Television media, war and truth Essay Example for Free

Television media, war and truth Essay An informed public is the cornerstone of modern society. An informed public during wartime leads to a healthy democracy. Though the media shares a special connection with wartime reporting, disseminating information of major news value, it often keeps the truth masked and reality covered. The media establishment profited by periods of rapid technological change through the 1970s and 80s, and as television reporting grew sophisticated, concepts of truth and reality were shaped by the immediacy of visual content. This essay, in light of the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and Iraq War, will outline how the impact of television coverage during wartime, political manoeuvring, and the atrophy of journalistic standards, has shaped our view of reality and truth. Television coverage of the Vietnam War, as the first televised war, reached audiences around the world. Conflicts of interest between journalistic integrity and nationalistic sentiments served to undermine the medias coverage of the war. The Washington Post announced on Aug. 5, 1964 American Planes Hit North Vietnam After Second Attack on Our Destroyers; Move Taken to Halt New Aggression. Subsequently the New York Times reported President Johnson has ordered retaliatory action against gunboats and certain supporting facilities in North Vietnam after renewed attacks against American destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin. Though there was no evidence of a second attack by North Vietnam, President Johnson in a speech delivered on Aug. 4, 1964 earned plaudits from the New York Times editorial staff by proclaiming: (they) went to the American people last night with the somber facts.; By reporting claims from Administration officials as absolute truths, American media opened the gates to a bloo dy Vietnam war1. Though the Tet offensive (North Vietnamese soldiers swept through more than one hundred Southern Vietnamese cities) left the U.S victorious, media portrayal was negative. The medias hidden agenda dotted television reportage helping sway public opinion against the war. Television images usurped factual news stories relegating experienced reporters to bystanders and caption writers2. Personal commentary saturated television coverage with statistics pointedly showing an erosion of objectivity. Before the Tet offensive, journalists described 62 percent of their stories as victories for the U.S, 28 percent as defeats, and 2 percent as inconclusive. After Tet, 44 percent of the battles were deemed victories, 32 percent defeats, and 24 percent inconclusive3. In 1998 the airing of a report by CNN and Time Magazine of the U.S Special Forces alleged use of nerve gas against American defectors in the Vietnam War was repudiated by Special Forces veterans groups and high profile intelligence figures. Yet, CNN asserted itself as a credible news organization, saying it was concerned with stories of human affliction4. The Fairness Accuracy In Reporting (national media watchdog set up in 1986 to document media censorship, bias and erroneous reporting), however, declared some television coverage from the Vietnam War a mere fabrication5. The Persian Gulf war ushered in a period of rapid change for American media. Re-structuring of television networks and amendments to federal regulations6 spawned an era of satellite coverage and press pooling. Amended laws ensured television journalists became trusted agents of the U.S military whereby media correspondents were screened7; selective information was aired to U.S audiences. Press freedoms were challenged less for the militarys interest (worried about leaking of strategic intelligence) than the Administrations political agenda. Television coverage was dictated primarily by advancements in digital satellite technology. The Persian Gulf war was the first war to be televised using global satellite networks8. Fluid images were cast, as veteran CNN Bernard Shaw recalls, in peoples faces, due to globalization of television networks. The American Administration, evidence later indicated, utilized television images and newspaper reports to convince the public that Iraqi troops were threatening to invade oil rich Saudi Arabia. Though satellite images taken of Saudi Arabias border detailed a small number of Iraqi troops, U.S newspapers, news magazines and television networks drummed up reportage in line with the Administrations political agenda. Independent press and peace activists argued against the deployment of U.S troops to the area campaigning for a UN peace-keeping force to be sent. But such sentiments did not percolate into the U.S media. Although television coverage saturated airwaves to summon public support for a U.S invasion of the Persian Gulf, television feeds of suffering Kurds, and other Iraqis, prompted large segments of the public against military solutions for conflicts in the Middle East. Mark Rozell Professor of public policy at George Mason University punctuated the impact of wartime television coverage by citing a Gallup Poll: A January 1991 Gallup Poll revealed that 89 percent of the American people identified television as their main source of information about the war; only 8 percent of the American people identified radio and 2 percent newspapers. The U.S led invasion of Iraq saw satellite internet and television, and further sophistication in television equipment, help the myriad U.S news agencies who invested their time in covering the war. Though no formal evidence was tabled about alleged ties between Saddam Hussein and the perpetrators of 9/11, 32% of Americans, in a poll conducted by PIPA/KN9 in 2003, thought Saddam Hussein very likely to be personally involved in the terrorist attacks; 37% thought it was somewhat likely. This misinformation is attributable