Monday, September 30, 2019

The Ways to Prevent Influences of Rock Music on Teenagers

The subject of rock has been controversial and a source of conflict between parents and children ever since it first appeared on the scene in the mid 1950’s. When Elvis Presley performed on the Ed Sullivan Show for the first time in 1956, the cameras only showed him from the waist up, because adults were offended by the way he shook his hips. The kids loved it! When the Beatles arrived in the mid 1960’s, parents were shocked again this time by the mop-top haircuts. But young people were swept away by the infectious enthusiasm of their music.After the Beatles, more shocks were in store as groups like the Rolling Stones and the Animals popularized a more coarse, gritty, and vulgar style of blues-influenced rock. Rock and Roll has a major impact on our society and the way people acted. Early on the issues of cars, school, dating, and clothing, and the famous artists or bands that are singing them could really influence the minds of young kids. A lot of the songs would also talk about events or conflicts that people listening could relate too.Topics such as sex and drugs that were pretty much unacceptable in the 1950s were starting to be in songs in the 1960s and 1970s, and now today rock artists such as Marilyn Manson sings about everything. Eventhough rock music is one of the arts that promotes creativity and expression, it still has negative effects on our society today, especially among teenagers. The first effect that we can see are rock music is a genre of music that uses guitar, drum and bass, which contribute to its noisy music.Not only that, the most negative part of rock music is its heavy metallic sound, which unconsciously makes its listeners violent. Rock music can cause a phenomenon called nerve jamming which is similar to hypnosis. Rock music also an often-cited example in this case is that of a sixteen-year-old boy in Texas, U. S. A who was taken into a trance like state while listening to rock song that he became violent and unconscio usly murdered his aunt.After hearing the negative effects of the rock music, do we as parents would just sit idly by and continue to let the youth drift with rock music that turned out to have an adverse effect on them? Parents always want the best for their children. Thereby, there are several ways to control and prevent this problem from becoming rampant in our society, especially the youth who always need guidance and advice. The first ways that you can do as a parents to prevent the problem is monitor your children's music the same way you supervise their use of television, videos, and the Internet.Developmental psychologists and other researchers who study the effect of media on children have found that parents who are involved in all their children's media choices have a great impact on taming its potentially destructive effects, such as encouraging aggressive behavior and reinforcing negative stereotypes about women and men. Luckily, as parents of young children, you are like ly to be involved in buying the tapes or CDs, or borrowing them from the library, so music choices should be easy to monitor. But remember. The monitoring should be done on an ongoing basis.There are other ways you-can maintain control such as stay involved and listen to your child's music choices with him. If you find something objectionable, clearly explain in specifics why you're concerned so that he begins to understand that you're not just being mean and also you have valid reasons and particular values that you'd like him to understand and adopt. Also, don't make the mistake of dismissing your child to his room to listen in private to music you don't like: The more privacy he has, the less control and awareness you have.You also must to make sure the rules apply to everyone. One way that young children are often exposed to music that may not be appropriate for their ears is through older siblings (and parents). If you don't want your 6-year-old listening to music that offends you, you probably don't want your older kids listening to it, either. Lastly, you can share your favorite selections with your child and make an effort to appreciate his music. Encouraging your child to explore different kinds of music is likely to benefit him in many ways.In fact, our research shows that children whose parents introduce them to, and encourage them to listen to, a variety of music do better in school. Teenagers tend to get their style of dress from musicians that they like. Singers and songwriters have always set the tone for fashion trends. The music and fashion industry have become so intertwined that recording artists are now using their fame to sell their own fashion line of clothing. The rock fashion including black nail polish, waist chains and black makeup fashions are from rock music.For example Sleeveless T-Shirts Rock Band became very popular sense awesome bands like AC / DC, Metallica, Poison, Ratt, Ozzy & others made prototypes all the Rage. The band Nir vana brought the Grundge look to the masses in the 90's. Although this look started out in the city of Seattle, USA, it quickly became a popular fad. Even now in our country, we can see that young children wearing head skin pants, leather jackets, cut rock hair style and so on, where they take advantage of clothing shows how the singer or bands that they like. Follow clothing trends favored artist directly cause teenagers tend to follow the development of the artist.Parents should better monitor and take care of what are their children wearing even where they are, especially the teenagers because this group is more likely to follow changes in fashion and always want up-to-date. Parents can control with a fashion review and selection of children's clothes when they go out shopping. In other way, although the parents just give children pocket money for the teenagers to buy their stuffs or things that they want parents need to find out what fashion and how clothes and the bought by the ir teenage children.As a conclusion, rock music seems to be the most controversial but it also has many positive influences that should be taken in to consideration. There are some negatives that come with it, and those should be filtered out by the parents. So, the next time your child wants to listen to a song they like, instead of immediately refusing, listen with both ears. You will learn much of what your child likes and dislikes. You will gain insight into the thinking of your child. You will also learn what to absolutely deny your child.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Home Depot Employee Benefits Essay

The first case is against an employee Gunderson working at JMI agency owned by Brown Corporation. It is filed by Brown on account of the defendant’s violation of the employee agreement by joining a competing company after working there continuously for seven months and soliciting and servicing Brown’s customers and disclosing confidential information. The summary judgment was made in favor of the defendant because an employment of seven months is not enough under Illinois law to support the limiting agreement. (Findlaw, 2008) The second case is against an employee Robert M. Bono working at Chicago Transit Board who was discharged from his job on account of misconduct by calling a customer while working though his job duties did not require calling any customers. The call was personal and social in nature involving a sexual joke. The court affirmed the decision of Chicago Transit Board as being reasonable and appropriate. (Findlaw, 2008) Issues:Â  The issue being discussed in the first case is the claim by the parent company of breach of contract by the employee. But since the employment period of Gunderson was only seven months so according to Illinois law no charges can be made against him In the second case, the issue discussed is of an employee misbehaving with a customer on telephone and making personal use of the phone though he is not allowed to do so. Therefore, he dismissed by the company. Implications for Home Depot:Â  At Home Depot, each employee should be clearly told of his/her duties and the consequences of not acting accordingly. Secondly, the employee contract at Home Depot should specify clearly all the terms and conditions specially the time period after which he can be accused of the violation of the contract. Conclusion: Through the analysis of the above cases, I learned that minor mistakes by an employee can result into big troubles and court procedures. Therefore, one should remain cautious every time while working on his job.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Raed Hassan nabawy Essay

Obtaining an opportunity in your organization. I hope this will greatly improve my technical skills and further develop my experience. Experience NOV 2007- SEP 2012 unton National sank Dubai (IJAE) Senior Relationship Officer As Relationship Manager you will help people get the most from their money, make the right choices and make their money work for them. Often working for a bank or building society, you’d be the number one resource for customers to get advice on their account. This would range from their account details to advice on the best financial service for them. You’d have to assess each individual customer’s needs and accounts as well as generating new business and clients. Speaking with customers would be a large part of your day to day work, either over the phone, on the internet or face to face. You’d set up a meeting with them, discuss their financial needs and details and keep records, negotiate over financial products and keep your customers well informed and advised at all times. It would be important for you to keep up to date with the latest products, services and financial laws so you can give reliable advice. You will also be expected to meet sales targets, by offering them to clients and also drawing in new ones to increase business. 2004-2007 Mercedes-Benz Shuwaikh Kuwait Sales & Customer Service Making all invoices for the vans and trucks. Office Administration Responsible for shipmen for all vehicles and vans. Selling Vans and Trucks during Sales agents’ vacation. Correspondence with the HO in Germany for shipment. Handle with Clint after sale Solve the pro Education Languages Soft Skills blem tor customer Courses Studies Computer: Master Degree (MBA) Still study Graduation date : July 2003 College: modern academy Department: business administration English Grade: good with honor. Rank: Third Arabic : Mother Tongue English: Fluent French: Basic Outgoing personality. Good communication ; Organizational skills. Natural or professional selling skills. Excellent Interpersonal ; presentational skills. Organized, able to work under stress. Teachable, tactful and self-motivated. Ability to work in a group or individually according to the Job Body Language and Charisma , Union National Bank Introduction in Union National Bank English Grammar for everyday use, Union National Bank How to attract your prospect? , Union National Bank Selling Smarter, Union National Bank Sales Steps, Union National Bank Microsoft Windows Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) requirements

Friday, September 27, 2019

The US Foreign Policy Respond to China's Rise in 2000-2010 Research Proposal

The US Foreign Policy Respond to China's Rise in 2000-2010 - Research Proposal Example America has been championing for the honoring of human rights and democracy. China’s one-party dictatorship has proved to the main problem affecting United States’ efforts to institute democratic principles in the country. China has engaged in human rights violations as well as suppression of political freedom. As a result, the United States policymakers have faced pressure to encourage the Chinese Leadership to show more respect for human frights a promote a freer political realm. However, China sees opposition leaders as being supported by the United States to cause disunity in China. The U.S foreign policy toward China moved from a containment policy at the height of the cold war to an engagement policy. In essence, the ideology of American foreign policy has long been based on two concepts of â€Å"Whiteman’s burden’ and â€Å"manifest destiny’. â€Å" Whiteman’s burden’ refers to American policy for world liberalization and the improvement of human condition. America has demanded the institutionalization o democratic principles and rule of law in China. â€Å"Manifest destiny† refers to the lack of mutual respect to international market forces. The United States sees China as a major rival in the world economy. America no longer views China as the most promising trade partner. In the year 2000, President Bush made it clear that China had become a rival and a competitor, the president further noted that China was no longer a constructive strategic partner. The United States has since emphasized on the need to have Jap an as an ally and downplay the contribution of China. Tensions between the United States and China emerged in April 2001 when EP-3 spy plane got involved in Hainan incident. The incidents could have led to military confrontation.The United States demand that Chinese leaders honor human rights and promote political freedom.  

