Original Oratory on stereotyping and social stigmas

In love there is creation the creation of power and energies exerted towards our seemingly divergent passions yet in love these passions can create destruction unbounded by anything else ultimately no one can escape we falter almost entirely everyday we take breath what causes us to be so determined to find meaning In things? Eyes. Drugs. Smiles. Love. Sex. Death. What says that anything Is anything or nothing at all? Im so dull at times. I want find meaning In things and I want to be this great, philosophic all around girl. Im not. Majority of what I write or think Is complete bulls.Every so often It comes across as genuine and well thought out but really Its Just stupidity. TFH I think that even to be diagnosed with something would be bullwhip because Im perfectly normal. Elf I asked you all to use some words to describe yourselves what words would you use? Student, Future entrepreneur, black, gay†¦ All these titles but do they really say who you are? More likely than not they wont. And if I asked you to describe your closest friend could you really? In all seriousness no. Why is this? People, all people, are lust a paradox ball of psychological issues and perfection.We try to define ourselves and each other. We want to belong. Not to be cliche © but our goal in life is to make a connection with something. We begin to stereotype. Whether its based on fact or not doesn't matter. And at what cost? While its true that we are at times rightly stereotyped, our views of ourselves can be distorted. As a person, still trying to figure out what I want out of life, its not hard to see that the stigmas, increasing suicide rates, and the difficulty in being successful in education because of stereotyping hinders peoples life's as well their concepts of themselves and others.

Should English Be Our Official Language?

In the United States, there are 303 languages other than English that are spoken at home, these categories include; Native American languages, African languages, Chinese, other Asian languages, Pacific Island languages, and Indic languages. According to the US Census, in 2007 the number of people five and older who spoke a language other than English at home doubled in the last three decades. English was inherited from British colonization and is spoken by the majority of the population. It serves as the language in which government businesses is carried out. According to the US Census Bureau, 80% of Americans spoke only English at home in 2007. Spanish is the second most common language spoken in the United States. Spanish is the primary language spoken at home by almost 37 million people five or older. Spanish is taught in various regions as a second language. Numerous neighborhoods have only Spanish language signs and Spanish speaking people. Chinese is the third most common language spoken in the United States. Over two million Americans speak some variety of Chinese. Tagalog is the fourth most spoken language in the United States. Over 1. 5 million Americans speak it. French is the fifth most common language spoken here. About 1. 4 million Americans over the age of five were reported speaking the language at home in 2007. Arguments Supporting Making English Our Official Language There are numerous arguments supporting the adoption of English as the official language of the United States. One argument is to recognize that the United States has been an English-speaking country since it was created. Our constitution and fundamental documents are all in English. Some states have adopted legislation granting official status to English. As of April 2011, 28 states had established English as the official language. This leads to another supporting argument, to unite the states that have already made English their official language. Eighty-five percent of the UN’s nations have official languages, so we should conform to the rest of the world. An overwhelming majority of US citizens already speaks English. For a major part of them English is a mother tongue. So, if there is to be one official language, English is clearly the most natural and logical choice. In addition, 28 U. S. states have already enacted laws making English their official language. According to those who are in favor of making English our official language, it would unite Americans. In the United States national disasters and terrorist attacks happen, and they seem to be happening more often. If an immigrant does not know English and an accident happens, they might not be able to communicate with police or firefighters. According to those who favor making English our official language, it would help with the citizens safety. Arguments Against Making English Our Official Language Along with the supporting arguments, there are also opposing arguments for making English the official language. Making English the official language overlooks the importance of an individual’s native language and culture. There are countries that have many official languages and they are doing well. For examples, Switzerland has four official languages and all four languages have equal status. The children are skilled in the language that is spoken in their area. United States is known as being a diverse country that house immigrants from around the world. According to those who are against making English our official language, it may show a sign of disrespect to those people who are immigrants. According to those against making English our official language, it would violate some civil rights. For example, the equal protection clause of the fourteenth amendment states that laws cannot discriminate against certain groups based on specific characteristics, such as race, gender, or national origin. Immigrants’ right to vote would also be violated. Studies have shown that many citizens who speak limited English use the bilingual ballots and would not vote if there were not mandated translations. Author’s View After researching this topic, it’s hard for me to pick a side, but I would have to say I’m against making English the official language. I see the United States as different than any other country. We are very diverse and unique, and making English the official language would take away from that uniqueness. No one is exactly the same, everyone is unique in their own way and I think the same deals with countries. People come to the United States because we are so diverse and we accept everyone. I think by making English the official language we would become like every other country that have an official language. The children who live here have amazing opportunities to learn different languages in school because we are so diverse. It’s important for children and teens to learn the different cultures that the United States has. I believe that not making English the official language is the best choice for the United States. References http://www.advancingequality.org/files/fact_sheet_english_only_legislation.pdf http://www.census.gov/hhes/socdemo/language/ http://dbp.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_English_as_US_official_language http://www.proenglish.org/data/backgrounders.html?id=167:ten-reasons-to-make-english-the-official-language-of-the-united-states&catid=48

The Augustan Transformation of the Forum Romanum Essay

The Augustan Transformation of the Forum Romanum - Essay Example The noblest of them all was his transformation of the new forum of Augustus at the roman forum and the Julius forum. At this place, a temple of mars the avenger was erected. This was built by Augustus for his commemoration of the war that he had waged to avenge the killing of Caesar. Forum Romanum is a piece of architecture that is both monumental and an envy of many from time immemorial. It became almost as a symbol of unity and Rome. One of the major contributions made by Augustus was the preservation of architecture or buildings that had been built by his predecessors instead of destroying them and building his own to mark his reign. Much credit has been given to Augustus for transforming Rome and preserving the social, cultural, and roman values at his time of rule. The kind of cultural and religious beliefs expressed by the Forum Romanum are immense (Marucchi 1–2). This paper looks at the Forum Romanum’s transformation by Augustus and how this monument is interwove n with the politics, cultures, religious, and other social values held by the roman people. Discussion The Forum Romanum is a plaza that is rectangular in shape and is surrounded by numerous ruins that represent quite a number of important ancient roman government houses that are located in the middle of the city, Rome. This place was initially a place for buying and selling of goods by the roman people and the people originally referred to it as forum magnum. In the roman life, this place served as their central location and marked their public life. This is attributed to the fact that it was the site where all processions of triumph, elections, political speeches, trials of criminals, and matches of gladiators were organized and took place. It was also the commercial nucleus of the roman people (Galinsky 23-56). When looking at these activities, one would be able to understand why the Forum Romanum was such an important location to the romans and why it received so much fame durin g the reign of kings and even in the present day’s history. The statues and monuments that were erected here did commemorate the great men of the city who got fame and favor from the kings, nobles, and the public. It was basically the teeming heart of what could be referred to as the ancient Rome. Historians call this place as the most celebrated meeting place in the whole world and recognized through history. This Forum Romanum is found between the Capitoline Hills and the Palatine. However, currently the Forum Romanum stands out as sprawling ruins made of architectural fragments and has exhibited very intermittent excavations from archeologists (Grant 11-18). The reign of Augustus was extraordinary and left Rome with a new order in government, personal and social identity. His transformations did redefine what Rome was and changed the perceptions of people about what being roman symbolized. Traditions and values that found their roots to new mythology of nationalism were fu lly expressed. The new ideology found its manifestation in architectural designs and art. The political buildings like this Forum Romanum were planned carefully and took into consideration the programs that had been designed for urban renewal and the boosting of the public (Galinsky 23-56). This Forum Roman

Brand Building Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Brand Building - Essay Example Brand image is developed with time through strategies such as promotional campaigns and maintaining a consistent theme such as superior quality (Kotler & Keller, 2005). Conversely, brand image can only be authenticated by customers’ direct experiences. Therefore, proper segmentation, positioning and targeting are imperative to ensure that customers appreciate the company’s brand image. The purpose of this paper is to consider the renowned Samsung brand, discussing various strategies through which the company develops and maintains its position in the market. Part 1 The Samsung brand is one of the most renowned international brands. The Samsung brand encompasses a number of subsidiaries and affiliated businesses, which operate under the Samsung Group, a South Korean conglomerate headquartered in Seoul’s Samsung Town. Steve, who is a close friend, is an extremely loyal customer of the Samsung brand (Kotler & Keller, 2005). From his cell phone to his television and other technological devices, Steve only trusts the Samsung brand. According to Steve, his loyalty to the Samsung brand can be attributed to the company’s robust brand building activities. Steve argues that Samsung’s frequency programs and brand image building activities sustain his loyalty to the brand. ... Steve gave an instance of when his Samsung Galaxy Tablet experienced audio difficulties and upon taking it to a Samsung service centre, the problem was fixed almost instantly at no cost. Therefore, Samsung maintains and reinforces its positive brand image, thus maintaining the loyalty of customers such as Steve. Trust plays a pivotal role in enhancing attitudinal and behavioural loyalty to the Samsung brand (Clottey, Collier & Stodnick, 2008). Since Steve trusts Samsung products, as well as the brand’s positive image, he believes that Samsung’s competitive brands such as Toshiba, Sony and Nokia are relatively unreliable, particularly with regard to the quality of their products, as well as after sales services such as servicing, repair and maintenance. Steve also believes that certain competitive brands are targeted at specific markets such as Asian markets in the case of Toshiba products. Based on Steve’s assertions, it is clear that Samsung’s brand equit y is extremely strong, thus the Samsung brand is one of the company’s most valuable assets, which consequently enhances the financial value of the company (Jensen & Hansen, 2006). Elements of the Samsung brand that speak to its extensive brand equity include customer recognition of visual elements such the Samsung logo, as well as recognition of the brand’s values such as quality. The brand has, therefore, been able to position itself positively in the customer’s mind. The superior quality of Samsung products and the effectiveness of its frequency products make the brand preferable to customers within the target market. Part 2 According to Kotler & Keller (2005) segmentation entails dividing the market into small groups or