to the torrent of television broadcasts and print media directed at providing a repetition of incidents surrounding 9/11; repetition is a precursor for propaganda. International polling has suggested public opinion around the world has been strongly against unilateral action in Iraq without UN approval. Of the 38 countries surveyed majority support does not exist for the actions of the U.S10. The obfuscation of truth and deterioration of journalistic integrity was the result of savvy political maneuvering. Oversimplified television coverage of the Middle East has reduced it to a social and political backwater. The depiction of the bloody camera and weeping man (see appendix) represent the reality that wars can bring. The blood on the camera signifies the brutality of war alluding that wars may be captured on film or camera but the reality behind wars (the blood) cannot be captured objectively. The weeping man brings forth emotion involved in losing someone close. Such cultural and social sensitivities are not shown in U.S medias war coverage. Television has proved to be a useful tool for masking truth by producing neatly worded sound-bites. A poll conducted by PIPA/KN in 2003 asked Americans whether a majority of people in the Islamic world (would) favour or oppose the U.S led war efforts to fight terrorism, a plurality of respondents (48%) assumed the Islamic world favoured the war effort. Al Jazeera, brought the coverage of the Iraq war to 40 million Arab viewers, hoping to deliver free and independent news. Founded in 1996, its goal, according to Senior Producer Samir Khader is to educate the Arab masses on democracy, irrespective of the other opinion. Staffed by former members of the newly disbanded BBC Arabic television, all of whom are strong believers of a balanced and fair press, it has come under fire by the Arab and Western worlds for being the mouthpiece of the zionists and a mouthpiece of Osama Bin Laden respectively. The notion of absolute truth and reality of television coverage is undermined by the representations of Al Jazeera as both a mouth piece of the zionists and a mouth piece of Osama Bin Laden11. Al Jazeera cutting to commercials plays a 30-60 second montage of American war planes, American bombs exploding and American army tanks across the desert. These images have come under criticism from U.S Press Officers. Dichotomies of interest will remain affirms U.S military Press Officer Lt. Josh Rushing as long as Al Jazeera U.S media continue to play to their respective audiences: When I watch Al Jazeera I can tell what theyre showing and what theyre not by choice. Its the same thing when I watch Fox at the other end of the spectrum. It benefits Al Jazeera to play to Arab nationalism Just like Fox plays to American patriotism. Because thats their demographic12. Incessantly rolling out television images the media oversimplifies the coverage of war. An informed media covering factual stories free from political slant is increasingly important in a growing democracy. The media coverage of the Vietnam War led to degradation in journalistic integrity; the Persian Gulf conflict deepened political ties between the American Administration and the media; Iraq War is covered by a multitude of U.S news agencies but also an Arabic television news channel. Though the wars were covered by the media in different lights the widening political influence and diminishment of journalistic cannons have been common threads that have shaped our understanding of truth and reality. * * * Bibliography: Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR); Website: [www.fair.org]. John Pilger, Heroes. (Johnathan Cape 1986, Vintage 2001), p.260. Hallin, Daniel C., The Uncensored War: The Media and Vietnam. Los Angles: California University of California Press, 1986. p. 161-162. A. Shah, Media, propaganda and Vietnam. [http://www.globalissues.org/HumanRights/Media/Propaganda/Vietnam.asp]. Created: Sunday, December 29, 2002; Last Updated: Friday, October 24, 2003. James Rennie, Desert Storm Front: Television News and Narrative Construction in the 1991 Gulf War, Honours Thesis 2004: [http://www.film.queensu.ca/Critical/Rennie2.html]. Capt Jon Mordan, Air Space Power Journal-Chronicles Online Journal (online-only companion to Air Space Power Journal; published quarterly), Document created: 6 June 99. Douglas Kellner, The Persian Gulf TV War. (Boulder, Co.: Westview Press, 1992). Program on International Policy Attitudes/Knowledge Networks; conducts global polls. Gallup Poll International. DVD, Control Room (2003); directed by Jehane Noujaim; (see appendix). Image 1: [http://www.oilempire.us/mediawar.html] Image 2: [http://www.thewe.cc/contents/more/archive2005/january/war_2005_january_images_1.html] Appendix 1: Appendix 2: 1 Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR) 2 John Pilger, Heroes. (Johnathan Cape 1986, Vintage 2001), p.260 3 Hallin, Daniel C., The Uncensored War: The Media and Vietnam. Los Angles: California University of California Press, 1986. p. 161-162 4 A. Shah, Media, propaganda and Vietnam. [http://www.globalissues.org/HumanRights/Media/Propaganda/Vietnam.asp]. Created: Sunday, December 29, 2002; Last Updated: Friday, October 24, 2003 5 Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR) 6 James Rennie, Desert Storm Front: Television News and Narrative Construction in the 1991 Gulf War, Honours Thesis 2004: [http://www.film.queensu.ca/Critical/Rennie2.html] 7 Capt Jon Mordan, Air Space Power Journal-Chronicles Online Journal (online-only companion to Air Space Power Journal; published quarterly), Document created: 6 June 99 8 Douglas Kellner, The Persian Gulf TV War. (Boulder, Co.: Westview Press, 1992). 9 Program on International Policy Attitudes/Knowledge Networks 10Gallup Poll International 11 DVD, Control Room (2003); directed by Jehane Noujaim; (see appendix).

