcate the major principles found in the textbook. Note that occasionally changes in the schedule of the course or in the assignments are announced during class. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have received all of the changes and you will still be responsible for this information. The University is committed to a policy of honesty in academics. Conduct, which compromises a breach of this policy, may result in academic and/or disciplinary action. Cheating is a violation of student academic behavior standards. Please note that the sharing of information with other class members or with other sections of the course is considered cheating. 5.0. Assignments Case analysis An effective way to help students learn about the principles of marketing is  the analysis of marketing cases of real-world companies and events. Cases from the textbook will be assigned to provide an opportunity to apply the principles of marketing and to enhance one’s analytical ability to assess marketing problems. Analysis of cases provides for the application of course concepts to real-world situations, and students are expected to have read and analyzed the cases thoroughly prior to class. The objective of the use of cases is to apply the various principles/concepts of marketing to an in-depth analysis of a given company or industry. The class will be divided into groups (six student’s maximum per group), each group will be formed early on in the semester and given a date to present their analysis of a particular case. A presentation framework/format will be provided for each group. Team Project Each group need to develop a marketing project throughout the semester, following the below steps: Carefully choose the topic of the project, each group will decide on a â€Å"fictional† consumer product or service they wish to bring to market, which can be developed to illustrate and identify the marketing ideas. Draft a plan for the project, describing the topic goal, outline, procedure, approach, allotment of work, and possible difficulties. Carry out the plan, continuously discussing and reviewing every process of the project in the group. Referring to the instructor is welcome. Presentation and defence in class are going on in the last week As mentioned, all group members will receive the same grade for the work. Format for Marketing Plan Executive Summary Introduction Company Description (including background) Current marketing situation (situation analysis) Business mission statement External environmental factors affecting the business from: – Technological factors – Socio-cultural factors – Economic-Financial factors – Natural factors – Political-Legal factors– Competitive factors Opportunities and Threats in the External Environment Business Strengths and Weaknesses in relation to Opportunities and Threats Major Marketing Problem Competitive Advantage of the organisation Objectives and Goals Target Market Segments Recommendations for Product Strategy Recommendations for Price Strategy Recommendations for Promotion Strategy Recommendations for Place / Distribution Strategy Please note the following: If your plan is confidential, please inform the marker on the front cover of your plan. 6.0. Examination and Evaluation: Mid-test 20% Term exams 40% Group Project: Marketing Plan 20% Class participation and quiz 20% Total 100% The final is close-book. You will be asked conceptual questions which integrate all what they have learned through the course, so the hints of the best preparation for the exam is to attend the class regularly, participate in the discussion proactively and read the course material carefully. One of the questions in the final will be â€Å"What are the three most important lessons that you learned about marketing in this course that will help you as a manager, facing the challenge today and tomorrow in the globe stage?† All of you are encouraged to frequently think about this question since the beginning of the course. The final examination will be of two and a half hours duration. The examination is worth 40 percent of the total available marks. No materials are allowed into the examination room for this unit. You must bring your student identification card to the examination. In order to pass this unit to achieve your DEGREE you must complete and submit each item of coursework, complete the examination and achieve an overall mark of at least 75 percent of the total available marks. 7.0. Course Schedule: This Schedule is tentative and very much subject to change. Students are invited to bring in ads, articles, and anecdotes for class discussion. 1. Describe the roles of marketing and marketing strategy in business value creation. (This is taken from learning outcome) Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 1.1. Explain fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix used in the project. 1.2. Equal participation of all group members. 1.3. Ability to elicit and answer questions. 1. 2. Use appropriate terminologies in marketing activities and business environment. Poor ability to describe the terminologies used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the terminologies used in marketing. Good ability to describe the terminologies used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the terminologies used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 2.1. Explain the marketing terminologies used in the project. 3. Apply marketing concepts into marketing strategies in both local and international contexts. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 3.1. Explain marketing’s roles in companywide strategic planning. 4. Identify and explain the effects of marketing practices towards the community and the environment at large. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts  used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 4.1. Explain the marketing plan used in the project. 5.Apply marketing mix and marketing strategy concept into a marketing plan. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 5.1. Explain the marketing plan used in the project. 5.2. Fluency of presentation. 5.3. Time management. 1. Describe the roles of marketing and marketing strategy in business value creation. