censorship Essay -- essays research papers fc

â€Å"Censorship is the act of suppressing publications, movies, television programs, plays, letters, and so on that are considered to be obscene, blasphemous, or politically unacceptable† (MccGwire 4). Censorship should be enforced because it is needed into today’s society. Censorship needs to be used in media, hate speech, and obscene material.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To begin with, the media has very negative effect on society as a whole. â€Å"The mass media—movies, television, and recordings—need to be regulated, and not only because of appeals to irresponsible lust†(Lowenthal 19). â€Å"They have immersed us in violence as well, habituated us to the most extreme brutality, held it up as a model and surrounded us by images of hateful human types so memorable as to cause a psychological insecurity that is dangerous†(Lowenthal 19). â€Å"The only answer is governmental regulation, if necessary prior to publication—that is, censorship.† (Lowenthal 19). The media has influenced young children into thinking that violence is acceptable. Children learn acceptable codes of conduct by imitating their mentors and others, such as celebrities that they look up to. Society needs to set a good example for children so that they can build bright futures for themselves.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The media is partly to blame for many of the hate crimes that take place in today’s world. â€Å"Perhaps you have seen ‘studies’ by some experts telling you that depictions of violence do not lead to violent b...

Slave Acculturation Essay -- American History

Slave Acculturation The seasoning process, as applied to the treatment of plantation slaves, was designed to ensure not only that the slaves would become totally dependent upon the dictates of their owners but also to destroy the cultural links which the slaves had with their former homelands. In the West African kingdoms which provided one of the major source of slaves at the height of the triangle trade, slavery was part of the indigenous culture; however, the motivation behind African domestic slavery was for the main part political, and intricately bound up with the way in which the capture of those from neighbouring tribes would allocate bargaining power to the captors; it was not necessary to impose a process of acculturation on the slaves in order to ensure their total obedience. (Curtin p 63) However, once slavery was extended to Europe and the Americas, there was a perception amongst the white slave-owners that to allow black slaves to maintain their cultural heritage would result in the fomentation of rebellion and invalidate the psychological and physical domination which was essential if small groups of whites were to successfully control large groups of slaves.(Inikori p 22) Depriving slaves of their physical strength, except when seen as necessary to set an example, would have been counter-productive. It was the potential for labour which was highly valued on the plantations; slaves cost money and it was in the interests of the plantation owners to maintain the physical health and strength of their slaves, even when they had established a breeding program which made the slave community essentially self-perpetuating. Seasoning was therefor... ...African heritage but developed along different cultural lines and could not be said to have a direct connection with its cultural origins in the modern context of Black American society. Bibliography Curtin, Philip D. and Paul E. Lovejoy, ed. Africans in bondage: Studies in Slavery and the Slave Trade. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press, 1986. Burnard, T & Morgan, K. (2001) The dynamics of the slave market and slave purchasing patterns in Jamaica, 1655-1788. William and Mary Quarterly 58; 1: npa. Inikori, Joseph E. and Stanley L. Engerman, eds. The Atlantic Slave Trade: Effects on Economies. Societies, and Peoples in Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1992. Africa in America: Slave Acculuturation and Resistance in the American South and the British Caribbean, 1736-1831., The William and Mary Quarterly.(JSTOR)

