Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Jane Eyre in the Opening 3 Chapters Essay Example for Free

Jane Eyre in the Opening 3 Chapters Essay Charlotte Bronte is the creator of the novel Jane Eyre about a stranded young lady battling all through the novel to accomplish fairness and to defeat persecution. In the initial 3 parts, Bronte underscores Jane’s forlornness, absence of familial warmth and underlines her delicate nature and inward quality. As we witness Jane being rebuffed and ignored on account of her cruel aunties and left inclination disconnected and strange in her general public. Right off the bat, we are acquainted with Jane, concealing perusing a book. This builds up her odd and forlorn spot at Gateshead corridor. As in addition to the fact that she is isolated from the remainder of the reed family Bronte clarifies that she is ‘happy’ and ‘feared nothing with the exception of interruption’. To have a sense of security and substance just from being prohibited from her family means jane’s dismissed and upset adolescence. This is demonstrated as a kid should need to be encircled by family and love. for Jane to be living in ‘despair’ by the feeling of this withdrawal to be ‘obstructed’ suggests her internal quality of autonomy as she’s ready to discover a book and read instructing herself as opposed to sulking and surrendering. Also, she’s cheerful when underscores her autonomy and drive to discover a book and read instead of sulk. ane sitting and perusing without anyone else, not permitted to play with her cousins, builds up her odd and forlorn situation at Gateshead Hall. However her eagerness to discover a book to peruse, as opposed to simply sulking, builds up her freedom.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Competitive Strategy Science Policy and Practice

Question: Examine about the Competitive Strategy for Science Policy and Practice. Answer: Presentation Globalization Era has acquired a significant level of changes the ongoing occasions. The elevating of globalization has made different kinds of individuals from various nation closer by allowing diverse assortment of business conceivable internationally (Beck 2015). The globalization time has fused constructive effect and limited the adverse impact in the every day lives of the considerable number of individuals round the world. The globalization impact has uncovered different kinds of business in new difficulties. The upgrades of the system of globalization essentially control all difficulties with respect to globalization and create upper hands everywhere throughout the world. The report introduced will talk about AAA methodologies of Pharmaceutical Industries considering the organizations Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and Pfizer Inc. The ICT enterprises are additionally taken for doing the task considering the organizations IBM and Proctor Gamble. Pharmaceuticals Industries The difficulties just as the complexities looked by worldwide economy were constrained by the hypothesis created by Pankaj Ghemawat. The hypothesis created by Pankaj Ghemawat is AAA triangle. The AAA represents Adaption, Aggregation and Arbitrage. The three methodologies created by the well known financial specialist were accepted that it has the huge potential to effectively confront the difficulties presented by globalization. Adaption incorporates the alterations just as the selections required for an organization to make the tasks and administrations fitting for the nearby markets (Ford and King 2015). Collection enables the organization in producing economy to scale with the assistance of production of business activities and at the same time existing in the nearby markets. Exchange helps the organization of accomplishing favorable circumstances in cost, money contrasts and cost. The pharmaceutical organizations are having a fast development. The developments of the pharmaceutical organizations are expected to the up-degree of the exploration and the headway of the advances that causes them in forthcoming with the new medications. The pharmaceutical organizations experiences certain procedures like protecting, wellbeing, testing, adequacy and showcasing before the organization at long last dispatch the item. The development of new medications incorporates parcel of ventures of assets for the organization (Frynas and Mellahi 2015). Accordingly, the organizations must be a lot of secure with the practicality of the items. The organization must follow the techniques of AAA to increase upper hands over the adversary organization. The model followed for the vital examination is given beneath Industry Adaption Conglomeration Exchange Pharmaceutical Industry Adaption Conglomeration Exchange Sun Pharmaceutical Industries This organization is the universes fifth biggest nation. The organization for having a worldwide extravagance fuses changes that are reasonable as indicated by the prerequisites of the nation. The compound piece they adjusted additionally relies upon the prerequisites of the particular nations. The fixings utilized and the style of bundling was adjusted by the necessities of the nation. The style of bundling helps in holding the market and increment the presumptive worth of the organization (Yeung 2015). The solid research of the organization and the better execution methodology gives the upper hand to the organization over others. The organization in the course of recent years has been effectively testing the licenses reliably. The difficult on the licenses are on the expensive items in US. This aides in presenting less expensive items and great nature of conventional renditions to pick up the offer in the market. The organization comprehended the hugeness of