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Critical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Critical Analysis - Essay Example The purpose of the article is to inform Americans about the failure of the health care industry and demonstrate the need for a universal health insurance. Through a simple format and style, the authors reveal the lack of insurance of many Americans and how the high cost of benefits causes many problems. However, despite some weaknesses, the article uses successfully evidence to establish credibility and present universal health care as the solution. II Summary Millions of Americans do not have insurance or are underinsured, which exposes them to illness and premature death. The rising cost of insurance premiums leads many businesses to file bankruptcy. Moreover, most Americans agree that the health care system is broken, and they also understand that the United States is the only industrialized nation without a national health care, which political leaders do not seem to perceive. Some studies indicate that the overwhelming majority of Americans want a universal health insurance, a s ystem that makes the government the single bill payer, reduces paperwork cost, gets rid of expensive insurance organizations and saves millions of dollars in CEO compensation. In the current system, doctors spend more time filling insurance paperwork than with patients. The choice of a universal health insurance stems from the recognition of the failure of the industry and its disastrous effects but also a deep understanding of the necessity for people to get help when they need it. The health care issue gets highly politicized during electoral times, and many groups advocate different options all of which are better than the existing system; however, universal health insurance is still the best. Besides, the lobbies of politicians who depend on the financial support from the health care industry prevent the project from becoming a reality. III Interpretation and Evaluation The article has an unusual organization that does not follow the traditional paragraph format. Instead, it is made of short segments of different length throughout the whole essay. However, it does contain some specific parts that present different aspects of health care. The article adopts the form of a dialogue with questions and answers; the authors address readers as â€Å"you† and themselves as â€Å"we† as if they engage in an open discussion with them. The format and style of the article are very effective because they allow readers to clearly understand the message through the short segments and feel comfortable as if the authors were present through this conversational approach. Even though the article is relatively short, the authors have thoroughly treated the topic and addressed its most important points. They have clearly shown the failure of the current health care system that has left millions of Americans uninsured, which exposes them to disease and premature death: â€Å"An estimated 50 million Americans lack medical insurance, and a similar and rapidly growi ng number are underinsured. The uninsured are excluded from services, charged more for services, and die when medical care could save them† (Pibel & Gelder). They also demonstrate the negative impact of the broken health care industry on businesses and how it leads them to bankruptcy: â€Å"Businesses are suffering too. Insurance premiums increased 73 percent between 2000 and 2005, and per capita costs are expected to keep rising†

Case about the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRG) Assignment

Case about the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRG) - Assignment Example The intention of this study is the ICRC as an international organization that has faced with major global challenges due to the fact that its workforce comes from different cultural backgrounds. The level of cultural change is very minimal and measures need to be taken to improve the situation. If well managed, global diversity can ensure that resources of ICRC are harnessed and transformed into very important asset for the organization. However, this cannot be realized in the absence of a change in the culture of the organization. HR functional practices need to transcend across all departments and be supported with a good culture that encompasses all the needs of its employees. The issues that affect ICRC have been in existence for quite some time now but effective measures have not been undertaken to ensure that they are tackled in the global perspective and the organization is still clouded with origin issues where the Swiss culture seems to play a deciding role in what happens w ithin the headquarters of the organization and without in other foreign missions. There is a general assumption in this study that achieving a global diversity through cultural change is possible if well managed. Certain limitations do exist such as resources to be applied in such a massive restructuring program to meet the objectives of the plan. The refining of specialist HR supported functions is very essential if ICRC has to realize its objectives and this will have to be done through a program which paves the way for a change in culture. Certain key factors for such an ambitious program have been outlined and analyzed. There are critical elements which need to be put into account to enable the organization achieve this course. Conclusion has been drawn putting in mind the key concepts or theories relevant to the subject and these have been related to the evidence as far as the facts are concerned. Recommendations made are in line with the program that has been discussed in the analysis. These recommendations are actually some of the crucial things that need to be done in order to realize the success of this plan. An implementation program has been set to outline the relevant action steps that could be followed in order to meet the target of refining the specialist HR supported functions

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Human Rights and Women Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Rights and Women - Essay Example Women were therefore sexually exploited. Until quite recently, women were relegated to the background in respect of social and economic status, education, politics, health and non - recognition of her unpaid work at home in domestic food production, etc. Until quite recently even in Great Britain, a women's property was considered to belong to her husband. American Women were denied their civil right of suffrage until 1920. In 1960 Women got together to obtain legal equality with men. After the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, women obtained many gains in employment. In 1970, efforts were made by women to change the unfair practices and attitudes towards women in society. In 1970, the U.S. Supreme Court passed a landmark judgment in the case US V Virginia. The Supreme Court decided that Sex Discrimination is unconstitutional unless the state can advance an exceedingly persuasive justification. (Microsoft Corporation, Encarta article Women's Rights, Katrin Schultheiss) The atrocities against women are universal in their prevalence, as attested to by the fact that in the World Human Rights Conference held at Vienna in 1993, special mention was made of these issues.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Why does the Chinese Government publicly denounce Falun Gong Research Paper

Why does the Chinese Government publicly denounce Falun Gong - Research Paper Example This paper will examine the movement, how the government is cracking down on it, and why the government is cracking down on it. Explanation of the Falun Gong According to Zhao (2003), the Falun Gong movement is an outgrowth of the Chinese practice of qi, which harmonizes physical and spiritual health. What this means is that the adherents to the movement attempt to align their qi, through stretching and meditation, and this balances the energy in the body. These exercises, which balance the energy in the body are accompanied in the Falun Gong religion with moral and spiritual commitments. This is contrast to the Western vision, which keeps religion and physical exercise separate. The religious aspect of Falun Gong encompasses Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. This was the basis for the movement, but it was developed by Li Hongzhi in the late 1980s, and it went public in 1992 (Penny, 2003). This is all not unusual, in that the ancient Chinese have always believed in balancing energies and in Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. However, the Falun Gong goes a step further, according to Zhao (2003), in that this religion also has supernatural beliefs. For instance, they believe that there are supernatural ways of curing diseases, that people can levitate, and that people can be clairvoyant through their â€Å"third eye.† ... Moreover, as the society becomes increasingly isolated, Falun Gong has been helpful in that it has brought people together, as through the physical exercises performed by Falun Gong members. The physical exercise itself is also good for the Falun Gong followers, as the state-run healthcare has been collapsing since the early 1990s, which means that health care has become increasingly unaffordable to the masses. Keeping healthy is therefore a priority, and Falun Gong, with its emphasis on physical exercise and qi balancing meets this need. The movement became very popular, with millions practicing it, and Chan (2004), gives some reasons why this is. Chan (2004) regards the Falun Gong as coming under the rubric of a New Religious Movement (NRM), which is marked by obedience to a central figure who claims to have all the spiritual answers desired by the followers. The central figure is seen by the followers as being privy to sacred power. Chan (2004) thus begins his analysis with other NRMs, which have sprung up, all over the world, partially as a response to modernity’s spiritual vacuums and moral disturbances. The political and economic institutions have failed to solve the people’s problems, states Chan (2004), so the people turn to religious salvation for help. Chan (2004) then extrapolates this scenario to China. Specifically, Chan (2004) states that China was experiencing, at the time that the Falun Gong attained popularity, impressive economic growth that also led to unresolved social problems. This was because, although the country was becoming wealthier, the people were not. Unemployment was high, and the state industries were collapsing, which was causing more people to fall below the poverty line. Income inequality became more pronounced

