Second Amendment Final Essay Essays (1288 words) -

Victoria Sanson SOCI 199: Guns in America Professor Mac Innis December 8, 2015 Second Amendment A topic that always comes up when talking about gun control is the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment states, "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed". Now people interpret this amendment many ways, whether the right to use and buy guns belongs to individuals or only to a militia. The first phrase people like to decipher is "well-regulated militia". This phrase means a militia that is consistently available and has a reliable quality across the country. For this to be capably people need to be familiar and proficient with weapons. They can't have that level of comfort or availability for defense if they don't have ready access to those weapons by owning them. Militia is another word that causes the most confusion. This word makes people think that the right discussed above isn't held by the people, but only by members of "militia" units; the National Guard. If one is not a member, then they don't have the right to have weapons. Most gun control advocates insist that they do not want to take hunting rifles away and hunting has nothing to do with militia membership. Another phrase people will look at is "to keep and bear arms". This is the right that the people have to possess, carry, train with, and use weapons; if they choose so. They don't just have to keep them locked up in a display case. Lastly the phrase "shall not be infringed" is talked about. No one can take away or limit this right in any way. There is no exception given for "reasonable" restrictions or limitations. There is not a provision for "unless most people think it's OK". There is no distinction between hunting or defense uses. According to the Bill of Rights, these rights shall not be infringed; but some may argue that the Bill of Rights is not considered absolute. The Supreme Court accepted the view that Americans have the right to arm themselves for personal use in their home and applied it to federal, state and local laws. Some courts have permitted the government to limit some rights of gun manufacturers, owners and sellers. Gun control legislation does vary widely among the fifty states. Today, questions about the Second Amendment center on bans on assault weapons, mandatory background checks, and other restrictions on gun sales and use. If so then the Second Amendment could help with the gun crime rate. There are some Pros and Cons of the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment can benefit citizens in different ways. As a gun owner they are less prone to crimes. It is a known fact that the probability of being attack by someone decreases when the person that was planning to attack knows that his or her "victim" has any kind of weapon on them. Another benefit is that it helps in preventing the number of crimes to increase. Armed citizens are found to be very helpful in reducing crime incidences. This is because according to John Lott, PhD, gun laws assisted reduce homicides by approximately 8.5%, rape by 5%, and aggravated assaults by 7% as well as robberies by 3%. With the Second Amendment, people get the same right advantage, as criminals. Citizens must have equal benefit and right in securing themselves from people with negative intentions. Gun owners become law-abiding citizens. It is said that people who own and hold concealed firearms can be recognized as law-abiding citizens (APECSEC). The Second Amendment also creates sense of safety and security. A lot of people admit to feeling safer with a gun in their possession, especially when in a crime-prone neighborhood or establishment. Lastly, it gives the right to bear arms. Even with laws that prohibit citizens from owning and carrying guns, criminals have self-imposed right to carry firearms. While criminal carry firearms for malicious intent, citizens can carry firearms for their personal protection. One thing that opponents are worried, however, is that gun-carrying individuals might be prone to commit acts of violence. Based on statistics, however, the general public

The Legality of Abortion

The Legality of Abortion Free Online Research Papers The issue of legality of abortion has been discussed for decades. The legality of abortion is a right that every human being has the right to decide. If one tries to take away that right he is taking away the right for an individual to make a choice. Although legal this essay will deal with the moral implications of abortion. The decision to abort a child is one that is very complex and one must factor in their current status in life. Induced abortion can be traced to ancient times. There is evidence to suggest that, historically, pregnancies were terminated through a number of methods, including the administration of abortifacient herbs, the use of sharpened implements, the application of abdominal pressure, and other techniques. During this time period induced abortions were carried out in a very barbaric way, and that is one of the reasons why there is such a major controversy of the issue today. An argument exists that with uncertainty about when life begins, having an abortion is equivalent to consciously taking the risk of killing another, or manslaughter. For example, Ronald Reagan stated in a paper he co-authored if you dont know whether a body is alive or dead, you would never bury it.