Karl Marx and Capitalism Essay

In this paper I will examine how Karl Marx views capitalism and, more specifically, the criticisms he has regarding capitalism. In the first part of the paper I will reconstruct and explain the philosopher’s argument. In the second part of the paper I will offer my critical evaluation where I will demonstrate how these critiques are still appropriate in today’s society by providing examples of how capitalism is affecting the lives of American workers even today. However, I will first explain the definition and structure of capitalism. Capitalism is an economic system that is most common in the United States and much of Western Europe today. It is represented by privatization of companies for production of goods or services for a profit, competitive markets, and wage labor (â€Å"Capitalism†). These individual skills were initially developed from skills that grew out of the economic time period known as feudalism and has evolved into individuals who possess certain skills that can demand payment. Although this may seem like it would be an ideal situation for workers and provide a platform to provide a service in return for payment of some sort, it soon became evident that there were people who would use this new system of economics to their advantage. Instead of doing the work themselves, they would find skilled workers to provide the service or product under the umbrella of their organization to which they would market and sell the goods for profit. The business owner would make a profit and, in turn, pay the worker a portion for his services provided. Unfortunately, there were others who were unable to make the system work for them in such an advantageous manner. Karl Marx had two basic criticisms of capitalism – especially in his lifetime of the beginning of the industrial revolution and the formation of factories. His first was the thought that the worker suffered from alienation on several different levels. As a capitalistic society succeeds by gaining profit for the companies and business owners, the overall cost of goods needed to live also increases. If the wages earned by workers went up consistently with the profits of society and, thus, the increase in the cost of living, all would be good and balanced. However, that is not the case in most circumstances, in fact, as Marx points out, â€Å"the worker becomes an ever cheaper commodity the more goods he creates† (Johnson 261). In other words, as the production increases the cost to produce is lowered. The business owner sees those profits in the gross profit obtained by the sale of goods; however, the worker is generally not compensated in a fair and equitable manner. This turns a skill which may or may not have been a passion at one time into something that the worker is forced to do whether they desire to do so or not. Even if a worker enjoyed his occupation, chances are, he or she is being forced to comply with guidelines or standards set by someone else. As a worker you are still not truly free to produce your work according to your standards so you are, in essence, alienating yourself from the product of your work. According to Marx, capitalism has also produced an alienation from nature. He states that the capitalistic society conceals this alienation because it does not examine the direct relationship between the worker and production (Johnson 263). Essentially, the labor of the worker may produce wonderful and beautiful things for the wealthy individuals but oftentimes the working class population may never get to experience the beauty for themselves. Furthermore, the workers identity is often lost within their job and they do not have the means to express their individuality. This is identified by Marx as being alienated from yourself and from your labor. Most people do not proclaim their uniqueness in ways that focus around their occupation. Even in a highly sought after job you may, for a time, feel as if that encompasses who you truly are, but it is only a small part of your being – your essence. This also ties in to another alienation theme of Marx which is the alienation from your species as a human being. According to Marx, â€Å"the worker feels himself to be freely active only in his animal function – eating, drinking, and procreating, or at most also in his dwelling and in personal adornment – while in his human functions he is reduced to animal† (Johnson 264). In other words, as workers we are often free only when we are allowed to do what we want to do instead of what is demanded and required of us at our jobs. When this happens, we are often reduced to a more animalistic approach to fulfilling our needs. Finally, Marx contends that in a apitalistic society, the worker is alienated from others. Because there is so much competition in capitalism – which is the driving force for production and profits – it causes a hostile environment among workers. Many are competing for the same position or the same customer or account. This competition causes a friction within the frame of society that pits individual against individual which is what leads us into the next matter of contention with Marx in his views of capitalism which is exploitation. He claims that â€Å"private property has made us so stupid and partial that an object is only ours when we have it, when it exists for us as capital or when it is directly eaten, drunk, worn, inhabited, etc. , in short, utilized in some way; although private property itself only conceives these