Juvenile Rights at Time of Arrest Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Juvenile Rights at Time of Arrest - Essay Example Juveniles that have left their parents’ home without their guardians’ consent and others that are endangered by the surroundings in any way may also be arrested through the Court’s order. However, certain requirements need to be met while arresting the juveniles (Anne Arundel County, 2010, p. 1). Juveniles are to be granted all Constitutional rights that are conventionally meant for adults. The precautions and safety measures laid out for adult prisoner transportation are equally applicable on the juvenile prisoners. The parents of juvenile offender are supposed to be immediately notified of their child’s arrest. If they can not somehow be reached, then the arresting officer needs to inform the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) (Anne Arundel County, 2010, p. 1). There are also time limits in detention for juvenile offenders. No juvenile is supposed to be held any more than 6 hrs. In case, the detention time exceeds 6 hrs, the DJS again needs to be noti fied of that. This is where juvenile offenders are considerably leveraged as compared to the adult offenders.

Ethics From Immanuel Kant And John Stuart Mill

Ethics From Immanuel Kant And John Stuart Mill Immanuel Kant (22 April 1724 12 February 1804) was an 18th-century German philosopher from the Prussian city of KÃ ¶nigsberg. Kant was the last influential philosopher of modern Europe in the classic sequence of the theory of knowledge during the Enlightenment beginning with thinkers John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume.[1] A philosopher who lived a life of stringent discipline routine. He took a passionate interest in American and French revolution. Kant has various writings to his credit which include: General Natural History and Theory of the Heavens (1755): in which he writes about the solar system Critique of Pure Reason (1781): is about his philosophical work in natural sciences mathematics. Critique of Judgement (1790): wherein he analyzes aesthetics biology. The Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785): endeavours to show the foundations of genuine morality. The Critique of Practical Reason (1788): investigates implications of immorality for religion. Kants main concern is nature morality (starry heavens above and moral law within). He says that genuine morality i.e., a morality which is objectively and universally binding requires an a priori foundation. He adds that the universal basis of morality in man must lie in his rational nature, since this alone is the same in everyone. Thus a moral principle must be such that a man can will that all men including him should act upon it. Kant uses the test of consistency as the core of fundamental moral law which he calls categorical imperative: those actions are right which conform to principles one can consistently will to be principles for all men, and those actions are wrong which are based upon maxims that a rational creature could not will that all men should follow. Through the categorical imperative we can distinguish between right wrong actions. Kant emphasizes that it is not only the test but it is also the unconditional directive for behavior. It is binding upon everyone because each rational man acknowledges his obligation to follow reason. Thus categorical imperative is the only basis for determining our duties. He stresses that reason prescribes duty, and the moral law holds whether or not men actually follow it. In order to have an in-depth understanding of Kants philosophy we need to see how he built up his argument. Initially Kant carries out a critical analysis of the commonly accepted good things like health, wealth and friendship. He adds that the mentioned things are not good under all circumstances, but only in so far as they are conjoined with something that is unqualified good a good will. GOOD WILL represents the effort of a rational being to do what he ought to do, rather than to act from inclination or self -interest. Thus a good will appears to constitute the indispensable condition even of being worthy of happiness. Kant elaborates that good will is not good because is achieves good results. Even if it fails to attain the ends it seeks, it would be good in itself and have a higher worth than the superficial things gained by immoral actions. Kant mentions that reason is a very inefficient instrument for the achievement of happiness. He concludes that reason is not intended to p roduce happiness, but to produce a good will. Kant further explains the relation between good will duty highlighting that a good will is one which acts for the sake of duty. Indeed, human actions have moral worth only if they are performed from duty. He further says that even action in accordance with duty is not enough; only respect for duty, makes an action moral. Kant further differentiates praiseworthy behavior from moral action, he says that altruistic or selfless actions that result from feelings of sociability deserve praise and encouragement but they cannot be classified as possessing moral value. Moral worth of character which is highest of all is not brought out from inclination but from duty. Kant then puts forward his first ethical proposition wherein he states that an act must be done from duty in order to have moral worth. Taking this forward the second ethical proposition says that an act from duty derives its moral value not from the results it produces but from the principle by which it is determined. Taking the first two propositions Kant defines duty as the morally right action is one done solely out of reverence for the law and its unique and unconditioned worth is derived from this source. Third proposition which is a consequence of the first two expresses duty is the necessity of acting from respect for the law .For Kant the supreme principle or law of morality which the good man must follow is the Categorical Imperative. Rational beings as far they act rationally will always be guided by ethical principles or maxims which can be adopted by everyone else without generating any contradiction. Kant further distinguishes between categorical imperative and hypothetical imperative. Kant says that categorical imperative is an unconditional directive that prescribes actions to be done because of the moral worth of the maxim and not for the sake of some consequence that may result. On the other hand hypothetical imperative is a conditional directive which advises what ought to be done if a desired goal is to be achieved for example, One ought to tell the truth as a manner of principle is a categorical imperative, whereas if you want to avoid punishment, you ought to tell the truth is a hypothetical imperative. Kants first explicit formulation of categorical imperative requires an individual to obey a maxim which can, without contradiction, be willed to be a rule for everyone. This means that the essence of morality lies in acting on the basis of an impersonal principle which is valid for everyone, including oneself. Kant conceives the categorical imperative to be a two-fold test. It requires first, that maxims for moral action be universalized without logical contradiction and second, that they be universal directives for action which do not bring the will into disharmony with itself by requiring it to will one thing for itself and another thing for others. In one of Kants formulation of categorical imperative he talks of social implications, he emphasizes that it requires us to treat every human being as an end in himself and never as merely a means to an end. In brief, we should respect all human beings impartially and avoid exploiting anyone. Ends that are ends only because they are des ired give us hypothetical imperatives; but if there is an end in itself, the imperative to seek it is independent of desire and is therefore a categorical imperative. Kant shows the basic identity of the first and second formulations of the categorical imperative. Those actions which, on the first formulation, cannot be universalized without contradiction, example committing suicide or refusing to help the needy, will be seen on the second formulation to be inconsistent with the idea of humanity as an end in itself. Having brought to light with logical rigor the implicit pre-suppositions of the common mans awareness of duty and shown it to be a universal categorical imperative, Kant gives eloquent praise to pure moral philosophy and a word of caution to those moralists who would allow reason to be corrupted by empirical considerations. References: [1] Crane Brinton. Enlightenment, Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Vol. 2, p. 519. Macmillan, 1967. [2] www.wikipedia.com [3] E. Albert, T. Denise, S. Peterfreund Great Traditions in Ethics, 4th Edition, 1980. 2. John Stuart Mill John Stuart Mill was the intellectual heir of the utilitarian movement in England. Mill dedicated himself to clarifying the teachings of his father, James Mill, and those of Jeremy Bentham, who championed the utilitarian doctrine. John Mill was nurtured and mentored to be an original thinker. Mills major works include: System of Logic (1843): which is his philosophical contribution wherein he defends the inductive method of logic, showing that general laws or universal principles must be derived from empirical facts. Principles of Political Economy (1848): wherein he relates the application of Utilitarian principles to Economics. Essays on Liberty (1859) and Considerations on Representative Government (1861): are classical statements of his social and political philosophy. Essay Utilitarianism (1861): is his only explicit contribution to ethics. Autobiography and Three Essays on Religion: both of which works were published after his death. John Stuart Mill did not attempt to originate an ethical theory, but rather to defend the ethical theory to which he was born. He modified and went beyond the utilitarian doctrine as it was propounded by his father and Jeremy Bentham. Bentham based his utilitarian philosophy on the principle that the object of morality is the promotion of the greatest happiness of the maximum number of members in the society. He proceeded on the premise that the happiness of any individual consists in a favorable balance of pleasures over pains. Consequently, those actions which tend to increase pleasure are called good and those actions which tend to increase pain are called bad. For Bentham The public good ought to be the subject of the legislator: General utility ought to be the foundation of his reasonings. To know the true good of the community is what constitutes the science of legislation; the art consists in finding the means to realize that good. To implement this social and political ideal, he constructed a hedonistic calculus by means of which pleasures and pains could be measured. In this way, good and bad acts and, consequently, good and bad legislation, can be evaluated in terms of such factors as intensity, duration, extent, certainty, propinquity, fecundity purity.2 Mill restates the Bentham doctrine. In his restatement, he goes beyond Benthams contention that the essential differences among pleasures and pains are quantitative, maintaining that they are also subject to significant qualitative differentiation. Mill accepts in principle Benthams doctrine regarding the basic role of pleasure and pain in morality viz. Individual psychological hedonism: according to which the sole motive of an action is an individuals desire for happiness that is for a balance of pleasure over pain. This is primarily a descriptive doctrine since it gives an account of the actual motive of the behaviour. Universal ethical hedonism: according to which the greatest happiness of the greatest number ought to be the individuals goal and standard of conduct. This is a normative theory in that it stipulates what ought to be done. In it is a principle by which actions are evaluated in terms of their consequences irrespective of the nature of the motive. However there are gaps between Individual psychological hedonism and Universal ethical hedonism: If each individual is motivated solely by the desire of his own happiness, there is no reason to assume that his actions will at the same time always promote the interests of the society The descriptive fact that men do desire their own happiness, does not imply the normative principle that men ought to act in accordance with this desire. In order to fill the gaps and harmonize individual psychological hedonism and universal ethical hedonism Mill takes recourse to the concept of Sanctions the inducement to action which gives binding force to moral rules. In Mills system of ethics, sanctions are rooted in the hedonistic motive, i.e., moral rules are acknowledged and obeyed by virtue of anticipated pleasures or pains There are both external and internal sanctions. External sanctions are forces of reward and punishment in the universe about us which control mens actions through their fear of pain and propensity for pleasure. But Mill cautions that presence of such external sanctions is not to be taken as true sense of moral obligation. Thus ultimate moral sanction must come from within. The force of an internal action derives from the feeling of pleasure which is experienced when a moral law is obeyed and the feeling of pain which accompanies a violation of it. Thus the greatest happiness principle can be sanctioned from within. Moreover by means of this doctrine of internal sanctions, Mill is enabled to reconcile the psychological theory that everyone desires his own happiness with the moral theory that one ought to act as to serve pub lic good. Looking at Mills work in detail we see that Mill defends the utilitarian doctrine by identifying misrepresentations and clarification of the principle. He opposes those who fail to associate utility with pleasure and pain. Mill then states concisely the doctrine of utility. He says that Greatest Happiness Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness (pleasure and absence of pain), wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness or unhappiness (pain and deprivation of pleasure).He further states that pleasures vary in kind and degree and some kinds of pleasure are more desirable more valuable than others. Thus quantity quality both need to be considered when estimating pleasure. Mill relates that superiority of one kind of pleasure over another is determined by those who have experienced both kinds. Further says that among those who have experienced both prefer the pleasure of higher faculties. Mill further discounts the judgment of those who abandon higher pleasures for lower ones by explaining that they are incapable either inherently or by lack of opportunity of enjoying the higher kind. The only judges are those who have tested the spectrum of pleasures (lower higher pleasures).Mill relates the greatest happiness principle to include the difference between the quantitative and qualitative aspects of pleasure. Mill puts forward the realistic description of happiness and a suggestion for the social means of achieving it. This is a clarification to the objections to the utilitarian doctrine. Another objection Mill discounts is the claim that Utilitarian morality is incompatible with acts of personal sacrifice which are so sacred in Christian culture. Thus he concludes that each individuals happiness is equal to that of any other. The greatest happiness principle is not essential as a motive for conduct but is essential as the rule by which conduct is judged and sanctioned. Herein moral evaluation is directed to actions and to the manner in which they affect the general happiness. Having removed the major misconceptions about the principle of utility Mill proposes to investigate its ultimate sanction. Mill states that it is our feeling for humanity which provides the ultimate sanction of the principle of utility and this Mill calls the internal sanction. Regardless of whether this inner feeling or internal sanction for mankind is inborn or acquired, Mill argues that it can be a powerful force and a sound basis for utilitarian morality. Mills moving description of the origin and nature of the feeling for humanity may serve as a fitting conclusion to his exposition of the greatest happiness principle. References: [1] E. Albert, T. Denise, S. Peterfreund Great Traditions in Ethics, 4th Edition 1980. [2] www.wikipedia.com (3) Virtue Ethics Virtue ethics highlights or stresses on the basic virtues of moral character the main concept being of virtue, practical wisdom and eudaimonia. The founders of virtue ethics are Plato and Aristotle, though roots can be traced back to Greek Philosophy and the Chinese dominant approach1. Virtue ethics refers to a collection of normative ethical philosophy that place an emphasis on being rather that doing. In other words in virtue ethics morality stems from the identity or character of the individual rather than being a reflection of the actions (or consequences thereof) of the individual. There are various debates on virtue ethics however the link that connects all is that Morality comes as a result of intrinsic virtues2 VIRTUE: PLATOS IDEA Plato followed the Socratic dictum Virtue is Knowledge. Platos thesis was that life of reason is the happiest best. This means that knowledge produces a harmonious man in the sense that when reason governs desires passions, a well balanced organized personality results. Such a person is a rational man who is the virtuous man and the happy man. For Plato a morally virtuous man is one who is in Rational, Emotional and Biological balance . In Platonic terms a virtuous man is one who is wise, temperate, courageous and just. In a virtuous man desires or passions function harmoniously under the governance of reason. Such a man sets his own inner life is his own master and is at peace with himself. Platos answer to what is a Good Life is that a life of reasoning is the best life. He has written in the Republic It is better to be unborn than untaught: for ignorance is the root of misfortune.3 For Plato: A man of knowledge is the virtuous man Life of reason(knowledge ) is the best life Ultimate knowledge on which moral virtue is based is the knowledge of the Good. By achievement of justice ,temperance and wisdom the whole soul becomes perfect and noble VIRTUE: ARISTOTLES IDEA Aristotles theory is that everyone wants to live the good life, the happy life. The term used for happiness is Eudaimonia. By happiness Aristotle seems to mean well being the fulfillment of our distinctive functions. Aristotle says that Eudaimonia is the highest good because it is sought for its own sake and nothing else that is justice is sought because it leads to good life. According to Aristotle the best way to achieve happiness (Eudaimonia) was to inculcate and exhibit those qualities that are most productive to live in a society. He states that extremes of character are not good. For Aristotle Virtue lies in the Golden Mean that is the right balance between the two extremes. He has called each of the extremes Vice and the mean Virtue4. Exceptions to the Rule: Not everything has a means No means for murder or theft Thus following Aristotles thought every person should develop his own character by inculcating habit of virtue. Thereafter good actions will become a habit e.g. a good person will take good decisions. This goodness shall then ripple to the society coming generations from their elders since virtue is taught by example rather than set of rules. The virtues identified by Aristotle are of 2 types: Moral Virtues: The habitual choice of actions in accordance with rational principles. Intellectual Virtues: The contemplation of theoretical truths and the discovery of rational principles which ought to control everyday actions. The first set of virtues is developed by habits the second by training and education. According to Aristotle we are not born with virtues that are we are inherently good or bad, we learn by inculcating habits having role models of virtuous people.4 Thus according to Aristotle A life of reason is the best and most pleasant and this life is also the happiest one. Happiness thus depends on actualization of ones rationality. A virtuous man lives according to reason thus realizing his distinct potentiality.