† Some argue that abortion is morally wrong because it deprives the fetus of a valuable future. On this account, killing an adult human being is wrong because it deprives the victim of a future like ours a future containing highly valuable or desirable experiences, activities, projects, and enjoyments. If a being has such a future, then killing that being would seriously harm it and hence would be seriously wrong. But since a fetus does have such a future, the overwhelming majority of deliberate abortions are placed in the same moral category as killing an innocent adult human being. Not all abortions are unjustified according to this argument: abortion would be justified if the same justification could be applied to killing an adult human. All these arguments are good but one must look deeper into the act of â€Å"taking a life†. If I were to walk into the middle of Times Square and shoot the President dead I would automatically be apprehended and would be tried as a traitor guilty of high treason. If I were to use that some gun to kill Osama Bin Laden if I were to see him in Times Square I would be heralded as a patriot. In both instances I took a life, but what many of us forget is that the circumstances surrounding the action are more important than the act itself. The point I am trying to convey is that each unborn baby will affect each prospective parent in its own unique way. If I were to ask a group of conservatives if having sex is wrong many of them would say yes without asking for more details. To the others who did not answer the question right away they would probably say that if you are married it is perfectly fine but if you are not married then it is wrong. This proves my previous statement that circumstantial ethics is a part of our everyday lives. The same theory can be applied to many other actions, and one of them is abortion. The status at which you are in your life is the deciding factor in whether it is morally right or wrong. The same way if you kill a man who was trying to kill a group of children at a local school it is fine, but if you kill a man because you find out he slept with your wife it is wrong. This status is a conglomerate. Age, marital status, income, degree of education and social standing in the world are just a few items that compose ones status in life. According to Family Enterprising, a conservative Christian group based in Tampa Florida, The number of single mothers increased from three million to ten million between 1970 and 2000. Eighty-four percent of single parents in America are women, which means that either there was a divorce and the mother took custody or the father is not in the picture due to circumstances other than death or health related issues. One might read this and just see a whole bunch of numbers and dates plastered next to each other but let us look at the effects of having a child when you are not socially ready for one. According to the U.S Census Bureau Report the majority of criminals are males that grew up without a father to show them love and support and show them how to be a real man. If you know that a father will not be in the picture and you live in an urban neighborhood that is known for crime and violence your child, especially son has more than a fifty percent chance of being convicted of a felony. Premarital sex and premarital children are the demise of our society. I believe that one major indicator of whether having an abortion is warranted before God is ones marital status. If you are married I do not believe there is a valid reason other than rape or harm to the mother for having an abortion. To have an abortion while married for reasons other than the aforementioned is like murdering someone in a fit of rage. You succumbed to your instincts instead of doing what is morally right. Another criterion is financial status. If you are not financially stable enough to provide a child with adequate nutrition and care than I believe that an abortion is a valid way out of the undesirable situation. Level of education goes hand and hand with financial status. If you are a first generation college student and by having the baby you will then continue the cycle of poverty that has plagued your family for several generations you have to do what is good. When I say good I speak of the overall good. I agree that having premarital sex is a mistake, but your mistake should not have to follow you and plague you for the rest of your life. Life I agree is a gift, but the quality of life is an issue that all of us agrees, whether we know it or not, is very important. If it weren’t then we wouldn’t have fundraisers to end poverty in America because as long as the people are alive that all that matters. Right? If quality of life were not a serious issue then the only reason our conscious would feel uneasy is when someone was being killed, or when someone’s life was threatened. If the quality of life that the child will be exposed to us less than the standard for the society in which you live you then have the right to an abortion. There is a direct correlation between the increase in poverty and the increasing crime rate. There is also a correlation between poverty and single parents. Using the transitive property, which states if a is equal to b and b is equal to c then a is equal to c, one can say that single parenting under the aforementioned conditions is not only bad for the child but for the so ciety in which the child will be introduced. With all the facts why is it that people have taken such rigid positions on the issue such as pro-life, or pro-choice? We as a generation do not like to use our brains. Asking a man If he is prolife or prochoice is like asking a man if he is pro-sex or anti-sex. The issue is very complicating and must be fully analyzed before a decision is made. To conclude abortions are not to be used lightly they are to be used, besides the traditional rape and harm to the mother reasons, as a resort to better your life or for the betterment of society. Research Papers on The Legality of AbortionPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyCapital PunishmentInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)Incorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenGenetic EngineeringThe Project Managment Office SystemRelationship between Media Coverage and Social and