having a worldwide wealth to accomplish a critical development. The organization has effectively picked up contending business all inclusive. The organization has still now degree nineteen branches comprehensively that expansion its worldwide wealth (Li et al. 2013). Being a pharmaceutical organization having 19 organizations all inclusive is an incredible accomplishment of the organization. The organization has effectively built ability of research in the created nations. This lessens the significant cost that has extraordinarily expanded the ability of providing the items at a much lower cost. The organization has the vast majority of the office of assembling that lessens the expense of creation (Contractor, Kumar and Dhanaraj 2015 ). This made the fares of the items in creating nations to sell at considerably more significant expenses. Pfizer Inc The item to be sold at various nations other than the base nations needs alteration of the items. Pfizer technique available to be purchased follows the above procedure in Latin America. The organization submitted to the distinctions of the social, administrative and monetary. These realities are taken into represents advertising the items. The particular advances taken by Pfizer are the broad structure of brands by exceeding the projects of network (Wachinger and Reuter 2016). The resourced dedicated to work by the assistance of the drug specialists who assumes a noteworthy job in giving the prescriptions to the patients. This organization is a model, which shows managerial accumulation. In the event that the organization needs to deal the medication in the market of Europe for meeting the prerequisites of the nations where they need to sell the medication and get equipped for the enrollment of the medication (Thangakani et al. 2016). The enrollment for the capability in various nations requires meeting their prerequisites as indicated by their nation and the offer of the items relies upon the advertising in the particular nation. The exchange of the organization gives a case of Tax exchange. This advantages the organization to have a cut off in the duties. The organization assumes control over the UK based organization Astra Zeneca. The organization is profited just like a UK based organization it doesn't need to pay any charges on procuring being an abroad organization. The duty rate becomes lower. The pace of assessments on the patent results of UK is likewise less (Baioao 2015). In this manner, the organization is making a lot of benefit. Data and Communication Technologies Industry The noteworthy objective of worldwide system is the control the distinctions that are been liable for making bigger outskirts. Considering an IT firm the adjustment incorporates looking for boosting incomes and augmenting the portion of the market thinking about the nearby importance. It expresses that production of nearby units in the national markets. This is viewed as the great job done if all the means are been done after the gracefully chain. Total expects to convey the scale financial aspects with the assistance of provincial and worldwide tasks. This methodology contributes in normalization of the items or the offered administration and incorporating the advancement just as the creation procedure. Exchange identifying with IT firms is characterized as abuse the distinction of national markets and local markets. It is finished by distinguishing various pieces of the flexibly chain in different areas like call places in China, production lines in Australia and retail shop in Eur ope. The organizations those are been stretching out all inclusive need to detail the procedures of AAA to built up a normalized system all inclusive. The AAA those are connected with different associations (Campbell et al. 2015). At the point when the organization is concentrating on adjustment, it becomes association driven. At the point when conglomeration is the principle point of an association crossing the outskirt of the nation to accomplish worldwide wealth is the focal point of the association. The enlightment of exchange is finished a vertical and a useful unequivocal that focuses in adjusting the flexibly just as request in the limits of the association. The AAA triangle is been applied for the product organizations IBM and Proctor Gamble. ICT Industries Adjustment Total Exchange IBM The primary way of globalization was finished by Nestle. The organization began making little branches outside the home market. The accompanying of the Adaptation procedure could open the organization to specific difficulties. After that IBM followed the adjustment system. They began serving the business sectors in the abroad by developing scaled down IBM in the nation they focused on. Each individuals of this organizations began working a nearby model of business on an enormous premise, which allowed them to adjust the neighborhood contrasts according to the prerequisites (Franco et al. 2016). In this way, to increase upper hands the organization began building scaled down IBM that was a significant adjustment technique taken by them. The organization has contributed a great deal of reserve particularly for the nation driven promoting, which is a favorable position for the association. This likewise help the intrigue, which make the organization to acquire center structure he custom ers. The organization began conglomerating the nations. The nations are been accumulated to districts. This improves the co-appointment and thus helps in creating more economies of scale everywhere throughout the world. The organization began misusing the distinctions universally. The organization points in accomplishing the parity inside the AA technique. The AA procedure incorporates Aggregation and Arbitrage. The organization in getting the favorable circumstances and advantages of collection has laid a high accentuation on the conveyance model of the worldwide system. This aides in building a normal conveyance structure, which incorporates three diverse programming advancement focuses (Kim et al. 2016). The advancement communities helps in overhauling a huge client with an extraordinary profundity in ability helping with develop coding and elevated level of value control forms. The local places gave significance on medium scales and laid spotlight on the neighborhood dialects and the difficulties with respect to social separation. The focuses in the close shore are having little case and began concentrating on acquiring the solace of the clients by nearness. The exertion of the organization to abuse wage differentia