Music Therarpy Essay -- essays research papers fc

Music therapy is the prescribed use of music and musical interventions in order to restore, maintain, and improve emotional, physical, physiological, and spiritual health as well as a person’s well being. Music Therapy facilitates the creative process of moving toward wholeness in the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual self in areas such as: independence, freedom to change, adaptability, balance and integration. The implementation of Music Therapy involves interactions of the therapist, client and music. These interactions initiate and sustain musical and non-musical change that may or may not be observable. As the musical elements of rhythm, melody and harmony are elaborated across time, the therapist and client can develop relationships, which optimize the quality of life. It is believe that Music Therapy makes a unique contribution to wellness of a person, because man’s response to music is so unique. Using music to establish a trusting relationship, the music therapist then works to improve the clients physical and mental functioning through carefully structured activities. Examples can include singing, listening, playing instruments, composition, moving to music, a nd music and imagery exercises. The overall aim of Music Therapy is to actively engage individuals in their own growth, development and behavioral change and for them to transfer musical and nonmusical skills to other aspects of their life, bringing them from isolation into active participation in th...

Attitude, Meaning Symbolism and Allegory Essay

Part 1: Discussion with Others on Symbolize Pool, Highway and Character Needy The â€Å"Swimmer† is one of a long familiar works of John Cheever (1964) which is illustrative of his suburban stories in which John relates individuals living by using symbolize themes such as Pool, highway, character Needy, suburbia and foreshadowing. How these symbolizes used by John Cheever to narrate his story summarize the realisms, surrealism and humoristic description of suburban life. I believe the pool is the excavation of water. But in John Cheever’s ‘the swimmer†, the pool is the subversion of the nature which represents the place of characters. Cheever relates his story that the confining nature of the suburbs is inexplicit in the approximation of the pool itself. It is the structure by which the water, the most important natural of all earthly and an essential of life is set for activities or leisure. John Cheever considers in story, the life of in the suburban as a pool of individuals that share same interest of living. In John Cheever’s story, highway is the swimming pools of his county used by Neddy Merril (369) as a means of transportation back to his house. The author point of view Needy used the pool as highway to travel from neighbor to neighbor. From pool to pool/ He travel through the dark underbody of suburbia, and discover the labor of both his and his community’s lives. The highway is the path that allows Neddy to participating his community’s lives and discovers his own life. The Character, Needy consider himself to be an adventurer or a pilgrim when he determines and continues as such even if the end of the story and his unusual decision describe near. As Neddy goes into one pool out to another, he considered himself as reborn each time, finding out that the world is not the informal place he at one time comprehended. He considered the word as a complex that place he never comprehends because of the diversity of human activities and needs. Foreshadowing and alcohol two symbolize that are important to the outcome of the story. In the Swimmer of John Cheever, the foreshadowing designated what is wrong between the realities and the surreal materialize. The author used the foreshadowing by means of the simple description everyday objects and events. For example the example pool, strange approaches storm despite the perfect sun moment the smell and signs of autumn. The author did not specify to the reader that this man getting a hallucination or something is wrong. The Swimmer of John Cheever represents the alcohol as a motif and the symbol and important to several levels. As a motif alcohol nearly likes a handshaking or a tranquilizer and polite, temporary motion. It is the main object around which all social or parties’action rotates. This is mentioned at the beginning of the story when the narrator talks about how nearly everyone â€Å"drank too much†. The alcohol gesture symbolizes an invitation to form aside reality and join others in a covering of reality. The ready find out that Neddy covering the reality and drinking was only the part of the case There may be different interpretation by the readers because each reader has his way to comprehend or understand the themes or the entire story. Certain readers amend or contrast what the author or narrator develops in his novel or book. Some readers explain things according the way he likes things to be, while others exculpate what someone has developed his story. For example there are many interpretation of the pool in the â€Å"Swimmer† of John Cheever. Part 2 I believe when you dream of water. it means the individual will be a powerful and rich man. The water defines the prosperity and tranquility of life according of certain culture. The snake defines the manhood and the fear. When some dreams of snake, means it will give a birth of boy and he will be a group leader. Falikou from another country had a different point about these dreams. In my country, when someone dreams of water means a long lasting problem which extend to whole country; wile, when someone dreams of snake defines poverty and physical distress. As far as my concern, the multiples interpretation of the same story by different readers because his reader has his believe and his culture in addition to his understanding of  the story. That why there are humorist, naturalist, surrealist, existentialist and anthropologist. These different categories of people will have different interpretation of same story. The multiple interpretations of the same story occur when different opinions of different categories of people amend or contrast the writers ‘stories, novels or books. References Cheever, J. (1964). Author of â€Å"The Swimmer† in Introduction to Fiction Poetry, Drama, and Writing. X. J. Kennedy. Dana Gioia