Why Alcohol Is Good for You Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Why Alcohol Is Good for You - Essay Example The aspect of risk taking can result in discovering new subjects and broadening opportunities towards learning the reality. One of the major types of risks in writing is avoiding the sense of safety. However, safety is not a preferred component in writing. In relation to the article, it can be observed that the author i.e. Jonah Lehrer has taken the risk of revealing the beneficiaries of alcohol consumption in human life where most of the people know the evil aspects of the same (Centrinity Inc., â€Å"Newspaper Article Expectation Sheet†).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Risk can appear in the form of choosing highly controversial topic or subject. Writing on controversial topic can raise significant risks in terms of raising arguments from the readers on any opinion or oversight of the writer. The author also undertakes this risk of writing on a highly debatable topic and dared his viewpoint about how alcohol can provide benefits to people. Biasness is the other aspect of writin g which can generate risk in writing. Any sort of writing must demonstrate both positive as well as negative aspects of a chosen issue or subject so that it can avoid any misperception or prejudice. In the article of Jonah Lehrer, it can be observed that the author has described both favorable and unfavorable aspects of consuming alcohol. He also described alternative approaches for improving the lifestyle of the people. A good article demonstrates both aspects of a subject without making a final judgment. Hence, it has been observed in the article, that the author.... sort of writing must demonstrate both positive as well as negative aspects of a chosen issue or subject so that it can avoid any misperception or prejudice. In the article of Jonah Lehrer, it can be observed that the author has described both favorable and unfavorable aspects of consuming alcohol. He also described alternative approaches for improving the lifestyle of the people. A good article demonstrates both aspects of a subject without making a final judgment. Hence, it has been observed in the article, that the author did not provide any judgment and delivered impartial standpoint about the merits and demerits of alcohol consumption (Centrinity Inc., â€Å"Newspaper Article Expectation Sheet†). There exists significant difference in written language and oral language (Ferraro and Palmer, â€Å"Differences Between Oral and Written Communication†). Since 19th century, there has been comprehensive change in language both in written as well as in verbal communication modes. In 21st century, as several new social classes begin to utilize written mode and their requirement for reading and writing increased, the demand of written language has been increased at large. There are several language norms which are related with different societal layers prevailing in a culture. In this regard it can be said that there pertain three language norms namely standard language, regional language and local language. Among these three languages, standard languages are directly associated with ordinary written standard. The execution of standard language has strengthened throughout the period of 20th century. The local languages had lost their importance during this period because of increasing standardization in schools and universities. Furthermore, the rising geographical and social

Writing Journal for the chapters 8&9 Assignment

Writing Journal for the chapters 8 - Assignment Example During renaissance, borrowing was not favored since the stranger the words the more the objection from people (Baugh & Cable, 2001, p. 202). III. Adaptation: These are words that entered or still existed in the English language that were used to express new concepts. English did not only adopt new words to express concepts but also used its own word (Baugh & Cable, 2001, p. 209). The chapter Renaissance, 1500-1650 describes new factors that added up to the development of English language such as the printing press, education, communication and various forms of self-consciousness about language. As I read through the chapter, several questions arose. They include; a. The authors write, â€Å"Although English, along with the other vernaculars, had attained an established position as the language of popular literature, a strong tradition still sanctioned the use of Latin in all the fields of knowledge.†(Baugh & Cable, 2001, p. 190). Why was Latin language favored instead of English language? d. Humanism is a renaissance era intellectual movement. How did they increase the understanding of the world as they studied the culture of Rome and Greece? What was their focus on worldly things and not religious views help? I. â€Å"In the Modern English period, the beginning of which is conveniently placed at 1500, certain of these new conditions come into play, conditions that previously either had not existed at all or were present in only a limited way, and they cause English to develop along somewhat different lines from those that had characterized its history in the Middle Ages.†(Baugh & Cable, 2001, p. 187). II. â€Å"None of the other modern languages of Europe had had to endure the consequences of a foreign conquest that temporarily imposed an outside tongue upon the dominant social class and left the native speech chiefly in the hands of the lower social classes.† (Baugh &

Peer Response Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Peer Response - Article Example I personally commend your use of easy to understand language, which made it possible for me to understand some of the laws and the various Acts that cover them. This makes it possible for even the most of average people to read and find your post motivating and educative. By making the government Acts available in your post, you provided enough evidence to support your strong arguments. In my opinion, there was no misrepresentation of any evidence through the post because any and all your sources of information are recorded and sufficient. The practicality of what you researched on can be seen in what is happening in some of the states in America. Some criminal acts are often treated differently if the perpetrators are based in certain states. For my part, I would say that the your interpretation of the laws present provided me, and other readers, with the much needed insight into what happens when one breaks laws with regards to computer and information security. This insight may wo rk toward guiding us as we deal with the ever-changing face of the technological