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

How to Solve a Brain Teaser in a Job Interview

How to Solve a Brain Teaser in a Job Interview You might be more familiar with seeing brain teasers in the end pages of a newspaper, but some industries also use them as part of the interview process. But what are brainteasers for in job interviews and how can you solve them? © Wikimedia Commons | CepheusWe’ll explain the 1)  purpose of brain teasers and provide you some of the 2)  most common teasers used in job interviews. We’ll also give you tips on 3) how to prepare for a job interview and 4)  the three-step approach you should use to solve a teaser.WHAT IS A BRAIN TEASER?Brainteasers are not a new invention, as we humans have been interested in puzzles for a long time. In fact, one of the earliest brainteaser enthusiasts was Greek mathematician Archimedes, who used to devise mathematical problems for his fellow citizens to solve.So, what are these brainteasers? The Cambridge dictionary definition states brainteasers to be “a problem for which it is hard to find an answer, especially one which people enjoy trying to solve as a game”.Brainteasers are therefore types of puzzles and they require plenty of thought to answer. Typically, brainteasers require quite a bit of out-of-the-box thinking. The answer is not an easy one to find, but the pers on must use lateral thinking and intuitiveness.The focus of a brainteaser is usually on a puzzle or a specific problem. This excludes many other types of questions, which might be challenging, but won’t count as a brainteaser. This includes things such as:Tough technical questionsValue based questionsFailure or weakness based questionsWhile these might be challenging questions, they aren’t brainteasers.Brainteasers are typically found in newspapers and magazines, as something fun for the reader. But they’ve also found their way into the world of job interviews. The popularity of brainteasers depends a little about the industry, as well as the country. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to understand brainteasers, in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re presented with a brainteaser.Lets start by looking at some simpler brain teasers.[slideshare id=48369850doc=brainteasers-150520060632-lva1-app6891w=640h=330]We’ll explore the use of brainteasers in job intervi ews in more detail below, but it’s now time to look at some examples of commonly used brainteasers.EXAMPLE BRAINTEASERSWhen it comes to brainteasers in job interviews, the questions often fall under two categories: questions with correct answers and questions with no correct answer.Questions with a correct answerQuestions with correct answers are often math questions. Therefore, they are typically used in technical and finance industries, which require good mathematical skills and logical thinking.Below are a few examples of these types of brainteasers. While the wording or the examples used may not be the same, the examples provide the most common type of brainteasers you could expect. We’ve included the answers to these questions, but try to guess the answer first before checking!Example brainteaser 1:  You roll two fair dice, what is the probability that the sum is 9?Example brainteaser 2:  If time is 3:15, what is the angle between the hour hand and the minute hand on a cloc k?Example brainteaser 3:  You’re in a room with three light switches, each of which controls one of three light bulbs in the next room. Your task is to determine which switch controls which bulb. All lights are initially off, and you can’t see in one room from the other. You may inspect the room only once. How can you know which switch is connected to which light bulb?Example brainteaser 4:  What can you hold without ever touching, or using your hands?Answers to the brainteasersBrainteaser 1: The possible pairs of dice are: 3+6, 4+5, 5+4 and 6+3. Probability is therefore 4/36=11%.Brainteaser 2: 7.5 degrees. The hour hand moves around every 12 hours, which is 360 degrees in 12 hours or 30 degrees per hour. At 3, the hour hand points exactly at 3. This means that 15 minutes later, the minute hand is pointing at 3 and the hour hand is pointing 7.5 degrees past it.Brainteaser 3: Assign the switches with numbers 1, 2 and 3. Leave switch 1 off. Turn the second switch on for five minut es and turn it off. Turn switch 3 on and leave it on. Enter the room. The bulb currently on is controlled by switch 3. Feel the other bulbs for heat. The bulb, which is off, and warm is controlled by switch 2. The cold bulb is switch 1.Brainteaser 4: Your breath.Questions with no single correct answerBut job interviews often aren’t about testing your math skills, but are more focused on your logical thinking and creativity. This is why they often tend to use brainteasers with no correct answer.These are designed to find more about your approach to solving a problem and your ability to think on your feet. These brainteasers are not as much about the answer you give, but the way you go about solving them.There are two types of questions with no correct answers: the questions with a logical solution and often a possible correct answer, and the questions that aren’t possible to solve in any sensible way, but aim for a creative answer.Check out these hard to solve brain teasers and h ow to solve them.