Using a Code of Ethics to Inform Decision Making

Using a Code of Ethics to Inform Decision Making Considering a Social Dilemma in Practice: Using a Code of Ethics to Inform Decision Making Contents (Jump to) 1. Introduction 2. Analysis 3. Reducing Defection 4. Conclusion 5. References Abstract Social dilemmas have the potential to define an entire population, leading to the need to assess and understand the implications associated with trends. In general, there are several different types of social dilemma, which has different impacts on the society. In other words, each of them involves different kinds of cooperation for instance drugs, crime, one-time investment, prolonged investment, natural disasters etc.) This study or essay uses the social trap of carbon fuel pollution to illustrate the manner and means of defection and cooperation that are possible in order to create progress. At the end of this research study, it will be of a great significant to any person researching social science and the need to build on a fundamental level. 1. Introduction Found in every society, culture and region, the common definition for a social dilemmais held to be an instance where there is the potential for individual gain at the cost of the larger group (Baqlliet et al., 2013). In another definition according to Komorita and Parks 1995 is that social dilemma refers to a situation whereby there is a conflicts between individuals and collective interest. In a very real sense, this environment is created in order for an individual to profit from selfishness; however, if everyone chooses this alternative, the entire group stands to lose, indicating a win or nothing social condition. According to McCarter et al. (2011) who argue that issues begin to arise as too many of the target population choose the negative option preferring the sense of immediate satisfaction over the group’s long-term interests. This outlines a sense of non-committal on the part of the population, speaking to the tendency to put off social experiences and dilemmas that often take various forms across a wide variety for fields and disciplines. With illustrations of social issues including climate change, environmental hazards, high crime rate, drugs, hate crimes and air pollution as well as human overpopulation, there is a fundamental platform that must be achieved in order to effectively identify and correct errant or negative trends. This research study addresses the question of the social dilemma of fossil fuel consumption. By definition, a fossil fuel is simply a hydro carbon deposit that is obtained from remains of accumulated plants. For example natural gas, petrol and coal. Argued to be a commonly experienced social trap found in the use of carbon fuels in the environment day-to-day social operations (Chen et al., 2012). A social trap is created when there is a drive to experience and create immediate rewards as opposed to waiting to offset the potential negative, leaving much of the defining nature of the experience to the individual. Carbon pollution and the burning of fossil fuels creates the social dilemma by creating and fundamentally building a infrastructure around behavior patterns that have produced significant rewards around the societies in the short term, or current and past generations, but clearly hold a diminishing return when considered in context with the future and larger environmental picture (Khachatryan et al, 2013). The elements of a condition that create social traps are identified as reinforces that tend to build a stronger pattern of behavior in small cases yet, serves to punish larger instances. In this case defection is defined as the unbridled consumption of fossil fuels, with the cooperative social position being defined as an ongoing effort to reduce that very same use of carbon fuel. In a short term capacity, carbon fuels and combustion engines have transformed technology and the way of life for an entire civilization, yet, the use of the technology without restraint has enabled negativeconsequences to arise. However, the society are more concerned in the short time benefit and profit of carbon fuels which serves to encourage the use of the carbon fuels, yet the long term price in terms of negative environment impact, global warming, air quality deterioration, acid rain and loss of wildlife and natural resources becomes consequential. Research studies prove that social dilemma utilizes experimental designs (Sonderskov 2011). These researches, also suggests a positive and direct inter relationship between trust and cooperation. In other words, protecting the environments is a good measure of reducing social dilemma. There are important considerations that should not be ignored in dealing with environmental issues. Such as strength of ties that are found in cultural groups. Similarly, researchers from across the globe have devoted considerable effort to understanding how to generate cooperative behaviour amongst individuals of different cultures. 2. Analysis Social issues cross boundaries to impact every science and branch of study (Sagiv et al., 2011). With this recognition, there are wide ranges of theories that have the potential to apply to this social trap/dilemma of employing carbon fuels in day to day activities. Leading among many researchers is the economic game theory, or expected utility theory (McCarter et al., 2011). This approach argues that any person is a rational actor that is solely motivated to make the most of their personal positions, or utility in terms of a person’s economic self-interest. In this instance, the short term gains of employing polluting technology are seemingly insignificant in the face of day to day travel needs (Balleiet et al., 2013). With a willful form of defection, there is the sense of putting off the payment for future generations, leaving many of the population that seeks a cooperative solution with little recourse. According to the Game theory (structural solutions), there is much more likely for socially non-cooperative outcome, simply due to the ease of use and social acceptance, despite the documented negative instances related to the collection and consumption of these resources. Furthermore, many social dilemmas evoke and triggers conflict amongst moral values, making the correct choice