Academic and employability skills report Essay

1. 0Abstract Academic skills are important to acquire in- order to obtain relevant skills required in a working environment. The purpose of this report is to detect and distinguish the relevance and importance of academic standards and skills that are mandatory to succeed within a University and how this links with employment skills. 2. 0Introduction This report will be based on academic skills and how this is associated to employability skills and reflect upon my own skills. The report will be sectioned by numbers and a sub heading these titles will consist of; effective literature research, academic sources, reflect upon personal academic research skills, effective presentation skills, reflect upon personal presentation skills, identification of core academic skills, critique of personal skills audit, academic skills associated to employability skills, association to a specific career path and an conclusion. 3. 0Effective literature research. There are many vast ways of finding relevant literature; however, it is important when collecting information that you understand the physiognomies of the content and how this can be implemented (Walliman, p. 63, 2011). Blaxter, L. , Hughes, C and Tight, M (2001, cited in Bell, 2005), states that the internet and the library are effective ways of literature researching, for instance; the internet has many PDF and E-journals as-well as relevant web sites however, facts that need to be considered are how reliable your source is and weather the authors are credited. The library has many books that can be effective when researching literature. 3. 1Academic sources Academic sources vary for instance; there are many different types of academic sources such as journals, books, PDF and the scholarly website online. To distinguish if a source is academic can be done by ensuring that the source is reliable and the author is creditable and the information implemented is accurate, likewise the date must be considered the more up to date a sources is the more reliable this is likely to be for instance if an another publish a book in 2005 there might be another book or edition published with more up to date information on a later date. On the other hand, journals are more collective and modern with a creditable author however; their work has not been endorsed or reviewed by other authors. Books are a good academic source as the have been reviewed and credited nevertheless, it is important to check year of publication as there may be more up to date information. The internet is not usually advisable nevertheless this can be used if the source is creditable such as government sites (direct.gov). 3. 2Reflect on personal academic research skills To begin with I found finding academic sources hard as I want not familiar with journals and the Solent Library website on the portal. However, I have now gained the sills of using the library the portal and have found that keywords are important in finding more relevant information and how to employ my time more effectively. I have also established what is reliable and what is not and I am only to use books and journals however, if I do need to use the internet I will only use a government website as I know it is creditable, I also understand that on the portal there are other ways to find academic information such as succeed at Solent that can help me get academic information that I require. 4. 0Effective presentation skills. To have an effective presentation it is important to know your observers, for instance if you are presenting for a particular organisation is it important to know the companies background and what the hope to aim to achieve this will enable the presenter to understand what the organisation is looking for which will help deliver an effective presentation, (Hatcher, McCarthy, 2002). Correspondingly the structure is important for a successful presentation for instance; most structures contain a clear introduction, main body and conclusion. A clear introduction should signpost the contents of their presentation on the first slide stating the topic on which the presentation is based on and highlighting the main arguments. The main body consists of the main arguments or key point of the topic; this should be clear and easy to understand. The conclusion is a clear evaluation of the contents of the presentation, (Reimold, 2003). Similarly the delivery is the main key for success if the delivery is precise for instance; when presenting it is important to use visual aid or hand-outs and have practised their speech beforehand so that the presenter feels confident and the presentation timing can be accurate, it is not advised to have your full speech on the day but have reminders of key points, also speech needs to be considered for an effective delivery for example, it is important to speak loud and clear so that the listeners are not confused on what is being said. Body language is another thing that should be considered effective body language sets off a good atmosphere, which can be done a simple smile and regular eye contact with the audience (Mandel, 1999). 4. 1Reflect on personal presentation skills When I am presenting I feel nervous and need to work on my confidence as this affects my delivery, however, I feel if I practise more I would feel more confident as I would know my speech as well as my topic that I am presenting. I do feel that I’m good at my introductory slides and that i use relevant information from academic sources to argue my points in the main body, nevertheless, I could also improve my skill by getting to know my audience better as this could help me when presenting as this could also improve my contents of my presentation and my delivery. Likewise I feel more practise is needed especially if I am working with a group as it helps with confidence, delivery, organisation and timings. 5. 0Identification of core academic skills. Core academic skills are important for students to understand dissimilar methods in producing academic work to enable an individual to become an independent learner to succeed at university for instance; researching is an important core academic skill as this finds relevant academic sources that contain important information (Shapiro, 2010). Academic writing which is writing in the third person with the usage of academic sources and Harvard references is important for students to improve their writing abilities. Presentations which aid oral communications this supports many students to develop and improve their communication skills. Problem solving is another core academic skill for instance; students deliver oral presentations, essays, and reports all of the elements of work require evaluation and analysis which suggests that students have problem solved, core academic skills also teach organisation and time management skills, (Baldwin Wallace University, 2012). 5. 1Critique of personal skills audit I have acquired a vast amount of skills during my education for example; I have learned organisational skills and have realised how important organisation is for my assignments and in a profession. I also have developed crucial analytical and evaluation skills I feel I need to improve my skills on oral communication and academic writing however; I do feel I have gained good time management and efficient researching and reflection skills that will hopefully enable to succeed on my university course and future employment. The are many diverse ways that I could improve and develop my skills such as action planning, essay plans and starting assignments early with a clear plan of action. 6. 0Academic skills associated to employability skills Most academic skills such as academic writing, organisation, time management, meeting deadlines, researching, oral communication, critical analysis/ evaluation and problem solving skills are all relevant to employability skills. Depending on the job title many of the above skills will be required for instance; academic writing is used in most jobs such as writing references or reports, most jobs also require people to attend work on time be organised and able to meet specific deadlines. Oral communication is important for staff to be able to communicate effectively and problem solving is important to being successful in an organisation (Thomas, C, J, 2003). 6. 1Association to a specific career path Academic skills are implemented in the events industry for example; Meeting deadlines is essential for an event companies success this takes a lot of time management and the usage of load in and load out plans, organisation, effective oral communication, writing reports and schedules. It is also important to problem solve in the events industry so implementing contingency plans are an effective way of problem solving. 7. 0Conclusions In conclusion effective literature research is important to be able to find relevant information that is reliable for instance; using the library and the internet is an effective way of finding the relevant sources required however, it is important to consider dates and authors that are credited, this skill is important for higher education. Similarly there are many different types of academic sources such as; books, PDF and journals conversely, how creditable a source is depends on the date of publication because different arguments and findings could have been released on a later date. Journals are more frequently published however, they have not be credited if a person implements a journal in their work they should check that the information is correct and reliable. On the other hand website are not valued as a reliable source nevertheless, using the right website can be used as an academic source such as government websites. I personally found it hard to find academic sources, however, being able to use technology and the internet I have found it easier to access academic sources to find the relevant information I require, I also understand the importance of using sources with recent dates as this makes my sources more creditable, furthermore I have also learned that the only time I must use a website is if it was a government website. Presentation skills are important for higher education however, they can also be important in particular jobs, for an effective presentation it is important to consider the listeners background; the structure needs a clear introduction main body and conclusion, the use of visual aid help with an effective delivery. However, it is also is important to practise the presentation previously as this helps strengthen the confidence and the delivery, this also helps with the timings when speaking this should be down calm slow, loud and clear and always with a smile it is also equally important to have regular eye contact. However, I feel I have acquired some of these skills such as a clear structure including a clear introduction, main body and conclusion and that my information is relevant and comes from academic sources, my delivery I feel that I do have a smile and I do look at my audience nevertheless, I do need to improve my skills on confidence I think this can be done by more practise beforehand. I think presentation skills are important if I want to succeed at university and be successful in the events industry. Similarly Core academic skills helps students gain a knowledge of different skills to succeed in university and employment for instance; important skills such as organisation, communication, time management, academic writing, references and problem solving are key skills for university but also to be successful in a particular career. I feel I have developed and improved certain aspects of my skills that I have acquired for instance I feel I have good time management researching and organisation skills. However, I need to improve certain areas such as; confidence when presenting which can be done by practising my delivery, I also need to improve my oral communication this can also be done through the usage of presentations, my academic writing could also be improved this can be done by action planning and writing reports and essays. Academic skills relate to employability skills for instance many skills that are developed in higher education are implanted at work such as; organisation, researching, oral communication, problem solving and time management skills. These skills are important to develop in-order for a person to become successful at work these skills help people to work at a higher standard. Academic skills are also used in the events industry certain skills acquired form higher education will be used when at work such as organisation, meeting deadlines, time management, oral communication, problem solving and writing skills. These skills are important to develop and improve as this will help people succeed in the future. References Baldwin Wallace University,. 2012. Core Academic Skills Definitions. [online]. Available: < http://www. bw. edu/resources/registration/info/core-day/skills/> [Access date 19/01/13]. Bell, J. , 2005. Doing your Research Project. 4th ed. Berkshire: Open University Press. Hatcher, C. , McCarthy, P. 2002. Presentation Skills: The Essential Guide For Students. Australia :Allen & Unwin. Mandel, S,. 1999. Effective presentation skills: A practical guide for better speaking. Los Altos, CA : Crisp Publications. Reimold,C,Reimold, P. 2003. The short road to great presentations. Wiley: New York. Shapiro, S, E. 2010. Academic skills problems. 4th ed. Gilford press: New York. Thomas, C, J,. 2003. Comprehensive handbook of psychological assessment. 4th ed. New Jersey :John wiley and sons inc. Walliman, N. , 201. Effective literature searching for research. 2nd ed. New York: Taylor & Francis e-library. Appendix It is also important to remember that gaining experience in presentations helps develop powerful communication skills that can be used throughout a persons life. Reimold,C,Reimold, P. 2003. The short road to great presentations. Wiley: New York.