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts of marketing strategy and marketing mix, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 1.1. Executive Summary. 1.2. Introduction. 2. 2. Use appropriate terminologies in marketing activities and business environment. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 2.1. Introduction. 2.2. Body 2.3Conclusion 3. Apply marketing concepts into marketing strategies in both local and international contexts. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 3.1. Discussion of marketing concepts used in the project. 3.2. Application of marketing concepts in findings 4. Identify and explain the effects of marketing practices towards the community and the environment at large. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation. 4.1. Discussion of the effects of marketing practices in the project. 5.Apply marketing mix and marketing strategy concept into a marketing plan. Poor ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Adequate ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing. Good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing and able to give related examples. Very good ability to describe the fundamental concepts used in marketing, to the extent of related applications in everyday business situation.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Essay

a. Round 1 = In this round I removed lichens from the ecosystems. This would have a huge effect on the ecosystem because they play a role in the creation of soil where plants obtain nutrients. If they are taken out it can affect trees and flowers which affect bees, because they depend on them. This also effect humans that depend on the bees for honey and the fruit that the bees help pollinate. b. Round 2 = In this round humans was removed. By removing humans there was a little effect on the ecosystem. We are the top of the food chain and, but our actions do more damage then good for the environment. c. Round 3 = In this round bees was removed. This is a huge problem in today’s environment and effects the pollination of plants. Because of the removal of bees it really affects the ability of plants to produce fruits, which allow humans food. d. Round 4 = In this round flowers was removed. This was an affects to the ecosystem because flowers deliver food for bees. Bees provide honey and pollinate plants. Because of the removal of flowers it eventually removes bees which effect humans and the food chain. 2. Provide one action we as humans engage in that leads to the extinction of each of these components. Action affecting Lichens = Humans affect lichens with air pollution, industrialization and the introduction of sulphur dioxide can kill lichens. (Air Quality and Lichens, 2014) Action affecting Trees = Humans cut down trees to use for lumber, and to expand. This deforestation is the largest way for humans to affect trees. Action affecting Flowers = The way humans are affecting the flowers is by over population and polluting the air with automobiles that can produce acid rain. Action affecting Bees = The actions that humans take to affect bees is by destroying habitats, 3. Provide three specific actions that humans can take to minimize our impact on the ecosystem and ensure the survival of lichens, trees, flowers, and bees. Action 1 = Humans can reduce the amount of pollution that produced by using more efficient automobiles and public transportation. Action 2 = Humans can reduce the amount of pollutants the produce by using more efficient automobiles and public transportation. Action 3 = The other action they can do to minimize the impact on the ecosystem is to recycle this will save the need to destroy habitats for more resources. Experiment 1: Diversity of Plants Table 2: Number of Each Plant Species Present in Pot 1 and Pot 2 Species Observed Number in Pot 1(sunlight) Number in Pot 2(shade) Zinnia 2 1 Marigold 2 2 Morning Glory 3 1 Cosmos 8 4 Ryegrass 3 2 Total Number of Species in Pot: 18 10 POST LAB QUESTIONS 1. Develop a hypothesis on which pot you believe will contain the highest biodiversity. Hypothesis = I believe that the plants that are in the sun will develop the highest biodiversity. 2. Based on the results of your experiment, would you reject or accept the hypothesis that you produced in question 1? Explain how you determined this. Accept/Reject = I accept my hypothesis because the flowers that I grew in the planter that I placed in the sun made the most flowers and different types. 3. If each pot was a sample you found in a group of wildflowers, would you determine based on the diversity of flowers that the ecosystem is healthy? Why or why not. Answer = I was so impressed with the amount of flowers that grew in both environments. In my determination based on the diversity of flowers that the ecosystem is healthy. There was actually a lot of plants in both of the environment but of course the ones in the sunlight had a healthier ecosystem. 4. How does biodiversity contribute to the overall health of an ecosystem? Provide specific examples and utilize at least one scholarly resource to back your answer. Answer = Biodiversity is very important to the health of an ecosystem. The greater species diversity is it ensures natural sustainability for all life forms. It provides natural services such as soil protection, water resources, pollution breakdown, food, medical resources, and future resources, according to Shah (2014). She states â€Å"Each species depends on the services provided by other species to ensure survival. It is a type of cooperation based on mutual survival and is often what a â€Å"balanced ecosystem† refers to†(2014). Crops are used to feed cattle, then the cattle waste nourishes the crops. Crops, as well as yielding grain also yield straw , the straw provides organic matter and fodder, crops are therefore food sources for humans and animals then the soil and organisms such as bacteria and algae serve as nitrogen fixers. Rodents, then aerate the soil and improve its water-holding capacity Spiders, centipedes and insects grind organic matter from the surface soil and leave behind enriched droppings. This large biodiversity is accentual to maintaining health crops and animals for the food supply.