various forms of possession as means of life, and the life for which they serve as means is the life of private property – labor and creation of capital† (Johnson 266). People have become so materialistic in our capitalistic society that they are driven to all means by which to obtain their measures of status. Because of this, the workers are driven to give into demands made by their employers in order to make the wages necessary to maintain their standard of living. Since the workers are plentiful, the products are also plentiful, which discussed earlier creates a larger bottom line for the profit of the company or business owner. However, even though the profits are increased for the business owners of the capitalistic society, the wages are often not as high as the profit. Thus, the value of the product is high while keeping the value of the worker low. This is a classic example of exploitation. I think that the criticisms offered by Marx are still applicable in today’s society in the United States. I think that the worker is indeed alienated from his true identity as an individual. Before the onset of industrialized production there was a certain pride associated with one’s occupation; whether that was as a craftsman in wood, as a blacksmith, tailor, or bricklayer. No matter your profession, you were able to express your individuality and impart your character into the product of your work. Sadly, this is not the case with the workers of today. They are often subject to limitations and expectations that hinder their creative ability and they are forced to produce that are a poor representation of their ability or personality. Most people are forced into positions they don’t even want to be in professionally because they need to make a certain amount of money to pay for their wants and needs. This creates a frustration and dissatisfaction that reaches far beyond the walls of the factory or office. It is no wonder that most workers today dread Monday mornings and count the days until five o’clock Friday afternoon. Again and again, the energy level increases as the weekend approaches. There is a common sentiment that states everybody is simply working for the weekend. This is because workers are dissatisfied with their jobs and feel undervalued and taken advantage of in many circumstances. Once the workday ends, the freedom begins for the worker. This is often why the bars have a â€Å"happy hour† as this is where the worker can forget the troubles of the day and throw back a drink or two and finally relax. The economic conditions of living in an industrialized society has turned the ordinary worker into a materialistic consumer that generally far outreaches his or her ability to afford to keep up with the Jones’. Because many feel the pressure of this forced societal expectations to possess certain items, live in a certain neighborhood, d rive the right car all while wearing the right clothes and accessories we as workers in the United States have been put in the unfortunate and unbalanced position of much more want than means by which to provide it. As long as that continues, we are stuck in a cycle of never ending wants that never truly satisfy because they are not meeting what is truly needed in our lives. Marx claims that â€Å"the human being had to be reduced to this absolute poverty in order to be able to give birth to all his inner wealth† (Johnson 268). In a capitalistic society it is encouraged, and even necessary, to consume what is being produced in order for capitalism to continue to grow. Today’s worker can do this in moderation, without putting themselves or their families in such a position to further add to the frustration of meeting expectations and demands at a workplace that is unfulfilling to their existence. Furthermore, I think that labor unions were formed in the early 1900’s in order to protect workers from exploitation of greedy business owners. At the turn of the century, many workers were expected to work long hours almost every day of the week. There were unsafe working environments s well as high quotas being placed on workers from employers with minimal compensation to the workers. All of this was so the profits could rise as production was increased. There seemed no reason to pay more in wages by adding workers or in higher salaries for the existing employees when the business owners could simply demand more from their current workforce. Also, working conditions were often unsafe while trying to maximize workspace with the maximum number of workers without actually increasing the area being used. Because of labor unions working conditions have improved greatly for the worker in America; there are 40 hour work weeks with compensation for additional hours worked; guidelines have been implemented to make for safer working conditions; and there is more room for negotiation for fair wages without fear of retaliation by employers. Although labor unions are still in existence today, they have much less impact than they had in the past. Politicians are close bedfellows with the corporate executives across our nation and policies are ever changing to benefit the corporation and business owners while causing the worker to suffer the consequences. Even though there have been great improvements in regard to the criticisms of alienation and exploitation that Marx had against capitalism, I believe they still exist. Marx may have not been of this century but I feel his observations are still valid in today’s world.