Nora in Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” Essay

Throughout history, the role of gender equality has been viewed with varying degrees of importance by societies. People are quick to identify and label a ‘rebel’ as the one who goes against all the moral convictions and different ‘normalities’ of each society. The definition of rebel is listed as â€Å"someone or something that resists any authority or control. † In the context of society, the control which is resisted by the rebel can be no other than the stereotypes of that particular society, a feature which can be directly linked to the oppression of women and their desires and aspirations under standardised conditions and circumstances. Can the rebellious attitudes of women be condemned, ignoring the discontent of these women? Also, should their happiness become repressed, giving way to self-sacrifice and the forfeiting of their desires? It is these issues which Medea and Nora are faced with, and in each case we can see that their decision to go against the stereotypes of the eras are perhaps indicative of the predominance of their own desires and dreams over the notion of self-sacrifice. Thus we can see that both Medea and Nora can be characterised as rebels against the societies they live in. To begin with, Nora has fit into her society quite appropriately. She has married Torvald Helmer, and has three small children. She fulfills her duties as mother and wife with no apparent constraints from happiness. She does indeed thrive on keeping her home as best she can with the limited money she has at her disposal. One example of this is where she has bought Christmas presents for Torvald, all of her children, and even the maids; however she buys nothing for herself. 1 She endures Torvald’s condescending stance towards her, and does not retaliate when he criticizes both her and her father by saying that Nora is â€Å"just like your father – always on the look-out for all the money you can get, but the moment you have it, it seems to slip through your fingers†¦ â€Å"2 The impression we are left with after these first pages is that of Nora being extremely nai ve, and having to be put in her place by Helmer, who does so almost instinctively.