[slideshare id=36538567doc=hardtosolvebrainteasers-140702012330-phpapp01type=dw=640h=330]Again, we’ve added some common brainteaser examples, which are popular in job interviews. We’ve also included a few ways you could answer these questions.Example brainteaser 1:  If you had 5,623 participants in a tournament, how many games would you need to be played to determine the winner?Example brainteaser 2:  How many quarters of pizza do Americans eat a month?Example brainteaser 3:  How many footballs can fit inside a Boeing 747?Example brainteaser 4:  How would you move Mount Fiji?Example brainteaser 5:  Why are manhole covers round?Answers to the brainteaserAs you probably noticed, questions 1 to 3 can be answered with a near correct answer. In fact, if you had access to the required data, it would be possible to answer the questions correctly. But in a job interview, the focus is more on estimates and whether you take all the different aspects of the questions into account.Below answers are therefore focused on the averages and the focus is on the things you should consider when giving the answer.Answer 1: There are potentially an unlimited number of answers to this brainteaser. The point here is to ask questions. Questions you need to ask to solve the brainteaser include:Are the participants individual competitors or members of bigger teams?If teams, what is the number of teams?What is the tournament structure? Single elimination rounds or do each team get to play a specific number of games?Answer 2: To answer this question, you need to have an estimate of the population of the US, make a guesstimate on how many people eat pizza. After that guesstimate how many slices a person would eat and how often in a month. Then you can calculate the average size of a pizza.For instance, the figures could look something like:Population around 300 millionTwo out of three eat pizza - 200 million eat pizza.Average person eats two slices of pizza twice a mon th, meaning four a month.The average slice is six inches at the base and ten inches long - 30 square inch - four slices is 120 square inches.One square foot equals 144 square inches and on average one person would eat around one square foot per month, if you round up the answer.200 million times one square foot = 200 million square feet of pizza a month.Answer 3: You’ll need to consider the size of a Boeing 747 and the size of an average football. Boeing 747 has a passenger volume of around 876 cubic meters, with cargo volume of 159 cubic meters. The average football is 22 inches in diameter. The average would therefore be around 47,000 balls.Since the focus is not on the correct answer, you should consider asking extra questions. For example, are they talking about football (soccer) balls or American footballs? Can you use the fuel tank and does the airplane have seats attached?The final two brainteasers, on the other hand, don’t have an actual answer. For example, moving Mount Fiji from one spot to another isn’t really a logical question, as you wouldn’t be able to do so. The idea is, therefore, to focus on how you approach the question and how good you are thinking outside of the box.Answer 4: The questions, popularized by Microsoft according to reports, can be answered in a numerous different ways. Here are some of the possible solutions:Mount Fiji is already constantly moving, as the Earth is rotating around its axis.You could create a massive earthquake, which could shift the mountain.Take a picture of it and carry the image elsewhere.Take a piece of the mountain from the right and add it on the left. This would continue to move the mountain.Answer 5: This is another out-of-the-box kind of questions. The possible answers could include:Because manholes are round and any other shape wouldn’t fit it.A round manhole cover is easier to move, as it can be rolled.Circular covers are easier to place on the opening, since they don’t require precise al igning.Some further examples of brain teasers and how to solve them. WHY DO INTERVIEWS USE BRAINTEASERS?Whilst we can agree that brainteasers are a fun way to spend a few minutes (or hours!), but what is the reason behind job interviews using them.As mentioned above, the idea behind brainteasers in an interview isn’t about finding the correct answer, but more about the journey to an answer.In fact, the candidate’s ability to answer a brainteaser (right or wrong) can reveal more information to the interviewer and help the interviewer understand whether the person is the right fit for the role.Brainteasers generally help the interviewer to analyze the candidate’s proficiency in:Problem solving â€" How fast can you analyze the problem in question and come up with a possible solution?Critical thinkingâ€"Are you able to see the big picture and evaluate all the different options and aspects behind the question?Analytical skills â€" What is your ability to analyze different pieces of data and use them to determine probability? Are you able to make calculations based on the information you have available?Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking â€" Can you take an innovative approach to problems? Can you see past the ‘obvious’ solutions and surprise the interviewer with a fresh approach?Their ability to think on their feet â€" Are you able to come up with a solution even when you haven’t been able to prepare for it?Their ability to perform under pressure â€" Will you be able to remain calm and composed even when you’re presented a tricky brainteaser?When faced with a brainteaser, you should always remember the focus is not so much on the actual answer, but the way you approach the problem.Jean Eisel, director of the Career Management Center at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, told Monster, “You don’t necessarily have enough information to give the answer. They’re (interviewers) really looking at how people process information”.HOW TO PREPARE FOR BRAINTEASERS?Since job interviews don’t always follow a similar pattern, it’s impossible to know whether you have to answer a brainteaser or not. Your interview success won’t be determined by how well you answer a single brainteaser, so don’t make it the central focus of your interview preparation.Nonetheless, it can be helpful to understand some of these basics beforehand, as you’ll be more able to stay calm and composed in case a brainteaser comes up. The focus of your preparation should be on understanding what brainteasers are, what the interviewer is trying to measure with it and how you can go about solving them.Go through the examples above to understand the different kind of brainteasers. You can find further brainteasers online and even watch the video below for some common brainteasers. HOW TO APPROACH A BRAINTEASER?The final part of your preparation and understanding of brainteasers should involve the right approach to solving the problem. There are three steps to approaching and solving a brainteaser and you should use this tactic in a job interview.Step 1: Take a moment to understand the questionFirst, if the interview asks you a brainteaser, stay calm and take a deep breath. Don’t blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind. A good trick is to repeat the teaser aloud while you gather your thoughts and analyze the kind of question you are presented with.Think whether the problem has a single solution or is it a more open-ended question. What are the interviewers looking for with the question?For example, if the problem is a simple math question, you can start working on the solution. On the other hand, if it seems like a creativity question, such as the Mount Fiji, one, start thinking a fun and innovative answer.Step 2: Clarify any issues you might haveDon’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, it’s going to tell the interviewer a better ability to solve problems and be analytical if you do. Follow-ups also give you a little more time to think and gather your thoughts.It is often possible to use pen and paper to make notes. You can also use them to draw graphs and to visualize your answer and approach. This can show the interviewer your ability to analyze and think about the big picture.Step 3: Explain your thinking processFinally, you should explain your thinking process behind the answer, not simply blurt it out. You can present your abilities to solving complex problems, as well as highlight your creativity, by talking through your thinking process and the approach you took.For example, on the Boeing 747 question, you don’t want to simply answer with the final estimate. Instead, go through the different sets of data you need to know, the way you reached to your estimates and how you then calculated the final answer.If you had no idea of the size of a football, you should explain what estimate you used. For instance, you could say that you assume a football is slightly smaller than basketball, which you play and therefore, you estimated the ball to be about 22 inch.Remember, the focus should be on your thinking process and logical thinking skills, not whether or not you used the exact data or numbers. Even in the questions with a single correct answer, you can salvage points by highlighting the approach you’d take and the honesty of winging it if all else fails.IN CONCLUSIONBrainteasers are not the most common part of today’s job interviews, but certain companies still regularly use them. It can therefore be helpful to understand why you might come across them and the approach you should take to solve them.You shouldn’t ever stress about brainteasers too much â€" they are more about analyzing your creative and problem solving skill than a correct answer. Always keep a cool head and focus on explaining your approach and the thinking behind your answer.Image credit: Wikimedia Commons | Cepheus under the public domain.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Transgender Rights And Issues In America - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 7 Words: 2028 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2019/06/24 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Transgender Essay Did you like this example? Every day, thousands of transgender Americans have to deal with several kinds of injustices. Whether it be trying to do basic, everyday activities, grow up in an unsupportive household, come out to family, or obtain basic healthcare, there is always trouble in the lives of transgender people. In America today, the negative stigma surrounding transgender people has begun to dissolve, and the community has acquired more support over the years, but prejudice is still awfully prevalent despite the efforts to stop it. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Transgender Rights And Issues In America" essay for you Create order This topic is important because transgender people are not always treated like people, when all they want is to be accepted by their families, peers, and communities, just like everyone else. Transgender Americans deserve the full rights to live that every other citizen in this country takes advantage of, and the discrimination that they face is unfair. Transgender people are normal people who feel they were born in the wrong body, as the wrong gender, and are either female transitioning into male, or male to female. This can mean extremely expensive top or bottom surgeries that alter the persons body to match the gender identity of the person. Gender identity is the gender that a person feels like they are, rather than the sex they were given at birth. A common condition that most trans people have is something called gender dysphoria. This is caused by distress that someone experiences because of the difference between the appearance of their body and their gender identity. Gender dysphoria is often confused with body dysmorphia, which is the mental disorder that distorts the image of ones body and causes anxiety about ones appearance. Although some transgender people might have both of these, they are different conditions (Callahan 2014). According to Planned Parenthood, transphobia can be defined as the fear, hatred, disbelief, or mistrust of people who are transgender, though it is most commonly characterized by bullying. It can take many forms and cause the victims issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, and hopelessness. Roughly 50 percent of trans people in America have thought about committing suicide because of transphobia (Ettachfini 2016). Unfortunately, in attempts to stop trans kids from being transgender, some conservative parents choose to send their trans children to conversion therapy. Conversion therapy is a service given by churches or religious groups to try to change an adolescents sexual orientation or gender identity through electric shock, psychological conditioning, or a number of other cruel methods (2018). Several issues are common for the victims of whom are forced to participate in this continually debunked as unfunctional. According to the Human Rights Campaign, depressi on, anxiety, homelessness, drug use, and suicide can be the result of conversion therapy. There are several misconceptions about the transgender community. For example, some people who are uneducated or ignorant to the topic of gender identity believe that being trans is just a phase gone through by someone who is confused about who they are, and will grow out of it. Also, contrary to popular belief, transitioning fully does not just take one simple operation; legal, social, and personal changes are common in addition to reassignment surgeries to fully become the people they want to be. Gender reassignment surgeries can be difficult to schedule due to lack of funds or a support system from family and/or friends. Many people do not approve of trans people using the bathroom that matches their gender identity. This is because of the false belief that if trans people used the bathroom of their choice, they could be sexual predators in disguise, there to prey on young people, but this is untrue and trans people just want to use the restroom. Seventy percent of transgender peo ple surveyed in Washington D.C. said that they received some form of backlash or harassment for using the bathroom of their choice (Wang, Soloman, Durso, McBride, Cahill). This negative response can also lead to health concerns and embarrassment in young people. Students are more likely to develop urinary tract infections, be constipated, or have accidents at school, as a result of being afraid to using the bathroom (Ettachfini 2016). If a trans adolescent does not have a solid group of people to be there for them while growing and transitioning, they may suffer from depression and deal with higher rates of harassment and bullying at school than children who are not trans (Ettachfini 2016). In highly extreme cases, trans kids could become suicidal, and children over 14 have taken their own lives as a result of how they were treated at home or school. An example of this is the story of Leelah Alcorn. Leelah was a transgender girl from Cincinnati, Ohio, who had felt like a girl and not a boy since the age of 4. Her parents refused to accept that she was not a boy, and rather than loving and supporting her regardless of her gender identity and sexual orientation, when Leelah was 14, they sent her to conversion therapy after she came out to them. My mom started taking me to a therapist, but would only take me to Christian therapists (who were all very biased), so I never actually got the therapy I needed to cure me o f my depression, she wrote in her suicide note, giving up hope, I only got more Christians telling me that I was selfish and wrong and that I should look to God for help (Farrell 2014). At age 17, Leelah could not take living with parents who did not acknowledge her gender identity anymore. Leelah posted this suicide note on her Tumblr account and then took her life. In this note, Leelah wrote, My death needs to be counted in the number of transgender people who commit suicide this year, and concluded with, Fix society. Please. She intended for the purpose of her death help to bring change to the way that transgender people are treated. Even after her death in 2014, her parents still call Leelah by her birth name and referred to her as their son, because of their conservative religious beliefs (Farrell 2014). Soon, her story went viral and the world became devastated about what happened to her, and furious with Leelahs parents for neglecting their childs needs. Soon, after her death thousands of people from around the world, including President Obama, were advocating for Leelahs Law. This was meant to be a national law that would ban conversion therapy, named to imm ortalize both Leelah and