less clear to decipher (Banks, 2006).Banks has implied how decision making about another’s welfare can frequently involve issues which are both personal and painful, thus judgements will need to be made which are ethical and promote human welfare (Banks, 2012). In knowledge of this, it is crucialto have proper justification for actions and in-actions.A second relevant theory of Utilitarianism has been developed by Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832): ‘Utilitarianism incorporates how actions have consequences, which should balance advantages and disadvantages, relatively within a certain course of action,’ (Parrott 2010, p. 54). When putting this principal into action it is acceptable for one person to suffer, if this translates to a greater number of people being happy. Two existing principles pertain to the theory of utilitarianism, and these arejustice and utility. Understanding the principle of justice can be captured in respect for equality and fairness, everyone’s happiness should be considered with the same weight. Utility as a principal infers the greatest good for everyone. However, both of these principlescan clash if the minority of people are unhappy. Beauchamp and Childress (2001) have outlined the principal ofjustice: which accounts for distribution of fair benefits, risks and costs; this encapsulates the notion that similar cases should be treated similarly.In a clinical role it is regarded as being within the job role to effectively ‘assess the whole situation, while workingfor outcomes while considering everyone’s best interests’ (Banks2012). Yet, each individual in the society has the option to disagree, and therefore defect from the effort, weakening the end results. An alternative complimentary approach is Virtue ethics and the theory of this principal investigates individual character. A persons ‘virtue ethics’ are thought to be guided and developed through their personal beliefs, and this process is said to determine overall character. As an approach Virtue ethics are carried out ‘according to which the basic judgments in ethics are judgments about character’ (Statman, 1997, p. 7).This argument indicates that a person could be co-operative by appealing to their better nature, rather than depending on the satisfaction of their immediate desires. It is recognised that issues of an ethical nature will often be embedded in personal responsibility or relationships. Linking the fight for a long term, environmentally balanced and healthy society with the need to provide a better future for the next generations, there is evidence that substantial progress can be made for the co-operative efforts (McCarter et al., 2011). The c ooperative effort will go a long way to create development and employment for the future generation. However, people will begin to see the advantage of being cooperative within the society. People with selfish interest will have a rethink of there actions. A further area of social science that applies to this case is referred to as Radical often recognized as ‘critical’ or ‘activist’ work (McCarter et al., 2011). Within this radical position the viewpoint taken is of a transformational approach, where concerns are placed on the transformation of society as this will benefit those who are most oppressed, or those suffering in adverse environmental conditions, in comparison to focusing on the individual profit, or day to day consumers (Hill, 2010). In addition, McIntyre (1982) as cited in Payne (2004) determined radical approaches and criticisms being that; traditionally, social work can lower complex social problems and turn them into individual psychological ones, while potentially cutting off service users from contact toothers who have similar problems.Yet, in in the case of pollution and using offered technology seems to translate to creating isolation between workers and those who need the service. Recent studies concerning environmental protection, results to timely and positive outcomes. They however ignore various factors or elements that influence the trust cooperation relationship that was ealier mentioned such as the strength of cultural ties that defines various cultural groups. 3. Reducing Defection Among the many possible solutions to decreasing defections and increasing possible cooperation is the option of motivational solutions (Khachatryan et al., 2013). Providing opportunities for mutual gain, both in the short and long term, creates an incentive for long term, effective cooperation and progress. There components of a must be assessed in order to create a reduced or improved environment (McCarter et al., 2011): Individualism or the presence of the tendency for a person to act selfishly Competition or the capacity to measure outcomes relative to others The opportunity for cooperation In this case is seems possible to incorporate all three elements into an effective anti-defection strategy. Emphasizing the positive aspects of using alternative fuels has the potential to inspire the individual to work outside the acceptable social net by not using fossil fuels. Furthermore, the creation of a competitive form of reporting would serve to build a measureable means for people to assess or examine their own efforts, as well as that of others. The first two are pro-self-approaches while the third is considered a prosocial orientation (Chen et al., 2012). Prosocial and pro-self-persons react differently when faced with a similar situation, making the need to find a solution that can bridge the gap between them critical. Prosocial views often concern themselves with the moral implications, thereby seek out cooperation. This can be seen in this context as the drive to harvest less from a common resource, thereby reducing overall dependency and negative consequences. Strategic solutions also have the potential to increase cooperation and reduce defections in the social dilemma of carbon fuel pollution (Ballet et al., 2013). This is an approach that uses interactions to create an environment of cooperation as the society uses a Tit for tat strategy. This approach seems to be present in the current discourse about carbon pollution with many consumers making a cooperative move, while at the same moment mirroring decisions of the partner. TFT applies to this dilemma in