Alcoholic Beverage and Personal Communication Essay

Introduction The use of a range of drug types, including alcohol, are part of the traditions of many, if not all, communities in Fiji. The Fijian and Indo-Fijian communities have long traditions of psycho-active drug use in the context of ritual and ceremony. 1,2 It has been noted that seafarers, together with indentured labourers, brought cannabis or Indian hemp traditions to Fiji, with the sugar cane plantations providing fertile ground for cultivation. 2,3 Meanwhile, kava was widely cultivated and consumed by ethnic Fijians. The Indo-Fijian community slowly adopted kava drinking rituals and gradually others began to increase their consumption. In addition, marijuana use emerged and spread with increasing popularity amongst youth, especially males. 2-5 This literature review explores the current licit and illicit drug situation in Fiji. It considers peer-reviewed articles identi? ed using Pub Med, Health Internet Work Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) searches and ‘grey’ literature, including published and unpublished reports, and web based resources (e.g. UNDOC, WHO). The review found that there is limited data available to assist in understanding the current situation and associated harms in Fiji, but notes more studies and reports have examined alcohol consumption patterns and associated social problems when compared with studies on illicit drug use. 1, 5-15 Alcohol use in Fiji According to the WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol, data from the 1993 National Nutrition Survey indicate that consumption of alcoholic home brew use is widespread in Fiji, as in other Paci? c nations. These beverages usually contain up to three times the alcohol content of commercially produced beer and are mostly drunk by younger men. 16 After 1995, unrecorded alcohol consumption in Fiji was estimated to be 1. 0 litre of pure alcohol per capita for the population older than 15 years (estimated by a group of key alcohol experts). 17 Although there are no recently published statistics on the number of drinkers and abstainers, the same survey found daily drinkers to be 1. 4% among males and 0. 8% among females aged 12 years and over. 18 Estimates from alcohol experts show that the proportion of adult males and females who had been abstaining (in the year prior to the survey) was 74% (males) and 98% (females). 17 Research shows that single drinking sessions with a high rate of alcohol intake (common practice among Fijian youth) can cause abrupt mood swings resulting in violence, accidents and ? ghts, exaggerated emotions, uncharacteristic behaviour, memory loss, impaired judgement, communication problems, sleepiness, coma, stupor and death (at very high intake) and suicide attempts. Binge drinking has also been implicated in schizophrenic and other psychiatric episodes. 19 165 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 While there is limited current information on the rate and consumption patterns of alcohol, cannabis and kava among young people,1,6,9 several studies2,3,8,11 were conducted to analyse the extent of tobacco and alcohol use among young people in Fiji in the 1990s and early 2000s. One of the studies4 found that alcohol is widely consumed in one form or another among young people, with about 2 in 5 of the young people surveyed having tasted it. The percentage of young people classi? ed as current drinkers ranged from a high of 26% among males to 9% among females. 4 Of concern was the high proportion of binge drinkers: about 3 in 5 young people reported having had 5 or more alcoholic drinks in one session. The study4 indicated that the high prevalence among 13-15 year olds poses a serious concern, and highlights the need for law enforcement and intervention programs to create an environment that promotes responsible drinking. Interestingly, the study found that when compared to smoking, alcohol and kava use, the proportion of young people using cannabis was relatively low. 4 A follow up survey of 2147 students in 2004 by the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (NSAAC) found a general increase in substance use among secondary students (see table 1). Table 1: Youth Substance Use in Fiji (Comparison of the results for Fiji in the 1999 Global Youth Tobacco Survey by UNICEF and WHO and 2004 follow up survey by NSAAC). Substance Tobacco Alcohol Kava Marijuana GYT Survey (1999) 32. 3 40. 3 51. 9 12. 8 NSAAC (2004) 43 51 61 13 Signi? cant variations exist in the drinking habits of males and females in Fiji; there are many more male drinkers than there are female drinkers. 11 Ordinarily males consume the bulk of the alcohol in the company of other males, usually during drinking sessions with no special occasion, while most women drink alcohol during social functions or in night club settings in the company of men and other women. While women occasionally participate in drinking sessions, typically it is an exclusively male activity. 11,13 It is at these drinking parties where the most copious amounts of alcohol are reportedly consumed. Thus, when males drink, they tend to drink larger amounts of alcohol in one sitting than women do. Illicit drug use in Fiji Border Security and Drug Control Limited data exist to aid in understanding illicit drug use and the associated harms across the Paci? c. In addition, there are no surveillance systems. 20 However, Fiji by virtue of its geographical position is faced with the twin problems of illicit drug traf? cking and increasing use. 21,22 These are further aggravated by the rapid transitional and social changes arising from urbanization. These developments create an atmosphere which exposes entire communities to greater risk associated with drug use (Personal communication – Fiji Police Department, 2008). Minimal use of drugs such as heroin, morphine, cocaine and hallucinogens occur, but this review found that Fiji is considered a transit area for smuggling. [20-23]. Drugs such as heroin, methamphetamines and 166 PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 REVIEW cocaine are not commonly used due to their high cost when compared to the average income. Raw cocaine has reportedly been found in Fiji and three Chinese men and a Fijian security guard were murdered in what was thought to be an organized crime execution linked to drugs. 22 National enforcement agencies have responded to curb traf? cking as is re? ected by the large seizures of illicit drugs. 24,25 In spite of this response, a drug laboratory found in Fiji in 200625 supports the view that organized crime groups could escalate their activities in the Paci? c islands. 21,25 A raid at an industrial estate in Suva, involving police from Australia and New Zealand and Fijian Customs Of? cer followed a major heroin seizure in 2000. 21,25] The lab identi? cation also suggests a transition of Fiji (and possibly other Paci? c Nations) from a transhipment point to a production base. According to the New Zealand Police, to succeed in future operations similar to the Suva bust, interested agencies need to work towards having â€Å"robust communication systems† across organisations to keep them connected and informed on crime in the region. 21 It is reported that there are about 5000 vessels transiting in the Paci? c on any given day. 21,24 Large shipments may be unloaded from a mother ship to smaller vessels, and can subsequently go in hiding at the many small, uninhibited islets and atolls, waiting for the next step. 21 Fiji has recently established a Transnational Crime Unit (TCU) with the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA) as one of the key law enforcement agencies involved. This unit has been vigilant in promoting the cooperation between border organizations in order to assist the TCU in controlling the borders. 24 The Unit also compiles data for intelligence risk assessments throughout the year. It supports a Case Management Intelligence System (CMIS), whereby relevant information from the Police Department, Immigration Department, Local Government Authorities, Financial Intelligence Unit, and other Law Enforcement Agencies24 are automatically linked in the system. A number of cases which the TCU have been investigating include a Tongan syndicate smuggling drugs from Fiji to Tonga. In a recent example of program cooperation a number of TCU surveillance targets were arrested during a Police roadblock in Sigatoka (personal communication, FIRCA, 2008). Domestic Issues Cannabis is by far the most common and widespread illicit drug used in Fiji. 11 Like many other countries in the region, anecdotal evidence suggests there has been a considerable increase in drug use among young people4 despite the relatively small increase suggested by the 2004 NSAAC study (see table 1). However, it is not clear if the two studies they reported were directly comparable. Data collected by the St Giles Hospital and the Fijian Police Department support the view there has been an increase in use. Admissions data for St Giles Hospital reports on cannabis induced psychosis and other disorders. In 1987, ? ve young men were admitted to St Giles Hospital with cannabis related mental disorders. In 1988, the number rose to ? fteen with many more unreported cases. 26 The 2005 hospital data revealed that a total of 612 patients were seen at outpatients department diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder. These included 386 (63%) patients for marijuana, 59 (10%) alcohol, 99 (16%) kava and 99 (16%) tobacco use issues. In 2006, 272 admissions to St Giles Hospital were reported as drug related, consisting of 66% Fijians, 20% Indo-Fijian and 14% belong to other ethnic groups. It is probable that the political troubles in 2006 impacted on the number of admissions, but no data were available to con? rm or reject this view. Police arrest data report possession (see Table 2). 8,13,26 Statistics provided by Fiji Police showed 259 drugrelated crimes were committed in 2008. There was a 21 per cent drop from 2007 which had 329 drug-related 167 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 crimes. 27 There are also reports of increasing cannabis cultivation as a form of inter-seasonal cash crop substitution among farmers. It is estimated that Fiji has between 500 to 1000 cannabis producers, some of them citing the country’s worsening economy as the motivator for production (personal communication, Police Drug Unit, November 2008). For generations, the villagers of Navosa have travelled for hours across rugged terrain to reach a road to the market to sell their produce with no guarantee their produce will be sold. Facing the same hardships as their ancestors, many of these villagers report having no choice but to resort to marijuana growing because â€Å"The product is lighter, it has a steady market and is economically viable† (Personal communication with growers, December, 2008). Production is predominantly for local consumption. Table 2: Recent Crime Data ( Drug offences recorded by the Fiji Police Forces from 2000 to 2006). Year Drug offences 2001 433 2002 417 2003 417 2004 312 2005 312 2006 333 The Save the Children Fund in Fiji reports that the continuing political and economic instability in the country has also led to a lot more children working as drug traf? ckers or prostitutes. [28] Concern over the increasing number of children involved in drug traf? cking was sparked by the recent arrest of three school children caught selling drugs in an amusement centre in Labasa. The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre reported an increase in young Indo-Fijian girls working as prostitutes in urban centres. Furthermore, the National Manager for Save the Children Fund in Fiji, says there is a growing trend among poor families to send their children out onto the streets. 28 Drug and alcohol legislation and policy According to the literature, there is no regional-based illicit drug policy for the Paci? c and few treatment programs. 20,29 Information from the Paci? c Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) indicates that Fiji’s Illicit Drugs Control Act is an adaptation of the Regional Model Law on the Control of Illicit Drugs which was developed by the Secretariat. There was no formal committee, but it was endorsed by a Cabinet sub-Committee on legislation which was chaired by the then Attorney-General. Both the Fijian Government and PIFS are advocating for a regional legislative framework to respond to the increase in illicit drugs in the region (personal communication, PIFS, 2008). Amphetamines are a key drug of concern with the region’s geographical vulnerability highlighted as a key factor in the rationale for this approach. At the time of writing, Kiribati and Fiji are the only two PIFS member countries to have adapted and enacted the model law. Furthermore, a Code of Practice has been developed by PIFS to assist stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies and pharmacies to classify, register and dispose of illicit drugs (personal communication, PIFS, 2008). It may be adapted by Forum member countries with modi? cations to suit national legal and administrative arrangements. Legislative control on the consumption and sale of alcohol to minors has not been widely and effectively implemented. While minors are legally barred from consuming alcohol, the sale of alcohol beverages to under-age drinkers is common throughout the country. 11 For the minor who is unable to gain access to commercial alcohol beverages, homebrew is an easily obtained alternative. Anecdotal evidence suggests that minors make up a large and undetected percentage of consumers of alcohol beverages. 168 PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 REVIEW Sexually Transmitted Infections Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV, are emerging public health problems in Fiji. 13 A recent WHO report indicated that the rise in the number of HIV cases, in addition to increasing number of patients accessing STI clinics, in an ongoing concern. In 2006, MOH statistics indicated30 that Fijians comprised 83% of con? rmed HIV diagnoses, Indo-Fijian 13% and ‘others’ 4%. Since 2004, Fijian males had replaced females as having the highest number of cases. Overall, males comprised 59% and heterosexual transmission accounted for 85% of all cases. By the end of 2004 a total of 182 HIV infections had been reported in Fiji13 and the number of new cases reported each year has increased for the last ? ve years. In Fiji, reported cases of syphilis and gonorrhea have ? uctuated between 1998 and 2004. In 2004 there were 852 reports of syphilis and 1182 gonorrhea. The number of cases reported for 2008 were 1004 for syphilis, 1064 gonorrhea and 283 HIV cases. 27 Recent statistics from Fiji’s Health Ministry on Sexually Transmitted Infections are a cause for concern with the high rate of STIs among people aged 20 to 29 increasing the risk for HIV infection. 31,32 Fiji’s Director of Public Health notes that statistics gathered over the past eight years by the Ministry show that gonorrhoea and syphilis are the most frequently reported STIs in the country, which â€Å"highlights the underlying concern of unsafe sexual behaviour among young people† and the â€Å"same high-risk behaviour for the transmission of HIV. † He also said that â€Å"sex is serious business† and that â€Å"anyone, especially young people, who participates does so at their risk, in view of the sad consequences of infection from so many STIs including HIV, pelvic in? ammatory disease and infertility. †32 Risk/Protective Factors Some religious groups in Fiji, such as Islam, strictly forbid the use of alcohol. Christian denominations such as the Assemblies of God, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Seventh Day Adventist Mission also prohibit the consumption of alcohol. Individual members of these religious groups vary in the degree to which they adhere to these principles. Any negative effects of combining tobacco or alcohol with kava use are currently conjecture, with relatively little work done to explore the nature of the relationship between these substances in the Paci? c. 1,6,9,26,33 However, anecdotal evidence suggests an inter-relationship exists with social and health consequences. 1, 4-6, 9, 13, 26, 33, 34 Reports of kava drinking followed by a beer chaser, known as ‘washdown’, are not uncommon and suggests the need for further exploration of potentially harmful consumption patterns. Excessive drinking, drinking too frequently and too much, often re? ects the drinking pro? le of the majority of young people in countries like Fiji. 5, 11, 14 Excessive drinking is reported as a signi? cant contributor to motor vehicle accidents, violence and aggressive behaviour, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and criminal activities. 3, 14, 15, 18, 26 It has been suggested that the alcohol consumption pattern of young Indigenous Fijian males follows the traditional kava ritual of drinking until there is nothing left in the kava bowl. In many instances, young people often end their kava drinking session by consuming alcohol (‘wash down’). [3, 5] It is reported that most youths drink excessively to manage their problems, but it may result in new problems like unsafe sex, crime and violence and even suicide. 5, 14, 15, 34, 35 A study in Fiji10, 11 revealed that alcohol was a factor in 58% of all homicide between 1982 and 1992 and approximately 80% of the crime in the country is alcohol-related. 10, 18 169 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 Furthermore, the effects of alcohol on the physical, mental and social health of Fiji’s citizens have in recent years been the subject of considerable concern amongst health-care professionals and social scientists, as well as the ordinary citizens. 2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 23, 26, 33 At present there is suf? cient evidence from a variety of research ? ndings1, 6, 10, 11, 34 to suggest that the heavy consumption of alcohol contributes other health problems in Fiji, such as diabetes, heart problems, obesity and hypertension. Among the social consequences of excessive alcohol consumption in the country,10, 11 violent crime, domestic violence, and road fatalities have been identi? ed as the most serious. 8, 23, 34 While alcohol and home brew drinking are more common, marijuana cultivation, sales and distribution has become pervasive in some Paci? c Island countries. It has been seen as a good source of income. A further emerging substance abuse issue is glue snif? ng among school age children, mostly in their early teens. In addition, unemployment in youths is a major problem in the Paci? c. In Fiji it has been estimated that out of nearly 10,000 youths seeking employment, only 1500 can be employed. 2, 3, 13 Studies and observations in some urban areas of Paci? c countries point to an increasing numbers of people between the ages of 15-19 engaging in commercial sex worker with some aged even younger. 2, 3, 11, 15, 35, 36 Conclusions There is a range of evidence and data suggesting the potential for increased risk of HIV infection associated with substance use in Fiji, but there is a need to explore this issue further with social behavioural and qualitative research. While harmful substance use patterns and sexual health risk factors are increasingly reported, there is little current analysis regarding the interaction of the two. Of particular concern is the current environment of rapidly changing substance use patterns with little in the way of structural responses to protect the people of Fiji from the range of social and health-related harms. In addition, dif? cult economic conditions and the tangible bene? ts of cannabis growing and distribution (and potential for amphetamine production) lend urgency to the need to investigate these issues further and to develop viable interventions that are informed by robust data and research information. References 1. Goundar R, Kava consumption and its health effects. Journal of Community Health and Clinical Medicine for the Paci? c 2006. 13(3): p. 131-5. 2. Plange, N. K. , Social Aspects of Drug and Alcohol Abuse: An overview of the situation in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 5-12. 3. Plange, N. K. , Alcoholism and Crime among Urban Youth in Fiji. 1991, University of the South Paci? c. 4. UNICEF. , Substance use among adolescents in Fiji: A surveillance Report from the Fiji Global Tobacco Survey. 1999. 5. Rokosawa, M. Alcohol problems in Fiji. 1986 [cited. 6. Moulds RFW, M. J. , Kava: herbal panacea or liver poison? [For Debate]. Medical Journal of Australia, 2003(178): p. 451-3. 7. Morrison F, H. F. , Gaylord J, Leigh B, Rainey D. , Adolescent drinking and sex: ? ndings from a daily diary study. Perspective on Sexual Reproductive Health, 2003. 35(4): p. 162-8. 8. Adinkrah, M. , Homicide-Suicides in Fiji: Offence patterns, situational factors & socio-cultural contexts. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior, 2003. 33: p. 65-73. 170 PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 REVIEW 9. Kava, R. , The adverse effects of Kava. Paci? c Health Dialog, 2001. 8: p. 115-18. 10. Adinkrah, M., Violent encounters: A study of homicide patterns in Fiji society. 1996, Fiji Council of Social Services. : Suva, Fiji. 11. Adinkrah, M. , Crime, deviance & delinquency in Fiji. 1995, Suva, Fiji: Fiji Council of Social Services. 12. Plange, N. K. , Social aspects of drug and alcohol abuse: An overview of the situation in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 4-12. 13. WHO, National Workshop on Alcohol Related Problems in Fiji. 1986. 14. Naiveli, B. , Alcohol and Crime. 1986, Royal Fiji Police. p. 34,35 15. Kippax, D. D. , The Genesis of Alcohol -Related Problems. 1986, Fiji School of Medicine. p. 24-28. 16. Na tabili kavoro: The place of alcohol in the lives of Fijian people living in Aotearoa New Zealand. ALAC Research Monograph series: No. 4. Wellington, Sector Analysis, Ministry of Health for the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand, 1997. 17. Alcohol per capita consumption, patterns of drinking and abstention worldwide after 1995. Appendix 2. European Addiction Research, 2001. 7(3): p. 155-157. 18. http://www. who. int/substance_abuse/publications/en/? ji. pdf, WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004: Geneva. 19. Recommendations for policy to support health promotion. A report to the Minister of Health., N. C. f. H. Promotion, Editor. March 1998. 20. Devanney M, R. G. , Baldwin S, Crofts N, Power, R, Illicit drug use and responses in six Paci? c Island countries. Drug and Alcohol Review, 2006. 25: p. 387-900. 21. Drug Enforcement Administration – Intelligence Division, Drugs Intelligence Brief: the paci? c islands region, v. Alexandra, Editor. 2004, Drug Enforcement Administration. 22. United States Of? ce on Drugs & Crime, Paci? c Islands: UNODC – Regional Centre for East Asia and the Paci? c. 2003. 23. Ratinisiva M, Drug Traf? cking, Prevention and Control in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 5-12. 24. Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority, Annual Report. 2006. p. 17. 25. Louisa, C. , Paci? c ripe for drug ring boom, in NZ Herald. 2004: Auckland. 26. Abusah, P. Y. , The Drug Scene in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 21-25. 27. http://www. stats? ji. gov. fj/Key%20Stats/Miscellaneous/15. 7%20crime%20cases%20recorded. pdf. 2008. 28. http://tvnz. co. nz/view/page/425822/37544, More Fijian youth in drugs, prostitution 2001. 29. Illicit Drugs Control Bill Draft. Fiji: Paci? c Islands Forum Secretariat. 2002. 30. Ministry of Health, Annual Report – Shaping Fiji’s Health.2007. 31. http://www. health. gov. fj/index. html. 2008. 32. http://www. stats? ji. gov. fj/Social/health_cdeath. htm. 2008 [cited. 33. Council out to Fight Drug Abuse, in The Fiji Times. 34. Caswell, S. , Alcohol in Oceania. 1986, Alcohol Research Unit, Dept of Community Health and General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand. p. 25. 35. Kippax D, O. M. J. , Alcohol-Related Problems in Fiji. 1986, Suva: Suva. 36. Ali, S. , Family Life Education. 1986, Ministry of Education. p. 36-39. 171 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 172.