Monday, September 23, 2019

Pre Calculus Mod 5 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Pre Calculus Mod 5 - Assignment Example f(X) =ex3 f '(x) = 3x2 ex3 d. f(X) =2X2 e (1-X2) r (x) = 2x2, r' (x) = 4x s(x) = e (1-X2) s' (x) = -2 e (1-X2) Applying product rule, f '(x) = 2X2-2 e (1-X2) + 4x e (1-X2) = -8x2 e (1-X2) + 4x e (1-X2) = (4x -8x2) e (1-X2) e. f(X) =5X e (12-2x) Let r(x) = 5x, r' (x) = 5 and s(x) = e (12-2x), s' (x) = -2 e (12-2x) f '(x) = 5x (-2 e (12-2x)) + 5 e (12-2x) f '(x) = -10x e (12-2x) + 5 e (12-2x) = (-10 + 5) e (12-2x) f. f(X) =100e(x8 + x4) f '(x) = 8x7 + 4x3e(x8 + x4) g. f(X) = e (200X-X2 + x^100) f '(x) = 200 – 2x + 100x^99 e (200X-X2 + x^100) 2. Find the derivatives for the following functions: a. f(X) = ln250X b. f(X) = ln (20X-20) c. f(X) = ln (1- X2) d. f(X) = ln (5X + X-1) e. f(X) = Xln (12- 2X) f. f(X) = 2Xln(X3 + X4) g. f(X) = ln (200X - X2 + X100) Solutions The derivative of the function y = ln x is obtained by d/dx (ln x) = 1/x. d/dx logex = 1/x, suppose y = ln x, then dy/dx = 1/x a. f(X) = ln250X log ab = log a + log b Therefore, the equation can be rewritten as f (x) = ln 250 + ln x d/dx ln 250 = 0 (derivative of a constant) d/dx (ln x) = 1/x Hence dy/dx = 1/x. b. f(X) = ln(20X-20) If y = ln u and u is some function of x, then dy/dx = u'/u If y = ln f(x), then dy/dx = f ' (x)/ f(x) Let u = 20x – 20 u' = 20 dy/dx = 1. u'/u = 20/(20x – 20) c. f(X) = ln (1- X2) Let u = (1- X2) Then u' = -2x dy/dx = 1. ... ln (12-2x) f ' (x) = 2x/ (12 – 2x) + ln (12-2x). f. f(X) = 2X ln(X3 + X4) Let r(x) = 2x, therefore, r' (x) = 2 Similarly, if s(x) = ln (X3 + X4), s'(x) = (3x2 + 4x3)/ (X3 + X4) Therefore, f ' (x) = 2x ((3x2 + 4x3)/ (X3 + X4)) + 2 ln (X3 + X4) g. f(X) = ln(200X - X2 + X100) u = ln (200X - X2 + X100) u' = 200 -2x + 100x99 f ' (x) = dy/dx = u'/u = 200 -2x + 100x99/ (200X - X2 + X100) 3. Find the indefinite integrals for the following functions a. f(X) = e6X = ? e6X dx = 1/6e6X + C b. f(X) = e (5X-5) = 5/2 x2-5x e (5X-5) c. f(X) = 5eX = ? 5eX dx = 5 ? eX dx = 5eX + C d. f(X) = 1/ (1 + X) = ln ?1 + x? + C e. f(X) = 5/X = 5 integral [1/x] dx = 5 ln ?x?+ C 4. Find the definite integrals for the following functions a. f(X) = e2X over the interval [2, 4] =Integral 42 [ e2x ] dx = [ 1/2 e2 ( 4) + C ] - [ 1/2 e2 ( 2 ) + C ] = 1/2 [ e8 - e4 ] b. f(X) = 2eX over the interval [0, 2] =Integral 20 [2eX] dx = [e2 + C] - [e0 + C] = e2 – e0 d. f(X) = 2/ (2 + X) over the interval [2, 5] Le t u = 2 + x, when x = 2, u = 2 + 2 = 4 and when x = 5, u = 2 + 5 = 7 = ln [?2 + x?] 52 = ln (7) – ln (2) e. f(X) = 10/X over the interval [3, 10] =dx = 10 integral [ 10 / x ] dx = 10 [ ln | x | ] + C, so Integral103 [ 10/ x ] dx = [ 10 ln | 10 | + C ] - [ 10 ln | 3 | + C ] = 10 ln 10 – 10 ln3 = 10 [ln10 – ln 3] Part2: Application of Calculus in Business Decision-Making Calculus is extensively used in making business decisions, which are critical for the success and survival of every business enterprise. Derivatives have wide applications in the business world. Derivatives are used to measure rate of change of a function in relation to the changes in variables (inputs) under focus. At some given value of an input, the derivative tells us the linear estimate of the function, which is close to

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Mid-Semester Exam Essay Example for Free

Mid-Semester Exam Essay Both Heraclitus and Parmenides were obsessed with change. Explain how change fits into each of their philosophical systems. Are there any two similarities in their two accounts? Why are they so important to later metaphysicians such as the particle theorists? Heraclitus believed in the unity of opposites. The succession of the opposites brings out his key notion of change. The successive manifestation of contrary properties in an object is a way of saying that everything undergoes change. All, things, according to Heraclitus, are in a constant flux. Comparing this change to stepping into a river, he says: ‘you cannot step twice into the same river.’ I agree with this proposition considering the fact that the molecular property of a river at an instance is not the same, since it is constantly flowing. The constant flowing of the river suggests a constant movement of molecules so that new molecules interact with objects the river is in contact with. One may return to the same river, but fresh waters have flowed into it, making it different. With this notion of change, it can be said that nothing retains its identity, though it remains the same thing. The object therefore endures, even though it is undergoing constant change and some of its components or characteristics may be lost. I think that the unity of the opposites therefore is a necessity for the existence of equilibrium, so that though in opposition, they maintain a balance and order in an object, and in nature as a whole. This unity which brings about balance and order is what Heraclitus calls the logos. Parmenides’ views are a contrast to those of Heraclitus; a sharp turn around the notion of change. He denies the reality of change, motion and void. For him, change is impossible and incoherent. All existence is permanent, ungenerated, indestructible and unchanging. In his view, there are no opposites, no plurality. For him, change and motion were mere illusions. He favored pure reason as a path of understanding the world and its nature. He argued against the existence of void, equating it with non-being. For Parmenides, what ‘is’ must exist, and what ‘is not’ cannot exist, and is ‘completely unlearnable’. Only two things underlie reality for Parmenides: being and non-being. Anything that can exist and can be thought about must exist. It is therefore impossible to think or speak about what does not exist. Therefore, nothing cannot exist, and nothing can come into existence if it is not. For him, there is no difference between past, present and future. Therefore what is, already exists, and will exist, without change. What is, is therefore necessary. Parmenides names the logos of Heraclitus, being. He opposes two possibilities for thought, being and non-being, and says that being is the only way that can be for thinking. The most non-being could do would be to ‘not be.’ The appearances referred to as illusion or delusion are like what Heraclitus calls the ‘flux and flow’ of reality – beings coming to be and passing away; this permeates all reality; but in Parmenides’ view, they must only and can only return to being at what is perceived as destruction. For particular theorists, atomists in particular, the permanence of Parmenides and flux of Heraclitus are reconciled, and the atomic theory was conceived. I think this is their most important contribution to later metaphysicians.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Why Smes Sometimes Face Difficulties In Raising Finance Finance Essay