that it is a real-world strategy that has a proven record of success, thereby inciting many consumers to take part in the effort. These forms of structural changes alter the game by modifying the social dilemma or removing the issue completely. In this case a reduction in consumption has the potential to move on completely from the carbon fuel based system. Furthermore, research on conservation repeatedly illustrates that incentives are effective in decreasing consumption of resources as well as the adoption of renewable resources (Chen et al., 2012). Many case studies illustrate that cooperation is based on various factors, including the ability to monitor the situation in order to punish defectors leading to an external structure that opts to cooperate and self-organise with the inherent ability to communicate and share in order to effectively resolve social dilemmas. Cooperation and trust. According to Yamagishi and Cook 1993, trust can enhance or promote cooperation among individuals based on these, high trusters reciprocate others anticipated cooperation. (Granovetter 1992, De Cremer and Stouten 2003). These theories help to pass the message of cooperation among individuals thereby causing them to understand the dangers of social dilemma and how to avoid or reduce its effects in the society. Further research work has proved that trust levels are to be lower in a collective environment compared with that of individual cultures. According to Yamagishi theories, interregional trust difference applies in the US. Scholars suggest that comparing with the non-south, southern states are mostly characterized by a collectivist social relations (Reed 1974, 1983: Cohen et al. 1999). Various family ties are mostly paramount and a high lebel of poverty, strong regional identification and fundamentalist ethnic believes further unites ties to families. 4. Conclusion In conclusion, when evaluating the strengths the social dilemma of using carbon fuels, the need of the day to day consumer must be considered in the light of long term cost. Using a cooperative approach that serves to provide incentives and alternatives to possible defectors serves to enhance the underlying effort and add impact to the arguments that desire cooperation. Overall, it is certain that the core of the burden translates to effective planning while accounting for the present situation. With many possible solutions, this study has illustrated that following a radical approach could lead to empowerment of the service user, enable individuals to overcome social stigma attached to the pollution issue as educate them with skills needed to be independent in future. Creating a platform to educate and enlighten them will enhance their knowledge, skills and give them the idea of how to avoid or manage the effects of social dilemma in their society. In the end, in order to encourage cooperation there needs to be a viable alternative to be put in place that makes sense to individuals or the society at large on a day to day basis as well as being affordable to the common person. An inadequate well comprehensive strategy will only encourage those that resist change to depend on the technology of the past in order to face the challenges of the future. In addition, other solutions to this social dilemma require a full cooperation of the individuals to forgo their individual gain which will also be good for the benefit of the group. Other ways to deal with a social dilemma includes: environmental protection, media publicity such as TV and audio broadcasting, surveys and voting. Finally, there are several different methods of social dilemma, each involving different kinds of cooperation and approach e.g. one-time investment, prolonged investment and payoffs one-time benefit or loss, sustaining of a common resource pool. 5. References Balliet, D., Ferris, D. (2013). Ostracism and Prosocial behavior: A social dilemma perspective. Organizational Behavior And Human Decision Processes,120(2), 298-308. doi:10.1016/j.obhdp.2012.04.004 Banks, S. Gallagher, A. (2009). Ethics in professional life: virtues for health and social care. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Banks, S. (2012). Ethics and Values in Social Work. (fourth edition). Basingstoke New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Beauchamp, T. L., Childress, J. F. (2001).Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford university press. Beckett, C. (2007). The reality principle: Realism as an ethical obligation. Ethics and Social Welfare, 1(3), 269-281. Beckett, C. (2012). Values and ethics in social work. Sage. Chen, X., Szolnoki, A., Perc, M. (2012). Risk-driven migration and the collective-risk social dilemma. Physical Review E,86(3). doi:10.1103/physreve.86.036101 Clifford, D., Burke, B. (2008).Anti-oppressive ethics and values in social work. Palgrave Macmillan. Darwall, S. (1995). The British Moralists and the InternalOught: 1640-1740. Cambridge University Press. Dolgoff, R., Loewenberg, F. M., Harrington, D. (2009). Ethical issues for social work practice. Derlega, V., Grzelak, J. (1982).Cooperation and helping behavior. New York: Academic Press. Hill, L. (2010). Radical indecision: Barthes, Blanchot, Derrida, and the future of criticism. Johnson, R. (2008). Kants moral philosophy. Khachatryan, H., Joireman, J., Casavant, K. (2013). Relating values and consideration of future and immediate consequences to consumer preference for biofuels: A three-dimensional social dilemma analysis.Journal Of Environmental Psychology,34, 97-108. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.01.001 McCarter, M., Mahoney, J., Northcraft, G. (2011). TESTING THE WATERS: USING COLLECTIVE REAL OPTIONS TO MANAGE THE SOCIAL DILEMMA OF STRATEGIC ALLIANCES.Academy Of Management Review,36(4), 621-640. doi:10.5465/amr.2011.65554629 Parrott, L. (2010). Values and ethics in social work practice. SAGE. Payne, G., Payne, J. (2004).Key concepts in social research. Sage. Saleebey, D. (1996). The strengths perspective in social work practice: Extensions and cautions. Social work, 41(3), 296-305. Statman, D. (1997). Virtue ethics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Sagiv, L., Sverdlik, N., Schwarz, N. (2011). To compete or to cooperate? Values impact on perception and action in social dilemma games.Eur. J. Soc. Psychol.,41(1), 64-77. doi:10.1002/ejsp.729 Thompson, N. (2007). Power and empowerment.Russell House Pub. Wilson, K. (2008). Social work: An introduction to contemporary practice. Pearson Education. Wilson, K., Ruch, G., Lymbery, M., Cooper, A. (2008).Social work. Essex: Pearson. 1