what she wanted her death to stand for. Although people have not stopped pushing to make conversion therapy, in all its forms illegal, and seven states and several U.S. cities have passed laws that protect minors from conversion therapy, Leelahs Law has unfortunately not yet been passed (2018). A lot of trans people feel the direct effects of the current situation in this country. For example, Thomas, a transgender high school student at Bay City Central says that he has noticed that the trans community today is better than it was, but still not good at all, referring to the injustices and discrimination faced by himself and his peers. On a daily basis, Thomas has to deal with any combination of rude comments that intend to invalidate him, people who do not understand that he is a person, and those who choose to remain ignorant. He says that he feels genuinely scared for the future, because President Trump wants to make it even harder than it already is currently for trans people to legally change their names and gender marks. Thomas plans to move in with his boyfriends family over the next summer because he is incredibly uncomfortable around his family, who has not supported him since coming out. It is not right that Thomas, who has not even graduated yet has to find anoth er place to live because he lives in a household that chooses not to support him. The topic of transgender rights is complicated because it has many parts and layers. First, there is the issue of the way that transgender people are treated in society, and too often, as a result of prejudice, it turns violent. A survey carried out in 2015 by the National Center for Transgender Equality showed that 1 in 10 transgender people in America face violence from a family member after coming out, and that 46 percent of trans citizens in this country were verbally abused in the year before the survey took place. Second, transgender people sometimes have trouble with legal matters such as marriage, or obtaining healthcare. Trans people can have trouble accessing a marriage license that contains the gender they identify as on it, because some states do not allow for people to change their legal sex. Healthcare can also be difficult to attain because in several U.S. states, it is legal to deny trans people coverage for basic preventative care that everyone else has easier access to. Third, transgender Americans are more likely to be unemployed or homeless. About one in four trans people have reported losing a job due to workplace discrimination, and since there is no federal law prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity, it is completely legal (Passy 2018). It is true that many people disapprove of people being transgender at all. Some of these people believe that God made men and women in a certain way, and to be transgender is to go against what He intended. Of course, it is not wrong to be religious and to follow that religions ideology, but some religious groups fight against the very existence of transgender people. For example, an organization who promotes strict, conservative views, called Focus on the Family does not believe in transgender theology because it contradicts Christian ideals and scriptures (2018). On the topic of raising trans children, they support the idea of conversion therapy, and urge parents raising children to have them act more feminine if they were born female, and more masculine if they were born male to stop their child from becoming transgender. This company has been supported by both President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for a long time, with Pence giving occasional speeches sponsored by Focus o n the Family, which shows that neither of them are friendly nor supportive toward the transgender community. Others like Ryan T. Anderson have concluded that there is no way to transition that will ever make a person whole and happy. He also believes that, the sex of an organism is defined and identified by the way in which it (he or she) is organized for sexual reproduction, or in other words, the gender determined at birth should be permanent for the reason of sexual reproduction. This assumes that all people want kids, as some of them surely do not, and it is wrong to think that a persons sole purpose in life is to reproduce. Still, it is Andersons belief that trans men are will always be masculine women, and trans women will always be feminine men (Anderson 2018). This is simply not true because they do exist and can transition and be happy. These beliefs, however, can be dangerous to the trans community because the people who follow anti-transgender organizations such as Focus on the Family may begin to have transphobic views, believe that trans people dont exist, or be verbally or physically abusive toward them, which as mentioned before, can increase rates of depression and suicidal thoughts or tendencies in victims. If large groups of people continue to be transphobic, the current climate for transgender people could continue to get worse, and transgender erasure could persist, and the number of trans people who are killed, or commit suicide could increase greatly. Transgender people are just people, and they are valid, and deserve equality. In conclusion, the topic of transgender rights is important and should be talked about more because many people do not realize all the misconceptions that are believed by the ignorant, mistreatment of trans people and youth that occurs, and the everyday things that trans people endure, while trying to be equal to people who are not transgender. There is a battle that most transgender people and allies to the trans community must fight for equality, and they will not stop fighting until it is achieved.