Consumer Behaviour Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Consumer Behaviour - Assignment Example Consumer Behaviour The term consumer behavior is simply the behavior that consumers display in searching, purchasing, using, evaluating and disposing of services and products that they think will satisfy their wants and needs. Consumer behavior centers at how individuals make decisions to use or spend their available resources, that is, time effort or money on consumption linked items. This simply means what they buy, where they buy it, when they purchase it, how often they utilize or use it, how they analyze it after they buy it and the impact of evaluating it in future and lastly, the way they dispose of it. In other words, consumer behavior can be used to refer to the behavior of individuals in regard to acquisition, utilization, and disposal of products, ideas, services or experiences. Acquisition and use of information are also included in consumer behavior. This means that, communicating with consumers and getting feedbacks from them forms a crucial and important part to marketers. Importance of studying customers’ behavior Studying consumer behavior is very significant in our lives. It plays a very crucial role in our daily activities. Every body spends a lot of time in market places and other places shopping different items. Before doing any transaction, everybody must make a decision. This shows that, consumer behavior cannot be avoided in our lives. It also plays a crucial role in marketing. Understanding consumer behavior is important in successful delivery of firms’ offerings in market places. ... This is analysis and evaluation of trends and conditions in market places to understand consumers’ needs that are not fully met. Here, it is useful in identifying the weaknesses and developing these weaknesses to meet consumers’ satisfaction. Consumer behavior is also used in Target Market Selection. This is identifying different groupings of consumers who have needs and wants that are unique and segment selection that matches the strengths of the firm. It analyses all this and then offer better chances and opportunities. Consumer behavior also involves Marketing Mix Destination. This is development and implementation of strategies for delivering effective combination of different features of satisfying wants to consumers within target market. Marketing mix is made up of four components, namely; place, promotion, price and product. Each and every person has his or her own way of perceiving or understanding things. Cognition and affect are one and same (Chisnall, 1995). Understanding of marketing strategy is also part of consumer behavior. Strategies used in marketing as well as the tactics are based on beliefs about consumer behavior. These beliefs can either be implicit or explicit. Not to forget, regulatory policy needs wide knowledge of consumer behavior. In addition, understanding of consumer behavior will also be incredibly useful in social marketing. Social marketing is use of marketing tactics and strategies to create or alter behaviors that have constructive effects on the target individuals and the society. It is used to increase sound environmental behaviors and to reduce vices like smoking. It is also used to improve support of charities and reduction of behaviors leading to HIV/AIDS. Evaluation of attitude According to Olson and Peter, analyzing

Ethics in Criminal Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Ethics in Criminal Justice - Essay Example on the variety of ideas and the effectiveness of its execution depends on dedication and commitment on part of people involved to carry out the decision. â€Å"Ethical decision making will be reserved for use in a group decision making context. Specifically, we will address ethical decision making in business as providing the guiding requirements or goals for right conduct† (Addressing Ethics in Decision Making, 2009). It is the most realistic and accurate expression of the fundamental feeling behind the ethical point of view, that is, benevolence. This principle states that there is room in the structure for conventional ethical rules, but adds that these principles can gain power only from maximizing usefulness during the long term. There is probably no one in the modern period whose visions have influenced moral reflection above those of 18th-century theorist Immanuel Kant. Kant creates his "supreme principle" in numerous different methods, all of which he claims to be equal. Unlike other two ethical principles, virtue ethics does not offer ethics for judging an act right or wrong. It gives attention to building up the character of human beings so that an individual is bound to do the right thing. Character traits such as self-control, courage, justice generosity, gentleness etc are developed through this. Virtue ethics revolves around achievement and promotion of human excellence. Every moral virtue is a means that gives extreme happiness. Sometimes it generates a feeling of doing too much or too little. The absolute mean is diverse from the mean as it is relative to the human being. Ethical decision-making in the organizations helps to change the future for the better. â€Å"Addressing ethics in decision making in business or other large organizations or groups (e.g., government) does point to the need to ensure that key focusing decisions have been made and are in place. In particular, the business decision for core values should be in place to provide the

JMC 620 Final Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

JMC 620 Final Exam - Essay Example Set objectives will be measured against achieved results. Some of the evaluation tools that will be used include website hits, number of enquiries and questionnaires. Marketing can at times be so discouraging, it becomes even more daunting if there is no budget for the marketing tasks. Even so, it is possible to market the Kentucky Boat Show and increase the attendance without a budget. Some of the ways I would use include; We would build relationships within the community to help the business and the show gains exposure. The network would include online influencers, we would share their comments with friends and ensure we are discerned in their platforms. The link to our sites will always be included whenever we give comments. Print advertising has had a tremendous comeback in the recent years. It is affordable and always brings value to the investment (Parente, 2006). We are going to use a multi-faceted approach to our visual communication by making the fliers and posters in different ways though conveying the same message. The visual advertisements will be visually captivating and appealing. The posters will attract the eyes and be convincing to the mind. It is in line with recent research that suggests that an attention drawing advertisement with a quick response code draws just as much attention as a well written copy. Higher institutions of learning are rich in skills and creativity. Our plan is to organise a contest for creating fliers and banners of all types with awards for every acknowledged entry. Fliers will be given to customers, employees and sent to shareholders. Banners will then be placed about the business premise and at strategic places in town where there is large human traffic to ensure a large audience is reached. Multiple fliers made in different ways will ensure that the attention of several people is grabbed The effectiveness of this approach is expected to be high. Our method is aimed at grabbing attention

Self-awareness and Career Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Self-awareness and Career Management - Essay Example The developments and changes in the job market is changing and the trend is expected to continue this way in the future for instance, need of a wider variety of job dealings, and communication with a wider base of people; broader abilities, greater desire and enthusiasm is required for a successful career development. The self awareness theory: this theory states that when people centre their concentration on themselves, they evaluate and make comparisons of their character and their internal values and standards. People hence become conscious of themselves as aim assessors of themselves (Boniwell 2006). Several emotional states are increased by the concept of self awareness and people may in some cases attempt to run away from this by watching television, taking drugs and/or playing games. I realize that some people get to align their behaviour with the standards and this may have a negative impact on them if they do not meet these standards. I believe that the self awareness will help me to discover my inner standards inspiration and energy to work hard and achieve my goals. The business environment today in experiencing very dynamic changes as companies are expanding, restructuring, merging, de-merging, making new acquisitions and getting globalize (Boniwell 2006). Other aspects of the government and private institutions have also been affected this factors. The job market is exciting and showing a lot of demands as well as competition. I will carry out frequent personal review since these presenting conditions make career development very complicated. I have learnt a lot of theoretical approach to dealing with these conditions from studying this course. The important techniques I have obtained have helped me a lot to develop self concept which means am more self aware and discovering my true inners self in terms of weaknesses and strengths (Boniwell 2006). Before undertaking this module I did not actually get to understand the direction I was to take, the specific career to choose or what to target in future for future developments. I only believed that I would luckily land on a job, get rich and be happy; by making me to think about what I like doing and what makes me happy in life, my inspiration, and my strengths, I feel like am in a better position to explore my potential and to know how to use it in the future developments (Inkson 2006) Knowledge is expressed as power and this is a precise when referring to some people. This also applies to the way we understand ourselves. Psychologists have referred to this as a paradox. The first paradox is the imagination that people have. This can be enlightened by analysing them as they have no boundaries. When a person is imagining, he/she can do anything in his/her thoughts including flying, climbing to the highest mountain and win very great event (Boniwell 2006) However the reality is different and people's lives are restricted by boundaries like the law, inability, beliefs among others. The second paradox is the human spirit, this is the source of inspiration to most f the human activities, motivation and the reason people can overcome their frailties (Brown & Hesketh 2004). I have discovered that the human spirit is very important in realizing self awareness as it provides us with the desire