America & Globalization Essay

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea that American corporations are working with international companies to help boost the economy. The paper focuses on the use of globalization as a primary tool towards accomplishing that goal. The paper also provides the reader with views from both supporters of globalization and opponents as well. The articles used for this paper give very interesting facts as well as views on both sides of the socio-economic table. In U.S Liberal Politics author Deborah White’s article â€Å"Pros and Cons of Free Trade† she discuses globalization in relation to free trade agreements and provides both pros and cons as well as a generalized definition of free trade. Meanwhile, Gary Hufbauer provides a more supporting article on Globalization supplied with studies and debates. As for Chris Isidore’s article, it focuses generally on the recessions from past to present and what trends are different and remain the same when it deals with the progression of the economy. Lastly, Wikipedia’s definition of †Globalization† lays out in detail the history, timeline, business applications, and etc. about the economic reference. In like manner, this paper examines the overall analysis of globalization and how it relates to boosting the economy. America & Globalization One of the biggest topics today in America’s current events is the U.S. economy and the need for an economical boost. The U.S. declared the latest recession the biggest since the Great Depression. According to Chris Isidore (2010, p.1), â€Å"The Great Recession started in December 2007 and ended June 2009†. However, this information does nothing for the many Americans out of work, over-debt in their mortgage, and uncertain about their financial future. Nevertheless, seemingly, the American corporations have worked hard to try to find ways to help fellow Americans and boost the economy back to its median. One of the ways big corporations think will help is the use of Globalization. According to Wikipedia (2012, p.1) by definition, â€Å"Globalization refers to the increasingly global relationships of culture, people, and economic activity. It is generally used to refer to economic globalization: the global distribution of the production of goods and services, through reduction of barriers to international trade such as tariffs, export fees, and import quotas†. Comparatively, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission have also written that globalization â€Å"is a widely-used term that can be defined in a number of different ways. When used in an economic context, it refers to the reduction and removal of barriers between national borders in order to facilitate the flow of goods, capital, and services and labor†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In contrast, there are just as many people opposed to this idea as those whom support it. Deborah White writes (p.1), â€Å"One angry complaint is that more than three million U.S. jobs with middle-class wages have been outsourced to foreign countries since 1994.† It seems that the biggest obstacle is convincing the middle class that globalization is in fact, a good idea for the economy. Those same opponents believe that free trade has caused more U.S. jobs losses than gains, especially for higher-wage jobs. They also feel that many free trade agreements are bad deals for the U.S. Nevertheless, American corporations in conjunction with government officials are both working with other international companies to help boost our economy. To begin with, American corporations like the idea of boosting the economy through the use of globalization. Henceforth, with treaties like NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and organizations like NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) America has been at the forefront of the campaign for the removal of barriers between national borders in order to facilitate the flow of goods, capital, services and labor. Moreover, as White writes (2012, p.2), â€Å"The purpose of free trade agreements is to allow faster and more business between the two countries/areas, which should benefit both.† Statistics show that globalization does help boost the economy. Gary Clyde Hufbauer writes in his article, â€Å"The Peterson Institute calculates that the US economy is approximately $1 trillion richer each year owing to past globalization—the payoff both from technological innovation and from policy liberalization—and could gain another $500 billion annually from futur e liberalization†. These are the numbers that motivate American Corporations. In addition, globalization helps increase sales and profits for U.S. businesses, which ultimately boost the economy. What the middle class does not understand is that globalizations tactics such free trade help create more jobs within the middle class sector for the long term. White also adds (2012, p.2), â€Å"Removal of costly and delaying trade barriers, such as tariffs, quotas and conditions, inherently leads to easier and swifter trade of consumer goods. The result is an increased volume of U.S. sales.† Globalization also helps to develop and strengthen the economy of the poorest countries as well. Some of the biggest benefits of poor countries through tactics like free trade are creating more industrialized nations and increasing the purchase of their natural resources and/or labor services. Condescendingly, there are just as many opponents to globalization and free trade as there are supporters. Many of those that oppose consists of middle class Americans and the congressman they elect. The biggest problem is a fear of the unknown. Middle class Americans don’t want to wait for the â€Å"long-term†. They want to continue to have the same security of employment as they’ve always had, which is understandable. Nevertheless, they also feel free trade agreements cause a loss in higher paying jobs. This is the basis or platform for the argument of the â€Å"War on the Middle Class†. The argument of free trade and globalization, although provides a soaring boost in corporate profits, individual wages stagnate. This leaves no room for the middle-class to advance. As White explains (2012, p.2), â€Å"While corporate profits soar, individual wages stagnate, held at least partly in check by the brave new fact of offshoring — that millions of Americans’ jobs can be performed at a fraction of the cost in developing nations near and far.† All things considered, the determination of whether globalization is good for the economy will continue to be a debatable issue amongst those of different socio-economic groups. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that globalization has its pros and cons. The ultimate goal and mindset of American Corporations behind implementing globalization is to work with international companies in an effort to boost the economy. Famous investor Warren Buffet once said, â€Å"Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.’ Whether that shade tree is globalization, who knows? The ultimate goal is creating jobs and getting the economy back on course. References Deborah White. (2012) US Liberal Politics Pros and Cons of Free Trade Agreement. Retrieved from http://usliberals.about.com/od/theeconomyjobs/i/FreeTradeAgmts.htm Chris Isidore. (September 2010) Economy Recession officially ended in June 2009. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/20/news/economy/recession_over/index.htm Gary Hufbauer. (May 2008) Answering the Critics: Why Large American Gains from Globalization Are Plausible. Retrieved from http://www.iie.com/publications/papers/paper.cfm?ResearchID=929 Wikipedia. (March 2012) Globalization Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalization

Money Matters Essays

Money Matters Essays Money Matters Essay Money Matters Essay Even though more than four decades had passed, the reaction is an understandably common one: panic and fear. Yet it can be argued that those who experienced the earthquake in 1989 were in a much better position in the aftermath of the disaster. The Stanford News reported that, Stanford survived its second major earthquake with far less destruction than was wrought in 1906, when two persons died and press reports implied that the campus was in total ruin []. In 1989, there were no deaths or major injuries on campus, despite a student population more than eight times what it was in 1906 and the fact that the temblor hit at the end of a busy workday. Certainly the 06 quake was far more powerful. Now estimated at 8. 3 on the Richter scale-a means not available at the time-it released at least 30 times more energy and generated at least 10 times more ground motion than the quake of 89 (24 Oct. 1989 1). Not only the fact that no lives were lost in the Loma Prieta earthquake come as welcome news, but the business of the university also resumed almost immediately afterwards. The earthquake took place on Tuesday evening, but by Thursday, classes were already being held, albeit in makeshift classrooms and at different times. Compare that to the previously stated fact that classes as well as graduation had been postponed outright in the 1906 earthquake to be held in August of the same year. Even though the latter class, at least superficially, walked away with much less bruising physically, the economic situation that the disaster put the university in was anything but secure. The value of property lost was described by the Stanford News: If all goes according to plan, the University eventually may spend $171. 5 million to recover from the Oct. 17 earthquake. Plans reported to the Administrative Council and the Board of Trustees in early February call for a basic program of must repairs and legally required seismic strengthening totaling $134 million. Another $37. 5 million may be spent for repairs and building improvements that are considered optional (13 Feb. 1990 2). The amount of $171. 5 million is of course much more than the $39 million dollars (adjusted for inflation) that was lost on the original earthquake of 1906. Of course this can be attributed to the fact that in those 83 years, the university had expanded quite considerably and invested much more funds into its infrastructure and buildings, but both time frames were still faced with the question of How do we pay for this?

The Angel of Death essays

The Angel of Death essays The medical professions of Germany, including academic medicine, played a critical role in the evolution of Nazisms programs of human destruction, programs that were based in genocide and the exploitation of the dead. The atrocities associated with the Holocaust are staggering, especially when the words Auschwitz and Mengele are mentioned. Dr. Josef Mengele was a man that was twisted by Nazi ideology and notions of Aryan supremacy into a madman who was responsible for so many deaths at Auschwitz. Through his responsibilities as a selector at the arrival gates and a human experimenter in his laboratory behind the scenes, Mengele brutalized and slaughtered thousands of men, women and children. Once he had acquired a sense of power and control from being stationed at Auschwitz, Josef Mengele grew insane with this power and became an actual angel of death, victimizing the feeble and weak at the arrival gates and performing unethical human experiments on so many young subjects. In October of 1930, Josef Mengele enrolled at Munich University and began studying philosophy and medicine. # At about the same time, the City of Munich was going though ideological revolution due to the rising popularity and power of the Nazi party. Professor Rudolf Hess proclaimed at a mass meeting that National Socialism is nothing but applied biology.# This speech was very inspirational to Josef Mengele because he viewed himself as a Nazi revolutionary and a biological revolutionary.# As Mengele became more involved with National Socialism, he acquired his doctorate from Munich and moved to Frankfurt to study under Dr. Otmar Freiherr von Verschuer, who ultimately set the foundation for the racial research performed by Mengele at Auschwitz. The main emphasis of his research in Frankfurt was the importance of heredity within the context of Nazi race science.# ...