Why Smes Sometimes Face Difficulties In Raising Finance Finance Essay Due to the establish of modern enterprise system and thoroughly in structural reforms of market economy, there are lot of opportunities contained in the market, but it is also existing many unexpected risks, particularly for the small to medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) which has limited resources to resist in this treacherous environment. To survive and adapts to the environment for a SME is to maintain its advantage in meticulous daily management and even more important is to have a long-term view strategic thinking especially in financial strategy. A good finance strategy can help SME to set up and expand their operations, development and also investment (OECD, 2006), further to get funds which make them competitively and can get well results they desired (Park, 2010). Making a finance strategy is very significant to a company; company has to consider both of internal condition and external environment problem and even more factors which are related to company. However, the SME has its particular characteristic, it is not suitable to adopt the same action with a large company; they better to create a strategy which fits to the company according to its demand. Finding a proper financial strategy for a developing SME, not only can help SME to reinforce its essence, the more important is the sustainability of its development. Define company There is no accurate definition for small to medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) and most of countries define it according to specific condition by their way. Nevertheless, there are some particular characteristics (Bank of England, 2001 Brookfield, 2001) about SMEs and they are: The enterprises are not quoted Ownership is often connected between family and shareholder and the business is typically restricted to few individuals. Most of SMEs are small groups business and always achieve self-employment effectively. In the past, the definition for SMEs from European Commission was unequivocal, it was defined by individual country, for instance, Germany regulated the amount of employee under 250 was part of SME, but in Belgium, the number was became 100. However, in the recent years, the data from European Commission shows that the definition has adjusted and is qualified as a SME by some criteria (see figure 1-1) (European Commission, 2010) in headcount, turnover and balance sheet total. definition of SME.JPG Figure 1-1 the definition of a small firm from European Commission Importance of finance Nowadays, the enterprises finance is facing a dynamic, diversification and complicated managing environment. Managing finance is not only to provide a specific method or device for a firm; it is to assimilate the principle and manner from strategic management. Start from the view of adapting to the environment and using the vantage, to pay much attention in financial long-term problem and strategic problem. In the situation of lacking of the resources for SME, to create a suitable financial strategic and well dominate the limited resource is significant since a better financial systems can help to improve the probability of successful innovation and bring accelerate economic growth. (King, et al., 1993) The focus of enterprises financial strategy is the basic path on future development, goal and goal accomplishment for the financial action; this is the difference between financial strategy and other strategies. The master objective of enterprises financial strategy is reasonably to assemble, dominate and use its resources, tend to balance and flow enterprises capital, also to build the core competitive strength and to achieve the maximization of enterprise value in the end. Some aspects of this goal are related/ connected to each other; from the view of a long-term performance, to seek the enterprises sustainability growth in financial resource and capability, and furthermore to accomplish the rising of enterprises capital value and make enterprises financial capability can sustained, quick and healthily increase, conduce to maintain and develop enterprises competitive advantage. While enterprise building the core competitive strength for their strategic management, they need the support from financial management. The financial management which treats capital management as a significant content, it needs to express the requirement for enterprises strategy and to guarantee its practice. The value of practicing the financial strategy is to retain a health condition in enterprises finance and also effectively in controlling the financial risk. There are twelve types of financing and growth in SMEs and it can be very usefully and provided a great help if it is supplied properly according to SMEs particular requirement (Brookfield, 2001). Initial owner financing (Equity finance) Business angel financing Trade credit Leasing Factoring Venture capital Short-term bank loans (Debt finance) Medium term bank loans Mezzanine finance Private placements Public equity Public debt A company should manage its financing structure in a way that its debt and equity are in balanced manner. This fact helps company to avoid insolvency. Excess of either debt or finance could result in loss of wealth. I will be explaining some of the important methods of financing in following section. Equity finance Equity financing is that the shareholder sells the part of corporate control to introduce the new shareholder by raising the capital (Watson, et al., 2007). The enterprise does not need to pay the interest on principal if the capital is received from equity financing and the new shareholder can share the profit from enterprise as well. Equity financing includes stock issuance, allotment and debt for equity swap. Some features of equity financing, are: Stock equity is firms first right of its property, it is the base for enterprise to absorb the civil liability and to responsibility for firms own profits and losses; furthermore, it is also the base for investor to control the enterprise and to distribute the profit. Equity financing is the base of deciding an enterprise to the outward debt. Certainly, there are some advantages of equity financing that help enterprise in investment and management. Equity financing builds a good system in corporate governance structure, which consists of shareholders meeting, board of directors, Board of supervisors and executives. It is effectively in decreasing the risk of management. In the modern finance theory, stock market is also called open market; it means that the standardization financial products are dealing in a trading area with an extensively institutionalization. It has its criterion and processes it in the condition of information revelation and fare dealing. In financial translation, the more important is publicity and availability of information; and that is why the stock market is better than loan market in both competitiveness of capital price and publicity of information. Venture capital Venture capital is the fund which is collected by private placement and set as the type of organization; invest to unlisted small and medium-sized newly emerging enterprises and in the capital type of both high risk and high reciprocation. Venture capital is different from mutual fund, unit trust and securities investment fund; it has its features in operating of investment and collection, such as, Venture capital absorbs the venture with enterprise; the venture capitalist needs to cooperate closely with entrepreneur and help the firm to make a plan. Management is part of investment. Venture capital is an investment in long-term and poor flowability; venture capitalist and entrepreneur become a common destiny once they invest. Venture capital is high risk and requires the venture capitalist with specialized skill, and need to achieve specialization and programmed in choosing the project, tend to avoid the risk. Before inspect the financial index, the venture capitalist pays more attention in market prospect, development strategy and managing quality. Sharing the bonus from enterprise is not the purpose of venture capital, they make it as a return by increasing the capital when they are exiting; the time for exiting is always when go on public or sell it. Debt finance Debt financing is also called bond financing, it is the way which the firm can raise money for enterprises external finance; and debt can also be conducted and fitted to the requirement of issuing companies and investors (Watson, et al., 2007). It is included long-term bank loans, short-term financing (such as bills, debt receivable, and letter of credit), enterprise Bond and short-term financial bonds, also long-term bond financing, finance lease, discount government loans, government loan, Loans from international financial organizations and private bond fund. The first expense enterprise needs to pay is the interest of capital which receives from debt financing and the principal on the debt will be paid to creditor at maturity (Davis, et al., 1994). The feature of purpose for debt financing is to solve the problem of deficiency in working capital rather than the expenditure under the capital account. Debt financing can be described by two features, The received capital from debt financing is only for using, it is not the property of the enterprise, and the firm needs to pay interest and the principal is repayable. Compare to equity financing, except some specific situations that debt financing may bring creditor the problem of intervention or controlling, otherwise it is barely to have the problem of corporate control. However, debt financing has its advantage for helping the firm in investment and management, The lenders have ability to collect and analyze the states of investment, also can have long-term investigate and oversee the enterprise to avoid the moral hazard. The function of the creditors right is when firm can pay off the debt, the firm will hold the corporate control, whereas of the enterprise cannot offer the debt, the corporate control will be turned to lender. Why do SMEs find financing a problem? Due to SMEs small size capital, the capability for defending the market risk is not as strong as a large firm, plus a faulty finance system, it causes the problem into SMEs finance management (Pissarides, 1999). The main reasons and problem are: No criterion in SMEs finance accounting system In application of finance system in SME exist some problems, which make loose financial control. A loose inventory control can lead to the stagnation of capital and excessive final inventory; the capital of final inventory always in a high proportion if compare to sale revenue. The firm usually loses a large number of assets due to focus on capital much more than assets and even wastes it seriously; moreover, to control the finished products, semi-manufactured goods and low-value expendable without a faultless system. It is negligent in managing the cash and weakness in debt receivable Some of enterprises think that it is good to hold cash (including bank deposit), and better to have more; the proportion of reserve is too high, it makes lot of capital cannot really run in operation, and also causes the capital idleness. In addition, some firms invest too much in real estate and lead to finance difficulty due to could not handle the emergent need of management. Also deficiency in managing working capital creates problems problem capital withdrawal. Difficulty in funding, the capital is insufficient It is not easy to run the SME in a practically environment, especially the unequal treatment in funding between SME and larger enterprise. The banks are not willing to loan to them, particularly the difficulty in guarantee and lack of the specialized agency to offer the assurance service is still the main problem for SME and it obviously happens in some huge investments. Unrestraint in investment The SME is lacking of the ability to analyze the investment accurately and to evaluate the effectiveness of operating the capital. The majority of investment in SME is from banking, due to the respectability of a SME is not as high as a large company, it is an obstacle in attracting the banking to invest or loan to the SME. The mode of management is backward Most of SME is running the business as a family workshop; they are operation the management in a backward way and an old-fashioned thinking way, do not understand and even not willing to understand or learn the modern financial management. The proprietor always treats the enterprise as an extension of familys property; in order to control the business entirely without decentralize the ownership, it causes the lost of the opportunities in growing. Conclusion SMEs play an important role in the general macroeconomic environment, and provide the enormous opportunities for employment. However, due to the small size and limited source, usually SMEs has to face to the challenge in financing problem. For solving the problem, the major impact is from government and the law (Industrial Systems Research). In existing policy has to be adjusted by government; the government needs to reinforce the related law and regulation to implement SMEs development strategy and preferential clause. Furthermore, have to set up the institution for managing and supporting SMEs development. To increase the method for financing; SMEs need to respect the debt from bank and to pay back the debt on time; then to healthy the internal system and raise the handling of material. Lastly, to improve accountants structure and criterion of financial management; enhance the punishment for the illegality to makes they pay attention in financial system.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Therapeutic Value of Art and History of Art Therapy