Politics Of Displacement Essays - Guggenheim Fellows, Free Essays

Politics Of Displacement Essays - Guggenheim Fellows, Free Essays Politics Of Displacement Jean Elshtain, Chp.2 Democracy and the Politics of Displacement Response to Question 1: In the excerpted chapter titled Democracy and the Politics of Displacement, Jean Elshtain discusses the concept of politics of identity'. In discussing the politics of identity', Elshtain argues there is an emerging social phenomenon, wherein society is turning the private affairs of our lives into public discourse. The Western World has become a public pool, in which the information mediums and venues of society are overflowing with confessions and apologies. We have made the private affairs of our lives, into a booming business. Society has witnessed a proliferation of self - help groups, twelve- step' programs, anger management programs, television shows broadcasting a tell all' theme and Internet chat groups designed for people to post the confession and/or apology of the day. Inherently, it has not only become socially acceptable, but socially encouraged to air our dirty laundry. We are actively creating an Apologizing Society.' Elshtain argues that as the boundary separating the private and the public becomes increasingly hazed, a new social identity emerges. Elshtain argues that as this new social identity emerges, there arises a politics of identity.'Our social identity is no longer composed of differentiated spheres of human activity, but rather it has become a dichotomous social relationship involving those who are victims and those who are victimizers. Moreover, it is the quality or character of being a victim' that becomes public discourse. In turn, this quality of being a victim becomes an individual's primary or dominant identity: it defines their entire being. Through the process of class discussion, it was realized, that as the quality of being a victim enters the public lime- light, there emerges a social accumulation of victims and victimizers. The social accumulation of victims emerges as a result of two factors: 1) as the quality of being a victim becomes more public, it's definition and defining characteristics begin to broaden. Thereby, accumulating and embracing a variety of victims,'that otherwise, may never have come to view themselves as having been victimized; 2) as the definition of being a victim becomes more broad in the public sphere, it simultaneously becomes glorified and popularized. That is to say, society begins to credit a great deal of sympathy to, and focus a lot of attention on, those who have been victimized. As a result, a social phenomenon emerges, wherein everyone wants to be a victim.'As a final note, the social accumulation of victims continues, as some victims feel compelled to engage in the public service o f sharing their experience with the world. For example, we often hear victims injecting society with notions of victimization through injunctions such as, My experience will have served a purpose, if I can help one person to understand that they are not alone. Essentially, there is a collective engagement among victims, to accumulate' more victims. Response to Question #2: Elshtain argues that the politics of displacement' are essentially bound up in the politics of identity, as the private self become increasingly more public, and therefore, the public begins to displace' the private self within society. Moreover, Elshtain argues that the politics of displacement are circumvented by two paradoxical connections, wherein: 1) everything private becomes public and 2) everything public becomes private. Through the course of class discussion, it was realized, that although Elshtain argues that everything public become private, she does not mean this, in its literal sense. Elshtain, merely presents the paradox to create the necessary juxtaposition, in which her politics of displacement can be clearly articulated. For Elshtain, the politics of displacement remain emphatic of the increasing disappearance of the boundary separating the private from the public spheres of social life. Elshtain further argues, that the politics of displacement are increasingly cutting away the social space necessary for society to maintain conventional politics. Elshtain concedes, that conventional politics have now become bound up in the politics of displacement and inherently, the politics of identity. Hence, this new social identity of being a victim,'which was discussed in the above response, has increasingly billowed over into conventional politics. For example, conventional or traditional politics did not encourage politicians to disclose information and details about their personal life, in contemporary society, telling all'

Youth Leadership essays

Youth Leadership essays Todays youth still face many attitudinal challenges to self-empowerment. Both the problem and the solution begin at home with their parents. Leadership training must start from an early childhood, as these young adults learn to take gradual responsibility for their own decisions. Only through self-determination, can these youth eventually achieve leadership in their respective communities. In addition to parental guidance, society has responsibility to create opportunities for these young adults to exercise good leadership. We must focus on the practice of leadership rather than the theory. Young adults should be given the opportunity to practice what they learn, such as being responsible for designing, organizing, and implementing their own conferences. Yet for many youth leadership implies a broader involvement. We need to encourage youth to pursue their own interests, and help them integrate into their local communities. Ultimately, the establishment of leaders in all asp ects of society will eventually improve the lives of all youth and people. As great leaders it is time for young adults to carry on the torch. Are the youth of America ready to assume the responsibilities? Have they been properly prepared to become the new leaders of tomorrow? As a leader, I have met face-to-face with the best talent that our country has to offer, I have as a leader had the privilege of demonstrating exactly what leadership is. There is no doubt in my mind that they as youth posses the potential to be great leaders. Just look at many personal accomplishments of some youth, and it is clear that we have far exceeded the prior generation. However, my pride and optimism are tempered by the inconsistency in leadership development among youth. The development of leadership potential is a slow and gradual process that must begin from early childhood. Our own perception of self-worth is heavily influenced by the expectations of o...