American Revolution and the Battle of the Chesapeake

American Revolution and the Battle of the Chesapeake The Battle of the Chesapeake, also known as the Battle of the Virginia Capes, was fought September 5, 1781, during the American Revolution (1775-1783). Fleets and Leaders Royal Navy Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Graves19 ships of the line French Navy Rear Admiral Comte de Grasse24 ships of the line Background Prior to 1781, Virginia had seen little fighting as the majority operations had taken place far to the north or further south. Early that year, British forces, including those led by traitor Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, arrived in the Chesapeake and commenced raiding. These were later joined by Lieutenant General Lord Charles Cornwallis army which had marched north following its bloody victory at the Battle of Guilford Court House. Taking command of all British forces in the region, Cornwallis soon received a confusing string of orders from his superior in New York City, General Sir Henry Clinton. While initially campaigning against American forces in Virginia, including those led by the Marquis de Lafayette, he was later instructed to establish a fortified base at a deep-water port. Assessing his options, Cornwallis elected to utilize Yorktown for this purpose. Arriving at Yorktown, VA, Cornwallis constructed earthworks around the town and built fortifications across the York River at Gloucester Point.    Fleets in Motion During the summer, General George Washington and the Comte de Rochambeau requested that Rear Admiral Comte de Grasse bring his French fleet north from the Caribbean for a potential strike against either New York City or Yorktown. After extensive debate, the latter target was chosen by the allied Franco-American command with the understanding that de Grasses ships were necessary to prevent Cornwallis escaping by sea. Aware that de Grasse intended to sail north, a British fleet of 14 ships of the line, under Rear Admiral Samuel Hood, also departed the Caribbean. Taking a more direct route, they arrived at the mouth of the Chesapeake on August 25. That same day, a second, smaller French fleet led by the  Comte de Barras departed Newport, RI carrying siege guns and equipment. In an effort to avoid the British, de Barras took a circuitous route with the goal of reaching Virginia and uniting with de Grasse. Not seeing the French near the Chesapeake, Hood decided to continue on to New York to join with Rear Admiral Thomas Graves. Arriving at New York, Hood found that Graves only had five ships of the line in battle condition. Combining their forces, they put to sea heading south towards Virginia. While the British were uniting to the north, de Grasse arrived in the Chesapeake with 27 ships of the line. Quickly detaching three ships to blockade Cornwallis position at Yorktown, de Grasse landed 3,200 soldiers and anchored the bulk of his fleet behind Cape Henry, near the mouth of the bay. The French Put to Sea On September 5, the British fleet appeared off the Chesapeake and sighted the French ships around 9:30 AM. Rather than swiftly attack the French while they were vulnerable, the British followed the tactical doctrine of the day and moved into a line ahead formation. The time required for this maneuver allowed the French to recover from the surprise of the British arrival which had seen many of their warships caught with large portions of their crews ashore. Also, it allowed de Grasse to avoid entering battle against an adverse wind and tidal conditions. Cutting their anchor lines, the French fleet emerged from the bay and formed for battle. As the French exited from the bay, both fleets angled towards each other as they sailed east. A Running Fight As wind and sea conditions continued to change, the French gained the advantage of being able to open their lower gun ports while the British were prevented from doing so without risking water entering their ships. Around 4:00 PM, the vans (lead sections) in each fleet opened fired on their opposite number as the range closed. Though the vans were engaged, a shift in the wind made it difficult for each fleets center and rear to close within range. On the British side, the situation was further hampered by contradictory signals from Graves. As the fighting progressed, the French tactic of aiming for masts and rigging bore fruit as HMS Intrepid (64 guns) and HMS Shrewsbury (74) both fell out of line. As the vans pummeled each other, many of the ships to their rear never were able to engage the enemy. Around 6:30 PM the firing ceased and the British withdrew to windward. For the next four days, the fleets maneuvered within sight of each other. However, neither sought to renew the battle . On the evening of September 9, de Grasse reversed his fleets course, leaving the British behind, and returned to the Chesapeake. Upon arriving, he found reinforcements in the form of 7 ships of the line under de Barras. With 34 ships of the line, de Grasse had full control of the Chesapeake, eliminating Cornwallis hopes for evacuation. Trapped, Cornwallis army was besieged by the combined army of Washington and Rochambeau. After over two weeks of fighting, Cornwallis surrendered on October 17, effectively ending the American Revolution. Aftermath and Impact During the Battle of the Chesapeake, both fleets suffered approximately 320 casualties. In addition, many of the ships in the British van were heavily damaged and unable to continue fighting. Though the battle itself was tactically inconclusive, it was a massive strategic victory for the French. By drawing the British away from the Chesapeake, the French eliminated any hope of rescuing Cornwalliss army. This in turn allowed for the successful siege of Yorktown, which broke the back of British power in the colonies and led to American independence.

Political culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Political culture - Essay Example First of all, the citizens of this country are strongly convinced that any processes that happen in the society should be performed according to the applicable legislation; in other words, the rule of law is one of the most significant elements of it (Sellers and Tomaszewski 88). In addition to that, people believe that they are responsible for electing the government and the President; so, they acknowledge their role in the formation of the political world (Schultz 229). This has important implication as if the government does not act according to the will of the majority it can be dismissed. There is a pair of concepts that often generates heated debates in the society. They are liberty and equality. A part of the population argues that government should never interfere with the private lives, while other are willing to surrender a part of their liberties to feel secured. A good example is the discussion of USA PATRIOT Act after September 11. As for equality, some suggest that all citizens should be recognized as equal and goods and services should be equally distributed, while others favor natural inequality as a result of one’s personal endeavor. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that same sex marriage should be recognized as legal and this contributed to conflicts over the meaning of liberty and equality. A part of the nation argues that marriages as a personal matter and the government cannot dictate who to marry; furthermore, sexual minorities should be seen as equal to ordinary citizens.

The Importance of Research in Assessing Educational System Essay

The Importance of Research in Assessing Educational System - Essay Example Through this process, the mandate on the capability of the administrators to create the most possible ways available to recreate an existing system of teaching for the sake of better learning procedures offered to the stakeholders of the situation, the students. Besides, the research proceedings designed to make the systems better are noted to make great impact on the ways by which teachers apply the efficacy in the profession that they have taken responsibility of. Education has and will always be an important aspect in the society. This idea is mainly true because of the fact that it ensures an individual sense of responsibility and it promotes independence by equipping individuals in the society valuable knowledge and skills for them to survive and become existent to their purpose. In general perspective, education significantly promotes the development and further advancement of the society as a whole by enabling the young people to become knowledgeable individuals capable of enhancing the current lifestyle and culture of the society. Thus, in like manner, the act and concept of teaching is indeed significant since it is one and the major link between education and the society. Teaching in either private or public educational institutions is always perceived to be a great and respectable profession however, challenges and problems also exist in this field. Personally, this author also recognizes the importance of the concept of teaching to the society because of its significant benefits it offers for the individuals seeking knowledge and education. Secular teaching in the established educational institutions is generally considered by this author as a profession that is well honored and valued by the people . However, many problems and issues are still needed to be address and developed to fully recognize the significance of this concept for the society. The constant change in the society then defines the importance of continuously developing the educational systems that are present in the society hence increasing the competence of teaching among the instructors of learning in support to the developments that the human community takes into serious consideration. Believably, the importance of choosing the right research design to assess the community from their willingness to approve the needed adjustments in teaching has a great impact on the manner of educating the society making each curriculum presentations rather comprehensively effective for the learners to grasp. Society has always been increasing and the population and likewise its number of students because of which, facilities in the educational institutions must also be expanded to accommodate the said increase. This author believes that every student has their own right to claim and have access to education thus they must be given a way for

Response Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 12

Response - Assignment Example She goes ahead to introduce her role she plays in the family and reasons as to why she is the bread winner. Her description of their home district and the Capitol is organized in a chronological manner that it creates real images in the readers’ minds. The theme of suffering for pleasure or entertainment is an interesting one since this was the main method used by the government of Panem to show power and might among its citizens. However I also find that though the capitol people were enjoying the hunger games, the people from the other districts were slowly developing defiance and thus the theme of defiance to dictatorship. This is true when the writer describes how she feels about the government in the capitol. An example of this defiance is when the author says, â€Å"Eventually I understood this would only lead us to more trouble. So I learned to hold my tongue and to turn my features into an indifferent mask so that no one could ever read my thoughts†. (Page 6, Chapter 1). The â€Å"thoughts† that Katniss is talking about are those of wanting to defy the government just as she does when she humiliates the government by showing mercy to Rue when she dies which is against the rules of the game, as well as decorat ing her body. This is some form of silent rebellion which the government is unaware of. While the crowd is enjoying the killings, katniss uses the opportunity to show them that there is more than the deaths: she is ready to defy their rules for her

International business memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

International business memo - Essay Example Presented below is an outline of actions that need to be undertaken to successfully enter the Peruvian market. Firstly, it describes the current internal operations of ICC. Secondly, it illustrates relevant actions involving business strategy, form of international business, organisational structure, marketing strategy, IT and supply chain, which are essential for a successful expansion in Peru. This will significantly help in evaluating on whether or not expanding to Peru is an effective strategy for ICC. Objectives: Strategy: Global Orientation provide effective solution to the various chemical needs of clients across different industries effectively and efficiently distribute commodity chemical products to a broad range of industries in larger geographic areas Value Chain Configuration Take advantage of the strategic location of chemical suppliers in America Key Advantages consistently deliver industrial firms with cost efficient and high value chemical products expand distributio n of chemical products from Peru to potential markets in South America efficiently Take advantage of the strength of Industrial Chemicals Corporation maximise the benefit from the relationships with suppliers to deliver high value chemical solutions Key Disadvantage need to invest heavily in ways to increase cooperation and efficiency in the flow of chemical products from US headquarters to Peru Form of International Business Equity Alliance Enter into a strategic partnership with an existing industrial chemical distributor in Peru by gaining a minority ownership of the Peru based chemical distributor avoid exposure to high strategic, operational, and legal business risks Out of 185 countries, Peru got the 43rd spot for the best places for doing business in 2013 (World Bank) Peru ranked 44th based on the 2013 economic freedom indicator, and has the 29th freest economy among the 29 countries in Central and South America (â€Å"Peru†) Potential Problems Weak Ranking in the free dom from corruption Ratings from the freedom from corruption index is very much below the world average ((â€Å"Peru†)) Business Practices of Informal Sector About 70% of firms directly compete with unregistered businesses which is higher than the regional average of 62% (World Bank) Business Culture Differences Time Orientation Time is regarded with flexibility so it is usual to start a meeting late As an investor, it is still important to arrive on time during a business meeting (â€Å"Business Culture,† par. 1) High Power- Distance (â€Å"National Culture Dimensions,† par. 1) Hierarchical form of organisations tend to dominate; decision making is concentrated on the top (â€Å"Business Culture,† par.10) It is essential to conduct business meeting with top executives since they make the key decisions (â€Å"Business Culture,† par.10) Low Individualism (â€Å"National Culture Dimensions,† par. 4) Business relationship reflects their strong preference for collectivism; a reflection of their closely knit family relationships (â€Å"Business Culture,† par. 2) Inquiries on family matters are common during initial stage of business meeting (â€Å"Business Culture,† par. 3) Searching for the best complementary strategic partner: Conduct an analysis on the performance and culture of every potential alliance partner which operates in Peru Key characteristics of an effective strategic partner: Committed and trustworthy potential partner (Mohr & Spekman, 135) Potential