Therapeutic Value of Art and History of Art Therapy Therapy Emotions Artistic Becoming An Art Therapist â€Å"Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that encourages the expression of emotions through artistic activities such as painting, drawing or sculpture; psychotherapy based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing† (Webster’s Dictionary). Art therapy opens a creative world for those who cannot express the way they feel by use of verbal communication. To some people, are not enough. Expression through painting, sculpting, and drawing assists one in overcoming the effects of traumatic or unpleasant happenings in his life. Art therapy is a field that is beneficial to people of all ages, gender, emotional status, or mental ability. It is necessary to examine the knowledge of products resulting from and various methods utilized in a variety of disciplines in order to fully understand the vast benefits of implementing art therapy (Repko, 2005). It is used for a wide variety of conditions such as: the terminally ill, mentally challenged, emotionally disturbed, those afflicted with eating disorders, the abused both physically and verbally, and many more. The goal of Art Therapy is free and open expression, emotional well-being, mental stability and well-balanced coping skills for the client. In the profession of Psychology, use of Art Therapy is considered a most crucial component in evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients. Analysis of a persons psyche and mental health is often difficult with the single use of verbal communication. The use of art in healing dates back to the ancient drawings on walls of caves, revealing that although the profession of Art Therapy appears very young in the family of mental health disciplines it is very old and personally natural in practice. There is even evidence that the creative act of art may have prevented or forestalled more serious mental disorders for painters such as Blake, Munch or Van Gogh (McNiff, 1980). Patients who are given the opportunity to free themselves of inhibitions stemming from inner hesitations of new experiences, parental influences, cultural or economic are able to express deep fears, even fantasies or wishes through the expression of art. It is the symbolic language of images that initiates the surfacing of feelings and emotions that one often cannot or dares not to express verbally (Meltzer, 1948). As people outgrow inhibitions their personalities are freed and they can express and project feelings as well as face events that once disturbed them. In therapy, the developmental stages of art expression go from quite restricted and simplistic stereotypic models to images with actual faces or events expressed. Frustrated or once disassociated personalities are released and reintegrated through the use of art expression (McNiff, 1948). Art is often neglected as a serious academic subject in educational institutions. However, with further investigation it can compliment even the most difficult educational programs. Art is important to every student, but especially in programs educating handicapped or exceptional children. J. Dewey expressed in his drive to develop humanness in exceptional children that â€Å"†¦artistic activity is the way in which one may gain in strength and stature, the belief in his own powers, and the self respect which makes artistic activity constructive in the growth of personality† (Dewey, 1970 as sited in Integration of Art Education into Special Education Programs, 1976, n.p.). Curiosity is emerging about the therapeutic values of art, where once there was an emphasis on cognition art is becoming recognized as beneficial in the development and growth of individuals. The goal of both art therapist and art teacher is for an individual to realize his full ego. Teachers and therapists strive to master techniques which affect and develop the inner psyche of students. Margaret Naumburg was the first educator who had a sophisticated understanding of the importance of art in education. She incorporated free art expression into her work and published writings about her experiences. Teachers joined clinicians and educators in institutions dealing with handicapped, the bereaved and the mentally ill (Rubin, 1980). Intense and long-term education with clinical practice is required for an Art Therapist to obtain certification. The very nature of altering one’s personality or well-being in therapy necessitates the seriousness in consideration of the academic and practical preparation of an art therapist. The American Art Therapy Association was formed to regulate and determine and delineate the degree of education and training of art therapists. Standards of registration include strict guidelines with requirements including a master’s program with a highly valued emphasis on graduate training under the supervision and tutelage of art therapists and psychotherapists within clinical settings (McNiff, 1980). A wide variety of disciplines could be examined to understand the value of Art Therapy. Some are: sociology, psychology, economics, artand education. The scope of this paper will focus onhow art therapy is used in analyzing the psychological health of patients and treatment of; the development of individuality through art incorporated into education; and the aesthetic value of expression through the creative act of art. The most critical disciplines to determine the benefits of Art Therapy incorporated into its goal are psychology, art, and education. Examining the perspective of psychology will allow understanding of how a person can be evaluated for emotional and mental health, and methods of treatment prescribed to achieve the ultimate of balanced well-being through the use of the creative act. Psychology is the science of the status of the mind and it processes. Many conditions and happenings in life affect an individual’s physical and mental health. It is imperative to evaluate and prescribe the most beneficial methods of treatment to achieve this balance of mental status. Examining the perspective of art will reveal how expression of emotion and experience within the freedom of verbal communication has a healing affect on an individual and can rid him of past traumas or harmful experiences that prevent ultimate health. Art is the production of what is appealing, considered beautiful or that which is of more than ordinary significance. The avenue of communication through this type of creative expression enhances all individuals who utilize it. Not only is aesthetic value received through artistic expression, rather the therapeutic value far outweighs the former benefits. Finally, in looking at the perspective of education may explain why there is a necessity of years of academic instruction and clinical practice to obtain the certification of art therapy. Education is considered the intellectual preparation for mature life through acquiring knowledge. Its goal is to develop the power to reason based on knowledge and instruction that is imparted to the student. The profession of Art Therapy requires many years of academic study as well as clinical study and internship to obtain certification. Intense focus is on the importance of proper study and training to perform art therapy with an individual. Research of articles, journals and literary information pertaining to each discipline will be conducted. Products of the three disciplines mentioned concerning art therapy will be discussed such as American Art Therapy Association standards and requirements, artistic work of individuals before and after treatment, and exhibits of artistic expression from a variety of painters. The effectiveness of art therapy will also be revealed through drawings and paintings exhibited by different artists and individuals. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the therapeutic value of free expression in drawing, sculpting and the use of images; how art expands the imagination and educational scope of children and adults; and how the development of personality and character is affected when allowed expression through non- verbal means. By looking at similarities in the end product of individuals through various disciplines, the benefits of implementing art therapy will be revealed. Background Art Therapy (All in bold will be defined in Appendix A) began its history in the 1930s in America because of the efforts of Margaret Naumburg. In thirty years it developed into seven courses taught in five institutions by four art therapists including Ms. Naumburg. By 1971 four programs offered master’s degrees in art therapy. These degrees were offered in universities, a medical college and a college known for its fine arts studies. Single courses in art therapy were offered across the country in academic institutions as supplemental education. The historical background of art therapy began very slowly with seemingly nothing happening and then it developed with great speed (Agell, 1980). In the early development of art therapy professionals used it as case work for treating children with behavioral problems in residencies and special schools, hospitalized patients and private clients. â€Å"Art therapists who, convinced of the special qualities inherent in art, persuaded others – artists, teachers, and clinicians – that art expression provided an enduring, moving, and sometimes exquisite message of human experience† (Agell, 1980, p. 9). During the pioneering days, many therapists had been doing art therapy but didn’t know what to call the process or results of something special that was happening in their work. Elinor Utman founded the American Journal of Art Therapy in 1961. This publication provided information regarding the therapeutic use of art in professions. It also enabled art therapists who had formerly been isolated to be unified. This ultimately led to the founding of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) in 1969 that gave therapists a structure for promoting their field of work, and its ultimate priority was to support the training development of art therapists. Two documents, Guidelines for ArtTherapy Training and Guidelines were created to provide the fundamental standards for training and the educational level required for certification of art therapy. It was determined that professional certification should be with a Master’s degree with recommended didactic and practicum experience (Agell, 1980). Art therapy has developed into four categories: recreational, occupation, general therapeutic and actual art therapy. These types of therapy are typically used with a variety of patients; the most intensive application of the therapy was used on institutionalized tubercular patients. Handicrafts and major arts were used to aid in the depression caused by elongated institutionalization. Physically handicapped patients were trained how to use other limbs or a different set of learning functions. Neurologically impaired patients such as those with cerebral palsy, mongoloid or the blind experienced the benefit of release or development of a satisfactory degree of intellectual functioning through the creative act of art. Those with mental and psychologically deviant conditions experienced art therapy as a therapeutic process and sometimes as a curative process. Art therapy was used for the occupational benefit as well as for enjoyment. â€Å"With the retarded and pathological child we have begun to realize the great help that can be gained from art psychotherapy in the youngest age group (Harms, 1975, p. 242). Research in progress shows that we ought first to distinguish between intellectual and perceptive learning. An impaired child will comprehend a branch of green leaves or a flower much more readily if it is not only explained to him but if he also has drawn it with crayons. The creative method of comprehending is not only much simpler but also reaches deeper into the apperceptive nature of the young child† (Harms, 1975, p.242). Development of Art therapy is used for people with health issues. Anna, age twelve, is a patient who came to treatment after having suffered many traumatic experiences due to a heart defect. She endured five major cardiac surgeries and had many problems that compounded her condition other than the physical difficulties. Having been sexually abused by a family member she exhibited difficulty coping with her feelings about the issues in her life causing stomach aches and a lack in friendships. Anna’s treatment included art therapy and resulted in better management of her anxiety and depression. A part of her treatment was to create a collage to draw out the subconscious feelings she had reached regarding her life issues. The focus of treatment and healing was her serious medical condition along with abuses. Anna’s depiction of herself in the collage was a figure with a large head and small body shown in the center of the paper. She had cut out magazine and placed the â€Å"good† describing herself on the right of her head and to the left, the â€Å"bad†. It was determined that she could not see both sides as a part of the whole head indicating she viewed herself as divided. It was only through art instead of traditional verbal therapy that this depiction of self was revealed. Though she was initially unaware of the divided view of herself through art therapy she reached a measure of healing resulting in healthier coping skills. This was confirmed by the change of images in her art, proving the benefit of art in treatment as well as recovery (Lees, 2003-2005). Victims of violent physical abuse also benefit from art therapy in that they are able to express in images horrible experiences that are either no longer conscious or are too painful to verbalize. As a sexual abuse survivor Susan exhibited a common theme of confusion of feelings and devaluation of self that is often only revealed through art. Art therapy reveals through images the impact the violence of sexual abuse creates. The first drawing of Susan reflected her pain with a single tear on an expressionless face. Her torment was silent, but through continued use of art she was able to express her suppressed emotions and the feelings that overwhelmed her. Progressive pictures depicted images of her feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Art allowed Susan to step outside herself and view what her feelings look like. This was a step used for her to learn how to own her true feelings. Through art she was able to see herself as a grown woman with an inner child. The colors in her art turned from black and colorless to vibrant and vivid. Emotions of anger appeared after the fifth drawing and as art drawings continued through treatment deeper emotions were depicted in the images and color selection. Through art therapy Susan was able to work through the steps of healing which brought hope of a new life without the pain from past experiences (Lees, 2003-2005). A third use of art therapy is with people who have challenges living in the normal realm of life. Children with autism benefit from art therapy by the opportunity to express and communicate with the world through images since they often cannot verbally. Sung, a Korean five year old girl, was filmed with a 35 mm camera to determine the benefit of art in autistic children. In her first session she became familiarized with the supplies used in art – sketchbook and a box of bright wax craypas. Her first drawings were banana-like arcs with heavy lines or large solid dots also containing rectangular patches. Other forms come and go in her depictions. Eventually she became â€Å"mesmerized by activity which fills her entire visual field and is absorbed by the deepening color and her rapidly moving hand seen from scant inches away† (Kellman, 2004, p.13). Sung’s art developed into additional shapes and a common images of heads with big solid eye dots and facial features. As time went on her pictures became more detailed including bodies with clothes and thinner lines. Paints and origami were introduced which developed dexterity. She was able to develop keen vision with spatial capacities as well as the control of fine motor skills. Her art revealed that autistic children frequently â€Å"focus on the geometric structure of a visual scene and on the forms and structures of objects themselves in their drawings† (Kellman, 2004, p.16). Sung was developing her available skills through art. Art therapy has developed into an essential and beneficial form of treatment and therapy. The above three scenarios prove the variety of uses in the expressive language of art. People with physical, mental or emotional difficulties are able to heal or develop with the use of art expression. The extent of healing/development can be measured through the progression of detail in the images. The scope of treatment is determined by the extent or type of art medium necessary. From its beginning in the 1930s, art therapy has developed and become recognized as an authentic therapy to assist people through a variety of disciplines. The objective of this paper is to explain how to become a successful art therapist by showing examples of treatments and giving the guidelines of the educational process. Integrating several disciplines forms a holistic, comprehensive understanding of how to accomplish this profession by using the Comprehensive Perspectives Model (Repko, 2005). Psychology not only benefits the therapist but is also the core reason patients turn to art therapy. Having a background in psychology will give an understanding of the brain and gives insights of how to cope and treat the issue. Art consists of the therapeutic process of learning to show emotion by using drawing pencils, paints and clay for sculpturing. Any individual can benefit from art alone because it subconsciously uses all the senses. Education is what ties the two above disciplines together. Psychology and art alone are very different but with having the proper process in both, together they form a creative solution for those not only in need of therapy, but for all. References Psychology Evans, R., Tissot, C. (2003). Children with autistic spectrum disorders: Perspectives on current research. Early Childhood Development and Care173, 361-362. Kellman, J. (2004).Art of a child with autism: Drawing systems and proto mathematics. Journal of Aesthetic Education. 38, 12-22. Lusebrink, V.B., (2004). Art therapy and the brain: An attempt to understand the underlying process of art expression in therapy. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association21, 125-135. Meltzer, H. (1948). Studies of the free art expression of behavior problem children and adolescents as a means of diagnosis and therapy. The Journal of Educational Psychology39(6), 382-384. Art Harms, E. (1975). The development of art therapy. Leonardo8, 214-244. Lees, L. A. (2003-2005). Lees psychological services, inc.. Retrieved March 8, 2008, from Examples of How Art Therapy Works Web site:http://heartandmindmatters.com/content/view/8/7/ Packard, S. (1980). The history of art therapy education. Art Education33, 10-13. Rubin, J.A. (1980). Art therapy today. Art Education33, 6-8. Education May, D.C. (1976). Integration of art education into special education programs. Art Education. 29, 16-20. McNiff, Shaun (1980). Art therapy registration and standards of practice. Art Education. 33, 29-30. Stoner, S.D., Drachnik, C., Jensch, K., Jungles, G., Levick, M., Minar, V. (1980). Employment, training program development, and legislative issues. 33, 25-28. Additional Sources Repko, A. (2005) Interdisciplinary practice: A student guide to research and writing. Boston: Pearson. Webster, N (1961). Websters new international dictionary. Cambridge, MA: Riverside Press. Figure Captions Figure 1: Untitled (Lees, 2003 2005) Figure 2: Letting Go (Lees, 2003 2005) Figure 3: Inner Child (Lees, 2003 005) Figure 4: Haling Hope (Lees, 2003 2005) Appendix A: Glossary (Preston, 2008) apperceptive able to relate new percepts to past experience art – â€Å"the means of widening the range of human experiences and creating equivalents for such experiences; an area where experience can be chosen, varied and repeated at will. In the creative act, conflict is re-experienced, resolved and integrated â€Å" (Kramer, 1958, p. 6) art therapy – therapy with the use of creative activities to express emotions enabling individuals to manage/overcome physical and mental problems. curative something that cures; a remedy. dexterity skill and grace in physical movement, especially in the use of the hands or mental skill or cleverness. didactic intended to instruct; inclined to teach or moralize excessively. craypas painting media such as watercolor, temper, acrylic, oils, wax crayons