Energy Conservation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Energy Conservation - Research Paper Example The need for finding alternative resources of energy has become key driver of change for promoting sustainable development within and outside the business paradigms. The alternative resources of energy and energy conservation have become need of the hour that needs to be addressed within the lifestyle pattern of contemporary society at large. Resources for energy The various resources of energy are primarily electricity, solar, hydro energy processes, oil and gases, wood etc. The myriad forms of energy resources have been indiscriminately used by the people at large, including household and business units. Shove (2003) explicitly says that energy consumption is intangibly driven by convenience, habit and social norms. The usage only becomes visible when one is forced to pay for it through regular bills like, electricity bills, water bills, oil etc. Energy produced by various means is using natural resources like water, air and forest resources as their key inputs. The oil and gases u sed within transportation, industrial production of energy etc have become important ingredients that need to be considered within the wider scope of long term usage. Energy consumption and impact on environment sustainability The limited natural resources like water, fresh air and land are being used with scarce regard to it as future legacy for our children. The essential paradigm of consumption must become major concern for the users who must develop action plan for sustainable strategy for efficient use of energy in various formats like electricity, solar, oil and gas etc. Deforestation and migration of population has dramatically changed the dynamics of growth. It has not only adversely impacted the environment but scholars have also asserted that that extreme weather conditions and natural calamities are much greater when they occur in regions having poor infrastructure, huge populations etc. (Pielke et al., 2003). Factors that promote energy conservation and preservation It h as become important that one is able to constructively contribute towards environmental conservations and social issues which have considerable impact on the sustainable development. The consumption pattern plays significant part in the energy conservation process not only within household but also in industrial contexts. The following are few strategies that promote energy conservation: Behavioral strategy based on information and motivation Dissemination of relevant information greatly empowers the society and helps inculcate habit of energy conservation within the daily routine of the people. Many scholars also believe that increasing prices of energy like electricity, oil and gases etc may become major motivators for efficient use of the same (Jackson, 2005; Geller, Winett, and Everett, 1982; Cook and Berrenberg, 1981). Social norms and constraints The socially constructed norms and institutional designs of social interaction models are mostly defined by the lifestyle, convenien ce and historical contexts of consumption pattern (Shove, 2003; Sanne, 2002). The various appliances and gizmos that technology has developed for improving and facilitating the living standard of the masses are key linkages that dictate the energy consumption in the contemporary times. Waste management Effective waste management is one of the most crucial paradigms of energy conserv

Risks and Rewards of Internationalization Essay

Risks and Rewards of Internationalization - Essay Example They have to compete with local as well as foreign firms. Many firms are founding new investment opportunities and new avenues of profit by going international. Internationalization also brings along with it its fair share of challenges. Firms have to adapt quickly in order to survive in the new world order. Internationalization has now become an important part of a firm’s strategy. It has become important to realize which strategies can be transferred abroad and what strategies are to be imported .Different markets pose different challenges, some of them may be solved by using global means whereas others need to be tackled through local strategies. In view of this; glocalisation is the new term which has been developed by researchers. Ohame (1994) has claimed that glocalisation means thinking global and acting local. (Hagiu, 2009) Although Internationalization has presented firms with numerous growth opportunities it also has presented various challenges such as an uncertain cultural, political and legal climate. The emerging markets such as India and China have unstable political and legal frameworks. It is difficult for firms to adjust to them and May sometime lead to collapse of the internal organization. Consequently firms have to find the best possible alternative when going for internationalization. They have to decide whether they want to go alone or venture into a partnership. This paper will analyse all such issues and the possible risks and rewards associated with internationalization. Internationalization: Definition Internationalization in simple terms can be defined as the process through which firms identify the international markets which are lucrative for them and try to enter it. Internationalization as a strategy can be adopted by firms by either acting alone or by acting in collaboration with other firms. (Cavusgil, 2009) Firms which act alone usually set up subsidiaries in the market which they want to enter or they may even buy up f irms which are already present in that market. An example of this technique can be seen when Vodafone entered the Indian market it bought a majority stake in the company Hutch which already had a presence in the Indian market. Most firms are wary to go alone in a new market and that too market of an emerging economy. So they prefer to partner with other firms and make a strategic alliance with one or more than one partners. These partners may be local business firms or multinational corporations who have been present in that market for a long time. E.g. – Honda ventured in the Indian market by tying up with Hero – the local Indian partner. (Ferná, et al., 2005) Ways to Penetrate New Markets Different methods can be used by firms looking for internationalization of their business. Some of them will be discussed here - Export Method This is the simplest method of entering an international market. This was the method utilized by firms in the times before globalization . Export method is also very relevant today if the international market is not promising enough and the sales number do not explain setting up shop in the country. The advantage of this method is that the firm does not have to build up infrastructure nor does it have to partner with clients. (Jones, 2009)The firm simple pays the custom duty and its products enter the market. However if the firm is looking to capture the market of the country; export method is not a viable option unless you have an advantage which cannot be removed. Cases in point here

Wedding in the Pakistani culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Wedding in the Pakistani culture - Essay Example Pakistan and India have lived together for centuries until 1947, when the two countries parted ways with each other with the Muslim majority in the former and the Hindu majority in the latter. Although, since 1947, the two countries have not had good relations with each other and have had many wars since then, yet there are many traits of the Hindu culture that are ingrained in Pakistanis, and same holds true for the Indians also. The two nations, having lived together for centuries, share norms and values, and many characteristics of their cultures are alike. Mehndi happens to be one of them, though there is no significance of Mehndi in Islam, that happens to be the religion of a majority of Pakistanis. In Islam, there is Nikah and Walima. However, Mehndi is a very strong cultural feature of a Pakistani wedding, and any wedding is considered incomplete without the function of Mehndi. The function of Mehndi is specifically meant for singing and dancing.Some Pakistanis prefer to have two Mehndi functions, one for the bride and the other for the groom, while a vast majority of Pakistanis organize one Mehndi function, that stands both for the bride and the groom together. The function of Mehndi is fundamentally meant for ladies, and gents have little to no representation in this function, particularly in the more reserved class of Pakistanis. Nonetheless, modern families particularly the elite class ensures equal participation of both ladies and gents in the function. Dress code: Yellow is the most dominant color in a traditional Pakistani Mehndi function. Yellow color is associated with Mehndi because Mehndi itself is a strong shade of yellowish brown. Yellow color reflects in the stage, flowers, decoration, dresses, ribbons, bridal dress and the curtains. Most ladies wear shades of yellow. The dresses are bordered with golden ribbons to maintain the yellow theme along with lending the touch of festival to ordinary yellow clothes. Men, on the other hand, have no specific color definition for their Mehndi dresses. They may wear any color from white to black. Again, there is variation in the color scheme in men’s Mehndi dresses depending upon the conservatism of the people celebrating the function. In extremely well organized Mehndi functions, all men and boys that are related to the bride or groom wear Kurta Shalwar of same color, usually white or black. The Kurta is topped with a Pattu. Men’s Pattus seem very much like the girls’ Dupattas, though they are actually quite different. Men’s Pattus are longer than girls’ dupattas and are specifically meant for the function of Mehndi. Other than the Mehndi function, Pakistani men do not wear Pattus. (â€Å"Pakistan Mehndi Dresses Pictures†). Significance of Mehndi: Mehndi being an essential component of a traditional Pakistani wedding, speaks of the livelihood of Pakistanis and the beauty of the culture of Pakistan. The function incurs a lot of cost to th e organizers. In fact, a major part of the total expenses of a traditional Pakistani wedding goes into the Mehndi function. Despite its huge cost, people organize it for no other