Individual Route - Chartered Engineer Self Assessment Essay

Individual Route - Chartered Engineer Self Assessment - Essay Example This shall be demonstrated through: Taking appropriate Engineering Council examinations until 2011 or Undertaking further qualifications approved by the EI, either in whole or in part, or Undertaking assessed work-based learning approved by the EI, or Submission of a Technical Report, or Any combination of these. Application Process Upon receipt of your application, the Membership Panel (MP) will conduct an initial review of your roles and responsibilities. You will also be required to submit the ICP information and supporting documentation for assessment by the ICP Panel (see page 2). Should the MP assessment and ICP assessment be successful you will be required to complete a Professional Development Review (PDR) Interview. A report from this interview will be made back to the MP. The MP will forward a recommendation to EI’s governing Council and you will be notified of the result. Should the MP concur, on the basis of your PDR and PDR interview, that your roles, responsibili ties and experiences satisfy those required by EI and the Engineering Council you will be elected into membership and registered with the EngC. The schematic diagram below outlines the process. Benchmark academic requirements for registration Education Formal education is the usual, though not the only, way of demonstrating the underpinning knowledge and understanding for professional competence. Underpinning knowledge and understanding The knowledge, understanding and skills to underpin performance are an essential component of competence. The requirements for Chartered Engineer registration shall be exemplified by particular educational qualifications, as follows: either an accredited Bachelors degree with honours in engineering or technology, plus either an appropriate Masters degree accredited or approved by a licensed professional engineering institution, or appropriate further learning to Masters level or an accredited integrated MEng degree. Requirements for assessment by the ICP panel When reviewing your application the ICP Panel will look at all the engineering-based qualifications that you have completed as well as your career history and training record. A profile of such qualifications is listed below to enable you to submit the appropriate information for assessment. The Professional Membership Manager will provide further information about this. In order to review your career history and qualifications against the requirements of an accredited academic programme, the ICP Panel will require: A module breakdown of your qualifications (undergraduate and postgraduate) A syllabus for the qualification(s) A copy of your final year dissertation, project or PhD etc. A completed self assessment form – please see appendix A copy of your membership application and PDR etc. Any other information you feel would support your application If you do not possess the module breakdown(s) and course syllabi for the course(s) you completed, you should obtain th em direct from your university or college. This information should be submitted to the Professional Membership Manager ideally with your application for membership of EI. Completing the self assessment form The academic learning outcomes, listed in the Annex, are taken from the Engineering Council requirements for an

Final Film Critique Momento Mori Research Paper

Final Film Critique Momento Mori - Research Paper Example This might be a straightforward suspense thriller if not for the inversion of the usual chronology of a narrative. Rather than begin with the traumatic event, or early in the story with a few flashbacks to the traumatic event, the movie begins instead at its chronological ending, with Leonard enacting his revenge with the polarizing aid of a Polaroid camera. The story then proceeds in reverse, through a series of events in which each successive event precedes chronologically the event it follows. In effect, the movie mirrors the memory disorder that afflicts its main character. Leonard maintains a pretense of continuity through a series of tattoos that define his identity and his purpose and photographs that provide basic information about the people and objects with which he must interact. Equipped with these two modes of visual inscription, Shelby uses â€Å"habit and routine† to make his â€Å"life possible.† This essay will offer a detailed criticism of the film foc using on three themes: the double constitution of the film's protagonist, the fate of Teddy as decided by the objects around him, and the unique position the audience is placed in if and when they become aware of the climactic â€Å"error† of the film. ... But if his mind suffers from his strange amnesia, his body remains as a canvass on which to archive those questions of identity that haunt the agency lost along with his memory. Some tattoos provide routines by which to self-identify his disorder (â€Å"remember Sally Jankis†) while others provide information (the series of â€Å"Facts†) about the mysterious John G. responsible for his wife’s death. This cognitive road-map is in many was not nearly as striking and fetishized as it seems to be when it first appears on screen; in reality, it represents merely a more dramatic version of the same externalized memory technologies we have depended upon since the origin of writing. We use these external and technological memory systems to help make sense of the world around us, given that there is so much of the world we do not understand and far too much of the world for us to ever easily remember. In a book titled Impossible Exchange, Jean Baudrillard argues that huma nity, unable to deal with the radical uncertainty of the world, attempts instead to liquidate it, â€Å"to destroy it by substituting an artificial one, built from scratch, a world for which we do not have to account to anyone† (2001, p. 14). Given the doubts we have about the world, we prefer to find solace in the â€Å"simulacra and simulations† of places like Disney or religion or particular versions of history (Baudrillard, 1994), rather than face the reality that we do not know any of these things for sure. This is exactly what takes place in Memento with Shelby's tattoo work. Thus, Shelby’s attempt to use his skin as a place to store his memory is not as remarkable for its strangeness as it is for its banality: in a culture defined by the seasonal rotation of

Individual Route - Chartered Engineer Self Assessment Essay

Individual Route - Chartered Engineer Self Assessment - Essay Example This shall be demonstrated through: Taking appropriate Engineering Council examinations until 2011 or Undertaking further qualifications approved by the EI, either in whole or in part, or Undertaking assessed work-based learning approved by the EI, or Submission of a Technical Report, or Any combination of these. Application Process Upon receipt of your application, the Membership Panel (MP) will conduct an initial review of your roles and responsibilities. You will also be required to submit the ICP information and supporting documentation for assessment by the ICP Panel (see page 2). Should the MP assessment and ICP assessment be successful you will be required to complete a Professional Development Review (PDR) Interview. A report from this interview will be made back to the MP. The MP will forward a recommendation to EI’s governing Council and you will be notified of the result. Should the MP concur, on the basis of your PDR and PDR interview, that your roles, responsibili ties and experiences satisfy those required by EI and the Engineering Council you will be elected into membership and registered with the EngC. The schematic diagram below outlines the process. Benchmark academic requirements for registration Education Formal education is the usual, though not the only, way of demonstrating the underpinning knowledge and understanding for professional competence. Underpinning knowledge and understanding The knowledge, understanding and skills to underpin performance are an essential component of competence. The requirements for Chartered Engineer registration shall be exemplified by particular educational qualifications, as follows: either an accredited Bachelors degree with honours in engineering or technology, plus either an appropriate Masters degree accredited or approved by a licensed professional engineering institution, or appropriate further learning to Masters level or an accredited integrated MEng degree. Requirements for assessment by the ICP panel When reviewing your application the ICP Panel will look at all the engineering-based qualifications that you have completed as well as your career history and training record. A profile of such qualifications is listed below to enable you to submit the appropriate information for assessment. The Professional Membership Manager will provide further information about this. In order to review your career history and qualifications against the requirements of an accredited academic programme, the ICP Panel will require: A module breakdown of your qualifications (undergraduate and postgraduate) A syllabus for the qualification(s) A copy of your final year dissertation, project or PhD etc. A completed self assessment form – please see appendix A copy of your membership application and PDR etc. Any other information you feel would support your application If you do not possess the module breakdown(s) and course syllabi for the course(s) you completed, you should obtain th em direct from your university or college. This information should be submitted to the Professional Membership Manager ideally with your application for membership of EI. Completing the self assessment form The academic learning outcomes, listed in the Annex, are taken from the Engineering Council requirements for an

Management - Elements of Decision Making Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management - Elements of Decision Making - Essay Example Management helps to overcome these problems at the time of making any effective decision (Monahan, 2000). In this paper, the complex problem of ethical concerns especially in decision-making relating to quality assurance and determining competitive market price will be taken into concern. Ethical Concerns in Decision-Making Every managerial decision affects the performances of the organizations by a considerable level. In general, ethical concerns in decision-making involve conflicts of interest in which individuals had to select and implement their own ideas. The issues relating to shareholders, customers as well as companies can be considered as one of the important ethical concerns in decision-making. Moreover, the other imperative ethical concerns particularly in decision-making encompass misuse of available resources, intimidating behavior of the individuals, discrimination, environmental issues, fraud, intellectual property rights along with privacy related issues. It can be st ated these ethical concerns can harm the overall performances of a company by a greater extent (Ferrell, Fraedrich & Ferrell, 2012). Significant Areas of Ethical Concerns in Decision-Making There are certain crucial areas of ethical concerns in decision-making. ... In this competitive market, the organizations often face the challenge to provide quality products at a lesser price. The organizations must ensure the deliverance of quality products to their valuable customers by considering the significant ethical concern of price. The decision-making about the ethical concern towards pricing might support an organization to compete with its chief business market competitors at large (Harinder, Attracta, & Jimmie, 2004). Competitive Market Marketing decisions that undertakes by different organizations are considered to be quite uncertain. It has been viewed that the organizations determine competitive market price while offering their different products to the customers with the intention of attaining superior competitive position over the chief business market participants. With regard to the ethical concerns in decision-making, the organizations should remain fair in setting the prices of the products (Erkan & Tunker, 2007). Critical Evaluation From the overall analysis, it can be comprehended that management plays an imperative role in the process of decision-making. It possesses certain critical barriers that could be overcome. The decisions that adopts by the managers on behalf of an organization ultimately observed to affect the purchasing behavior of the customers and its overall performances. In relation to determine the ethical concern in decision-making, it is quite important for the business managers to keep in mind the interests of the people involved with the company. Apart from these, the organizations also need to keep in mind certain other major aspects that include issues related to business, production as well as marketing that will ultimately benefit the company in the long run. In addition, the