Female Sexuality & Desire in Chopins The Storm Essay -- Chopin Storm

Female Sexuality & Desire in Chopin's The Storm  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚   In Kate Chopin's time traditional patriarchal notions about women and sexuality deemed sexual passion a negligible, even improper, aspect of women's lives. Yet Chopin boldly addresses a woman's sexual desire in her short story "The Storm". This story shockingly details a torrid extramarital sexual encounter between Calixta and Alcee` in the midst of a raging storm. While this story line could have been presented in a traditional light, perhaps as a lesson about the evils of uninhibited female sexuality, Chopin maintains a non-judgmental stance by refraining from moralizing about the sanctity of marriage or impropriety of Calixta's actions. In failing to condemn and even condoning Calixta's actions, as well acknowledging the existence and depth of sexual desire in women, Chopin imbues "The Storm" with a strong feminist tone and calls the very institution of marriage into question. The mere presence of Calixta's sexual desire and certainly its marked intensity make this story revolutionary in its feminist statement about female sexuality. Chopin uses the conceit of a thunderstorm to describe the development, peak, and ebbing of passion in the encounter between Calixta and Alcee`. At first, Calixta is unaware of the approaching storm, just as her sexual desire might be on an unconscious level; yet, as the storm approaches, Calixta grows warm and damp with perspiration. Chopin deliberately juxtaposes these two events when she writes that Calixta, "felt very warm...she unfastened her white saque at the throat. It began to grow dark and suddenly realizing the situation she got up and hurriedly went about closing windows and doors" (282). The gathering storm serves as ... ...s Chopin expresses in this story would certainly have seemed outrageous to her contemporary society and would have been grounds for an almost universal condemnation of Chopin and her work. She daringly celebrates female sexuality and uses this celebration as a feminist assertion about women's equal potentialities and rights to express themselves and experience pleasure. That "every one was happy" when the storm passed suggests that revolutionizing traditional concepts of gender and marriage will change everyone's, especially women's, lives for the better. Works Cited Chopin, Kate. "The Storm: A Sequel to 'The 'Cadian Ball'." Kate Chopin: The Awakening and Selected Stories. New York: Penguin, 1984. 281-86. Gilbert, Sandra M. "Introduction: The Second Coming of Aphrodite." Kate Chopin: The Awakening and Selected Stories. New York: Penguin, 1984. 7-33.   

Legalization of Drugs Argument Essay -- Drug Prohibition Regulation Le

Legalization of Drugs Argument Man, as a creature, is inherently bored. Since the dawn of time, it has been the natural instinct of man to find alternative methods to enhance his being. The many means by which man has turned to include sex, gambling, and the consumption of substances beyond the requirements of nutrition. The consumption of substances can be further broken down into legal and illegal substances. The question then becomes, who are we to place labels on certain substances by deeming them legal and prohibit others by creating penalties for their use? The issue of prohibition is certainly not a new one to our nation. In 1919, the 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale or transportation of alcoholic beverages. "Suddenly honest, responsible Americans who just wanted a drink, were turned into criminals. Respectable bars became underground speak-easys, and legitimate liquor manufacturers were replaced by criminal bootleggers." Gang warfare, bribery, and criminal activity reached an all-time high. Standards on illegal alcohol were much lower than those on the previously legal alcohol which led to the blinding or death of many consumers. Finally in 1933, politicians buckled and repealed the 18th Amendment. The Prohibition attempt of the early 20th century provides the perfect historical support for the decriminalization of drugs. "Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." The rise in violent crime over the years has been a concern to most. A major cause of this increase in crime is the illegal trafficking of drugs. As violent crime continues to increase, we are unable to devote our financial resources and time into preventing and prosecuting those who commit crimes such as murder, rape, and assault. The reason we are unable to devote these resources where they are needed is because we are foolishly spending them on a battle that we cannot win-the "War on Drugs." Prior to Ronald Reagan's "War on Drugs," America's crime rate had been declining. Since the introduction of the new wave drug... ...cal use. Research would also be encouraged as scientists could search for new and practical uses of drugs. There are many wonderful uses of drugs that have not yet been identified or perfected and with expanded research, we could discover these new possibilities. Of course, some restrictions would have to be set. Likely, an age restriction would have to be adopted. Restricting the use of drugs to adults only, and educating the youth of the potential dangers should help curb adolescent abuse. Prohibiting acts such as driving a vehicle under the influence of a mind- altering substance would likewise be necessary. Another necessity would be the destruction of all those with prior criminal records due to the arrest or conviction on drug-related charges. Of course, the right of the non-smoker would have to be paramount. In a public facility, non-smoking areas would have to be set up. A system of drug regulation that would include the above provisions, public health and agricultural regulations, and a form of taxation would discourage abuse, protect public health and safety, reduce crime, and raise revenue. "Regulation is the inevitable replacement of prohibition."