Strategic analysis of the case, fisher and paykel healthcare Research Paper

Strategic analysis of the case, fisher and paykel healthcare - Research Paper Example This paper is a strategic analysis of the case of Fisher and Paykel Healthcare. The paper begins with an introduction of the company, its products and the industry in which it operates. As the paper proceeds it unfolds the external environment analysis which examines political/legal, economic, socio-cultural, global and technological factors. The most promising findings of this scrutiny were that aging and obesity has fuelled demand for healthcare products in major economies of the world which has created growth prospects for FPH. The industry environment analysis unfolds that the industry is in the phase of growth and offers great market potential across global markets. But all the market attractiveness is accompanied with high cost of research and development, patents and licensing, and huge marketing and distribution expenses which creates implicit barriers for new entrants. The demand for healthcare has inflated in the past 2 decades with the growing awareness of health issues in US and other global markets, which will serve as a driver of investment in research and development and medical devices production. The internal and external analysis of the company reveals the FPH strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This analysis bears implications for FPH, consequently it leads to a proposal of growth, price leadership and innovation led differentiation strategies which leverage the FPH core competencies and capabilities, for future market expansion and penetration for all its product categories. Introduction of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare The company was established in 1934 by Mr. Paykel in New Zealand. It started as an imported of electronics from USA. Later in 1977 a separate division was established to support the humidification business at F&P and finally by 2001 the company split up into two separate identities for electronics and healthcare business named as: Fisher & Paykel Appliances, FPA, and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, FPH. FPH business deals in humidification systems, OSA products and technologies, and neo-natal care. The FPH is attributed to innovative developments in healthcare products. The company’s business intent revolves around patient value and comfort. FPH is looking forward to penetrate the market through a whole array of new products; non invasive ventilation, oxygen therapy, laparoscopic surgery, and humidity therapy. External Analysis: Industry The healthcare industry is characterised with two major segments one which deals with outpatient care through provision of healthcare equipment, it deals with the ultimate consumers/patients; and the other segments deals with technological innovations in those healthcare equipments. The FPH business and operations lie in the later segment; for innovation and development of healthcare technology. The industry is in the phase of growth and offers great market potential across global markets. But all the market attractiveness is accompanied with high cost of research and development, patents and licensing, and huge marketing and distribution expenses which creates implicit barriers for new entrants. The demand for healthcare has inflated in the past 2 decades with the growing awareness of health issues in US and other global markets, which will serve as a driver of investment in research and development and medical devices production. Macro Environment Analysis The macro environment analysis is the examination of FPH’s external factors that might influence and manipulate the eff ectiveness and efficacy capabilities of business operations (Balogun, 2001). These factors are external forces that lie beyond the scope of an organisation’s control, which are illustrated below: 1. Economic Factors: The economic conditions vary across the globe. These are influenced by the business activity

Company's Local Area Network Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Company's Local Area Network - Essay Example But it is good to know that a simple cleaning of one's computer can go a long way. But that's not always the case. A company's network's speed related problems are caused by a lot of factors. It is also very important to consider the hardware or the topology of the network: efficiency of use, expandability and medium used. The topology, or the way in which the stations attached to the network are interconnected (Stallings, 2007). The choice of topology of the company is crucial when starting the network. But in this case, the one troubleshooting should work around the pre existing topology and try to improve it. Cable could be re-routed to make the network simpler by using shorter paths from production control to manufacturing. In even more severe situations, a hardware overhaul is necessary. The processing capability of the controllers may be slower than what is required for the desirable production. The cable may not be able to handle the desirable data rates (Tomasi, 2004). Sensors and motors may not be able to respond as fast as they should. IBM United States (2009). Adjust LAN lines for optimum communications performance. iSeries Information Center, Version 5 Release 3.

Cybersecurity Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Cybersecurity - Article Example Different companies hire famous personalities from the film industry for the commercializing their products to increases sales of their products because the public loves to follow such celebrities. The principle of authority can be used for both good and evil. For instance, if a celebrity works for promoting awareness among people would be the beneficial-use of the authority he has. One of the recent examples is the participation of celebrities from the Indian film industry in the â€Å"Neat and Clean India† program initiated by the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Modi. The negative impact could be observed when individuals observe the person in authority smoking, and imitate him or her by adopting a bad habit The cyber security also follows one’s authority and laws about the security of cyber are also formed by the order of a person in authority. For instance, on February 12, 2013, President Obama, who has the highest level of authority in the US, announced a new legislation for the sake of cyber security, which is now in practice to protect the cyber from external

Crime and Hurricane Katrina Essay Example for Free

Crime and Hurricane Katrina Essay Hurricane Katrina caused many forms of distress, displacement and disruption to the community of New Orleans and the citizens most certainly were forced to act in drastic ways for survival. The response by the people has been considered forms of criminal activity and in all senses of legal activity has been defined as crime. Acts of looting and violence were reported by many reporters of various news media. Crimes were not only committed by everyday citizens of New Orleans, but volunteer workers as well and even, what people saw as the most shocking display of violence and betrayal of trust, by the Law Enforcement Officials as well. What is also interesting is how this destructive event altered the residents’ perception of what is crime and what can be considered criminal. What was once considered to be a betrayal of trust towards another member of the community had been transformed into an activity that was now a means of survival. Some of the acts varied from a â€Å"need† to steal because they â€Å"had to† (i. e. , stealing from Bath and Body works for soap, supermarkets for food, water, clothes, etc. ) and then increasing to other side of the spectrum to murder of strangers, friends, and even family. Hurricane Katrina caused a massive social disruption to the people of New Orleans and this catastrophic event would eventually lead to their breakdown of societal rules and values. And it is this breakdown that would not be lost to the eyes of the news media and would be broadcast everywhere, all across the world (of Katrina, apocalypse 2005). The New York Times gave many accounts of the violence, destructive and slide into anarchy that was happening in New Orleans. One article, published September 29th, 2005, After Katrina, crimes of the imagination, detailed the mass amount of looting and violent crimes in the area. The article details the fears and horrors of becoming a broken society and living in fear of your once loved neighbor. Another thing this article seemed to touch on was that it was possible that fear was actually caused by a trick of the mind. â€Å"†¦Some, but not all, of the most alarming stories were figments of frighten imaginations, the product of no reliable communications, and perhaps the residue of raw relations between some police officers and members of the public. † Speaking of the â€Å"raw relations between some police officers and members of the public,† these supposed raw relations were only further hurt and ripped apart by actions made by the police department themselves. Five police officers were accused and convicted (six years later) of shooting and killing defenseless citizens attempting to cross a bridge in search of food, water and shelter. These same officers along with the help of their department attempted a brilliantly mastermind plot to cover up their crime. This included â€Å"made-up witnesses, falsified reports, and a planted gun† to prove that they were under fire by the citizens and were only trying to protect themselves. This news article Jury Reaches Guilty Verdict in Hurricane Katrina Shootings Trial by Fox News shows the corruption and hidden brutality of the law enforcement department of New Orleans. In association with police corruption and brutality, there was a similar crime committed by five different police officers a mere two days before the crime previously mentioned. An injured 31 year old male was taken to the temporary headquarters of police by his friends in search of help. The officer drove off with the car with the injured male still in the back seat and his remains were found in the torched car. The implicated officer, for shooting the injured male and attempting to cover up by burning the car with the body still inside (oddly enough) was charged with a civil rights violation and the remaining four were charged with obstruction of justice. This just yet another article (5 cops charged in post-Hurricane Katrina shooting, burning death) found in the Daily News archives describing the corruption and brutality of law enforcement in the face of disaster. However the actual brutality of the police system is not entirely at fault on its own. In a New York Times article: More Horrible Than Truth: News Reports published September 19th 2005, described of the crimes of the people against each and against law enforcement. There were gangs shooting at rescue crews, emergency room physicians were being confirming the rising amount of murders and rapes, and there were eye witness accounts of police officers being shot at while trying to help out a group of helpless victims. While there is no excusing the horrible brutalization by the police department, it is clear to see that all of it is not always unprovoked. There have also been many other forms of crime in the wake of Hurricane Katrina that do not involve looting and murder. There have also been crimes by the state and government which have affected the residents of New Orleans. In Time Runs Out for St. Bernard Parish, an editorial in The New York Times, the housing and racial discrimination was brought to light. The parish was banning anyone who was not a â€Å"blood relative† from seeking shelter at the parish. Since being in a predominantly white neighborhood this was implied to many any people of color was banned from the church. There were also crimes against the government through insurance fraud and lawsuits. Insurance companies were defrauding their clients (Attorneys arrive for opening of first Katrina insurance lawsuit, 2006) and then also evacuees of New Orleans were attempting to fraud insurance money away from FEMA and FBI grants (Katrina: Four Years Later, 2009). The aftermath of Katrina was no match for the crime that occurred during and after it. The crime destroyed the faith and rationality of the people which prolonged and deepened the chaos of New Orleans. The news media as always played a big role in the hype of the crime wave but without the media the true seriousness of the crime would have never been investigated and given proper consideration to improve.