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Essay on Condemnation of a Patriarchal Society in Yellow Wallpaper

Condemnation of a Patriarchal Society in The Yellow Wallpaper      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Charlotte Perkins Gilman was crafty. Taken at face value, her short work, The Yellow Wallpaper, is simply the diary of a woman going through a mental breakdown. The wallpaper itself is the arbitrary object on which a troubled mind is obsessively fixated. The fact that Gilman herself suffered from a nervous breakdown makes this interpretation seem quite viable. This explanation is, however, dead wrong.    The wallpaper is not merely the object upon which she obsesses. The madness that overtakes the narrator is not rooted in any nervous disorder that her husband diagnoses. The wallpaper is actually meant to represent a mould into which all women are supposed to fit. The insanity is rooted in the narrator's inability to fall easily into that mould. Gilman's descriptions of the wallpaper are really eloquent delineations of the restrictions and constraints placed upon women. In short, the wallpaper is what all proper women are supposed to be; the narrator is one woman who is unable to adapt and, hence, she becomes a lunatic.    The narrator's first description of the wallpaper puts forth most plainly what the nature of women is believed to be: "dull enough to confuse the eye in following, pronounced enough to constantly irritate and provoke study, and when you follow the lame uncertain curves for a little distance they . . . destroy themselves in unheard of contradictions" (Gilman 4-5). Initially here, women are depicted as confusing objects; so confounding that they are always annoying and yet curious enough to demand "study" or scrutiny. Upon further examination, women are then found to be "lame uncertain curves" so full of contradictions they ... ...f the wallpaper and towards schizophrenia.    It is easy to see how someone could misinterpret what Gilman was attempting to express in The Yellow Wallpaper, but if you take into account her other books (which are clearly feminist), her intentions become more apparent. She obviously uses the wallpaper as a medium to expose the constraints that were placed upon women in the 19th century. Her attitude towards these restrictions is quite apparent from the narrator's account of the wallpaper and her subsequent insanity from overexposure to it. She despises the general view of women and of their mental capabilities. This work lashes out at a patriarchal society's belief system and, the funny thing is, not many of the patriarchs noticed.    Work Cited Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. The Yellow Wallpaper. 1892. Alexandria, VA: Orchises Press, 1990.      

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Teenage Suicide :: Teenage Suicide Essays

Teenage Suicide   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The killing of own life intentionally is referred as suicide. Over the past years, American society has been concerned about this issue, especially teenage suicide. The suicide rate among teenagers is not constant for a period of time; it keeps changing over time. Most of the time, the suicide rate among boys is greater than that among girls.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Different types of people in our society respond to this issue in different ways. Earlier in this year, some 932 parents of adolescents completed a questionnaire of 30 common psychological medical concerns of adolescence, among which suicide was one item. They were asked how important it is for pediatricians to discuss these with their kids during checkups. The result showed that more than 66% of the parents being questioned said 29 of the 30 items were important to be discussed with their teenage children. This survey showed that American parents are somehow concerned about suicide among teenagers. This concern is pervasive among American teenagers. In 1993, a national survey of adolescents about their knowledge of, and attitudes toward, youth suicide was made. The survey reulted that 60% of the teenagers reported knowing another teen who had attempted suicide while 6% reported having make an attempt themselves.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The above two examples indicates that it is very important for parents, counselors, or different institutions to become aware of the reasons and symptons of teenage suicide and to find out possible preventive procedures. Recently, an examination of suicide rates among Black and White adolescents from 1986 to 1991 was made. It showed that suicide rate among girls of all ethnicities remained stable. Also, the rate for White boys were pretty much stabilized; however, the rate for Black and other minority boys increased significantly. Those increases were more rapid in areas where suicide rates were historically low. This phenomenon tells that there are various kinds of reasons for suicide and different types of methods for suicide are also being used.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During the late 1970s and early 1980s in Oxford, the rate of deliberate self-poisoning and self-injury in older female teenagers declined, but it increased again between 1986 and 1989. For male adolescents, self-poisoning with minor tanquillizers and sedatives had declined, but paracetamol self- poisoning increased in that period. In Zimbabwe, young women during 1970s used poison as the method of suicide; however, self-immolation was frequently being used in the mid 1980s.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are various types of reasons why teenagers commit suicide. Suicide in teenagers is sometimes linked to, or in relation with, vision therapy. It was argued that an inadequate level of concentration or short attention span of a patient is a common cause for the academic, personality, and behavioral

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Saul Bass

Saul Bass: The Game Changer Vicente Mendez | Saul bass: The Game Changer Designers are always influential to the world in their works. Saul Bass was one designer who stood out. He took his talents to their limits and redefined design with his works. Not only was he a great graphic designer, but the reigning master of film title design. He changed and redefined the art of graphic design. Saul had many innovations, breakthroughs and discoveries, and theories and philosophies. Movies often have strong messages to send or certain things that they want the audience to catch.Saul reinvented the film posters and picture title sequences and did it in ways that intrigued and redefined what it meant to be a graphic designer (Thatcher). His innovation and creativity brought him his fame and superiority in the design industry. The Man With the Golden Arm was the movie that brought him recognition when he designed the film poster and title sequence to depict the arm of a heroin addicts arm which was the message of the film (Thatcher). In the mid 50’s heroin was a taboo subject and the movie depicted a jazz musician who works to overcome his heroin addiction.Just as Saul wanted, the iconic arm got people talking and gave the movie some recognition as well as Saul Bass. Bass was an inventor and provided effect, memorable titles sequences, inventing a new type of kinetic typography (Thatcher). He brought many new ideas to life; his innovations were his key to success and recognizable as a revered designer. Saul redefined what it meant to be a graphic designer for movies. His works for movie titles and sequences changed how many perceived the title screens to be (Brown).The point of a title sequence and film posters are to catch the audience’s attention, but keep it simple so it is easier to understand. Must also allow the audience to have their own interpretation too, it will bring more attention and light to the film (Brown). When the audience themselves have an emotional connection, it will more than likely that they will come and see the movie. Saul’s breakthrough with the movie The Man With The Golden Arm brought the movie success because he kept the imagery of the film poster simple, yet will conveyed a strong enough message to get the audience riled up about the nature of the movie.The way a designer looks at life, can be seen through their work. Saul believed in the philosophy â€Å"try to reach for a simple, visual phrase that tells you what the picture is all about and evokes the essence of the story,† which can be seen in his film logo for The Man with the Golden Arm (Thatcher). Other works like the AT&T logo are examples of his simplicity yet it captures the minds of those who see the designs. Another philosophy of his was to make the ordinary extraordinary (Thatcher).Saul wanted the audience to see the simplexes in his work, yet see it in an complex way that they may not completely understand but they will still be mesmerized by it. Saul’s designs really influenced many people, and many other designers influenced him. The audience can always be sure that when Bass designed something, there was always a message behind the design. He really influenced the film industry and Hollywood changed forever with their designs. His works also influenced other designers to start seeing graphic designing in a whole new light.The time period that Saul Bass was a designer really had a lot of influence on his work. He worked during the time of the Civil Rights Movements, which really helped influence his work and his effort in really bringing motion picture to life. Saul Bass was an innovator, an amazing graphic artist of his time and stood out in what he did. His breakthroughs led the film industries into a new better direction when it came to film posters and title sequence design. His philosophies influenced many other designers and can be seen through his works as well as his lifestyle.He influence d other designers and really changed the way people see motion film. His artistic abilities combined with his unique style really drove motion picture and made it a big name in film industries especially with catching the audience’s attention. Works Cited Thatcher, Lisa. â€Å"Saul Bass: The Film Posters You Know Better than AnyA other. † Lisa Thatcher. N. p. , 16 Feb. 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. . Brown, D. (1982). Aiga. Retrieved from http://www. aiga. org/medalist-saulbass/