Research On First Nations Addiction Sociology Essay

Research On First Nations Addiction Sociology Essay Addiction is the continued use of a mood altering substance or behavior despite adverse dependency consequences, or a neurological impairment leading to such behaviors. Addictions can include, but are not limited to, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, exercise abuse, pornography and gambling. Classic hallmarks of addiction include: impaired control over substances/behavior, preoccupation with substance/behavior, continued use despite consequences, and denial. The First Nation people in Canada or The Aboriginal tribe are found to have these addictive problems more when compared to other community in Canada and this has created a drastic change in the survival of their community. First Nations are the various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Metis. There are roughly 630 bands of first nation people spread across Canada, and the majority of them are found in Ontario and British Columbia. Under the Employment Equity Act, First Nations are a designated group along with women, visible minorities and persons with physical or mental disabilities. Founded in the 19th century, the Canadian Indian residential school system was intended to force the assimilation of Canadian Aboriginal and First Nations people into European-Canadian society. The purpose of the schools, which separated children from their families, has been described by commentators as killing the Indian in the child. Funded under the Indian Act by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, a branch of the federal government, the schools were run by churches of various denominations about 60% by Roman Catholics, and 30% by the Anglican Church of Canada and the United Church of Canada, along with its pre-1925 predecessors, Presbyterian, Congregationalist and Methodist churches. The attempt to force assimilation involved punishing children for speaking their own languages or practicing their own faiths, leading to allegations in the 20th century of cultural genocide and ethnocide. There was widespread physical and sexual abuse. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and a lack of medical care led to high rates of tuberculosis, and death rates of up to 69%. Details of the mistreatment of students had been published numerous times throughout the 20th century, but following the closure of the schools in the 1960s, the work of indigenous activities and historians led to a change in the public perception of the residential school system, as well as official government apologies, and a (controversial) legal settlement. Colonization had a significant impact on First Nations diet and health. According to the historian Mary-Ellen Kelm, inadequate reserve allocations, restrictions on the food, fishery, overhunting, and over-trapping alienated First Nations from their traditional way of life, which undermined their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. First Nations peoples face a number of problems to a greater degree than Canadians overall, many of their living conditions are comparable to developing nations like Haiti. They have higher unemployment, rates of incarceration, substance abuse, health problems, fetal alcohol syndrome, lower levels of education and higher levels of poverty. Suicide rates are more than twice the sex-specific rate and also three times the age-specific rates of non-Aboriginal Canadians. Life expectancy at birth is significantly lower for First Nations babies than for babies in the Canadian population as a whole. As of 2001, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada estimates First Nations life expectancy to be 8.1 years shorter for males and 5.5 years shorter for females. Self-government has given chiefs and their councils powers which combine those of a province, school board, health board and municipality. Councils are also largely self-regulating regarding utilities, environmental protection, natural resources, building codes, etc. There is concern that this wide-ranging authority, concentrated in a single council, might be a cause of the dysfunctional governments experienced by many First Nations. Gangs consisting of Aboriginals are becoming an increasing problem, across Canada, due to the poor living conditions. Most of them are found in Winnipeg and Manitoba. One of the most acrimonious issues to result from the Treaty process is the dark legacy of the residential school system. The purpose of the residential schools in Canada was to educate and civilize or westernize the First Nation peoples in order that they adopt a more western that is European lifestyle. Separating the children from their parents and forcing religion on them, it was believed, was the only means by which to achieve this civilizing of the First Nations people. Residential Schools: The Legacy The story of and continuing debate around the topic of Residential Schools in Canada is highly contentious. The residential school experience continues to haunt First Nations peoples and, according to some, has led to a general indifference towards the education of many First Nations youth today. Many of the people who experienced a residential school education are now parents and grandparents and many possess deep biases against education for their children because of what they experienced. It is a difficult subject for many to understand because the residential school experience was not the same for everyone involved. Clearly, some schools were better maintained than others while