Mental Health Illness: Good Social Work Practice

Mental Health Illness: Good Social Work Practice Good Social Work Practice with Adolescents in the Field of MentalHealth Social works role as the dominant provider of mental healthservices is rooted in history and well-established in the contemporary socialservices landscape. It has been estimated that social workers invest more thanhalf their time in dealing with mental health issues (Howard et al., 1996).Constituting over sixty percent of the mental health workforce, social workersprovide more community-based mental health services than any other professionalgroups. Also, social work has more candidates in preparation for this growtharea than does any other discipline. It is the largest field of practice andthe most-chosen focus of study among social work graduate students (Proctor,2004). The heaviest consumers of social work services also are the most probablevictims of mental illness. The clientele of certain service delivery settings,including homeless shelters, child welfare, out-of-home placement and long-termcare, settings in which social workers predominate, are among the most at riskfor psychiatric disorders and the least likely to gain access to appropriatecare. This highlights the tremendous potential of social service professionalsto reach and to treat individuals with mental health problems. Adolescents are far from immune to these findings. For example, psychiatricimpairment rates for youths in the child welfare system have been estimated atbetween 35-to-50 percent, closely matched by the 30-to-50 percent ratings ofjuveniles in the criminal justice system (Proctor, 2004). Walker (2003)pointed out that one of the few undisputed risk factors for mental illness inadults is unaddressed or inadequately treated psychiatric problems in youths. Thecost of failure to respond effectively to the mental health problems of adolescentsincludes lifetimes of potential productivity lost to consequences such as drugabuse, homelessness and suicide. The following discussion applies relevant theory and research to thequestion of good social work practice with adolescents suffering psychiatricdisorders. A touchstone for good practice can be found in Mowbray and Holters(2002) charge to social work practitioners and researchers that their effortson behalf of the mentally ill should produce: Increased integration within the community (aswith other disability groups); Decreased stigma and discrimination; Increased utilization of effective treatmentoptions; Equitable access to effective, appropriatetreatment. Adapting LeCroys (1992) outline, practices in the broad areas ofassessment, treatment and service delivery are considered. Assessment Practices It generally is agreed that assessment methodologies developed foruse with adults lack efficacy for assessing adolescents. Partly due to youthshigher level of dependency on the environment, a person-in-environmentperspective is a recommended starting point (LeCroy, 1992). In order toaddress the question of how the individuals and the familys coping skillsinteract with the quality of the environment, the social worker must weighresources and support, the barriers and opportunities, the risks and protectivefactors present in that environment. Wakefield et al. (1999) pointed out the pivotal role of a socialworkers attributions in the assessment of adolescent antisocial behavior. Thecomplex web of logic and experience, evidence and intuition, theory and belief,involved in the assessment process is reflected in this study. The researchquestion was two-fold: (1) whether social workers correctly distinguish betweena psychiatric disorder and non-disorder (as defined in DSM-IV) given contextualcues supporting one or the other attribution, and (2) whether judgments bearingon prognosis and appropriate treatment follow these attributions. Finding positivesupport for both questions, the authors called for a focus on this criticaldiscriminate attribution in social work training programs. In working with adolescents, the desirability of a broad-basedassessment, across environments, informants and factors affecting copingability and stress, requires the social worker to possess skills in casemanagement and clinical areas. Research by Elze (2002) highlighted the effectsof the wider social context on adolescent functioning. In this study, sheexamined risk factors for mental health in a sample of self-identified gay,lesbian and bisexual youths. Unlike most research involving this population,her enquiry included the role of factors unrelated to sexual orientation. Shefound that most of the variance in mental health status was accounted for bysocioeconomic level, familial mental health, family functioning and otheridentified life stressors. From a practice perspective, this researchreinforces the importance of assessing a clients overall psychosocialfunctioning, as related to and beyond the limits of the presenting problem. Objective, empirically-based assessment instruments, designed forthe adolescent population, are needed to increase the reliability of thispractice. Most of the instruments in use with adolescent clients today aremodified adult or child-specific protocols, such as the Child BehaviorChecklist or the structured life events interview (LeCroy, 1992). An extremeexample of the caution required in using adapted instruments was presented byElls (2005). The context of this critique was the courts need for assessmentsof psychopathic tendencies in juvenile offenders as a basis for jurisdictionwaiver decisions. Ells reported on assessments using the Hare PsychopathyChecklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), derived from an instrument developed foradults. She found the tool subject to ethnic bias, developmental bias and alack of predictive value due to unfounded generalizations from research andexperience with adults. She warned that the introduction of psychopathyassessments in juvenile jurisdiction waiv er decisions is premature anddangerously unreliable. Overall, good practice in adolescent assessmentcertainly would benefit from objective, evidence-based protocols, honedespecially for this population group. These are some of the implications for good social work practice inthe mental health assessment of adolescents. Treatment Practices To establish that treatment can be effective with children and adolescents,LeCroy (1992, p. 227) reported the results of two meta-analyses, demonstratingthat average outcomes for those who received treatment were 71-to-79 percentbetter than an untreated control group. In order to establish good practice,however, the social worker must know which treatment approaches are likely toproduce what effects for the adolescent and significant others. The breadth of focus required for assessment is echoed in goodtreatment practice recommendations for working with psychologically impairedadolescents. The keynote appears to be a conceptualization of problems asconstellations of interrelated systems, yielding treatment goals inclusive ofthe family, peer group and community, toward the underpinning of long-termadjustment for the client. This view of good practice is common across theoreticalperspectives. For example, from a social ecological point-of-view, Ungar(2002) left the more mechanistic systems models behind and reflected on the diversity-embracingnew ecology, with community as the central concept in treatment. Steven Walker, whether expounding on community-based applications ofthe psychosocial model (2003) or considering treatment practice from apostmodern perspective (2001), emphasized the necessity for an integrated (ordeconstructed) model of treatment practice, inclusive of a broad panorama ofoptions. Noting that flexible, creative solutions are required by adolescentswith psychological problems, Walker (2003) discussed the United Kingdomsfour-tier model for mental health services to children and adolescents as anopportunityfor intellectual agility on the part of social workers (p. 683). Barths (2003) dissertation on the treatment of college studentswith eating disorders is an interesting example of this eclectic approach totheory and treatment. She made a point of focusing on the entiresocial/medical context of a client, then drawing treatment implications fromany number of theoretical models that fit this context, includingpsychoanalytic, psychosocial and postmodern perspectives. Given the length ofthe usual battle with eating disorders, this assessment treatment assessmentcycle repeats throughout the life of the case, opening new opportunities foreffective intervention at every turn. As with assessment, research is essential for informing goodtreatment practice. The research of Colarossi and Eccles (2003), for example,offered evidence that support from significant others is not a unidimensionalconstruct. They examined the differential effects of support provided byparents, teachers and peers on adolescent depression and self-esteem. Nonfamilialsources of support were found to be more efficacious for improving self-esteem,while depression responded to all support offered, regardless of source. Theresults obtained suggest the need to selectively promote support from varioussources, as opposed to a broad or unfocused social network tactic. In service of good treatment practice, LeCroy (1992) lists a numberof promising approaches (p. 227) that social workers should include in theirtreatment options toolkit. These include behavioral treatment (or competencytraining) for antisocial problems, functional family therapy, parent-managementtraining, home-based treatment, training in social skills and problem solving,psychopharmacology and psychotherapy or IPT-A (interpersonal psychotherapy foradolescents). These are examples of some good social work practice guidelines formental health treatment of adolescents, derived, to a large extent, from theoryand research. Putting assessment decisions and treatment choices into actionis the role of service delivery systems. Practices Related to Service Delivery Considering systems of service delivery prompts the realizationthat, in terms of good practice, social workers must be proficient in an arrayof interventions beyond the confines of direst treatment. In order tocoordinate multiple services and monitor systems of care, critical casemanagement competencies are required. The significance of a well-coordinatedsystem of care must be salient for every social worker involved in servicedelivery. One of the most difficult decisions in this arena is when to utilizesubstitute care. Inpatient or residential treatment, foster care, respitecare, partial hospitalization and day treatment, define points along thissubstitute care continuum. Especially in light of research on the importance ofsocial support and of home and community-based treatment, moving the adolescentinto a substitute care setting seems particularly invasive. Research studies and reports can help inform the decision to utilizepsychiatric inpatient treatment. For example, Pottick et al. (1999) helped tountangle the many variables affecting adolescent length of stay in thesefacilities. Looking at factors that influence the occurrence and timing ofdischarge, they found that facility type was significant. Stays in generalhospitals with psychiatric services were much shorter than in public or privatepsychiatric hospitals or multi-service mental health centers. Also, insurancewas a factor; privately-insured youths stayed longer than did publicly-fundedor uninsured adolescents. Having a previous hospitalization predicted a longerstay, as did the diagnosis of conduct disorder (versus depression). Althoughthis research does not speak to the quality of care, and given that moreoutcomes research is needed, the awareness of contingencies disclosed by thisstudy can aid a social worker in forming valid expectations and making aninformed decision for th e client. Romansky et al. (2003) looked at factors influencing readmission to psychiatrichospital care for children and adolescents who were in the child welfaresystem. Their findings highlighted the significance of enabling factorspresent for these children, including living arrangement, geographic region andpost-hospitalization services. The focus must be on community-based servicesto prevent readmission for these adolescents. On a similar note, a review of the research on inpatient treatmentin child and adolescent psychiatry (Blanz Schmidt, 2000) cautiouslyconcluded that hospitalization can be beneficial given that effective treatmentand discharge planning are included. These researchers pointed to acontinuum-of-care model as crucial in facilitating integration/coordinationbetween inpatient interventions and aftercare services. While research such as this can aid the social worker in making thedifficult inpatient care decisions, there are myriad other placementconsiderations that should rely on good practice to advantage adolescents inneed of mental health care. The keynote for good practice remains choosing theleast restrictive, appropriate environment. To make this choice for a givenadolescent, the social worker must be familiar with the placement optionsavailable and the treatment philosophy of each program, as well as the uniqueconfiguration of problem dimensions particular to that client. LeCroy (1992) suggested that social work should try to developobjective tools to assist in meeting the good practice guidelines for mentalhealth placement decisions. He offered the Arizona Decision Making Tree (p.228) as a potential model for such a tool. This tool is used for theassignment of juvenile offenders to five levels of care, varying inrestrictiveness and program components. At best, a fine balance in judgment is required to match a givenadolescent, at a specific point in time, with a certain treatment setting,providing the best therapeutic approach for the clients particularconstellation of problems. A control problem versus learning disabilities isonly one example of how varied and far-ranging the mix of relevant factors canbe. At times, there may be a need for a more restrictive setting as afunction of risk factors in the home/community environment. A study by Ruffoloand colleagues (2004) addressed such a situation. To inform the design of moreeffective mental health intervention (and prevention) programs, they examinedthe risk and resiliency factors for groups of delinquent, diverted andhigh-risk adolescent girls. All these girls were either involved in thejuvenile justice system, or at risk of involvement, and were receivingresidential services in either a home or community-based, open or closedsetting. Girls in the closed residential setting (the most restrictive) reportedhigher levels of depression, family discord, sexual abuse, negative lifeevents, involvement in special education programs, and more delinquent andnegative coping behaviors. In other words, the girls with the greatest riskfactors present in their home and community were placed in the most restrictivesetting. The authors concluded that t hese placement decisions reflected anappropriate appraisal of the level of need. These are a few of the factors available to guide the development ofgood social work practice in the coordination of service delivery systems. Conclusion This paper reviewed a portion of the theory and researchcontributing to good social work practice standards in the area of adolescentmental health. While accomplishments in this area are commendable, muchremains to be done. More well-designed and well-controlled research is needed to weighthe effectiveness of adolescent service models, especially with regard tolong-term outcomes. As effective systems of care are identified, they must be developedinto practice guidelines and supported by policy and funding. Social workers are challenged to work for increased, improved,accessible services for adolescents, to educate the community and mobilizestakeholders, to develop and to implement effective strategies for preventionand intervention. References Barth,F.D. (2003). Separate but not alone: Separation-individuation issues incollege students with eating disorders. Clinical Social Work Journal,31(2), pp. 139-153. Blanz,B. Schmidt, M.H. (2000). Preconditions and outcome of inpatienttreatment in child and adolescent psychiatry. Journal of Child Psychologyand Psychiatry, 41(6), pp. 703-712. Colarossi,L.G. Eccles, J.S. (2003). Differential effects of support providers onadolescents mental health. Social Work Research, 27(1), pp. 19-30. Ells,L. (2005). Juvenile psychopathy: The hollow promise of prediction. ColumbiaLaw Review, 105(1), pp. 158-208. Elze,D.E. (2002). Risk factors for internalizing and externalizing problems amonggay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents. Social Work Research, 26(2),pp. 89-99. Howard,K.I., Cornille, T.A., Lyons, J.S., Vessey, J.T., Lueger, R.J., Saunders,S. (1996). Patterns of mental health service utilization. Archives ofGeneral Psychiatry, 53, pp. 696-703. LeCroy,C.W. (1992). Enhancing the delivery of effective mental health services tochildren. Social Work, 37(3), pp. 225-231. Mowbray,C.T. Holter, M.C. (2002). Mental health and mental illness: Out of thecloset? Social Science Review, 76(1), pp. 135-179. Pottick, K.J., Hansell, S.,Miller, J.E., Davis, D.M. (1999). Factors associated with inpatient length of stay forchildren and adolescents with serious mental illness. Social Work Research,23(4), pp. 213-224. Proctor, E. (2004). Researchto inform mental health practice: Social works contributions. Social WorkResearch, 28(4), pp. 195-197. Romansky, J.B., Lyons, J.S.,Lehner, R.K., West, C.M. (2003). Factors related to psychiatric hospitalreadmission among children and adolescents in state custody. PsychiatricServices, 54(3), pp. 356-362. Ruffolo, M.C., Sarri, R., Goodkind, S. (2004). Study of delinquent, diverted, and high-riskadolescent girls: Implications for mental health intervention. Social WorkResearch, 28(4), pp. 237-244. Ungar, M. (2002). A deeper,more social ecological social work practice. Social Science Review,76(3), pp. 480-497. Wakefield, J.C., Kirk, S.A.,Pottick, K.J., Hsieh, D. (1999). Disorder attribution and clinical judgment in theassessment of adolescent antisocial behavior. Social Work Research, 23(4),pp. 227-238. Walker, S. (2001). Tracingthe contours of postmodern social work. British Journal of Social Work,31, pp. 29-39. Walker, S. (2003). Socialwork and child mental health: Psychosocial principles in community practice. BritishJournal of Social Work, 33(5), pp. 673-687.