Monday, September 16, 2019

Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases: HIV

Epidemiology & Communicable Diseases HIV or the Human Deficiency virus is like other viruses including the flu, but the one thing that makes this virus so different than any other is that the body is unable to clear this one out completely. Once someone is infected, there is no cure. Over time, HIV can also hide or mask itself in the body's cells. The cells within a person's body that fght off infection are called CD4 cells or T cells. HIV attacks these cells and copies or replicates itself inside these cells, then destroys them.HIV over time will estroy so many of these cells that the body is unable to fght off infection anymore. When this starts happening, AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome happens which is the final stage of HIV. HIV is transmitted through someone's blood or bodily fluids which can encompass semen, breast milk, vaginal fluids, and rectal mucous (AIDS. GOV, 2013) and usually it is passed from one person to another through sexual contact; however, HIV can al so be transmitted through childbirth or IV drug use. Healthcare workers are also at risk from infected bodily fluids.Fluids from an nfected person can deliver the virus to someone else's bloodstream. Within 2-4 weeks, and up to as late as 3 months, exposure to HIV can happen with a sudden onset of flu like symptoms including fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or ulcers in the mouth (CDC, 2013). Sometimes no signs or symptoms of infection are present in someone with HIV. Certain individuals may feel sick as HIV turns into AIDS or have occasional bouts of sickness, but not really know or feel they are infected.When HIV progresses to HIV, he flu like sign and symptoms mentioned earlier can become far more severe. Many of the complications stemming from HIV are opportunistic infections, which happen in patients with a weakened immune system (CDC, 2013). â€Å"Some of these opportunistic infections include tuberculosis, salmonellos is, cytomeglaovirus, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporiosis, Wasting Syndrome, neurological problems, and kidney disease (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Specific skin cancers including Kaposi's Sarcoma and lymphomas also happen in patients who are HIV positive† (Mayo Clinic, 2013).Antivirals are the treatment for HIV and presently there is no known cure. Treatment most often involves combinations of different drugs to avoid creating strains of the virus that are immune to single drug treatments (Mayo Clinic, 2013). The number of CD4 or T cells monitors treatment response. The viral load should be undetectable while undergoing antiviral therapy. The count is checked when treatment starts and usually monitored every 3-6 months. Even if someone has an undetectable viral load, the spreading of HIV is still a possibility.According to estimates and numbers provided by the CDC, about one and half million people 13 years of age and younger is HIV positive. Demograph ics also show that almost 20% of people who are infected do not know they have the virus. The CDC estimates that now every year, there are about 50,000 new cases diagnosed (2013). At risk groups include gay men, bisexual people, and African Americans (CDC, ) Young Atrican American males are at greatest risk tor contracting HIV among various ethnicities and races (CDC, 2013).An individual's risk for HIV or social determinants of health related to HIV is income, education, geographic region, overty, gender orientation, early childhood experiences, and alcohol or substance abuse. The CDC states, â€Å"that by reducing the number od new HIV infections and improving the health and well-being of those already infected with HIV depends on changing the social determinants that place people at risk of infection† (CDC, 2-13). The epidemiological triangle of HIV consists of three things: the person, the causative agent, or the environment (Smith, 169).The causative agent that causes AID S is HIV or the virus itself. The host is a person in the case of HIV and the environment is the either the host or the agent, but a factor that influences interaction between the two. The epidemiological triangle consists of three things: the person, the causative agent, or the environment (Smith, 169). In the triangle for HIV, the agent that causes AIDS is HIV or the virus. The host is a person in the case of HIV. The environment is neither the host nor the agent, but something that influences interaction between the two (Smith, 169).The host factors for HIV include age, sex, ethnic background, race, sexual orientation, education, and economic status (Smith, 169). The agent actors or causative agent for HIV are the virus itself and the mode of transmission, life cycle and virulence of the virus (Smith, 169). The environmental factors for HIV include social and economic considerations including family, community, political organization, public policy, regulations, institutions, wor kplace, occupation, economic status, technology, mobility, housing population density, attitudes, customs, culture, health practices, health services (Smith 169-170).A community health nurse with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS would work in a community or public health setting, educating t risk groups about safe sex practices and the dangers of sharing needles. Ideally, the nurse would connect patients to support groups and services, teach patients or people in the community about the prevention of the spreading of the disease, and help administer treatments and medications. Some important issues that nurses are bringing to the forefront in todays world include implementing strategies to keep HIV patients engaged in routine HIV medical and nursing care, incorporating prevention research findings to help reduce transmission locally and globally, carrying out outine HIV testing in health care settings, ensuring access to antiretroviral drugs, and preparing for emerging issues in HIV care suc h as diabetes, liver disease, obesity and elder care† (Kirton, 2007, p. 8). The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a national organization that channels a portion of its funds to the international financing for he fght against HIV and AIDS. It also gives funds to strengthening health systems, as most are inadequate to educate and inform communities and people about the prevention of HIV. Programs supported by the Global Fund give to communities with lifesaving ntiviral therapies and counseling on the prevention of the virus.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

The Wanting Seed

In Anthony Burgess’ The Wanting Seed, the story starts off, in what is known to the main character, Tristram, as the Pelphase. Tristram is a history teacher and knows mostly all there is to know about history. According to Tristram, governments go through three phases: the Pelphase, the Interphase, and the Gusphase. Tristram believes that like almost everything else, government is cyclical. The Pelphase is a time in the government and society where the people are working to better themselves, their surroundings and their country. The people don’t just work for themselves; they work together. Overpopulation has always been a problem in the futuristic London that Burgess portrays. God has become a myth even though some still practice their religion. God has turned into some sort of Santa Clause because everyone is working to better the problems that they and the government are having. The government suggests that homosexuality could help the population troubles, but they don’t enforce it or make it law. People have the choice to have children or be homosexual. The government hands out rations of food every week because the crops aren’t growing and overpopulation is so prevalent. The rations are just enough to keep the people full and content. When the government realizes that nothing is working out and the crops still wont grow and overpopulation is still a giant problem, they give up the current ways and move on to new ways of governing. This brings the Interphase along. The Interphase is black and white compared to the Pelphase. It is a transition phase where things must be broken in order to fix them. When the government realized that giving people the choice to have children or be homosexual isn’t working in everyone’s favor and the crops are still aren’t growing, they made it mandatory to either be gay or have only one child and in addition to that the food rations have gotten smaller. Police (Greyboys) walked the beat in large groups looking for people that were breaking laws or people that weren’t. Taking them to jail for nothing was fine with the Greyboys. Innocent people were thrown in jail and kept in jail just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. With all of the growing animosity towards the Greyboys and the government, people start to question and revolt. Nobody wants to go hungry; the straights don’t want to go gay; the families don’t want to break up. The Interphase didn’t last too long because of how badly the citizens felt about it. People were rising against the government and demanding their rights back. The government couldn’t take the pressure so they just ended up doing nothing. They literally did nothing. They left it up the people. With that decision came the Gusphase. The Gusphase was a wild and crazy time. People were going crazy in the streets, killing and looting. The government had no control over anything anymore. Hungry groups of people started attacking and cooking up Greyboys. They were creating exclusive cannibalistic dining clubs and taking part in intense orgies. The government lost so much of the control it once had, all of the prisons were emptied and the prisoners set free. With so much chaos going on, people were forced to fend for themselves and it became survival of the fittest. During all of the madness, priests and bishops were aloud to preach the word of their God again and that is what people held on to in this time of madness. The Gusphase, just like the Interphase, didn’t last long. The government eventually regained control of the population and things were back to the way they started, Pelphase. In the Pelphase after the horrible Gusphase, things were different than before. People were now aloud to have children and homosexuality wasn’t pressured upon the people. On the surface, it seemed as if the government has learned from their mistakes but under the surface things have taken a very deadly turn. The army had most of the control in the government now. The army went town to town tricking people into joining the army. After the people went through long and rigorous training they were sent off to the front lines in western Ireland. They weren’t fighting the Irish however; they were fighting other British men and women. The government set up elaborate shows to pretend that there was a war and when it came down to the actual battle the two sides of British would clash in a bloody death match. At the end of the fight, officers from the army, who were in on the whole scheme, executed the survivors so know one would find out about their evil idea of population control. Thanks to Tristram’s smarts and instincts, he was able to survive. He made his way back to the army headquarters and told them that he knew the whole plot. They didn’t pay him any mind, gave him his discharge check, and sent him on his way. He ended up going back to where he started before all of the crazy times London experienced in the past couple of years. He landed a job as a war history teacher and bought a new flat with his discharge money. After he was settled he found Beatrice-Joanna and his twin sons. Things finally came full circle for Tristram. In may ways, Tristram’s journey was a lot like the phases that the government went through. He had endured the brunt of each phase. He experienced the worst that each phase had to offer a human being. He survived and lived happily again.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Amendment Right