Depleted Uranium Ethics Of the Silver Bullet :: Argumentative Persuasive Weapon Papers

Depleted Uranium Ethics Of the Silver Bullet I. INTRODUCTION/ABSTRACT: â€Å"All the soldiers there were wearing NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical warfare) protective clothing. We said: ‘What’s going on here?’ And their answer was: ‘Didn’t you know? This ammunition is a bit dodgy.’† – Tim Pubrick, Gulf War veteran, British Royal Army tank commander.6 Depleted uranium (DU) ammunition is a very recent advancement in military weapons use. Due to its effectiveness against piercing armor, DU ammunition has recently become a popular item among NATO armies and will most likely become a mainstream form of conventional ammunition among many other armies of the world. However, massive amounts of circumstantial evidence strongly suggests that the use of DU ammunition has known to cause dramatic side effects, such as health problems, stillborn babies, toxic and poisonous land, water supplies, and residential territories. Hence an important question arises, is it ethical to use DU ammunition on the battlefield? II. WHAT IS DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)? Before we can analyze the ethical use of DU ammunition, it is important to first establish the technology behind DU and DU weapons. Uranium is one of the heaviest elements found in nature and is emits alpha, beta, and gamma particles. It is 1.7 times denser than lead.12 The half-life of U238 (DU is 99% U238) is 4.5 billion years!13 Uranium byproducts(such as Thorium (Th232)) have even longer half-lives, making uranium an element that gets more radioactive during its own decay process.5 Natural uranium is 99.274% U238, 0.720% U235, and 0.0055% U234.14a Uranium is enriched when its contents of U235 reaches 3.2-3.6% (since U235 is fissible). Weapon-grade uranium is +90% U235.14a What is depleted uranium? We start out with natural uranium and extract enriched uranium for nuclear fuel and weaponry. The leftover from the extraction process is something very similar to natural uranium, known as â€Å"depleted uranium†. The only difference is that DU has 0.202% of U235 and 0.0008% of U234.14a How much DU do we currently have? As of June 1998, we have around 57,800 huge steel cylinders of DU or 496,000 metric tons. 14b Storage of DU is very complicated and problematic since corrosion of DU storage cylinders often occurs over relatively short periods of time.15 III. MODERN APPLICATIONS OF DU: The applications of DU are quite extensive. DU is very low cost and is readily available. DU can be used as a commercial aircraft counterweight. A Boeing 747 needs 1,500 kg of DU.