Abortion in the United States Essay Example for Free

Abortion in the United States Essay Abortion is one of the most controversial topics to date in the United States. Because of the complexity and issues involved, there are those individuals who are for abortion, and those who are against. There is neutrality that extends between the two, with those who are one the fence depending on circumstantial situations. In this paper our group of four peers debate the topic, and base a conclusion on weather women in the United States should have the right to abortion, based on the arguments themselves. Today, the reference of for and against, is better known as pro-choice and pro-life. Pro choice (abortions) refer to the political and ethical view that a woman should have complete right over her fertility, and that she should have the freedom to decide whether she wants to continue or terminate her pregnancy (Bose, 2012). According to pro-life advocates, women who demand complete control of their body should also shoulder the responsibility of preventing unwanted pregnancy, and that the result of an unplanned pregnancy, rape or incest, aborting the embryo is equivalent to punishing the unborn child (Bose, 2012). See more:  Mark Twains Humorous Satire in Running for Governor Essay The position that Valora has in this debate, is that it is the woman’s choice to decide whether or not to have an abortion, but also to understand that it is their responsibility to protect against unwanted pregnancies by using every available means of contraceptive, not including using abortion as if it were a contraceptive, as some pro-life advocates would claim. When evaluating risk, one should take in account of women’s feelings after an abortion. Feelings of depression and anxiety is something woman feel prior, and of course afterwards. Women sometimes choose abortions because of medical issues with the babies, or horrifying circumstances leading to the unwanted pregnancy. Henry P. David, PhD stated after conclusive research â€Å"severe psychological reactions after an abortion are infrequent†. The best indicator of your mental feelings after an abortion is to realize your feelings and mental health prior to the abortion. (ProChoice.org). Usual feelings aft er an abortion is relief, loss, sadness, and grief. It is okay to grieve and you should give yourself time to grieve. Women who have had abortion may have feelings of sadness because they had to make the decision on their own without help from family and friends. Some woman may live in a home life where they are made to feel worthless because of the decision they will make. Some believe women who decide to have abortions will come down with â€Å"Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome†, which is psychological trauma or deep depression, and the American Psychological Association has found no scientific evidence that abortion leads to this type of trauma. Furthermore, experts stated after a study with the National Cancer Institute studied abortions and breast cancer, trying to see if there is any link between an abortion and breast cancer. In the end they settled that there was no link between the chances of breast cancer if you had received an abortion. In the United States, technology has made abortion safer in the last few years. Abortions are performed with in the first 9 weeks of pregnancy. Early termination the better is for the woman, less complications. Most woman receiving their abortion within the first 9 weeks report no complications afterwards. Less than 0.5% of women have serious complication that may bring them back to be seen or hospitalized. Complication rates to rise if the abortion is decided with the pregnancy weeks of 13 and 24. The position of Tracy in this paper is that abortion should be the right of the woman. I do not believe the government or any religious authority should make this type of decision for any woman. Deciding to have an abortion is an important decision in itself and having others dictate you can or cannot choose makes the situation even more confusing. As with most any conflicts, there are usually laws which govern the actions those directly involved, and with abortion comes some of the most well-known pieces of legislature in history. Today in the United States abortion is legal in every state due to the decision of Roe v. Wade. In this case the appellant (Roe) sued the state of Teas on the basis that personal privacy was violated unconstitutionally when the state proscribes that it is unlawful to abort a fetus, other than to save the life of a mother, advised by a licensed medical physician. The ruling decided on January 22, 1973 by the United States Supreme Court was a major milestone in the still controversial topic of abortion. According to the court â€Å"the abortion statutes void as vague and over-broadly infringing those plaintiff’s Ninth and Fourteenth Amendment right† (Roe v. Wade). On the same day of the Roe decision, another case in the state3 of Georgia was also decided on, in the case of Doe v Bolton we the state in question also was found to be in violation of the appellants constitutional rights. The Ninth Amendment: The enumeration in the constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. The Fourteenth Amendment: Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or poverty, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws (Legal Information Institute). The position that Timothy has on this subject, is that a woman’s right to abortion should be that of her own decision based on the legislation’s that have been passed. A woman should be able to do with her own body as she chooses, not including using abortion as a method of birth-control. Abortion is not all together without some medical complications. The side effects of abortion are sometimes critical. Some of them involve spotting and bleeding. You could be bleeding for past 30 to 60 days, bleeding which could be very dangerous if care was not sought from a physician. Another side affect is headaches and dizziness, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea. Sometimes abortion can even lead rare instances of death. During the surgery the doctors may leave some parts of the fetus inside the body. That is what may cause the affections that may cause damage to the body and or death. The symptoms are high fever, diarrhea, cramping, foul smelling in your discharge and more. Your cervix may get injured and damaged by the surgical tools that are being used during the abortion procedure which will lead to not being able to conceive again. Women who have gone through abortion are at a greater risk of ovarian and cervical cancer. Abortion is a very short p rocedure but it impacts your life forever, and the after affects of abortion varies from physical and psychological effects. Women may develop an eating disorders, or drugs on alcohol abuse, or they may have flash backs about the procedures themselves. Abortions may cause problems in relationships, and it may affect the woman’s sex life which leads to sexual dysfunction. The position that Veronica has on the subject of abortion is that she does not agree with the procedure, and the word abortion can be discussed in two different ways. Therapeutic abortion is one, where the abortion is unplanned due to medical problems with the patient’s health also unknown as miscarriage. Another way is elective abortion when it is planned. In many states planned abortions are illegal and have resulted in up to 70,000 deaths across the world every year. Many arguments support the issue on abortion. One reason why I am against abortion is that you are killing an innocent child that has nothing to do with the mistakes that one makes by having unprotected sex. You should not kill an unborn child because you are ashamed and afraid of what people might say about you. Another reason why she is against abortion is it’s against her religion. â€Å"If I make a mistake and got pregnant, then I would have to step up to the plate and take care and raise my child. It is against my religion to have abortions, because children are a gift from God†. In conclusion of this paper, there are two sides to this debate on whether women should have the right to have abortions in the United States. The research shows that the peer group has more emphases on the pro-choice side of the debate, because the laws of abortion are designed to protect the welfare of the mother and in some cases the fetus, if there is evidence of potential danger, and the fetus may be born with severe disorders, or mother having serious complications that could threaten the mother’s life. In the past, abortions were not as safe as they are today due to advanced technologies, making abortion safer than they’ve ever been before. Abortion is sometimes the best course because of medical issues, and sometimes due to other horrifying circumstances in which some women may become pregnant, such as rape, incest, and or other circumstances that may be legitimately valid reasons, and may lessen the quality of life for the child or mother. In 1973 it was decided by the highest court in the United States (The Supreme Court), that prior statutes infringed on the rights of women in such cases as Doe v Bolton, and Roe v Wade, making abortion legal, and the right of women to choose. Opposing arguments have raised health related issues of having abortions such as â€Å"Post-Abortion Syndrome†, breast cancer, and depression, but upon studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute, and The American Psychological Association, there has been no scientific evidence to prove the accusations. Abortion will probably remain one of the most controversial topics known to man, but the pros, and the laws which protect, are essential in preserving individual rights of freedom in the United States. References Bose, D. (2012). Arguments for Pro Choice. Retrieved from Buzzle.com website: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/arguments-for-pro-choice-abortions.html. Doe v. Bolton. (n.d.). In Legal Information Institute. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0410_0179_ZS.html. Dudley, S., Ph.D., Kruse, MS, CNM, ARNP. (2006). Evaluating the risk of complications. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Abortion Federation. Revised December 2006. http://prochoice.org/about_abortion/facts/safety_of_abortion.html. Fourteenth Amendment. (n.d.). In Legal Information Institute. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/amendmentxiv Heath, S. (2012, April 14). No One Called Me a Slut. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/15/opinion/Sunday/having-an-abortion-when-no-one-called-me-a-slut.html. Ninth Amendment. (n.d.). In Legal Information Institute. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/ninth_amendment/ Roe v. Wade . (n.d.). In Legal Information Institute. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0410_0113_ZS.html. Sengupta, S. (2010, June 30). Should Abortion Be Legal. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/should-abortion-be-legal.html.

John Steinbeck Essay Example for Free

John Steinbeck Essay Introduction The American dream was created by James Truslow Adams in 1931, James Truslow Adams believed that the American dream was of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunities for each according to ability or achievement, the American dream was targeted at poor people who wanted to have a better future, some of the things that might be in the American dream is to have a house with a nice family. In the book Of Mice and Men. The American Dream is everyone has a dream to strive for the better things in life. The poor men and women wish to be their own bosses, and actually have stability in their lives, the poor wanted to have there own homes and have a nice family. But in the 1930s there werent many or even any jobs available for the average everyday people of America. The American dream was for everyone to have a dream, the dream was created in the 1930s America, and the great depression was caused by the Wall Street crash, because of the crash many people had lost there jobs and were unemployed, any money that would have been saved in there banks, it wasnt possible for them to take it out because of the wall street crash, the entire banking system had collapsed and a huge number of banks went bust. There where many people staving and illnesses started to flood through out America. The only jobs that people could get where at ranches so there where many migrant farmers going to farm to farm trying to find a job, it was very competitive for them to get a job because every one wanted to make money so the could fill them selfs in the time of the great depression there was a big drought which caused a lot of farms to dry up. All the useable ranches where you could actually get some crops out of where in California. Many rich people had ranches in California so every one whos ranches where dried out and couldnt be used they would go to California, but not every one would have got a place because of the overcrowdings. In the story of mice and men the two men are also migrant farmers and are in need of a job at a ranch, this is how the of mice and men is linked to the great depression. George and Lennie. The relationship between George and Lennie is like a father and son relation ship, in the story lennie is represented like a child because of his disabilities and how he acts. In the story George is always telling off lennie for any thing bad which he does, a quote to represent George telling off lennie is, Aw, lennie George put his hand on Lennies shoulder , I aint taking it for meanness. This is showing two things one which is that hes telling off lennie for something bad what he has done and that at the time of telling him off hes actually being nice and saying he doesnt do it for meanness, just like a father would do. Lennie treats George like a father by always listening to him, in the story lennie mimics Georges moves, a quote showing this is, Lennie, who had been watching, imitated George exactly. He pushed himself back, drew up his knees, embraced them, and looked over to George to see whether he had it just right. This shows that George treats Lennie in a father perspective and thinks of him as a role model. George also gets Frustrated over Lennie when he doesnt listen and does bad stuff a quote showing this is, But not us! An why? Because because I got you to look after me and you got me to look after you. This is showing that if he didnt have to look after Lennie he would have a better life and George could go to a cat house when ever he wanted to and spend all his money unlike now when he has to save it up for the both of them and try and fulfil there dream as best as possible. Why George keeps Lennie around is because he doesnt want to be lonely and live his life like all the other migrant farmers which go to cat houses and spend there earned money on useless money, a quote showing this is, they come to a ranch an work up a stake and then go into town and blow their stake, and the next thing you know theyre pounding their tail on some other ranch. The quote is showing that other migrant farmers spend all there earning but George has a reason to earn money, the reason being lennie. George likes to have lennie around a quote showing this is. its a lot nicer to go around with a guy you know. The quote was when George was talking to slim and took out his feelings. George and Lennies dream is to have a house and land and to have many farm animals especially lennie he is really interested in having lots of rabbits to tend and chickens, a quote to show this dream is All kins a vegetables in the garden, and if we want a little whisky we can sell a few eggs or something, or some milk. Wed jus live there. Wed belong there. There wouldnt be no more runnin round the country and gettin fed by a Jap cook. This quote shows that George and lennie want to be free to have what they want when they want, there is no hustle of doing anything they can grow fresh vegetables on the land run around on the fields enjoying themselves and lennie can tend the rabbits which he would be pleased about. As this would be relevant to the 1930s migrant farmers, George and lennie were alone and didnt have any one to talk to and were quite lonely, a quote to show this is but not us! Because.. because I got you to look after me , and you got me to look after you and thats why this quote shows that George and lennie were together to look after each other referring to the 1930s many people didnt travel together and didnt have the right people to go to if something happened in their lives, referring to the book of mice and men George is always looking after lennie and having to care and see what he is doing where ever he goes, George is a good parent to a lennie he sometimes can get frustrated with lennie but at the same time he doest want to be lonely as he keeps him company. And the interactions he makes towards lennie to make him understand what he is doing. George and Lennies dream didnt succeed because Lennie was getting into to much trouble, like the time in weed when he started to feel that girls dress, a quote showing the time when Lennie got in trouble was, well, he seen this girl in a red dress. Dumb bastard like he is, he wants to touch ever thing he likes. Just wants to feel it. This quote shows George getting into trouble because he of his child like behaviour.