Many American citizens take their civil liberties for granted. Many do not realize how valuable their rights and privileges under the United States Constitution really are, until they begin to be taken away. The Fourth Amendment, essentially the right to privacy, is slowly being stripped from the American citizen. The use of TEMPEST, or sophisticated eavesdropping technology to intercept information, including telephone monitoring and video surveillance, is unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution states that people have the right to privacy in their person, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and that people should not be violated, and no warrants issued, unless there is probable cause. (â€Å"U. S. Constitution: Fourth Amendment†, 2009) The Fourth Amendment clearly outlines that the American citizen has a right to privacy from the government. This i ncludes privacy not only in their homes, but out in public.For instance, anyone can observe another in public, such as walking down the street. However, when law enforcement officials begin to observe regular citizens in their everyday routine, such as going to work, going to the grocery store, picking up their children from school, and the like, that citizen's right to privacy has been violated. To understand how sophisticated eavesdropping technology to intercept information is a violation of the Fourth Amendment, one must realize how it works.TEMPEST is a code name for studies and investigations of compromising emanations. Compromising emanations are unintentional signals that can send information to a remote source. For instance, computers, telephones, and video surveillance cameras release interference into their surrounding environment. This interference creates signals that bear some relationship to what was originally caught. Essentially, TEMPEST equipment can remotely mirro r what is being done on another device. This is, in its purest form, eavesdropping.(Pike, 2000) In the case of Kyllo versus the United States, which was argued on February 20, 2001 and decided on June 11, 2001, is an example of the violation of the Fourth Amendment. Law enforcement was suspicious that marijuana was being grown in petitioner Kyllo's home in a triplex, and therefore, used thermal imaging devices to detect unusual heat sources, perhaps from heat lamps necessary for growing marijuana. Scanning the outside of the house, the agents detected hot spots coming from Kyllo's garage.The agents obtained a search warrant, and did indeed find marijuana plants. The evidence was then seized from Kyllo's home. The Ninth Circuit Court decided that the thermal imaging was not in violation of the Fourth Amendment because Kyllo had shown no attempt to conceal the heat coming from his home, and even if he had, law enforcement agents were still in the clear because the thermal imaging did not expose any intimate details of Kyllo's life. However, law enforcement used devices that were not in general, public use.They used these devices to â€Å"explore details of a private home that would previously have been unknowable without physical intrusion. † On these grounds, Kyllo decided to appeal, holding fast to the claim that the surveillance was a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Ultimately, the Court decided that the use of the thermal imaging device to obtain information was a violation of Kyllo's right to privacy under the Fourth Amendment. The Court rejected law enforcement's argument that the thermal imaging must be upheld because it detected only heat from the exterior of the house.Law enforcement's argument was rejected because it left the homeowner to the mercy of technology. Law enforcement's argument that the thermal imaging must be upheld because it did not detect intimate details was also rejected because all details concerning a home are intimate det ails. (â€Å"Kyllo v. United States†, 2001) Technology has advanced to the point that the public should be aware of possible videotaping and other types of eavesdropping. For example, hidden cameras scanned the faces of all of the Super Bowl attendees as they entered the stadium in January of 2001.The pictures were then compared with local, state, and FBI files of known criminals and terrorists. The attendees had no idea they were being watched. The federal government, in addition to local law enforcement, is beginning to strip away Americans' right to privacy. On September 11, 2001, the attacks on the World Trade Centers exposed the vulnerability of America to terrorism. In response, Congress quickly passed the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act is supposed to provide important national security measures, such as the removal of a statute on limitations for terrorism offenses.However, it also increased the government's ability to conduct unwarranted surveillance on innocent individ uals without making sure that abuses of power were limited. These examples illustrate the tension between preserving national security and preventing unwarranted government infringement on civil liberties. This infringement is a violation of the Fourth Amendment. (Chandler, 2006) In the months following the attacks on September 11, 2001, everyone was quick to point out a possible terrorist.People paid attention to what others said, and how they said it, and individuals paid more attention to what they were saying to others. For instance, it was within the realm of possibility that a man in a grocery store, having a casual conversation with someone else, mentions his disagreement with the United States government. Surprised by the FBI at his home a few hours later, he is informed that the individual he had the conversation with at the grocery store believed that his disagreement with the United States government was grounds for informing federal law enforcement of possible terrorist actions.Not only did scenarios such as this happen, but the government monitored telephone conversations. The law was that telephone conversations can be monitored by law enforcement or by the telephone company. The telephone company can monitor conversations for a number of reasons, including to provide service, inspect the telephone system, monitor the quality of the service, or to protect against service theft or harassment. However, law enforcement can only listen in on telephone conversations with â€Å"probable cause.† (â€Å"Wiretapping/Eavesdropping†, 1993) In other words, if one is known to be a hit man, law enforcement can eavesdrop on that individual's telephone conversations not only to find out if he will go through with committing murder, but also to find out who else is involved. Law enforcement must obtain a court order to eavesdrop on others telephone conversations. However, after September 11th, it was rumored that the federal government monitored all telephone conversations for key words such as bomb, terrorist, etc.The Bush administration repeatedly insisted that the only telephone conversations they eavesdropped on without court orders were those who were suspected of being linked to al Qaida or other terrorist groups. It is true, however, that after September 11th, the Bush administration made efforts to collect vast amounts of information about Americans' travel, tax and medical records, e-mails, and credit card purchases. (Landay, 2008) This was all done under the guise of the Patriot Act, which essentially made the Fourth Amendment null and void.In addition to listening in on telephone conversations, the United States watches the American public through surveillance cameras. Thousands of cameras, both public and private, dot parks and city streets. Once an individual is out in public, the Courts deem those individuals as no longer having any privacy, at least while they are in public. Most people are not aware that they a re being watched. If they do know, they do not control what their images are being used for. Most cameras are mounted in trees, on streetlight and traffic poles, on public buildings, on subway platforms, and installed in buses and subway cars.These cameras are everywhere, and there are more that cannot be seen. Police officials refuse to tell the public about where the other cameras are because they claim that information would â€Å"undermine law enforcement's effectiveness. One of the major problems with hidden cameras in public areas is that cameras penetrate deeper than anyone staring at an individual. If another person is staring at someone, all that person has to do is stare back to discourage the intrusion. However, one cannot stare back at a camera if they do not know where it is. Even if they did know where it was, the eye of the camera would not stop staring.People behave differently when they think they are alone, and even if one does know about the cameras, the cameras then do not fix the problem. Hidden cameras serve as â€Å"super cops. † These cameras can zoom in to single out a particular individual or to read a letter someone is holding, and can see in the dark due to infrared technology. In the past, police could not do this without probable cause and obtaining a search warrant. In addition to these benefits to law enforcement, cameras can be put in places where a human being could not possibly be, such as perched high atop the side of a building.These cameras were originally touted as tools to aid in the catching of terrorists and violent criminals, and to prevent serious crimes. The cameras have not done this. The only criminals these cameras have caught are minor offenders such as petty thieves and concert-ticket scalpers. For example, in Washington D. C. , New York City, and San Diego, cameras that were originally meant to catch serious offenders now only catch red-light runners, speeders, and others who park illegally. The proble m is this: The faces of random people on the street are being compared with those of criminals.All of this is being done with no probable cause. Law enforcement targets ethnic and racial minorities, and that coupled with false-positive matches means that innocent people will be arrested for no apparent reason. Even though the Supreme Court has never tried a case where someone claimed the Fourth Amendment was violated because of public surveillance, the Court would most likely find that electronic monitoring of public areas is not a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Technology is beginning to take over American society.Each intrusion into Americans' privacy is being introduced as a tool to weed out the harmful individuals. Drug testing and EZ Passes are good examples. At first, drug testing was only used for high security jobs, and now students in extracurricular activities at school are subject to them. EZ Passes were introduced in order to lessen traffic congestion, and now they a re being used to issue tickets to speeders. Every tool introduced as being â€Å"important† and â€Å"helpful† in the fight against crime is now being used to trap innocent citizens, citizens who at first thought these tools were a good idea.Sociologist Gary Marx explains, â€Å"Once the new surveillance systems become institutionalized and taken for granted in a democratic society, they can be used against those with the ‘wrong' political beliefs; against racial, ethnic, or religious minorities; and against those with lifestyles that offend the majority. † No one will use public areas if they believe or know they are being watched. The author believes that spaces that are accessible, not defensive, will be used more. The more people use these areas, the safer they will be.There are more good people than bad in the world, therefore, the chances of someone getting attacked in a group of people are extremely slim. Video surveillance creates insecurity, not a sense of safety. Congress has not yet addressed video surveillance. Hawaii and California have laws to limit video surveillance, and a handful of states have heightened protection of the right to privacy written into their state constitutions. However, even though video surveillance is more intrusive than telephone monitoring, there is currently no federal legislation to govern video surveillance. (Smithsimon, 2003)In conclusion, the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is being violated in today's society due to telephone monitoring and video surveillance. Telephone monitoring and video surveillance have secretly crept upon the average American. Most do not give a second thought, or even know, about these types of violations of privacy. Perhaps the average American is aware of the possibility, but tries not to think about such a disturbing and chilling thought. If the average American citizen knew that someone was watching them as they went about their daily business , feelings of paranoia and possibly fear would begin to take root.America would not feel free any longer. This can be likened to driving at the speed limit when a police officer is driving within close proximity. One is on his/her best behavior, however, when the police officer can no longer be seen, that same person that was on their best behavior just moments before, resumes their fast, reckless ways. However, there is no escape from the cameras that could possibly be watching each and every American. It is amazing how much Americans take for granted, including the civil liberties, the rights and privileges, that the American holds so dear.– (1993). Wiretapping/Eavesdropping on Telephone Conversations: Is There Cause for Concern? Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Privacy Rights. http://www. privacyrights. org/fs/fs9-wrtp. htm – (2001). Kyllo v. United States. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Find Law. http://caselaw. lp. findlaw. com/scripts/getcase. pl? navby=CASE&court=US&v ol=533&page=27 – (2009). U. S. Constitution: Fourth Amendment. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Find Law. http://caselaw. lp. findlaw. com/data/constitution/amendment04/ – Chandler, S. A. (Fall 2006). Collateral Damage?The Impact of National Security Crises on the Fourth Amendment Protection against Unreasonable Searches. University of Pittsburgh Law Review. 68(1), 217-41. – Landay, Jonathan S. (2008). Did U. S. Government Snoop on Americans' Phone Calls? Retrieved May 18, 2009, from McClatchy Newspapers. http://www. mcclatchydc. com/257/story/53703. html – Pike, John. (2000). TEMPEST. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Intelligence Resource Program. http://www. fas. org/irp/program/security/tempest. htm – Smithsimon, M. (Winter 2003). Private Lives, Public Spaces: The Surveillance State. Dissent. 50(1), 43-9.