Comparison of Lao Tzu and Machiavelli Essay

It is obvious to most people the differences between black and white, light and darkness, or Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Many people have different preferences for each of these things, as well as different views about them. While one person may argue that Pepsi is the ultimate cola beverage, another person may claim that Coca-Cola is the best by far. This is such the case with many different people in this world, on many different topics. A prime example of contrasting views on many issues is Niccolio Machiavelli and Lao Tzu. Among the issues that they address include war and violence and the qualities of an ideal ruler. The issue with the most differences is obviously that of war and violence. In his work â€Å"The Qualities of a Prince† Machiavelli claimed that a good ruler must always be prepared for war. Even when their country is not at war, the ruler must be constantly considering combat. They must take the time to look at the land in which any battle will be fought, whether that is in their kingdom or that of their enemies. â€Å"He must, therefore, never raise his thought from this exercise of warm and in peacetime he must train himself more than in time of war; this can be done in two ways, one by action, the other by the mind. And as far as action is concerned, besides keeping his soldiers well disciplined and  trained, he must always be out hunting, and must accustom his body to hardships in this manner; and he must also learn the nature of the terrain, and know how the mountains slope, how the valleys open, how the plains lie, and understand the nature of rivers and swamps†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (38). Lao Tzu’s â€Å"Thoughts from the Tao-Te-Ching† took a more pacifistic approach. He believes that no man had the right to defeat enemies by using violence and  weapons. When violence is used against somebody, it will eventually rebound and come back upon the person who inflicted it. â€Å"Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn’t try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms. For every force there is a counterforce. Violence, even well intentioned, Always rebounds upon oneself.† (24). The contrast in Machiavelli’s ideal ruler and that of Lao Tzu is drastic. Machiavelli thinks that the ideal ruler should be careful when it comes to being generous. He believes that if a ruler is too generous, the people he governs will become unappreciative of their good fortune. A prince should be feared by his people, but they should not despise him because of it. â€Å"A prince must nevertheless make himself feared in such a manner that he will avoid hatred, even if he does not acquire love; since to be feared and not to be hated can very well be combined; and this will always be so when he keeps his hands off the property and the women of his citizens and his subjects. † (44). Lao Tzu has many views that are in great opposition to those of Machiavelli. He believes that the best ruler is one that the people don’t even realize is there. A leader should be loved, and not feared or hated. He acts upon things, and when he is a success, the people of his kingdom get the full credit for his work. â€Å"When the master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is the leader who is loved. Next is the one who is feared. The worst is the one who is despised†¦ The Master doesn’t talk, he acts. When his work is done, The people say â€Å"Amazing, We did it, all by ourselves!†Ã¢â‚¬  (22-23). A ruler should also not have the desire to leave his country. If you are restless and feel the urge to move on, then you will lose touch with who you truly are. â€Å"The heavy is the root of the light, The unmoved is the source of all movement. Thus the master travels all day Without leaving home. However splendid the views, She stays serenely in herself. Why should the lord of the country Flit about like a fool? If you let yourself be blown to and fro, You lose touch with your root. If you let the restless move you, You lose touch with who you are.† (23-24). Clearly these men believed in two entirely different sets of values. This can be shown in their interest and opinions on many subjects, among them violence and war, and the traits of an ideal ruler. One is full of optimism, while the other brings out the pessimism is the most jubilant people.

Is this a fair that Men and Women are becoming more equal

It is true to say that often through out time, in various circumstances and situations, individuals have been discriminated based on their gender. We would think that after numerous years of battle for equality, we would have reached the point where the role of men and women at home merged and the different responsibilities shared. Although there is no generally accepted way of measuring inequality between husbands and wives, different researchers have measured it in different ways. However, most find little evidence that inequality in marriage has been significantly reduced. Willmott and Young used the word ‘symmetry' to describe the duties of husbands and wives as the idea of symmetry describes a ‘sense of balance' between the tasks which are carried out. They believe that women took the major responsibilities of domestic labour and child care, men are spending an equal amount of time on home centred activities. Relationships of this type are known as joint conjugal roles whereby tasks are shared. However Willmott and Young have been severely critisized on their assumptions being based on ‘typical, metropolitan white families' over looking family diversity present in society. The term ‘symmetry' does not represent the idea of equality it is intended to. Evidence illustrates the diversity of modern family structure and so the idea of any family being typical in not very realistic. Apparently their sociology same about from a very ‘male stream sociology' so a woman who worked outside the house is believed, is still responsible for the home. There is some support for their work where Gershuny, who studied the amount of time spent by couples on domestic labour found that the ‘proportion of housework performed by husbands has increased as wives have taken on paid employment'. Combining work and family is an important issue not only because it concerns a great part of the population and because it is one of the key issues of equality. It is also a big problem in the everyday lives of people, because both women and men may have full time jobs. Edgell examined the decision making between husbands and wives and found that women tended to dominate in choices made on the basis of domestic spending and children's necessities where as men in areas that were considered more important such as moving homes and finance in general. The study of money management carried out by Pahl illustrated that just over a quarter of the couples in her study had this system in which there was a fair degree of equality. According to Duncombe and Marsden many women in their study expressed dissatisfaction with their partner;s emotional input into the family and most men did not acknowledg that emotion work needed to be done and it again, shows the responsibility placement on women. Concluding evidence on the inequality within family life as suggested by a study by Dunne shows that women are still a long way from achieving equality within marriage. Her enquiry into lesbian households showed that an equitable domestic division of labour can be achieved however it is harder when in a culture that differentiates so clearly between masculinity and femininity stereotypes. Traditional roles that were once adapted to suit the changes from extended families to nuclear have survived into our own century and as much as some of us would like to see the developments of equality, this will be a slow process. Working life sets conditions on people's use of time far beyond the workplace and the working hours. We know that integrating these two parts of life is one of the greatest challenges parents face in their everyday life. The daily schedule of any family with children is probably among the toughest.