The Psychology Of Team Sports

The Psychology Of Team Sports Hardy and Grace, (1997) outlined the importance of team building research in sport when they suggested whether a team is successful or not is frequently attributed to the effectiveness of their teamwork. To develop the effective team many team building programs attempt to increase cohesion amongst a group as team cohesion can affect performance (Eys et al, 2005). Different areas of group dynamics can be used to increase team cohesion, this section of the report will focus on the research conducted on leadership, role ambiguity and goal setting. Leadership is an important component for developing cohesion in sports teams (Carron et al, 2005). It has been suggested that effective leadership is a vital contributor to member satisfaction (Reimer Chellandurai, 1995). Leadership behaviours and styles adopted can have a big impact on team cohesion and subsequent performance. (Carron et al. 2005) An early study, investigating the relationship between (the coaches) leadership behaviours and team cohesion within sports teams, found adopting a democratic style produced higher levels of task cohesion (Lee et al. 1993). In addition, a variety of studies reported that an increase in social support behaviour increased task cohesion (Lee et al. 1993, Westre Weiss, 1991; Riemar Chellandurai, 1995). One study, Riemar Chellandurai, (1995) went further and examined the leadership behaviours preferred and perceived by players depending on their position. They found defensive athletes perceived and preferred higher levels of social support and democratic and autocratic styles then the offensive athletes. They also found member satisfaction was greatly influenced by social support. More recent research has tended to focus on the role of the athlete as a leader within the team, for example, the captain. Research has suggested athlete leaders are in fact better than coaches at administering leadership behaviours, such as; a democratic decision making style and social support (Loughead and Hardy, 2005). Whats more, further research has been conducted to assess different types of athlete leadership. For example, Loughead et al, (2006) discovered two types of leader within a sports team; a team captain and a peer leader (supplies leadership to at least 2 team members). In addition, Eys et al, (2007) investigated how 218 athletes perceived the athlete leader distributions within their sports teams. Their results suggest that members of a team are more satisfied when 3 leadership roles (social, task, external) are performed to the same extent regardless of how many are leaders present within the team. Carron et al, (2005) identified individual clarification of role responsibilities to be one of the most important factors in sport. The vast majority of research on role states in team sports has been on role ambiguity (role clarity) and its relation to performance using the conceptual model proposed by Beauchamp et al, (2002). The effect role ambiguity had on both task cohesion and task self efficacy was investigated by Eys Carron (2001). They concluded that members within basketball teams who were unsure of their role responsibilities, reported lower levels of attraction towards the team and felt their team was less unified in their task approach. Another study, Eys et al, (2003) demonstrated that team members perceptions of role ambiguity decreased throughout a competitive season. Additionally, although perceptions of role ambiguity are individual, members of a team could share the same beliefs. Finally, new editions to the team are more likely to perceive role ambiguity compared to experienced members of the team at the start of the season. Nevertheless, as the authors suggested, the results of this study will be difficult to apply to other team sport settings (e.g age group, competitive standards) as it was undertaken on a homogeneous population (Eys et al, 2003). It has also been reported that greater role ambiguity and role clarity could affect an athletes self efficacy, satisfaction and performance. These factors could not only affect the individual but the team as a whole (Forsyth, 1999). Beauchamp Bray (2001) investigated university athletes perceptions of role ambiguity and role conflict among their respective sports teams. Results demonstrated that members who perceived greater levels of role ambiguity and conflict had lower levels of efficacy and were less inclined to perform their role responsibilities. This is concurrent with Bandura, (1997) who suggested a decrease in persistence and effort will occur if the athlete is unclear of their role. The associated performance is also likely to suffer (Bandura, 1997) as indicated by Beauchamp et al, (2002) who found a negative relationship between role efficacy and role performance. Additionally, the relationship between leadership and role ambiguity could prove further understanding of thi s subject (Eys et al, 2003). The more detailed, specific and challenging yet realistic a goal is the more effective it will be (Gould, 1993). However, research found team members often set themselves unclear and generally descriptive goals (Brawley et al, 1992). In addition, when Dawson et al, (2002) interviewed varsity athletes to determine their goal setting habits, they found team members set personal goals and their respective teams had group goals. Research has indicated that team as opposed to individual goals are better for improving team sport performance (Johnson et al, 1997). The authors demonstrated how subjects who set team goals improved their bowling performance in cricket, yet subjects who set personal goals did not. The addition of team goals to a group has proven successful in the past. Lee (1988) found that adding team goals to female hockey teams had a positive effect on team performance. This was concurrent with Senecal et als, (2008) study of female basketball players. Over a season long intervention, they found team cohesion significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control groups when they utilised team goal setting. Furthermore, Mellalieu et al. (2006) found a goal setting program with professional rugby players to have a positive impact on performance. It has been suggested that goal setting can enhance team cohesion by providing a team focus (Widemeyer Ducharme, 1997). Focusing on one goal can improve group communication, commitment and satisfaction, improving group cohesion and subsequent performance (Carron Spink, 1993) Nevertheless, there have not been many studies carried out in sport that have investigated the effect of team goals on team performance (Widemeyer Ducharme, 1997), with the majority of studies conducted outside of the sport setting (Weingart, 1992). Team building intervention A team goal setting program was chosen as the intervention topic to improve team cohesion (see appendix a). Early research from Widemeyer et al, (1992), as cited in Widemeyer Ducharme (1997) found athletes felt having a team goal was the most significant contributor to task cohesion from a choice of 35 variables. More recently, Stevens Bloom (2003) found team goals to be the most effective topic to utilise in a team building intervention. The following team building intervention applied principles from Eys et al, (2006) in Senecal et al. (2008), Widemeyer Ducharme, (1997) and Widemyer McGuire, (1996) in Carron et al, (2005). Step 1: Developing Long term goals Firstly, the athletes and coaches will work together to decide the long term goal of the team (Kyllo Landers, 1995) for example, achieve a top 3 position in the league. This will take place during an all day workshop during the first week of pre season. The athletes will work in small sub groups of 3-4 and discuss long team goals for the team (Eys et al, 2005). Once the sub groups have decided a long term goal, the coach will write the goals on the white board and the team will discuss together (Dale Wrisberg, 1996), narrowing down to one specific and measurable goal (Gould, 1993). The Long term goal will then be posted in the changing rooms for the remainder of the season, to help motivate the athletes (Weldon Weingart, 1988). Step 2: developing short term outcome goals To achieve the long term goal, specific and measurable (Carron et al, 2005) short term goals will be set as stepping stones (Kingston Hardy, 1997), for example, win the next 3 out of 5 games. To decide the goals, the coach will remind the players of last seasons statistics (eg. Wins, losses, league position) (Widemeyer Ducharme, 1997). After the long term goals are decided, the players will use these statistics and repeat the same procedure as in step 1 by getting into subgroups (Eys et al, 2005). Once discussed, 5-6 specific and achievable short term outcome goals will be decided (Widemeyer Mcguire, 1996) Step 3: Developing short term performance goals In addition, the players will set performance goals during a second all day workshop, 2 weeks into the pre season. The use of multiple goal setting strategies has been shown to be more beneficial to performance (Filby et al, 1999). For this intervention, the players will only be working towards team goals as previous research has suggested team goals are better for improving team performance (Johnson et al, 1997) and that individually hidden goals have no significant impact on performance (Kyllo Landers, 1995). The performance goals will be decided through the use of performance profiling (Dale Wrisberg, 1996). This will be a group profile for the team as a whole. Firstly, the players will discuss what characteristics they believe a successful football team has. The players will express their opinions to the coach while they write them down onto a white board. The characteristics will need to be specific, so if there too general they will be re-evaluated until clearer. When the athletes and coach are happy that at least ten appropriate characteristics are on the white board, the players will individually and anonymously write all the characteristics off the white board on to paper. Examples of characteristics could be; putting 100% effort into every training session and game, winning over 80% of their aerial battles. The players will then proceed to evaluate their teams characteristics between a scale of 1-10, with 1 being weak and 10 being strong. Once completed, each characteristic will be calculated as a mean. The lowest mean scores will be the areas developed into performance goals that the team will aim to achieve. Additionally, the coach will use the same procedure to demonstrate their perceptions of the team. At the next group meeting the team will discuss the results (lowest scores) and agree on 5-6 performance goals to improve their perceived weaknesses (Dale Wrisberg, 1996). When the specific performances goals are established, the team needs to decide realistic yet challenging target levels for these goals (eg. more than 5 shots on target per game) (Carron et al, 2005). To make sure their realistic and challenging the coach will again provide the athletes with statistics from last season (eg. shots on goal, tackles won). The sub group procedure used in step 1 and 2 will be utilized to achieve this (Eys et al, 2005). After negotiations the team will conclude the appropriate targets for their team. This process will be repeated during the middle and the end point of the competitive calendar (Dale Wrisberg, 1996) so that the performance goals can be updated throughout the season Step 4: Monitoring and evaluation of short and long term goals The Long and short term goals will be continually monitored throughout the intervention. Prior to every match and practice session (1 of each per week) throughout the pre and competitive season the team will be reminded of the goals they set for themselves in attempt to provide a focus for the team and help motivate the players (Weldon Weingart, 1988). To do this team goals will be written on the white board in the changing rooms, the coach will then highlight the importance of these goals during their team talk. In addition, after each match team statistics (eg. goals scored and corners won in that game) and the statistics for the agreed performance indices will be posted in the changing rooms. The team members can then look at the statistics and measure their progress towards their target levels. Step 5: Updating team goals After every 3-5 games, the coach and players will work with the intervention specialist on evaluating and possibly updating the team goals if needed, eg. Removing or adding performance goals and changing the target level (Senecal et al, 2008). This will be achieved using their performance statistics from the previous 3-5 games and the characteristics of their next 3-5 opponents (Widemeyer McGuire, 1996). Again, the procedure demonstrated in step 1 will be used to administer the changes. Stage 6: Praise continued progress toward team goals During the intervention the coach will continually openly praise his team when they do well and progress toward their team goals, feedback on goal progress may enhance the use of team goals (Widemeyer Ducharme, 1997). Step 7: post intervention check. 