Definition Of Juvenile Delinquency Criminology Essay

Definition Of Juvenile Delinquency Criminology Essay This chapter includes the basic definition as to who is considered to be juvenile delinquent and there is an in-depth look of the different theories together with the various causes of juvenile delinquency. Academics within the discipline have regarded juvenile delinquency differently. Therefore, there are a multitude theories and factors concerning this social plague but not a single answer as how to curb it. Many theories have been propounded and can be classifies as follows: Biological Theory Rational Choice Theory Labelling Theory Strain Theory Social Disorganization Differential Association 2.1.1 Definition of juvenile delinquency When you input the word juvenile delinquency in your search engine, you will get the answer as antisocial or criminal behaviour by children or adolescents. Juvenile delinquency is a social phenomenon and may have the definition of young children being involve in felonious and criminal activities. Delinquent acts are a special category of deviant acts. Every deviant act involves the violation of social rules that regulate the behaviour of participants in a social system (Cloward and Ohlin, 1960). Worldwide, criminal acts of young persons are referred to as juvenile delinquency (Cohen, 1964). In the US, since the 1980s, juvenile delinquency has often been referred to as youth offences. The age at which juveniles legally become adults differs from country to country, but in most states, young people are considered juveniles until the age of 18 years (Clements, 1987, cited in Mzinyathi, 1992). In Mauritius people are considered juveniles until the age of 18. However, some countries set the limit at the age of 16 or 17. 2.2 The Biological Theory This theory states that the biogenetic factors are the key causes of behavioural changes in young people. It draws a link between behaviour and hormones. The presence of testosterone hormone is a strong predictor of sexual motivation and influences boys in their behaviour. The lack of oestrogen in girls can lead to depression and to react in negative moods. An undeniable fact is that most illegal rebellious acts are disproportionately carried out by young men. While girls are regarded as soft and tender, boys are regarded as strong and aggressive. Attempts in expressing ones masculinity may be a factor to be involved in illegal activities  [1]  . Being vigorous, powerful and to show ones prowess may be a way for young boys to express their masculinity. Acting out these ideals may make young men more likely to engage in antisocial and criminal behaviour  [2]  . Other than biological factors, the way parents behave with young boys may make them more susceptible to offending. According to a study which appeared in the Journal of Genetic Psychology September 2008, there exists a significant association between an affinity for antisocial peer groups and a particular variation called the 10-repaet allele of the dopamine transporter genes (DAT1). Florida State University criminologist M. Kevin Beamer conducted a study whereby adolescent males who possess a certain type of variation in a specific gene are more likely to flock to delinquent peers  [3]  . 2.3 The Rational Choice Theory Seeing an increase in the recorded rate of juvenile delinquency and the failure of rehabilitation purposes, researchers emerged with the Rational Choice Theory  [4]  . According to this research, offenders are motivated in committing any delinquent act when they decide to violate the rules and regulations after considering their personal interests, i.e, self-interest, learning experiences and personal values. For researchers in this domain, the causes of crime lie within the offender rather than in their external environment. This theory stresses on the act of engaging in delinquent activity rather than on the delinquent act itself. It is believed that before choosing to commit a non-conforming act, the deviant evaluates the seriousness and the degree of the punishment and the risk of apprehension. Moreover, the value of the felonious act as seen by the peer group and the extent the personal needs of the delinquent is taken into consideration by the latter. It cannot be denied that young people will indulge in deviant activities if they do not fear punishment and the risk of being apprehended. 2.4 Labelling Theory An act may become delinquent only if it is perceived and considered as delinquent. It may have been done for the first time and is known as a primary deviance. The person may be consequently punished for this misbehaviour. He is given an official label and is considered a as a thug. From then onwards, all his acts are viewed from a different perspective. According to Labelling Theory, once young people have been labelled as criminal they are more prone to offend. All those who are labelled as such are expected to behave accordingly. Once labelled as deviant, a youth may accept that role and be more likely to associate with others who have been similarly labelled  [5]  . The young person ends up by accepting the label imposed upon him and develops a deviant self-image  [6]  . Labelling theorists say that male children from poor families are more likely to be labelled deviant and that this may partially why there are more lower-class young male offenders  [7]  . The crux of labelling perspective lies not in whether ones norm violating behaviour is known but whether others decided to do something about it.  [8]   Any form of social reaction to delinquency may therefore amplify it rather than reduce it. 2.5 The Strain Theory Robert Merton (1968) has carried out an analysis where he felt that there are institutionalized paths to success in society. He came up with two concepts: ends and means. The ends are the goals that one tries to achieve when indulging in any kind of social behaviour. The main ends are money, possessions, status, power and an affluent standard of living. They can be achieved by conforming. People have accepted the ends and try to achieve them by legitimate means. The means would refer to the methods used to reach the goals. Strain Theory stresses that crime is mostly caused by people having difficulty in achieving socially valued goals by legitimate means, i.e, people who live in poverty. Example: A conformist means of obtaining wealth and status is by high educational attainment and securing well paid job. However, a delinquent means can be used to achieve the ends and this could be by robbing a bank, i.e, by bending the means he seeks to attain the desired ends. Merton has classified this dilemma into five stages: Innovation At this stage, delinquents accept the conforming goals but are unable to achieve them by the socially approved means. They use deviant methods which may or may not gain the approval of the society. Ritualism The deviants are not capable of achieving the conformist goals at this stage. They lose sight of the goals but continue to conform to the socially approved means. Retreatism These people reject the society and its values. They do not have faith in both the means and the ends and give up both. This is due mainly to failures experienced earlier and in almost all quarters- homes, school and work. E.g, drug addicts. Conformity At this particular stage people conform to both the systems means and goals. Rebellion Some people reject both the approved goals and means and replace them by a new system of acceptable ends and means. E.g, the socialists idea of redistribution of wealth in a capitalist economy or the activities of a religious group like Hare Rama Hare Krishna Mission in an Arab country. The extreme case may be the terrorists who reject the society and along with it the institutions and the rules. They seek to replace them by their own society through deviant means, usually rebellion. 2.6 Social Disorganization This theory generally focuses on the culture. Criminological theory attributes variation in crime and delinquency to the absence or breakdown of communal institutions, e.g, family. The personality of the child is affected due to poor or defective relationship with and between parents and being subject to frequent humiliations. Parents have been aggressive, disrupting frequently, using abusive language and are living separately in certain cases. A research carried out by Olweus (1995) shows the following factors can affect the development of a child during the course of his growing up  [9]  : Lack of emotional involvement by parents at early age Parents do not set limits to the degree of deviance tolerable Discipline being too strict by parents who use a rigidly authoritarian type of upbringing There are certain open causes in the family, which encourage behavioural deviations. These can be because of alcoholism or drug usage, bad examples of elders and an unorganised or asocial home. There are concealed causes which include some problems within the family and are hidden from outside. The symptoms of these problems are shown by the childs behaviours. All these lead us to suppose that there are families, which seem to produce children with behavioural deviations deviations or where the socialisation process is abnormal. 2.7 Differential Association With industrialisation, the family has witnessed various changes in its structures. The process has created a lot of instability in the family causing some form of disintegration. It cannot put into operation many of its fundamental functions as an institution. In the process of modernisation it is the young people who often have to bear the cost of the change. The family is incapable of providing the basic element of security to the young generation. The school, too, is not in a position to provide that care. It has become more like an A producing factory which is in one way the requirement for better jobs. The youngsters are uncertain about their position and try to find other shelters for security and stability. They turn towards the peer group, which plays an important role in compensation for the family and school. The delinquents form a common group and seek the support of each other. The theory of Differential Association suggests youngsters are motivated to commit crimes by delinquent peers and learn criminal skills from them. The peer group is able to exert a lot of influence on young people. It is very powerful; it helps to produce tendencies towards disintegration, which can result into various forms of deviant acts. Young people are unstable, uncertain and have problems of adaptation. They see their future prospects less bright, competition becoming tougher and social relationships being less stable  [10]  . In these conditions, it is most probable that they will come across other young people who are mentally and socially insecure. It forms a vicious circle. Altogether they will find solutions to their problems by going against the normal channel. The Differential Association Theory deals with young people in a group context and looks at how peer pressure and the existence of gangs could lead them into crime. Deviance is a means of coming to terms with anomic situations and also represents, if there are no alternative means of proving oneself, to make clear and excessive demanding clear and- even if only briefing- understable in a single act. Delinquency is therefore a reaction by young people to the process of disintegration and anomie in all social fields. 2.8 Causes of Juvenile Delinquency Every society has certain modes of behaviour to be acceptable or rebellious in nature from the very first civilisation. Every deviant act involves the violation of social system (Cloward and Ohlin, 1960). Researchers the world over have long debated the various causes of delinquency. Yet juvenile delinquency continues to be a salient topic and no single cause has been able to answer as to what leads a juvenile to become delinquent, Delinquency should not be seen as a surprising phenomenon but as something all adolescents will participate in unless obstacles are placed in their paths by a disapproving society.  [11]   Glasser (1965) believes a youth may become deviant if his lifestyle is based upon consistently meeting ones needs in such a way that it deprives others of the ability to meet their needs. Behavioural specialists indicate that socio-economic conditions like poverty hold a key importance in a youngsters life. Furthermore, peer pressure makes young people more vulnerable to conform to certain values and norms which are not socially acceptable. Other theorists believe experience of a childhood trauma such as child abuse and family dysfunctioning lead youngsters to be indulged in criminal activities. This chapter will address some of the factors and their attempts to explain why some young people are more susceptible to deviant behaviour. 2.8.1 Family structure and delinquency According to Wright and Wright (1994) the family is the foundation of human society. As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world we live in, said Pope John Paul II Norms, values, model of behaviour emanate from the family unit and these factors create an internalised blueprint for the childs personality, beliefs and attitudes  [12]  . Families can teach children to be aggressive, antisocial and violent (Wright and Wright 1994). Family Dysfunctioning Gorman-Smith and Tolan (1998) state that parental aggressiveness and parental conflict predict violent offending; whereas, lack of maternal affection and paternal criminality predict involvement in property crimes  [13]  . There is a strong link between delinquency and familial antisocial behaviour and family conflict. Children are more bent to violence if there is violence between relationships that they share with their family  [14]  . Amato and Sobolewski indicated associations between exposure to parental divorce and marital discord while growing and childrens psychological distress in adulthood  [15]  . Communication Communication plays a pivotal role in the functioning of family. As stated by Clark and Shields (1997) effective communication is important for optimal family functioning as it can have major implications for delinquent behaviour  [16]  . With continuous family communication in a compassionate and non-judgemental tones will make children feel understood and accepted leading to a positive self-image and higher sense of self-esteem. Parental Monitoring Monitoring becomes necessary as children moves into adolescence as the latter spend more time with peers than under the supervision of parents. Kim et al. showed that coercive parental and lack of monitoring leads directly not only to antisocial behaviours but also contributes to increase peer association which is predictive of higher levels of delinquency. However, it is also seen that when parents are too strict and maintain a harsh monitoring, adolescents are likely to 2.8.2 Peer influence Peer pressure can influence a childs behaviour just as the family can. When youths face lack of social support and response from their families and communities, they turn to their peer groups for support  [17]  . The peer group is an adolescents main source of social interaction. According to Agnew (1991) and Lamson(1993) juveniles substitute peer groups for parents when they see the latter as uncaring. Spending time with deviant peers exerts much pressure on the youth to adopt the same behaviour  [18]  . Weak bonding to conventional peers lead to association with deviant peers which results into initiation or aggravation of delinquent behaviour  [19]  . 2.8.3 Educational experiences Education is instrumental in this competitive environment, for instance, what we call the rat-race in Mauritius, to find a respectable source of income and to survive. High level of education for survive is responsible for changes in crimes and delinquency rates  [20]  . There is a well-established correlation between school failure and deviancy  [21]   Difficulty in the school environment often contributed to truancy and more serious offences  [22]  . School environment may shape a youth sense of opportunity and self-worth. In Mauritius, academic achievement is one of the principal stepping stone towards success. Socio-economic and demographic factors also impact on educational opportunities and performance  [23]  . For instance, in Mauritius educational environments are not always the same. It is apparent in underclass environment, e.g, outskirts of cities like Roche Bois where education is usually not a strong norm of behaviour. Moreover, school dropout and poor academic achievers are more likely to be involved in criminal acts. 2.8.4 Socio-economic class The gap between the rich and the poor is widening. According to Merton (1968), children from poor families do not have sufficient means to achieve status, employment, etc. hence, they turn to criminal behaviour to achieve the same things, i.e, through ways not being accepted by the society. Juvenile delinquency is influenced by the negative consequences of social and economic development. Furthermore, unemployment among youngsters can increase the likelihood of their involvement in illegal activity. 2.8.5 Trauma A grim reality in our modern world is that many young people are abused and traumatized every day. The abuse, whatever its nature, may have a long-lasting and profound effect on a youths life. Numerous studies over the past 10 years have shown a clear relationship between youth victimization and a variety of problems in later life, including mental health problems, substance abuse, impaired social relationships, suicide and delinquency.  [24]   2.9 Juvenile delinquency in Mauritius In Mauritius, delinquency includes conduct that is antisocial, dangerous, or harmful to the goals or norms of the society. The Brigade pour la protection des mineurs, a unit at the MPF, is specialized in the detection and prevention of juvenile delinquency. In 2011, around 700 juvenile offenders were involved in crime and misdemeanours, of whom 300 in assaults and 130 in thefts. About 800 juveniles were contravened for road traffic offences. 2.9.1 Juvenile offenders The juvenile delinquency rate (excluding contraventions) was 5.8 per 1,000 juvenile population in 2011 compared to 5.2 in 2010. The rate for boys (10.6) was much higher than that for girls (0.9) in 2011. In fact, juvenile delinquency rate has been rising for the past years: from 1.0 in 2000 to 5.8 per 1,000 juvenile population in 2011. According to experts in criminology, this rising trend has a direct link with the rise in the number of family issues (e.g. divorce, domestic violence, etc). Table 1.1 Juvenile offences reported, Republic of Mauritius, 2010 2011 Number 2010 2011 Juvenile offences 1,348 1,518 Juvenile offenders 1,395 1,572 Juvenile delinquency rate per 1,000 juvenile population 5.2 5.8 (Juvenile delinquency rate excludes contraventions) 2.9.2 Juveniles convictions in court (a) Around 300 convictions involved juveniles in 2011; almost three quarter of the sentences were fines. (b) A significant rise was noted in the number of convictions involving juveniles, with a fourfold increase since 2007 (from 75 in 2007 to 300 in 2011). Juvenile detainees Overview of juvenile detention Low but rising number of juveniles being sent on remand Male juvenile offenders are either admitted to Correctional Youth Centre (CYC) or Rehabilitation Youth Centre (RYC) according to the gravity of the cases and age of the offender. Those who commit serious offences are sent to CYC. However, all female juvenile/child offenders are sent to RYC as there is no CYC for female juveniles. Child/ juveniles beyond control are also sent to probation homes. The conviction rate (CYC RYC) per 100,000 juveniles was 22 in 2011 compared to 28 in 2010. Correctional Youth Centre (CYC) The CYC is under the aegis of the Mauritius Prisons Services. Male juvenile offenders aged 14 to 17 years old are admitted to CYC. (a) In 2011, the daily average population of detainees in CYC was 5 convicts and 20 remands. (b) More than three quarter of the 18 juvenile convicts admitted to CYC in 2011 had committed theft. Table 5.3 Juvenile detainees admitted to CYC, Republic of Mauritius, 2010 2011 Number Detainees 2010 2011 Convicts 24 18 Assault 1 1 Sodomy 1 1 Theft 14 14 Other offences 8 2 Remand 129 149 Total 153 167 Rehabilitational Youth Centre (RYC) The RYC is under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity and Reform Institutions. Child/ juvenile offenders aged 10 to 17 years old are admitted to RYC. (a) In 2011, the daily average population of RYC comprised 30 convicts (20 girls and 10 boys) and 10 remands (5 girls and 5 boys). (b) The number of juveniles admitted to RYC in 2011 was 161. Out of them:  · 131 were on remand and 30 were convicts,  · 23 were admitted as child/juvenile beyond control, of whom 19 were girls and 4 boys. Table 5.4 Juvenile detainees admitted to RYC, Republic of Mauritius, 2010 2011 Number Cases 2010 2011 Male Female Total Male Female Total Convicts 6 10 16 9 21 30 Sexual offences 1 0 1 2 0 2 Theft 1 1 2 1 1 2 Other cases 4 9 13 6 20 26 of which child/juvenile beyond control 4 9 13 4 19 23 Remand 48 56 104 71 60 131 Total 54 66 120 80 81 161 Probation homes/hostels Juveniles/children beyond control are also sent to probation homes/hostels under the aegis of the Probation and After-care Services. (a) In 2011, a daily average of 9 juveniles/children stayed (5 boys and 4 girls) in probation homes/ hostels (b) About 15 juveniles were admitted in probation homes in both 2010 and 2011. Other juvenile sentencing (a) Some 53 juveniles (up from 93 in 2010) were sentenced with probation orders in 2011, of whom 52 boys. (b) The number of juveniles were committed to community service work was 3 in 2011 compared to 8 in 2010.