some staff members more benevolent than others. Although a difficult subject to broach, the story of the residential schools has become an important part of not only First Nations history but of Canadian history. Separated from their family, friends, and in many cases the only home they had known, First Nations children were taken together, according to age level, to the residential school in the fall of each year. Once at the school, they were not permitted to speak their native tongue and the supervisors spoke only English to them, punishing them if they reverted to their own language. In many cases, the children knew nothing of the English language upon their arrival and this meant that many spent several years in silence until they were even able to express their needs. The school environment was a stark contrast to the home environment where aboriginal children were important contributing members of their family expected to help with the work of day to day life tending the nets, feeding the dogs, cutting and hauling wood, cutting up meat and fish for drying. The school demanded very little in comparison. A child had no responsibility for the well-being of others. At residential school, the aboriginal child became no ones keeper, not even his own as, in many cases, all movements were monitored and children were expected to adhere to strict guidelines of conduct. The schools were very difficult and lonely places for many children but they affected the entire family. If children returned home for the summer months in many cases, their parents found that they had significantly changed. They were no longer interested in helping the family with daily tasks and rather than spending time with their families, who were no doubt becoming more foreign each passing year, most preferred to spend time with children their own age who also attended residential school. Perhaps the most detrimental effect of the schools was the childrens loss of all ability to speak their own language effectively breaking the means of communication and traditional knowledge sharing between parents and their children. Furthermore children were taught at school that their culture was somehow inferior and not worth preserving. As a result, the residential school disrupted the passing of traditional beliefs, skills, and knowledge from one generation to the next, and deliberately separated the children from their heritage by encouraging them to resent it and embrace a more European outlook and belief system. While the cultural shock was immense without the residential schools, most First Nations youth would never have learned to read and write, or learn about the world and other ways of life. By the 1950s, the Canadian government began to realize the residential school policy was a failure. The last residential school in Canada was closed some 30 years later. Today, Aboriginal people want recognition of what was done to their communities as a result of the residential schools. Aboriginal people have demanded, and received, official apologies from the Anglican, United and Roman Catholic churches which operated residential schools. As more and more former students of residential schools come forth with stories about the sexual and physical abuse they experienced, several religious authorities who administered the schools are being charged criminally. Aboriginal Mental Health and Substance Use Aboriginal people make up only three per cent of Canadian citizens, but this population is one of the fastest growing in the country. It is also the youngest. The average age of Aboriginal people is 25. This is 10 years younger than the average age of the general population. There is great variety in languages, beliefs, traditions and cultures among Aboriginal peoples. In British Columbia alone there are 203 First Nations bands. About 30 different First Nations languages are spoken in this province. Unfortunately, there are also high rates of mental illness and problem substance use in some Aboriginal communities. This is due to a number of factors, including a history of cultural trauma. Still, a 2002-03 survey indicated that about 70 per cent of First Nations adults living on reserves felt in balance physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Also, Aboriginal people suffering from mental health problems have been shown to be more likely than the rest of Canadians to seek professional help (17 per cent as compared to eight per cent). This is a positive step towards healing for Aboriginal communities. The Rates of Mental Illness and Substance Use Problems among Aboriginals Aboriginal people have higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression than other groups: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢About 16 per cent have faced major depression, which is twice the Canadian average. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢More Aboriginal youth suffer from psychiatric problems than non-Aboriginal youth. Suicide is the leading cause of death among Aboriginal people under 44 years old: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Rates of completed suicide are higher among Aboriginal males than females and peak among young adults between the ages of 15 and 24. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢According to the Regional Health Survey in 2002-03, three in 10 adults (31 per cent) reported having had suicidal thoughts and one in six (16 per cent) had attempted suicide at some point in their lives. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Among First Nations communities, suicide rates are twice the national average, and show no signs of decreasing. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢The rates among First Nations youth (between 15 and 24 years of age) were from five times (among boys) to seven times (among girls) higher than the Canadian population between 1989 and 1993. Aboriginal people are less likely to drink than the general population. Only 66 per cent of aboriginals drink alcohol. Still, among those who do drink, problem substance use is a serious concern: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢More than one quarter of Aboriginal Canadians have a substance use problem. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Aboriginals are more likely to smoke than people in the general population à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢First-time use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs tends to occur at younger ages in Aboriginal populations. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Aboriginal youth are at a two-to-six times higher risk for every alcohol-related problem compared to other young people. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Aboriginal youth are more likely to smoke, use inhalants, and use marijuana regularly. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Substance use is a leading factor in teen pregnancy among Aboriginals. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Aboriginal women have higher rates of substance use during pregnancy than other women. This means they are more likely to have babies born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other problems. Why are the rates of mental illness and substance use so high among Aboriginals? A HISTORY OF ABUSE AND DISCRIMINATION Aboriginal people in Canada have been treated unfairly for centuries. Until 1970, many Aboriginal children were forced to go to residential schools. At these schools their culture, language and dignity were taken away from them. Some were abused physically and sexually. Because of these attacks on identity and culture, Aboriginal students and their families found residential schools traumatic, even when school personnel were kind and educational benefits occurred. As a result, a high percentage of residential school survivors suffer from mental or behavioral problems. The last residential schools closed in the 1980s, but their effects can still be seen in Aboriginal families and communities. The trauma felt by students and their families has been passed down through successive generations. BARRIERS TO HEALTH CARE There are many obstacles that stand between Aboriginal people and quality health care. Some of these include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢lack of access to service à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢discrimination among health practitioners à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢lack of appropriate care à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢cultural barriers (i.e., lack of experience mixing traditional and modern medicine) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢geographic isolation A CYCLE OF DIFFICULT FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES Newer generations of Aboriginals are still at higher risk for mental health and substance use problems than the general population. This is partly because of the stress factors that continue to occur in many Aboriginal families. Oftentimes poverty, ill health, educational failure, family violence, problem substance use and other difficulties reinforce one another, perpetuating a cycle of dysfunction and despair. 1. Early Childhood: Some Aboriginals live in overcrowded houses in isolated environments run by single parents who survive on very low income. As a result, some Aboriginal children fail to receive the attention they need to develop socially and emotionally. On reserves, there are often many generations living under one roof. In these situations children may be exposed to alcohol and other drug use from a young age. This puts them at higher risk for substance use in their teen years and later. Higher than average rates of family violence, including physical and sexual abuse, also put Aboriginals at higher risk for mental health and substance use problems. 2. Adolescence: Young Aboriginals are at high risk for harms caused by substance use. In comparison to youth of the general population, Aboriginal youth experience: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢more difficulties in school and higher high-school drop-out rates-this is often due to culture and language barriers. Some youth also experience discrimination from teachers and peers related to Aboriginal values à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢confused ethnic identity-it can be challenging for youth to identify with their heritage while being raised and educated in a non-Aboriginal society à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢lower self-esteem and self-confidence à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢higher rates of sexual abuse-especially among females (nearly one quarter of female sexual-assault victims are younger than seven) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢more psychiatric problems Unplanned teen pregnancy is an important factor that plays a role in the cycle of mental health and substance use problems among Aboriginals. Added to this issue is the fact that Aboriginal youth often start using drugs and alcohol to fit in with peers and boyfriends/girlfriends. Young women sometimes feel pressure to continue using substances after they become pregnant because they fear others will find out. This is one cause of the high rates of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the Aboriginal population. These rates suggest that some young women are addicted to alcohol, or they may not understand the risks of using alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy. This is a big problem because many expectant teen mothers also have poor eating and exercising habits. All of these factors work together to create a high risk for delivering a child with problems. 