1 week after the intervention was completed; A 5 question, post intervention questionnaire (Stevens Bloom, 2002) was completed by every player to assess the effectiveness of the intervention (Senecal et al, 2008). In addition, 1 and 3 months after the intervention is completed interviews will be conducted with each player (Stevens Bloom, 2003). Players will be instructed to relax and openly discuss their opinions of the TBIs effectiveness. Critical analysis of team building interventions in sport Team building interventions are designed to improve group performance by increasing group cohesiveness (Carron et al, 1997). However previous studies have produced mixed results on the effectiveness of team building interventions (TBI) on improving cohesion. Some were effective (Voight Callaghan, 2001; Senecal et al, 2008; McClure Foster 1991; Mellalieu et al, 2006) and some were unsuccessful (Prapavessis et al, 1996; Cogan Petrie, 1996; Stevens Bloom, 2002). One study, Steven Bloom (2003) found their TBI to be effective during the pre season but not throughout the competitive season. Nevertheless, Brawley Paskevich (1997) have highlighted many methodological concerns with the research conducted using team building interventions. For example, the pre-test, post-test experimental design employed by various TBI (Voight Callaghan 2001: Senecal et al, 2008; Prapevessis et al, 1996; Stevens Bloom, 2002; Mellalieu et al, 2006) makes it difficult to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Although three of these studies were effective (Voight Callaghan 2001: Senecal et al, 2008; Mellalieu et al, 2006), due to the absence of measures throughout the competitive season, although likely it makes it difficult to determine whether or not it was the TBI that improved performance or outside interference, questioning the validity of their results. For example, Brawley Paskevich, (1997) suggested leadership change; a less competitive calendar or the loss of an unsettling member could have all influenced team cohesion independent of the TBI. Some studies that employed a quasi experimental design (Cogan Petrie, 1996; Stevens Bloom, 2003) reported their TBI to be ineffective at improving team cohesion. The design could be the reason for their lack of significant results. A quasi experimental design rarely includes random assignment making it difficult to determine whether factors such as differences in coaching style and team atmosphere affected the results (Stevens Bloom, 2003). Randomly assigning members to different teams, allows experimenters to observe which treatment of the TBI infers change (Brawley Paskevich, 1997). One study employed an experimental design (Mclure Foster, 1991). The results of their study suggested their intervention was effective at increasing cohesion among gymnasts. The positive results of their study could be attributed to the experimental design as this method includes random assignment. Therefore they were able to notice a difference in cohesion amongst randomly assigned athletes with out interference from some of the problems mentioned above. Furthermore, some studies did not utilise a control group, one was effective at improving cohesion (Voight Callaghan 2001) another was ineffective (Bloom Stevens 2002). The absence of a control group however, questions the validity of Voight Callaghans (2001) results. As suggested by Brawley Paskevich, (1997) it is difficult to establish whether their TBI was actually the cause for the improvement in performance as there were no control or placebo groups to compare the results to. In addition, as Stevens Bloom (2002) did not include a control group, whether or not cohesion levels would have decreased over the season and therefore whether or not the intervention was helpful to the team is unclear. Additionally, the duration of the TBI is another methodological concern identified by Brawley Paskevich (1997). It has been suggested interventions are fairly slow processes (French Bell, 1984) and at least 1 season of a TBI is needed to produce results of any significance (Brawley Paskevich, 1997). Therefore the results of studies that lasted less than a season (Prapavessis et al, 1996; Mellalieu et al, 2006) may not portray the long-term effects of the intervention. Studies that have lasted at least a season (Senecal et al, 2008; Mclure Foster 1991; Stevens Bloom, 2002; Voight Callaghan, 2001; Stevens Bloom, 2003; Cogan Petrie, 1996) are more likely to provide clearer results. In addition, although the vast majority some of these studies administered post intervention checks (Cogan Petrie, 1996; Senecal et al, 2008; Mellalieu et al, 2006; Stevens Bloom; Voight Callaghan, 2001; Prapevessis et al, 1996; Stevens Bloom, 2002) none of these studies administered any questionn aires 3 or 6 months after the intervention to examine the long term effects of their intervention. Sampling size can be another methodological concern for researches conducting TBIs. Two studies had a very small sample size (Mellalieu et al, 2006: 5 participants; McClure Foster, 1991:15 participants. Some studies have only used a slightly larger sized sample consisting of no more than 45 participants (Cogan Petrie, 1996; Voight Callaghan, 2001; Stevens Bloom, 2003; Stevens Bloom, 2002). Only 2 studies have used relatively large sample sizes: Senecal et al, (2008); (n=86) Prappevessis et al, (1996); (n=137). Nevertheless, all studies have reported sufficient details such as gender, age, sport and team ability (Cogan Petrie, 1996; Voight Callaghan, 2001; Stevens Bloom, 2003; Stevens Bloom, 2002; McClure Foster, 1991; Mellalieu et al, 2006; Senecal et al, 2008; Prapavessis et al, 1996) However, some of the characteristics reported in the studies can be vague. Many studies have failed to state appropriate details, such as race (Voight Callaghan, 2001; Prapevessis et al, 199 6; Senecal et al, 2008; McClure Foster, 1991; Stevens Bloom, 2002; Mellalieu et al, 2006). Furthermore, the majority of studies also seem to be generalized to similar populations. For example, the majority of studies were conducted on females (Voight Callaghan, 2001; Senecal et al, 2008; McClure Foster, 1991; Cogan Petrie, 1996; Steven Bloom, 2003; Stevens Bloom, 2002), on ages ranging between 18-24 (Voight Callaghan, 2001; McClure Foster, 1991; Cogan Petrie, 1996; Steven Bloom, 2003; Mellalieu et al, 2006) and on high school or university teams (Cogan Petrie, 1996; Steven Bloom, 2003; McClure Foster, 1991; Senecal et al, 2008). In addition, the studies that indicated the race of the subjects were predominately on Caucasians (Cogan Petrie, 1996; Steven Bloom, 2003). As these studies are on similar populations the generalizability of these interventions is limited. Therefore, the results are difficult to apply to a wide range of sports teams, as member characteristics s uch as age, gender, race and ability can vary greatly per team. Previous studies on sport teams have had the coach/manager as the main facilitator of the intervention, working with the intervention specialist. As a result, Some TBIs have taken a more indirect approach (Prappevessis et al, 1996) or used a combination of indirect and direct models (Steven Bloom, 2003; Cogan Petrie, 1996; Mellalieu et al, 2006). However, Brawley Paskevich (1997) identified indirect models to have weaknesses. The authors explain that coaches/managers may not be capable of undertaking a TBI as they do not have the knowledge, time and commitment to make it successful. On the other hand, direct models have the advantage of often allowing the intervention specialist to work directly with the participants. In addition, the team members become more involved in the decision making process during the intervention. Bloom, (1996), suggested the involvement of the athletes is a key factor in improving team performance. From the four studies reviewed that utilised a direct te am building model, 3 were effective at improving cohesion (Senecal et al, 2008; Voight Callaghan 2001; McClure Foster, 1991) with only one unsuccessful (Stevens Bloom, 2003). References Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: Freeman. Beauchamp, M. R., Bray, S. R. (2001). â€Å"Role ambiguity and role conflict within interdependent teams†. Small Group Research, 32, 133-157. Beauchamp, M. R., Bray, S. R., Eys, M. A.,Carron, A. V. (2002). â€Å"Role ambiguity, role efficacy, and role performance: Multidimensional and mediational relationships within interdependent sport teams†. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 6, 229-242. Bloom, G. A. (1996). Life at the top: Philosophies of success. In J. H. Salmela (Ed.), Great job coach! Getting the edge from proven winners (pp. 37-65). Ottawa, ON: Potentium. Bloom, G.A. and Stevens, D.E. (2002). â€Å"Case study: A team-building mental skills training program with an intercollegiate Equestrian Team†. Athletic Insight 4, The Online Journal of Sport Psychology Brawley, L.R., Carron, A.V. Widmeyer, W.N. (1992). â€Å"The nature of group goals in sport teams: A phenomenological approach†. The Sport Psychologist, 6, pp323-333. Carron, A.V., Spink, K.S. (1993). Team building in an exercise setting. The Sport Psychologist, 7, 8-18. Carron, A.V., Spink, K.S., Prapavessis, H. (1997). â€Å"Team building and cohesiveness in the sport and exercise setting: Use of indirect interventions†. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 9, pp61-72. Carron, A.V. and Hausenblas, H. A., Eys, M.(2005). Group dynamics in sport. Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology. Cogan, K.D. and Petrie, T.A. (1996). â€Å"Sport consultation: An evaluation of a season-long intervention with female collegiate gymnasts†. The Sport Psychologist, 9, pp282-296. Dale, G.A. Wrisberg,, C.A. (1996). â€Å"The use of a performance profiling technique in a team setting; Getting the athletes and coach on the same page†. The Sport Psychologist, 10, pp261-277. Dawson, K. A., Bray, S. R., Widemeyer, W. N. (2002) â€Å"Goal setting by female intercollegiate sport teams and athletes, Avante, 8, pp14-23 Eys, M. A., Carron, A. V. (2001). â€Å"Role ambiguity, task cohesion, and task self-efficacy. Small Group Research, 32, 356-373. Eys, M. A., Carron, A. V., Beauchamp, M. R., Bray, S. R. (2003). â€Å"Role ambiguity in sport teams†. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 25(4), 534-550. Forsyth, D. R. (1999). Group dynamics (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Eys, M, A., Patterson, M. M., Loughead, T. M., Carron , A. V. (2005) â€Å"Team building in sport†. In Hackfort, D., Duda, J. L., Lidor, R., Handbook of Research in Applied Sport Psychology: International Perspectives (pp219-233). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology Eys, M. A., Loughead, T. M., Hardy, J. (2007) â€Å"Athlete leadership dispersion and satisfaction in interactive sport teams†, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 8, pp281-296 Filby, W. C., Maynard, I. W., Graydon, J. K. (1999) â€Å"The effect of multiple goal strategies on performance outcomes in training and competition. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 11, pp230-246 French, W.D. Bell. C.H. (1984). Organization development: Behavioural science interventions for organization improvement (3rd Ed). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Rentice-Hall. Gould, D. (1993). Goal setting for peak performance (2nd ed.).Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company Johnson, S. R. Ostrow, A. C., Perna, F. M., Etzel, E, F. (1997) â€Å"The effects of group versus individual goal setting on bowling performance. The Sport Psychologist, 11, pp190-200. Kingston Hardy (1997). â€Å"Effect of different types of goals on processes that support performance†. The Sport Psychologist, 11, pp277 293. Kyllo, L. B., Landers, D. M. (1995) â€Å"Goal setting in sport and exercise: A research synthesis to resolve the controversy†. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 17, pp117-137 Lee, C. (1988). â€Å"The relationship between goal setting, self-efficacy, and female field hockey team performance†. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 20, pp147- I61 Lee, H. K., Kim, B.H., Lim, B. H.(1993) â€Å"The influence of structural characteristics of team success in sports†, Korean Journal of Sport Science, 5, pp138-154 Loughead, T. M., Hardy, J. (2005). A comparison of coach and peer leader behaviours in sport. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 6, 303-312. Loughead, T. M., Hardy, J., Eys, M. A. (2006). The nature of athlete leadership. Journal of Sport Behaviour, 29, 142-158. McClure, B. Foster, C.D. (1991). â€Å"Groupwork as a method of promoting cohesiveness within a womens gymnastics team†. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 73, pp307-313. Mellalieu, S.D., Hanton, S., OBrien, M. (2006). The effects of goal setting on rugby performance. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 39, pp259 261. Prapavessis, H., Carron, A.V. Spink, K.S. (1996). â€Å"Team building in sport†. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 27, pp269-285. Riemar, H.A. Chelladurai, P. (1995). Leadership and satisfaction in athletes†. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 17, pp276-293. Senecal, J., Loughead, T.M. Bloom, G.A. (2008). â€Å"A season-long team-building intervention: Examining the effect of team goal setting on cohesion†. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 30, pp186 199. Stevens, D.E., Bloom, G.A. (2003). â€Å"The effect of team building on cohesion†. Avante, 9, pp43-54. Voight, M. and Callaghan, J. (2001). â€Å"A team building intervention programme: Application and evaluation with two university soccer teams†. Journal of Sport Behaviour, 24 ,pp420 431. Weldon, E.. Weingart. L.R. (1988). â€Å"A theory of group goals and group performance†. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Academy of Management. Anaheim, CA. Weingart. L.R. (1992). Impact of group goals, task component complexity, effort, and planning on group performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 77. 682-693. Westre, K. R. And Weiss, M. R., (1991) â€Å"The relationship between perceived coaching behaviours and group cohesion in high school football teams†, Sport psychologist, 5, pp41-54 Widmeyer. W.N., Silva. J.M. Hardy, C.J. (1992). â€Å"The nature of group cohesion in sport reams: A Phenomenological approach†. Paper presented at the annual meeting Of the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology. Colorado Springs, CO. Widemeyer, W. N., McGuire, E, G. (1996) Sport psychology for ice hockey. Presentation to Ontario Intermediate Coaching Clinic, Waterloo; Ontario Widmeyer, W.N. DuCharme, K. (1997). â€Å"Team building through team goal setting†. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 9, pp97-113.