Through the Emergency Room and on to Medical School Essays -- Medicine

Through the Emergency Room and on to Medical School    Thirty years ago when my parents left behind a comfortable life in South America to pursue opportunities that would truly change their lives, they had no idea they would be foreshadowing the recent events of my life. After working for two years as an engineer, I have realized something that I had suspected all along: I do not belong in the world of business or engineering. I need to be in a profession in which I can establish unique relationships with people by having a positive impact on their lives.    Oddly enough, my relationship with medicine began at an early age, as a twelve year old asthmatic, living in a house with two dogs (that I insisted on having). As a result, whenever I got sick, my respiratory situation was quick to decline, which inevitably led to frequent trips to the local emergency room. In one particular situation, I was admitted to the ICU with a pnuemothorax. While I do not recall the names of the doctors or nurses who cared for me over the next several days, I have come to recognize that their anonymous efforts may very well have saved my life. Naturally, this is not something immediately recognized as a child, but there is no doubt that I was walking a thin line between life and death.    As I got older, I started working at jobs where I had a lot of interaction with people. While attending the university, I worked as a Lifeguard Instructor, a Swim Instructor, and a CPR/First Aide Instructor. In these capacities, I touched the lives of other people in a positive manner, but I had yet to link this with a possible career in medicine. I believe this stemmed from three factors. First, nobody in my family was involved in the hea... ...ithdraw from school in the Fall of 1994. Since then, I have regained control of my financial situation, and I have resumed working on my Bachelor of Science in Biology . My current goal is to finish my Biology degree prior to the start of medical school in the Fall of 1996.    For the first time in my academic and professional career, I am sincerely interested and excited about what is yet to come. This is not to imply that I am displeased with the amount of time it took me to make the decision to pursue medical school After all, there are many people who never end up in a satisfying career. I believe my past experiences are propelling me forward with a sense of enthusiasm and conviction which will translate into the formation of a competent and humane doctor. Perhaps, someday, I will be the anonymous face that helps a twelve year old boy in his time of need.