Military Brat Essays

Military Brat Essays Military Brat Essay Military Brat Essay The Life of a Military Brat Who really knows what life is like for the children of the military? No one would know, but a child who grew up around the military. These kids are known as military brats, I am not crazy about the name. Military brat sort of entitles military kids as little brats, but we’re not. I myself love being a military brat for many reasons. For one thing I get to meet all kinds of people, from different countries. I learn about People who have different lifestyles and beliefs from me. Most of the people I meet speak a different language from me, but when you the same age. You tend to know what each other likes and dislike. I have really come to learn that no matter what country you are from, you can still like the same things. One of my good friends is from the Dominican republic and we both like the same movies and music. Another thing I enjoy about being a military brat is the discounts and luxuries. The military get all kind of discounts, and luxuries. My family has never stayed in the hotel less than 4 stars. And when I take my dog to the vet instead of paying $90 for a check up we only pay $50. We also got a time from the military which I like because this allows us to go anywhere with out paying hotel bills. The most exciting thing about being a military brat is that I get to travel. Traveling all over the world is fun , although I do have to learn friends and family members behind. I have been to Italy, Greece, Germany, Japan, and Spain, and Spain is the place I remember the most. I was in Spain for 7 years and I loved every minute of it, it was so peaceful there. Before moving to Spain we were originally suppose to go to Hawaii but I am glad we didn’t. Spain was probably the best move my family ever did cause we learned a lot. These are the many reasons whey I like being a military brat. Friends, discounts, and Traveling is pretty much the life of a military brat. There is the bad stuff like leaving your extended family and moving ever year. But fortunately for me the good out weighs the bad.

Public Opinion and Responding to Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Public Opinion and Responding to Crisis - Essay Example Again, the core needs of the public and the society at large becomes a major factor that influences decision at all school administrative meetings. For example once the call by the public for a morally upright generation keeps going high, the school’s decision on curriculum becomes affected whereby they begin to put in place more subjects and programs that are directed at improving the moral fiber of students (Kowalski, 2007). 2. What is a command center and where should it be located? In a typical school environment, it is important that there exists a central point where all critical information will be channeled to all to whom such information may concern. For instance in the event of a disaster whereby students and staff must run for their lives, it is important that there will be only one central point where command will be issued from. Such a centralized point where commands are issued is what Kowalski (2007) refers to a command center. In explaining where the command ce nter ought to be located, it is important to point out that at all point in time, the command center must be centralized. This means that it should be operated by only one identified outfit. This is important so that in the event of responding to crisis, there will not be inconsistency with commands that are given. Based on this, it is important to point out that the command center must be located in the office of the safety officer, who must be a trained specialist to interpret and attend to crisis. 3. Detail information first responders should receive prior to any crisis. First responders are presumably people who are not very familiar with how to conduct themselves in the event of any major crisis. For this reason, it is very important that the kind of information that is given to them in the event of a crisis become one that is very precise and in-depth. Without this, it is possible that these first responders would not know the right actions to take with reference to the inform ation they receive. Regarding the precision of the information, it is important that the first respondent be made aware of the kind of crisis that is at hand. The first respondent must also know the scope of risk involved in the crisis. More importantly, the information must clearly state out the rescue or safety processes. Prior to any crisis, there is the tendency that the emotions of respondents will raise. Some of these emotions will be characterized with fear and panic. It is therefore important also that the information given to first respondents become one that will take into consideration the psychological wellness of the respondents. 4. Respond appropriately to the following â€Å"Difficult Questions† as the school’s principal: a. Do you think the parents are being unreasonable? No b. What is your personal opinion? They are only expressing their concern and sometimes ignorance towards the welfare of their wards. c. Why do you think the superintendent decided t o do that? The superintendent was only trying to make the stipulated regulations work while ensuring that major protocols and bureaucracies surrounding the response to crisis were not broken. d. What is the overall annual budget for t