Beyond the Classroom :: Teachers Teaching Education Essays

Beyond the Classroom Teachers in training have a lot to focus on and plan for in their futures. How to handle a classroom, fulfill the curriculum, and accurately assess students are all tremendous responsibilities. Experienced teachers have a decided edge in these categories. One area of the high school environment that developing teachers may be able to more strongly relate to, however, is the life of a teenager. It was only a few years ago that the future teachers of today were just students themselves. It is important to remember that high school is only partly about classroom teaching. A vitally important part of a good high school is it’s extra-curricular environment. Good teachers have the ability both to teach their content area skillfully and to relate to their students. A great way to learn more about students, and for students to learn more about each other, is through the clubs, sports, and extracurricular academic activities of a school. I do not remember a whole lot from my first two years of high school. I went to classes, did a decent job, went home and spent some time on my homework before spending time with my family and going to bed. I felt strangely disconnected from school. I had some friends whom I would occasionally visit after school, but living far from my high school often even prevented that. I looked at school almost as a job, doing the minimum, enough to appease the teachers, and moving on. It was not until my junior year of high school that I learned how to truly develop in school. Part of this sudden realization came from my success as a tennis player, and from my decision to join several other school clubs. I developed closer friendships at that time, and saw teachers who stayed after school to run and even participate in the activities differently. Not coincidentally my grades improved at the same rate as my social life. The teacher’s involvement in Peer Counseling really impressed me. Teac hers would share personal experiences and join in the activities done as a group. I realize now the effect that after school events had on my personal growth. That is one reason that I feel it is critical for a good teacher to participate in something outside of the normal school day. Coaches can have an even larger impact on students in that capacity than they have as teachers.

The Utopia of Orwell and Foucault Essay -- Panopticism 1984

The Utopia of Orwell and Foucault â€Å"Two ways of exercising power over men, of controlling their relations, of separating out their dangerous mixtures. The plague stricken town, transversed throughout with hierarchy, surveillance, observation, writing; the town immobilized by the functioning of an extensive power that bears in a distinct way over all individual bodies-this is the utopia of the perfectly governed city† (Foucault, 6) This quote extracted from the Essay Panopticism written by Michel Foucault perfectly describes in detail the controls put on the citizens of Big Brother’s Oceania in George Orwell’s 1984. Through control of relation, surveillance, and separating out their dangerous mixtures Big Brother obtains a government system, which is described by Foucault as a â€Å"Utopia.† The Utopia relies upon more than one method of control as noted by Foucault, but the far most significant method is surveillance. â€Å"The telescreen received and transmittes simultaneously. Any sound that Winston made, about the level of a very low whisper, would be picked up by it; moreover, as long he remained within the field of vision which the metal plaque was commanded, he could be seen as well as heard† (Orwell, 6). In Orwell’s 1984 the surveillance is achieved by the distressing, constant presence of the telescreen. No individual was free of the thought that the vigilant telescreen would catch you in some undefiable act, which would lead to unquestionable vaporization. â€Å"This enclosed, segmented space, observed at every point, in which the individuals are inserted in a fixed place, in which the slightest movements are supervised, in which all events are recorded†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Foucault, 5) The panopticon in Foucault essay is stressing exactly the sa... ...e knew he would be before his ideas were heard. Big Brothers cleverly organized, and cynical government silenced Winston’s ideas. He used the methods of control presented to you in Michel Foucault’s essay Panopticism, which are: surveillance, control of relations, and separating out their dangerous mixtures. The telescreen’s presence altered Winston’s way of life. Control of relations changed Winston’s outlook on the people in his life. Separating the dangerous mixtures is what killed him. He joined a mixture which was separated, separated by killing him. The ironic similarities within the two works are mind boggling and intriguing, but the truth in it all is what is truly remarkable. Works Cited Foucault, Michel. â€Å"Panopticism.† Discipline and Punish. New York: Vintage Books, 1979. Orwell, George. 1984. New York: The New American Library Inc., 1983.