Religion is Unnecessary Essay -- essays research papers

Religion is Unnecessary Overall Introduction: What is Religion? According to Atheism.com Religion is the set of beliefs, feelings, dogmas and practices that define the relations between human being and sacred or divinity. Religion supposedly gives a person an identity and relationship. Religion deals with answers to identity-forming questions such as Selfhood - "Who am I?" "Where did I come from?" Meaning - "Why am I?" "Where will I go when I die?" Purpose - "What do I do?" "What is the purpose of life? No particular religion is ever really ONLY one type of dimension, but is rather a complex whole. The Ritual dimension is what believers DO! Rituals provide believers with a symbolic mode of communication designed to propel them out of ordinary experience and into extraordinary realities; Rituals are often based on the myths contained in a given worldview. Believers feel called upon to do what their great leaders did. Thus, Christians celebrate the ritual of the Last Supper (the Eucharist) just as Jesus did almost 2,000 years ago. And in participating in this unique, myth-based ritual, a full-on Christian is brought back into authentic Christian experience, which will be the basis of our discussion today, if such Dimension and others is necessary. My Introduction: Religion is the biggest killer of all time, with many countries being destroyed. The reason is simple. A religion that allows its faithful to "stray...

Language diversity Essay

I understand â€Å"language diversity’ to refer to the use of a vast range of different languages (an expression of communication). In the case of the prescribed article, this is applied in the context of South Africa as a country. It is our cultural diversity and by extension, our â€Å"rainbow nation† image that is one of the first things foreigners associate with us as a country†¦ well, that and Madiba and Bafana-Bafana. It is an image we sell to the world, of the once divided country who overcame the crippling stigma of apartheid to rise as one people, one nation. This is one reason why it is so painful to see the statistics listed in the article, that a staggering third of the people who participated in the study felt threatened by other cultures. The study attributed this partially to the large number of people in this country who fall into the lower income bracket, who may not necessarily come into contact with other cultures. While I accept that this may be the case in some instances, I find it very difficult to see this as the main, contributing factor. Apart from our rainbow nation image, South Africa has a reputation for being the land of possibilities. Where other countries may turn a blind eye to the suffering in other parts of the world, leaders like Desmond Tutu and Madiba have never been afraid of speaking up about the injustices done to people. We have become a country of refuge, for people who simply cannot survive in their own country of origin. The incidents that have been reported in the news recently show us that there is definitely a feeling of being threatened by other cultures. Foreign owned businesses under attack and people fleeing for their lives. One cannot attribute this to not having contact with other cultures. I think it is a combination of factors, one of the most pressing being the overwhelming levels of poverty we see in these communities. Desperation breeds intolerance and ultimately, violence. Another is the legacy that has been left behind by apartheid. Fear and discrimination of differences. In the light of the present political climate, it is people like the Greaves family who may just be the example we look to; of how we need to move forward as a nation. People who do not let culture and race be the determining factor in who they choose to love and call their own; who embrace the unifying element of humanity over other dividing differences, as difficult a process as it may be. Taking the step to adopt across cultural and colour divides would present many challenges and questions like these could be raised: 1. How do families who adopt children from a different language background cope? I imagine that it must be a very difficult process for both the child concerned and the family, to assimilate oneself into a different culture. Different language and cultural backgrounds determine not only the spoken word, but our behaviour. Older children especially, who have been raised in one culture and then removed and placed in another, could have major problems adjusting and miss-communication between the members of the new family unit could occur. Language and culture are intertwined, and something as simple as lowering one’s gaze in the presence of an elder out of respect could be misinterpreted as insolence, or fear, etc. This is just one example of why it is so important for prospective parents to research and learn about the culture surrounding the children they would like to adopt. An article I read online (find at: http://family.findlaw.com/adoption) suggested some creative ways for adoptive parents who want to create a family life more inclusive of their child’s culture/language. Some of these suggestions included: Becoming members and participating in multi-cultural support groups Participating in religious services. Researching and including food and festivals into family life. Learning the child’s birth language. Placing the child in a school environment that encourages and celebrates cultural diversity, with students across the culture spectrum. How do people deal with the issue of multiple languages in the same family? Multilingual families are formed for many different reasons. There is the monolingual family who deliberately introduce a new language into their home and lives as they feel it enriches them as people; the family who emigrates and therefore has to learn the new language of their new home, or the family unit where both parents come from different language backgrounds. Then there  is the case of the multilingual family who learn a new language as a result of it being their adoptive child’s home language and the child learning theirs. Christina Bosemark, founder of the Multilingual Children’s Association, suggests the following ways where multilinguism in a family can not only be managed, but fostered: 1. Both parents should be in full agreement of which languages will be spoken in the family home. It could be detrimental to the family dynamics if an insecure parent feels excluded by virtue of his/her spouse speaking to their child in a language that he/she doesn’t understand. 2. While it is an exciting prospect to learn a new language, one needs to remain realistic about the time it will take. Research indicates that children need to be exposed to a new language on average of 30% of their day, in order to be fully conversational in it and to learn the finer nuances of it. 3. Create a plan and follow it. If the parents are learning their adoptive child’s language of origin, they need to figure out the best way for them to do so and move forward with it. Conversational language classes, formal lessons, etc. If it is the child who is learning a new language, look at the age of the child and their interests as a starting point on which methods may be best for them. Younger children learn best in context to their real-world life, their environment. Immersing themselves in the new language, speaking and being spoken to in it; is often the best way for them to learn it speedily. Teenagers learn differently to younger children. It is important that they be able to choose the learning methods best for them. Most do not learn in a linear fashion anymore due to the digital world they have been brought up with, this should be a point considered when deciding on the best methods moving forward. 4. Networking is not only a domain of the workplace. Building a support network with other individuals who are also raising their children in the same languages as you are, are an invaluable asset. Apart from providing emotional support and sharing knowledge, your children will benefit from learning the language from others their own age through play-dates. Research constantly shows us that children learn best through play, so books, movies, toys, etc., in the new language are fantastic  educational tools. 5. Lastly, patience is the greatest virtue when embarking on such a difficult journey. I presume there would be many hurdles on the path to a happy, truly multilingual family. For every setback, it is important to remind oneself about the bigger picture. If a plan is not working, never be afraid to re-examine and work out alternatives. All families are not the same and what works for one may not for another. Is adoption across cultural, ethnic and language divides a good thing? This question is obviously very loaded, not to mention, an extremely subjective one. I think that it boils down to the particular couple doing the adopting. People like the Greaves family obviously do not think that the colour of a person’s skin defines them as an individual; nor is it something to consider when it comes to the choice of whom to love. However, not all people feel the same way. Research shows that for many South African couples, the choice of adopting a child from another culture is based on availability. Statistically, there are more children from black backgrounds and for some reason, coloured boys, not girls; than there are white, Indian, Chinese, etc. People looking to adopt within their race can be put on a waiting list for years before they can find the baby of their choosing, if at all. From my own family, I know of a few people who have chosen to go the adoptive route, after having tried unsuccessfully to have children of their own. One couple flew to Pakistan and went through the costly and long wait to adopt a baby who would fit into their Indian-Muslim family, a child who wouldn’t raise eyebrows in their community. Another distant cousin flew to Chechnya to adopt. She adopted two boys, at 4 year intervals. In her case, the process was even longer and even more expensive. Her first son was adopted as an infant but the second son was adopted at the age of 5. He had memories of his first family and the war-torn country he had grown up in. Also, he had lived in an orphanage for  the last two years of his life and had become, like many children do, â€Å"institutionalised† in his demeanour and behaviour. Back in South Africa, they struggled to help him with processing his insecurities and difficulties. At meal times he would eat until he became physically ill because as much as they reassured him that they would always have food available, his memories of near starvation haunted him. His adoptive mother tried everything to get him to bond with her and see her as a parent but beyond acknowledging them as a provider to his physical needs, he refused to engage with her and her husband. After many, many years of therapy and work, they are now in a much stronger place as a family. I have heard the reasoning, of how it places a lot of pressure on parents and their adoptive children when there are race differences within a family. Of the communities that can be cruel and the challenges it presents. I remember when an Indian, Muslim friend of mine and her husband adopted a little black boy. An old aunt of hers wept openly, and implored her to consider the consequences of her actions. When her son grew up, her aunt reasoned, who in their community would give their daughter’s hand to him in marriage? I hear the reasoning but personally speaking, I applaud the couples and individuals who do it anyway. If we are truly going to build a better world where we see people as people and not as merely a representative of a particular faction, it starts with families like these. Success and happiness are surely sweeter when one knows that one had to work at gaining it. And there are many advantages to having a family that is multicultural too. In response to any bias they may face from outsiders, probabilities are that a family that is multicultural will be a very close one with the children feeling very supported by their parents. Children from these homes are taught acceptance and tolerance of differences. Research shows that children who grow up in a multi-lingual home develop the ability to be flexible in their thinking abilities, probably as a result of receiving and processing information in more than one language. People who come from  multi-cultural homes are often rich in heritage and multi-faceted in character. The question to adopt across divisions is ultimately a very personal one. A person should look very carefully at who they are as individuals before taking the leap. As difficult as it may be though, I’m sure any family who have done so will tell you that the wonderful family they created was definitely worth the challenges they faced. Bibliography of articles researched: 1. http://www.omniglot.com/language/articles/bilingualkids1.htm 2. http://www.omniglot.com/language/articles/bilingualkids1.htm 3. http://princessa.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-raise-multilingual-children 4. http://www.adoption.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62:story5&catid=12:adoptive-parents-&Itemid=83 5. http://babiesinmind.co.za/adoptions 6. http://adamcap.com/schoolwork/the-pros-and-cons-of-intermarriage/ http://ddeubel.edublogs.org/2010/08/02/the-teenaged-language-learner/ http://termcoord.eu/2014/02/age-factor-second-language-acquisition/ 7. http://family.findlaw.com/adoption)