3. Adulthood: Aboriginal women often have particularly stressful, hard lives because of physical abuse and a lack of support from their partners. Some use substances to manage stress or to cope with anxiety, depression and other mental health problems. Research has shown that there is a higher incidence of intimate partner abuse in Aboriginal communities than elsewhere. The use of substances by men has been shown to be an aggravating factor for violence within Aboriginal families. Some of the consequences of male violence against Aboriginal women include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢diminished self-esteem and sense of security à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢damage to physical and emotional health à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢negative impact on children (nurturing a sense of fear and insecurity and the intergenerational perpetuation of the cycle of violence) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢negative impact on financial security à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢loss of matrimonial home and sometimes relocation outside the community à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢self-blame PROMOTION OF RESILIENCE IN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES It is important to note that some Aboriginal communities have fewer problems than others. There are indeed factors that serve to protect some First Nations people and communities from the cycle of difficulty. For example, in the past, Aboriginals had very strong cultural practices that promoted healthy connectedness and forms of conflict resolution that encouraged reconciliation. This and other similar strengths have helped Aboriginals to survive despite the great obstacles they have faced, and still face today. Some other examples of strengths include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢the traditional value that is placed on sharing, humility and not hurting others à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢the value that is placed on cooperation and non-competition à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢the traditional value placed on community conscience and a shared sense of responsibility à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢a history of spirituality, religious practices and rituals à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢a deep-seated belief in living in harmony with the Earth and all other creatures Traditional strengths have sheltered some Aboriginal communities more than others. It is possible that these protective factors could be called upon to promote and assist the healing that is so needed today both within Aboriginal Communities and in Canadian society at large. Aboriginal people tend to consider mental wellness holistically. Good mental health means being in balance with family, community and the natural environment. Family and community have an important role in helping individuals regain their sense of balance. Therefore strong families and communities also promote resilience in Aboriginal communities. Why is it important to address mental health and substance use problems in Aboriginal populations? Social responsibility It is said that the measure of a civilized society is how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. Many Aboriginals are vulnerable and treated poorly. Canadian society needs to find ways to connect with all people who are struggling and help them overcome issues that challenge families and communities. At the same time, society must recognize that lasting healing for Aboriginal populations must come from within. Many of the difficulties Aboriginal people face today are a result of the contempt that was shown for their culture and identity in the past. Therefore, it is very important that healing processes for Aboriginal communities draw on and support the resilience embedded in traditional Aboriginal culture. Economics Canadas Aboriginal population is relatively small compared to the general population. Yet the problems and difficulties Aboriginals face are extreme, resulting in great expense to the whole country. A disproportionate number of Aboriginal people live in poverty, are homeless, or lack appropriate education. First Nations people experience more challenges related to FASD, trauma and other developmental factors. A disproportionate number of Aboriginals are incarcerated or involved with the justice system. High rates of mental problems and substance use among Aboriginals strain the health care system. All of these imbalances taken together with poor health, loss of productivity, lack of social cohesion and other problems add up to significant economic cost to society. A HEALTHIER FUTURE Aboriginal populations have unique patterns and consequences of mental illness and substance use. In order to address these, a wide range of cultural, environmental and historical factors must be considered. It is now widely accepted that psychosocial factors play an important role in individual and social development. A call has been made for the recognition of the influence of culture on health as well. When considering the substance use and mental health issues of Aboriginal people, it is important to acknowledge that Western culture has its own difficulties in these areas. Therefore the Western model may not be appropriate for Aboriginals. In addition, the influence of modern-day Western culture on Aboriginal populations may be seen as the root of some on-going substance use problems in these communities. It may be that taking part in the journey as Aboriginals rediscover and strengthen their communities based on certain traditional practices could actually help mainstream society to understand the importance of practices like connectedness and reconciliation in healing. This could help the general population to better deal with its own mental health and substance use problems. Adopt a culturally appropriate attitude Lessons from the work that has been done in healing related to residential schools should be remembered and used in the context of healing in Aboriginal communities. Some of the key findings in research done by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF) around the healing from the legacy of residential schooling include: 1. Community healing is connected to individual healing. Rebuilding family and community support networks will help stabilize the healing of individuals have experienced childhood trauma and family disruption. 