Changing Family Dynamics

The Acceptance of Multifaceted Lifestyles The New Western Family A white picket fence surrounding a red-brick house in which a doting wife, successful and hard-working husband, and two and one half children reside was, at one point in time, the epitome of North American life. Since the era of that belief has passed, North American society is being affected by various factors that act as catalysts for the fall of the American Dream and the subsequent rise in the embodiment of increasingly different family structures.Modern North American culture prides itself in its inclusiveness and adaptability, yet it is prepared to accept that the definition of a family is no longer one of concrete wording? According the Andrew Cherlin, â€Å"Marriage has undergone a process of deinstitutionalization—a weakening of the social norms that define partners’ behaviour—over the past few decades (2004: 848). Studies in divorce, cohabitation, remarriage, and the legalization of gay a nd lesbian unions have proven that the nuclear family no longer consists of a man, woman, and a reasonable number of children.This literature review not only explores and distinguishes various factors discussed in pieces of work that influence North American society to embrace demographically diverse structures both also discusses the potential for a future resurfacing of the American Dream. Divorce and the Nuclear Family A nuclear family is commonly defined as a father, mother, and dependent children. This definition is being deconstructed by many factors, primarily through divorce. The introduction of no-fault unilateral divorce laws in North America forms the query of whether divorce rates were affected or not.According to Justin Wolfers (2006:1806), author of ‘Did Unilateral Divorce Laws Raise Divorce Rates? A Reconciliation and New Results’, both types of divorce, consensual and otherwise, form a particular number of divorces each year. These subcategories of divor ce, however, do not comprise the amount of divorces that occur annually though the simple process of marital unsuitability. Andrew Cherlin (2005:36) writes that in the early 1900s, â€Å"about 10 percent of all marriages ended in divorce, and the figure rose to about one-third for marriages begun in 1950.But the rise was particularly sharp during the 1960s and 1970s, when the likelihood that a married couple would divorce increased substantially. † This threat of divorce may have been, in fact, what prevented young adults from getting married in the first place. Rather than marry with the fear of divorce, a sense of security can be established by remaining single for longer periods of time. The age at which many individuals first marry has increased and now rests between 25 and 30 years of age (Cherlin 2005:40). The rate of divorce has seemingly plateaued as of recently.However, this does not indicate that the introduction of no fault unilateral divorce laws did not impact th e rates of divorce in any way. The chain-reaction caused by these laws is one that directly influences marriage. Marriages have become less frequent, and their decline unequivocally results in an analogous fall in the number of divorces (Rasul 2003:28). Andrew Cherlin (2004:849) discusses that the decrease in marriages has much to do with its deinstitutionalization process. North American society is adopting new methods of living as family units, such as cohabitation and remarriage.Cohabitation, Remarriage, and the Nuclear Family Cohabitation is the act of living, unmarried, with a partner. According to Cherlin, a large number of couples cohabitate as a replacement for marriage. However, a similar amount of these relationships dissolve within twenty-four months, suggesting that it is not a strong alternative for a marital union (2005:35). During the twentieth century, typical beliefs surrounding marriage were again changing. Having children, living together, and maintaining sexual r elationships are all facets of life that were beginning to fit the social norms established (Cherlin 2005:40).Regarding the success of marriages associated with pre-marital cohabitation, indicators are not positive, as many unions fail shortly after being made legal (Rasul 2003:30). This being said, not all new marriages end in disaster. Remarriage is a new marriage to a new partner, and is an increasingly prevalent family structure in North American society. Following divorce, individuals who decide to marry again engage in remarriage. This type of marriage can involve parties who have children or who are childless. In the case that children are involved, step-families are created.As quoted by Godina in the review of, ‘Understanding Stepfamilies: Their Structure and Dynamics’, fellow writer, Grinwald, believes that, â€Å"by the year 2000 the stepfamily will be the predominant family structure in the United States and will actually outnumber the nuclear family† (Godina cited Grinwald 2001:318). This statement is in accordance with others, all supporting the conviction that stepfamilies are becoming an increasingly dominant family structure and that many children will be members of one in their lifetimes (Godina 2001:318).Individuals who do not remarry, or those who have not been previously married take on different family structures then those previously discussed. These forms are the single-parent household or a lone existence. Single Parents, Habitual Solitude, and the Nuclear Family Contrary to the nuclear family structure previously discussed are the family structures involving single parenthood and habitual solitude. There are two primary ways in which single-parent families are established, the first being through divorce.A divorced parent who has children and makes the decision not to remarry establishes themself as a single-parent family unit. The second way is through unwed pregnancy. This lifestyle is not only growing in populari ty for couples alone, but it is also adopting a sense of normalcy to incorporate the birth of children. According to Cherlin, as cohabitation is generally seen as equivalent to marriage in modern North American society, many children that would at first be deemed illegitimate are in actuality, not.Rather, they are born of a cohabitating couple. (2004:849). The authors of, ‘Context and Inclusivity in Canada’s Evolving Definition of the Family’, Nicholas Bala and Rebecca Jaremko Bromwich concur with Cherlin’s hypothesis, stating that the increased number of children being raised by single parents can be explained not only by the increase in divorce rates and corresponding rise in couple separation and the births of children in cohabitating relationships rather than marriages (2002:148).For individuals who have no children and no existing desire to wed or cohabitate, there is the option of living by oneself. This lifestyle choice is also increasing in North A merican society, even if only for part of a person’s life. Achieving success and happiness are often considered common goals shared by the majority of North American society. For many, this means acquiring a post-secondary education and procuring an enjoyable, rewarding career.These two objectives, receiving an education and job position, are two things, according to Andrew Cherlin that young adults are completing before considering marriage (2004:852). Stefan Buzar, Philip E. Ogden, and Ray Hall’s article titled, ‘Households matter: the quiet demography of urban transformation’, is in accordance with Cherlin’s report, stating that the new trends being discovered in family demographics include evidence supporting the idea that not only are the traditions surrounding marriage devolving, but marriage itself is changing and is often being put off by adults (2005:416).Not only are members of North American society delaying marriage, but some are assumin g roles in an entirely different form of marriage than that historically accepted. This form is that of same-sex relationships. Homosexuality and the Nuclear Family Once prohibited, same-sex unions are no longer a thing of the past, as the lesbian-gay community has received and is continuing to receive support from North American society regarding both marriage legalization and lifestyle recognition (Bala and Bromwich 2002:148).This statement is in agreement with Cherlin’s article, ‘The Deinstitutionalization of American Marriage’, in which he discusses how the deinstitutionalization of marriage was influenced not only by the acceptance of lifestyles such as cohabitation and non-marital conception, but also by the window of opportunity the aforementioned factors created for same-sex relationships to emerge as a new lifestyle choice (2004:852).Same-sex unions, which are now accepted in many countries including Canada and a number of American States is the newest a ddition to the breakdown of marriage as an institution, yet despite its unspoken level of normalcy, organizations such as the Roman Catholic Church do not view it in positive light. In fact, â€Å"in January 2001, the Vatican released a document attacking homosexual unions as ‘a deplorable distortion’, signifying ‘a serious sign of the contemporary breakdown in the moral conscience† (Bala and Bromwich 2002:165). The disdain towards same-sex partnership however, is not seen in all religious communities.Similar to legal institutions, they too are slowly changing their perspectives on gay and lesbian marriages. The shift from, at one point in time, displaying no support for same-sex unions whatsoever to showing an increasing amount annually suggests that there is new hope for the diversity of family demographics. The Future of Family Structures The out-dated, seemingly archaic beliefs that a family is comprised of a man, woman, and their dependent children is now steadily being replaced in North American society by the ideology that a family unit can consist of a number of combinations of men, women, and children.From single parents with children to large step-families and from gay and lesbian couples to habitually single individuals, the information and knowledge discussed in this literature review is purposed to open the eyes of North American society and equip them with the ability to readily accept the new and more diverse family structures mentioned and prepare society for the new definition of family. As discussed in Andrew Cherlin’s article, the future of the North American family structure cannot be determined exactly.Rather, it can be hypothesised that family demographics will continue to change and create more diverse structures, or the demographics will revert to the way they were during the era of the American Dream (2004:858). Studying family demographics and the factors that influence their changes is important to so ciety because in order to be fully accepting of new family forms, the North American society must first understand them. In fact, Jean M.Lynch states in her article, ‘Considerations of Family Structure and Gender Composition: The Lesbian and Gay Stepfamily’ that, â€Å"the study of alternative family forms as unique and a recognition of distinct challenges and strengths is of paramount importance in expanding the family studies research,† (2000:94). North American society is becoming increasingly inclusive of multifaceted family forms. Factors mentioned in this literature review such as divorce, remarriage, single parenting, are continuously impacting demographics concerning family diversity.The iteration of defining a contemporary North American family has, and likely will continue to change over the years. However, in continuing to accept a variety of family structures, North American societies will move forward demographically, and therefore promote further de velopment of the family structure. References Bala, Nicholas. , and Rebecca Jaremko Bromwich. 2002. â€Å"Context and Inclusivity in Canada’s Evolving Definition of the Family. † International Journal of Law, Policy, and the Family 16(2):148 Buzar, Stefan, Philip E. Ogden, and Ray Hall. 2005. Households matter: the quiet demography of urban transformation. † Progress in Human Geography 29(4): 416. Cherlin, Andrew J. 2005. â€Å"American Marriage in the Early Twenty-First Century. † The Future of Children 15(2):33-55 Cherlin, Andrew J. 2004. â€Å"The Deinstitutionalization of American Marriage. † Journal of Marriage and Family 66(4):849 Cherlin, Andrew J. 2010. â€Å"Demographic Trends in the United States: A Review of Research in the 2000s. † Journal of Marriage and Family 72(3):409 Godina, E. 2001. Review of Understanding Stepfamilies: Their Structure and Dynamics. Edited by Craig A. Everett.Journal of Biosocial Science 33(2):317-318 Lynch, Jean. 2000. â€Å"Considerations of Family Structure and Gender Composition: The Lesbian and Gay Stepfamily. † Journal of Homosexuality 40(2):81-95 Rasul, Imran. 2003. â€Å"The Impact of Divorce Laws on Marriage. † Department of Business, University of Chicago and CEPR, Chicago, Illinois. Unpublished manuscript. Retrieved 4 November 2011 http://www. cepr. org/meets/wkcn/3/3519/papers/Rasul. pdf Wolfers, Justin. 2006. â€Å"Did Unilateral Divorce Laws Raise Divorce Rates? A Reconciliation and New Results. † The American Economic Review 96(5):1806, 1814.