Midsummer Nights Dream: Shakespeare vs. Michael Hoffman Essay

Midsummer Night's Dream: Shakespeare vs. Michael Hoffman A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and frequently performed comical plays (Berardinelli). The play transformed into a cinematic production by Michael Hoffman has not changed in its basic plot and dialogue, but the setting and some character traits have. The play setting has been gracefully moved from 16th century Greece to 19th century Tuscany (Berardinelli). The addition of bicycles to the play affects the characters in that they no longer have to chase each other around the woods, but can take chase in a more efficient fashion. As far as characters are concerned, Demetrius is no longer the smug and somewhat rude character we find in act 1, scene 1 (Shakespeare pg. 6, line 91), but rather a seemingly indifferent gentleman placed in an unfortunate circumstance set to delay his wedding to Hermia. Perhaps the most noticeable change in the character set from stage to film occurs in the characters of Puck and Nick Bottom.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Puck, or Robin Goodfellow, is established in the play as the jester to the King of Fairies, Oberon. He first appears in Act 2, Scene 1 when he and another fairy discuss the disagreement between Oberon and Titania are having. The fairy gives us some indication of Puck's character as she describes how Puck â€Å"frights the maidens of the villagery† and â€Å"Misleading the night wanderers† (Act 2.1, line 35). When Titania refuses to give up the boy servant that Oberon wants, he comes up with a plan to steal the child, and enlists Puck's help to do so. Oberon is fully aware of Puck’s desire to have a good time at the expense of others, but trusts him with the task of retrieving the flower to make Titania fall in love with â€Å"Lion, Bear, Wolf, or Bull.† (Act 2.1, line 180) The idea here is to convince Titania to hand over the changeling boy while she is infatuated with a beast. Being attracted to mischief, Puck seems excited to be taske d to this adventure, and claims to return â€Å"Within forty minutes† (Act 2.1, line 176) so that they can get started on their plan.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Puck describes his harmful behavior as if it is all logically consistent. He says he â€Å"Sometimes lurk in gossip’s bowl,† but does not think he takes anything too far. A lot of the humor that Puck brings to the play comes across in a subtle manner. For example, after he places the flower on Lysande... ...age. Instead of laughing at Bottom, the film generates a feeling of sorrow for his character. When the wine is poured on him when the craftsmen first meet, Bottom takes an obvious emotional blow, so one can see how he would artificially inflate himself with the false perception of being a wonderful actor. When chosen to perform for Thesseus’s wedding, the players are very nervous and turn to Bottom for comfort. They look up to and respect Bottom for his confidence and acting ability, but Bottom later makes a fool of himself in the play by over dramatizing the part of Pyramus, especially when he performs the death of Pyramus. Michael Hoffman’s adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream brings a classical play to a modern audience and makes it an exciting and humorous experience. This is accomplished most notably with the direction he gives to the two characters discussed. The animated humor of Bottom and the slightly more subtle badgering of other characters brou ght forth by Puck creates a certain amount of attachment to the movie by the viewer. The cinematic version of Shakespeare’s play is well adapted to a modern audience, especially through the characters of Puck and Nick Bottom.

Free College Essays - Psychological Approach to The Things They Carried :: Things They Carried Essays

The Psychological Approach to The Things They Carried  Ã‚   In Tim O' Brian's, The Things They Carried, he talks about the Vietnam War and it's effects country.  Ã‚   O' Brian uses the psychological approach to tell the sorrows of war .   The things that they carried had all represented a part of each soldier.   In the days of the Vietnam war, they did not expect a woman to fight in a war. The story is better understood because the reader knows the background of the story and the characters personality.   The thought was just unacceptable and definitely not normal.   The two methods of interpreting a story fused together brings about a great understanding of the characters and the event which is about to take place. The deceitful interpretations presented, the things they carried, and a transformation of a dainty girl that turns into a survivor are examples of each method presented. The deceitful interpretation presented in "How to tell a true war story", is an example of Historicism.   Today, people hear about the vietnam war   through family members, friends and veterans.   When people tell war stories they try to make themselves seem victorious.   It makes the person listening feel as if it was all in the good of the people by killing people.  Ã‚  Ã‚   O'Brian somehow justifies a point in his book by stating,  Ã‚   "A true war story is never moral.   It does not instruct, nor encouraged virtue, nor suggest models of proper human behavior, nor restrain men from doing the things men have always done."  Ã‚   In actual reality more harm was done than good.   People were forced off of their lands to hide in safety and the economic consequence is fatal.   To derive to the point, O' Brian is saying there is no real   war story if the audience feels that killing people had made a big and better consequence.   To look back upon the Vietnam war it brought Vietnam to it's knees. The Americans assisted someone who asked them not to interfere and in the end there was no winner.   The Americans had nothing to gain by fighting this war.   The title was a contridictary of how to tell a true war story. As we carry on, we notice another example of the Historicism approach   in the story of   Song Tra Bong.   At first the young American girl is presented as an average girl in the 60's.

The Disease Of Masturbation :: essays research papers

The Disease of Masturbation: Values and the concept of Disease by Engelhardt Englhardt's article The Disease Of Masturbation is an example of the ways in which values impact society's definition of disease. I agree that it is possible that science is being, or has been, limited by the values within society. For science to conclude that masturbation causes such aliments as blindness and epilepsy it appears evident that science is being misguided by values of the time. I believe that science also realizes that values play a part in research conducted, otherwise there would be no need for blind and double blind studies. Blind studies are used to help eliminate bias brought on by the experimenter or the test subject. In the eighteenth and nineteenth century masturbation was thought to produce the signs and symptoms of a dangerous disease: 'Disease is neither an objective entity nor a concept of a single definition, there is not, nor need be, one concept of disease (UWO, p.241).'; The problem with Englehardt's article is our health system is that of the biomedical model. The biomedical model does not recognize masturbation as a disease. It states that 'disease is a biological deviation from the norm that can be explained scientifically'; (Charland). Masturbation has not been proven to fit into either category. Masturbation may have been a deviation from the norm at one point in time, but I do not believe that it can be explained scientifically. Englehardt's article says that masturbation was the cause of such illnesses as blindness and vertigo. But how were these conclusions drawn? Were these conclusions scientific in nature or gathered according to the views and values of the times? Masturbation was turned into a disease, not with just somatic,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   but psychological dimensions. Tissot states that masturbating is even more debilitating than sex because of a loss of seminal fluid (1oz equals 40oz of blood). When seminal loss takes place in a position other than the recumbent position the effects are multiplied. Tissot successfully establishes that masturbation is associated with physical and mental maladies. Englehardt should stipulate how Tissot reaches this conclusion. There are also disagreements as to whether frequent sex is any different than masturbation. It is argued that the difference between masturbation and sex is the expenditure of nerve force that is compensated by the magnetism of the partner. Masturbation is worse because it is unnatural and therefore less satisfying.