2. Culture is good medicine. Culture-based outreach and healing mediated by survivors, local personnel and Elders has proven successful in reaching individuals who had previously resisted interventions. 3. Resilience in individuals and communities can be tapped. Healthy individuals in distressed communities were found to be good at promoting change. 4. It takes time to heal. AHF funding was limited to a few years, which proved to be enough to get the healing process started in many of the communities where projects were conducted, but not enough to see complete healing. 5. Services must be put in place and kept in place to encourage individual healing and help communities with their healing journeys. Typically, programs are short-term and project- based, but research indicated that services using local capacity and Indigenous knowledge are effective and economical. 6. As individuals and communities heal, the depth and complexity of needs can be seen, creating generating demand for training. Some of the most successful activities conducted to date by the AHF include healing/talking circles, interacting with Elders, one-on-one counseling, and participating in ceremonies. Support sex education and contraception for teens If Aboriginal youth are not educated by their parents or schools, they learn about puberty, sex and relationships through their friends and the media. Education should be provided by both Elders and young First Nations role models who youth can relate to and trust. Many Aboriginal communities are isolated. This means that youth must travel to get to clinics for information, contraception, and counseling. Health services should be provided within communities and they must be confidential. Teens must feel sure that their use of such services will not result in labeling or negative judgment by others. Advocate for targeted, culturally relevant programs All programs that serve Aboriginal people should include screening for substance use and mental disorders. They should also target the communities most vulnerable citizens, like children and young women. Parent-education and family-support programs that are culturally sensitive could help lower violence and problem substance use. Programs for pregnant teens could feature cultural myths and be developed to focus on FASD prevention strategies. (Some studies show that Aboriginal youth are more likely to pay attention to cultural myths about the effects of eating strawberries or crabs during pregnancy than to avoid using drugs and alcohol. Adapting cultural myths to include warnings about drinking alcohol during pregnancy may help to reduce the risky behavior of pregnant teens.) We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that is four centuries old. It is their turn to become full partners in developing an even greater Canada. And the reconciliation required may be less a matter of legal texts than of attitudes of the heart. (http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Aboriginal_People/)

American Labor Movement: Development of Unions :: American America History

American Labor Movement: Development of Unions The American Labor Movement of the nineteenth century developed as a result of the city-wide organizations that unhappy workers were establishing. These men and women were determined to receive the rights and privileges they deserved as citizens of a free country. They refused to be treated like slaves, and work under unbearable conditions any longer. Workers joined together and realized that a group is much more powerful than an individual when protesting against intimidating companies. Unions, coalitions of workers pursuing a common objective, began to form demanding only ten instead of twelve hours in a work day. Workers realized the importance of economic and legal protection against the powerful employers who took advantage of them. (AFL-CIO American Federalist, 1) The beginnings of the American Labor Movement started with the Industrial Revolution. Textile mills were the first factories built in the United States. Once factory systems began to grow, a demand for workers increased. They hired large amounts of young women and children who were expected to do the same work as men for less wages. New immigrants were also employed and called "free workers" because they were unskilled. These immigrants poured into cities, desperate for any kind of work.(Working People, 1) Child labor in the factories was not only common, but necessary for a family's income. Children as young as five or six manned machines or did jobs such as sweeping floors to earn money. It was dangerous, and they were often hurt by the large, heavy machinery. No laws prevented the factories from using these children, so they continued to do so. (AACTchrNET, 1) "Sweatshops" were created in crowded, unsanitary tenements. These were makeshift construction houses, dirty and unbearably hot. They were usually formed for the construction of garments. The wages, as in factories, were pitifully low, no benefits were made, and the worker was paid by the number of pieces he or she completed in a day. Unrealistic demands were put on the workers who could barely afford to support their families. (1) The United States had the highest job-related fatality rate of any other industrialized nation in the world. Everyone worked eighty hours or more a week for extremely low wages. Men and women earned twenty to forty percent less than the minimum deemed necessary for a decent life. The number was even worse for children. (Department of Humanities Computing, 2) Often workers would go home after a long day and have to continue work on an unfinished product, which they had to return to the factory in the morning.