Films Present Psychosocial Disabilities Essay

A number of films feature psychosocial disabilities simply because some people suffer from these illnesses in real life. Through analyzing films, one can comprehend the attitudes of society toward people with these disabilities. It can be a special emphasis on their capabilities or a barrier on their participation in the community. Since these individuals have to relate with society in order to grow and mature as individuals, films try to convey their stories to the audience. Through film, the societal attitudes and on how these affect the lives of people with disabilities are explored. These may be strategies that either help or delineate the societal attitudes on those who have psychosocial disabilities. (De Leon, 352) Therefore, it helps to examine and understand the contributions of these societal attitudes and theories of personality in order to comprehend the relations of those who have psychosocial disabilities to society. The way they cope with their illness and react to loss is slowly observed and from there, the method to relate is determined. It is important to describe the developmental concepts of the person suffering from the illness. His regard on body image and self-concept are factors on how he adjusts with his disability. By reviewing the psychosocial models of adaptations to the disabilities and emphasizing on the patient’s experiences, behaviors, reactions and phases, it is easier to come up with the conclusion on how he can adjust to society. A technique films use in presenting psychosocial disabilities to audience is to figuring out the patient’s commonalities that are both personal and transpersonal to society. By observing the experiences and the reactions from these events, the onset and root of the disability is discovered. (Farrington, 135) Films dealing with psychosocial disabilities increase the understanding of society to what people with these disabilities have to go through. Some will say that these are just movies; however, these movies are inspired by real life. By becoming familiar with the psychosocial adaptations of both the patient and society, counseling and therapeutic procedures will benefit those who need it more because their techniques in coping and adjusting have been tried and tested. This paper will discuss three films that show psychosocial disabilities: 1. ) autism in â€Å"The Rain Man†, AIDS/HIV in â€Å"Philadephia† and mental retardation in â€Å"There’s Something about Mary†. All three films are popular and have been watched by most Americans, therefore it is easier to cite examples in these movies on this paper. For coherence, this paper will present how the disability was represented in the film by describing the patient’s functional limitations. It will also discuss how the disability affects the patient’s body image and self-perceptions. Then it will proceed to the reactions, as well as the coping strategies of the patient with his disability. At the same time, the paper will indicate how society’s reaction towards the patient and his ability affect his attitudes. †Rain Man† (1988) follows Charlie Babbit (Tom Cruise) and his transformation from a selfish yuppie to a selfless brother. This is because of the days he spent with his older brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) who is the benefactor of their father’s financial assets but is autistic and has difficulties in communicating. Charlie’s initial reaction to their father’s decision of leaving $3 million to his autistic brother is general as that of most people. He believes that Raymond does not understand the whole concept of money. Therefore, Charlie was determined to get his share. He goes on a road trip with Raymond, only to be annoyed by his neurotic habits. It even gets to the point that he thinks Raymond is pretending to be autistic in order for Charlie to not get his share of the fiscal assets. Autism is a brain development disorder that affects communication and social interaction. It results to repetitive and restricted behavior. In the film, Hoffman does acts that autistics usually do. An example is the memorization of details which most â€Å"normal† people do not pay attention to. In one scene, Charlie and Raymond are supposed to fly to California but the latter resists. He then cites knowledge from both media reports and the encyclopedia on airline accidents and crashes. Raymond creates a scene when Charlie forcefully drags him to the terminal. (Stowe, 12) This is only the beginning of the sling of Raymond’s eccentricities which Charlie has to adjust with. Charlie uses the two-lane highways because Raymond is convinced that highway driving is fatal. He also refuses to go out when it rains. The whole road trip annoys Charlie because he wants to get his inheritance as soon as possible. On the other hand, the people who meet Raymond are amazed of his uniqueness. In a restaurant, one waitress is baffled on how Raymond knows her name and her home phone number. Apparently, he has read up and memorized the directory. The same waitress drops a box of toothpicks on the floor. Raymond calculates the number of toothpicks on the floor and gets the right number. Autistic patients often prefer to do things in order. In the film, Raymond wants maple syrup served before the pancakes. When he does not get his way, he throws a tantrum which brings Charlie to a boiling point. He grabs Raymond’s neck and says, â€Å"Stop acting like a retard! † Autistic patients also like to keep notes. In the movie, Raymond carries a red spiral notebook where he jots down â€Å"squeezed and pulled and hurt my neck in 1988. † Charlie’s relation with his brother Raymond is an allusion of society’s interaction with autistics. Initially, there are feelings of annoyance and irritation. Eventually, these strong quasi-hateful emotions will soften. Like Charlie, society has a growing sense of responsibility to protect autistics from the negative aspects of the world. (Turnbull) †Philadelphia† (1993) tackles HIV/AIDS. The main character is Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) who is a University of Pennsylvania law-school graduate. He works for a large law film in Philadelphia. He has not come out of the closet. Also, he has AIDS. It gets to the point where his condition has developed Kaposi’s Sarcoma. This is a form of cancer that is apparent because it comes in multiple tumors on the skin and the lymph nodes. Through a scheme that involves the deleting of the files on the case he has pondered on, he is fired from his job. In the library people leave immediately as soon as they see Andrew with the blotches on his skin. Witnessing the discrimination Andrew has to go through, Joe changes his mind and takes on the case. HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a retrovirus that results to AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The immune system fails to function properly. This leads to life-threatening infections in the human body. Throughout the film, Andrew and Joe establish respect and trust for one another. Joe’s homophobia is not an issue. Despite the shock of the Pennsylvanian population, Joe presents to everyone that Andrew is not a virus in society. He berates Andrew’s boss of perjury by humiliating Andrew claiming that he is incompetent, simply because he is finding a reason to let him go. In the end, Andrew wins his case and he receives a total $4,240,000. This win makes a statement on sexual discrimination in Philadelphia in terms of preference. Unfortunately, for Andrew, the news is bittersweet as he stays in a hospital with his family around him. He undergoes medication to lessen the seizures. There is a moment in the movie wherein Joe approaches Andrew and helps him with his oxygen mask. In that act, Joe’s fingers touch Andrew’s face. This is the complete opposite of how he reacted in the earlier part of the film – when he shook his hand and wiped it clean, after knowing he had AIDS. Released in the early 90s, â€Å"Philadelphia† signaled the move for Hollywood to depict homosexuals realistically. Since then, movies and TV shows feature gays and lesbians, which is a breather to those who are open-minded. (Gary, 224) Schools require sex education in order for teenagers to be informed and knowledgeable on HIV and AIDS. (Green, 42) †There’s Something About Mary† (1998) is a comedy directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly, collectively known as the Farrelly brothers. Unlike â€Å"Rain Man† and â€Å"Philadelphia,† the psychosocial disability in â€Å"There’s Something About Mary† does not have an entire effect on the film. As opposed to the fact that Charlie and Raymond’s relationship are affected by Raymond’s autism and it is Andrew’s HIV that begins the case in the first place, the psychosocial disability in â€Å"There’s Something About Mary† is Warren’s mental retardation. Warren, played by W. Earl Brown, is the older brother of Mary (Cameron Diaz). He has stunted language and motor skills and has an intellectual capacity as that of a child. In the movie, he gets mad whenever strangers touch his ears. Thus he always has to have these covered. People who are mentally retarded have slow developmental abilities. They have a delay in their learning and development. In the movie, Ted Stroehmann (Ben Stiller) tries so hard to take care of Warren in order to show Mary how much he cares for her, that he is willing look after her brother. Warren in the movie has a hard time speaking. He also finds it hard to remember things and cannot understand the social rules. Whenever Warren does not get his way, he threatens people with his baseball bat. He also has a trouble thinking logically and throws tantrums. The common bond among autism, AIDS and mental retardation is that these are disabilities and are not diseases. Unfortunately, there is no cure to any of these. The only way the family of the patient can help is to support and be physically present as the individual goes through this hard phase. In the United States, there are agencies which assist people with psychosocial disabilities. It is operated by the state and is non-profit. There are departments that provide housing to the staff of the nurses and doctors who care for the patients. An example is the institution Raymond is staying in. Apparently, in real life, there are also institutions such as these. Another social issue that was previously taboo is homosexuality. Thanks to the participation of media, gays and lesbians are given a voice through the characters in movies and TV shows. A stereotype on homosexuals is that they are the ones who have AIDS/HIV. Apparently, straight men like Magic Johnson can also get the disability. Through information technology, people are informed on the 411 of HIV. People with psychosocial disabilities may take several medications but it will not lessen the complications. Therefore, society must participate in special programs that will enlighten them on how to care for those who have these disabilities. It may take some time to accomplish this but the finish line is for â€Å"normal† people and those who have psychosocial disabilities live together, without annoyance and prejudice. (Farber, 124) The prejudice and the exclusion by society of people with these disabilities result to the factors of recognizing those who are intellectual, physical and psychologically smarter, despite their illness. This is what films featuring these disabilities have brought forth into the real world. It may be entertainment, but it is interesting to note that both â€Å"Rain Man† and â€Å"Philadelphia† were somehow inspired by real life stories. Raymond was inspired by Kin Peek while Andrew Beckett’s inspiration was the real-life attorney Geoffrey Bowers who also sued his law firm. One of the current concerns of society is equality. There will always be the struggle for equality, especially in marginalized parties. The equal rights give individuals the ability and the power to make their own decisions. Unfortunately, autistic and those who have mental retardation cannot do as such. Therefore, the social model of disability has been created. This requires a change in society. This motivates people to be more positive toward those with the disabilities. The former must not underestimate the latter’s behavior and traits for the very reason that these may be potential qualities of a contributing citizen. There are social support organizations that deal with the resources, barriers and discrimination of people who have disabilities. (Patricia, 243) Lastly and most importantly, just as like that of HIV/AIDS, these organizations inform the general society what they must know about autism and mental retardation. Just because a loved one is not suffering from the psychosocial disease, it does not mean that one family will stop caring. Films encourage us to care. By letting us into the world of which we are not familiar with, we take in the knowledge that we can, be it the side comedy provided by the supporting character Warren in â€Å"There’s Something About Mary†, or the side story of the courtroom drama in â€Å"Philadelphia† or the best example out of all three, the very reason for two brothers to re-discover one another. Works Cited De Leon, George, Community As Method: Therapeutic Communities for Special Populations and Special Settings, Praeger Publishers, 1997 Farrington, David P. , Early Prevention of Adult Antisocial Behavior, Cambridge University Press, 2003 Stowe, Matthew J, â€Å"Tools for Analyzing Policy â€Å"On the Books† and Policy â€Å"On The Streets†, Journal of Disability Policy Studies, Vol 12, 2001 Turnbull, Rutherford III, â€Å"I Have Six Kids Who Are Autistic†, The Mirror, March 12, 2005 Green, Philip, Cracks in the Pedestal: Ideology and Gender in Hollywood, University of Massachusetts Press, 1998 Arnold, Gary, â€Å"’In’ Fails To Keep Out Incoherent Plot Twists†, The Washington Times, September 19, 1997 Farber, Bernard, Mental Retardation: Its Social Contexts and Social Consequences, Houghton Mifflin, 1968 Ainsworth, Patricia, Understanding Mental Retardation, University Press of Mississippi, 2004