Hearts and Hands (O.Henry)

At Denver there was an influx of passengers into the coaches on the eastbound B. & M. express. In one coach there sat a very pretty young woman dressed in elegant taste and surrounded by all the luxurious comforts of an experienced traveler. Among the newcomers were two young men, one of handsome presence with a bold, frank countenance and manner; the other a ruffled, glum-faced person, heavily built and roughly dressed. The two were handcuffed together. As they passed down the aisle of the coach the only vacant seat offered was a reversed one facing the attractive young woman.Here the linked couple seated themselves. The young woman's glance fell upon them with a distant, swift disinterest; then with a lovely smile brightening her countenance and a tender pink tingeing her rounded cheeks, she held out a little gray-gloved hand. When she spoke her voice, full, sweet, and deliberate, proclaimed that its owner was accustomed to speak and be heard. â€Å"Well, Mr. Easton, if you will m ake me speak first, I suppose I must. Don't vou ever recognize old friends when you meet them in the West? â€Å"The younger man roused himself sharply at the sound of her voice, seemed to struggle with a slight embarrassment which he threw off instantly, and then clasped her fingers with his left hand. â€Å"It's Miss Fairchild,† he said, with a smile. â€Å"I'll ask you to excuse the other hand; â€Å"it's otherwise engaged just at present. † He slightly raised his right hand, bound at the wrist by the shining â€Å"bracelet† to the left one of his companion. The glad look in the girl's eyes slowly changed to a bewildered horror. The glow faded from her cheeks.Her lips parted in a vague, relaxing distress. Easton, with a little laugh, as if amused, was about to speak again when the other forestalled him. The glum-faced man had been watching the girl's countenance with veiled glances from his keen, shrewd eyes. â€Å"You'll excuse me for speaking, miss, but, I see you're acquainted with the marshall here. If you'll ask him to speak a word for me when we get to the pen he'll do it, and it'll make things easier for me there. He's taking me to Leavenworth prison. It's seven years for counterfeiting. â€Å"Oh! † said the girl, with a deep breath and returning color. â€Å"So that is what you are doing out here? A marshal! † â€Å"My dear Miss Fairchild,† said Easton, calmly, â€Å"I had to do something. Money has a way of taking wings unto itself, and you know it takes money to keep step with our crowd in Washington. I saw this opening in the West, and–well, a marshalship isn't quite as high a position as that of ambassador, but–† â€Å"The ambassador,† said the girl, warmly, â€Å"doesn't call any more. He needn't ever have done so. You ought to know that.And so now you are one of these dashing Western heroes, and you ride and shoot and go into all kinds of dangers. That's different from t he Washington life. You have been missed from the old crowd. † The girl's eyes, fascinated, went back, widening a little, to rest upon the glittering handcuffs. â€Å"Don't you worry about them, miss,† said the other man. â€Å"All marshals handcuff themselves to their prisoners to keep them from getting away. Mr. Easton knows his business. † â€Å"Will we see you again soon in Washington? † asked the girl. â€Å"Not soon, I think,† said Easton. My butterfly days are over, I fear. † â€Å"I love the West,† said the girl irrelevantly. Her eyes were shining softly. She looked away out the car window. She began to speak truly and simply without the gloss of style and manner: â€Å"Mamma and I spent the summer in Denver. She went home a week ago because father was slightly ill. I could live and be happy in the West. I think the air here agrees with me.Money isn't everything. But people always misunderstand things and remain stupid–à ¢â‚¬  â€Å"Say, Mr. Marshal,† growled the glum-faced man. This isn't quite fair. I'm needing a drink, and haven't had a smoke all day. Haven't you talked long enough? Take me in the smoker now, won't you? I'm half dead for a pipe. † The bound travelers rose to their feet, Easton with the same slow smile on his face. â€Å"I can't deny a petition for tobacco,† he said, lightly. â€Å"It's the one friend of the unfortunate. Good-bye, Miss Fairchild. Duty calls, you know. † He held out his hand for a farewell. â€Å"It's too bad you are not going East,† she said, reclothing herself with manner and style. But you must go on to Leavenworth, I suppose? † â€Å"Yes,† said Easton, â€Å"I must go on to Leavenworth. † The two men sidled down the aisle into the smoker. The two passengers in a seat near by had heard most of the conversation. Said one of them: â€Å"That marshal's a good sort of chap. Some of these Western fellows are all right. † â€Å"Pretty young to hold an office like that, isn't he? † asked the other. â€Å"Young! † exclaimed the first speaker, â€Å"Why–Oh! Didn't you catch on? Say–Did you ever know an officer to handcuff a prisoner to his right hand? â€Å"

DBQ- minorities in world war II Essay

The following question requires you to write a coherent essay incorporating your interpretation of the documents and your knowledge of the period specified in the question. To earn a high score you are required to cite key pieces of evidence from the documents and draw on your knowledge of the period. It is often claimed that the major American wars of the last 150 years have resulted in the most important social and political gains of minorities and women. Evaluate this statement with regard to the experience of minorities and women during World War II. Use evidence from the documents and your knowledge of the period from 1941 to 1945 to compose your answer. Brigadier General B. 0. Davis to General Peterson, 9 November 1943 (Brigadier Davis had just completed an inspection of military bases in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Michigan): â€Å"I was deeply impressed with the high morale and attitudes of the colored officers and soldiers stationed in the states visited in the past two months. They were so different from those of the colored officers and soldiers located in the Southern states. While there has been an improvement in general conditions, there is still great dissatisfaction and discouragement on the part of the colored people and the soldiers. They feel that, regardless of how much they strive to meet War Department requirements, there is no change in the attitude of the War Department. The colored officers and soldiers feel that they are denied the protection and rewards that ordinarily result from good behavior and proper performance of duty†¦.. The Press news items and reports of investigations show that there has been little change in the attitudes of civilian communities in Southern states. The colored man in uniform receives nothing but hostility from community officials†¦. The colored m an in uniform is expected by the War  Department to develop a high morale in a community that offers him nothing but humiliation and mistreatment. Military training does not develop a spirit of cheerful acceptance of Jim-Crow laws and customs. The War Department has failed to secure to the colored soldier protection against violence on the part of civilian police and to secure justice in the courts in communities near-by to Southern stations. In the areas recently inspected, the colored soldier feels that he can secure justice in the civil courts. He has not been set upon by the civilian police. He has not been denied the privilege of occupying empty seats in public buses, street cars, etc. taxicabs to serve him. This is not so in Southern communities†¦.† President Roosevelt, â€Å"Executive Order 9066,† February 25, 1942: â€Å"Whereas the successful prosecution of the war requires every possible protection against espionage and against sabotage to national-defense material, national-defense premises, and national defense utilities. I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of War, and the Military Commanders whom he may from time to time designate, whenever he or any designated commander deems such action necessary or desirable, to prescribe military areas in such places and of such extent as he or the appropriate Military Commander may determine, from which any or all persons may be excluded, and with respect to which, the right of any person to enter, remain in, or leave shall be subject to whatever restrictions the Secretary of War or the appropriate Military Commander may impose in his discretion†¦.† Korematsu v. United States, 1944. Mr. Justice Murphy, dissenting: â€Å"This exclusion of `all persons of Japanese ancestry, both alien and non-alien,’ from the Pacific Coast area on a plea of military necessity in  the absence of martial law ought not to be approved. Such exclusion goes over `the very brink of constitutional power’ and falls into the ugly abyss of racism. Individuals must not be left impoverished of their constitutional rights on a plea of military necessity that has neither substance nor support. Being an obvious racial discrimination, the order deprives all those within its scope of the equal protection of the laws as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. It further deprives these individuals of their constitutional rights to live and work where they will, to establish a home where they choose and to move about freely. In excommunicating them without benefit of hearings, this order also deprives them of all their constitutional rights to procedural due process. Yet no reasonable relation to an `immediate, imminent, and impending’ public danger is evident to support this racial restriction which is one of the most sweeping and complete deprivations of constitutional rights in the history of this nation in the absence of martial law†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Congressman Rankin, Mississippi, February 18, 1942: â€Å"I know the Hawaiian Islands. I know the Pacific coast where these Japanese reside. Even though they may be the third or fourth generation of Japanese, we cannot trust them. I know that those areas are teeming with Japanese spies and fifth columnists. Once a Jap always a Jap.You cannot change him. You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear†¦. Do not forget that once a Japanese always a Japanese. I say it is of vital importance that we getrid of every Japanese whether in Hawaii or on the mainland. They violate every sacred promise, every canon of honor and decency. This was evidenced in their diplomacy and in their bombing of Hawaii. These Japs who had been there for generations were making signs, if you please, guiding the Japanese planes to the objects of their inequity in  order that they might destroy our naval vessels, murder our soldiers and sailors, and blow to pieces the helpless women and children of Hawaii. Damn them! Let us get rid of them now!† Franklin D. Roosevelt, â€Å"Fireside Chat on the Home Front,† October 12, 1942: â€Å"In order to keep stepping up our production, we have had to add millions of workers to the total labor force of the Nation. And as new factories come into operation, we must find additional millions of workers. This presents a formidable problem in the mobilization of manpower. It is not that we do not have enough people in this country to do the job. The problem is to have the right numbers of people in the right place at the right time†¦. In some communities, employers dislike to employ women. In others they are reluctant to hire Negroes. In still others, older men are not wanted. We can no longer afford to indulge such prejudices or practices.† â€Å"Women are welders [sic] discuss the production of motor mounts and welded parts in a welding booth at the Inglewood, Calif., plant of North American Aviation, Inc.† 1942. National Archives and Records Administration. President Roosevelt, Executive Order 8802, June 25, 1941: â€Å"WHEREAS it is the policy of the United States to encourage full participation in the national defense program by all citizens of the United States, regardless of race, creed, color, or national origin, in the firm belief that the democratic way of life within the Nation can be defended successfully only with the help and support of all groups within its borders; WHEREAS there is evidence that available and needed workers have been barred from employment in industries engaged in defense production solely because of considerations of race, creed, color, or national origin, to the detriment of workers’ morale and of national unity; NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes, and as a prerequisite to the successful conduct of our national defense production effort, I do hereby reaffirm the policy of the United States that there shall be no discrimination in the employment of workers in defense industries or government because of race, creed, color, or national origin, and I do hereby declare that it is the duty of employers and of labor organizations, in furtherance of said policy and of this order, to provide for the full and equitable participation of all workers in defense industries, without discrimination because of race, creed, color, or national origin; †¦