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Orwell’s Totalitarian Government in 1984 Essay - 1562 Words

George Orwell’s key objective throughout his novel, 1984, was to convey to his readers the imminent threat of the severe danger that totalitarianism could mean for the world. Orwell takes great measures to display the horrifying effects that come along with complete and dominant control that actually comes along with totalitarian government. In Orwell’s novel, personal liberties and individual freedoms that are protected and granted to many Americans today, are taken away and ripped from the citizen’s lives. The government takes away freedom and rights from the people so that the ruling class (which makes up the government), while reign with complete supremacy and possess all power. George Orwell declared himself as a Socialist, and he†¦show more content†¦Using his remarkable writing skills, Orwell published 1984 in hopes that he would be able to demonstrate to his readers that a communist government would lead to a totalitarian reign over all of societ y. In Orwell’s novel he creates a fictional society in which the government rules all the people and holds complete power over everyone. The government is referred to as ‘The Party’ and they depict themselves and flawless, generous, and so very helpful to all of mankind. They feed the people lies and tell them that without them (The Party), the citizens would be hopeless and could not possibly survive. The government holds onto their widespread power by instilling fear upon all citizens. They openly let the people know that they have spies hidden everywhere, and they have various technological devices that will ensure that every person is acting exactly how the government wants them to. For example, the ‘telescreen’ was a device that was mandatory in every citizen’s house and was installed by the government. It was basically a video recorder that could watch a person’s every move, as well as read off important news from the government ruler s. The main character in Orwell’s novel, Winston Smith, expresses his thoughts about the telescreen by realizing that â€Å"at any rate they could plug in your wire whenever they wanted to. You had to live -- did live, from habit that became instinct -- in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and,Show MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Totalitarian Government In George Orwells 19841803 Words   |  8 Pagescontext of any government. But, these three statements help establish the foundation of the world in the novel 1984 by George Orwell. The novel is set in an alternate version of the year 1984, imagined by Orwell in the 1940s. The world had split into three superstates: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. The main character, Winston Smith, lives in Oceania where the entire superstate is run by an all powerful government, lead by the divine and immortal Big Brother. This is a government in which all loveRead MoreThe Effects Of Totalitarian Government In George Orwe lls 19841928 Words   |  8 PagesImagine a world where no one could live without fear. Given the thought of this, one might presume that the society is dangerous and is repleted with criminal activity. However, the reality is that the government is mentally holding their citizens captive by imprisoning them into a world that dissuades one from acting on impulse. Everywhere where interactions occur between citizens lay technology that monitors everyone s actions which prevent many from expressing themselves. Even one’s childrenRead MoreGeorge Orwell’s, 1984, a Totalitarian and Communist-Like Government1967 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction In George Orwell’s, 1984, a totalitarian and communist-like government is portrayed, in a futuristic world that allows no freedom of speech, religion, or even thought. The citizens of Oceania, the setting of the novel, had absolutely no freedom of doing anything. They were totally controlled and were immediately terminated if one was to disobey any rule. The â€Å"Party† was basically the name for the community and everyone that followed the ways of The Party. Anyone who was against The PartyRead MoreN/A at the moment Essay example935 Words   |  4 Pagesfoundation and the weakness of a totalitarian regime. For a stable totalitarian society, love between two individuals is eliminated because only a relationship between the person and the party and a love for its leader can exist. The totalitarian society depicted throughout the Orwell’s novel 1984 has created a concept of an Orwellian society. Stalin’s Soviet state can be considered Orwellian because it draws close parallels to the imaginary world of Oceania in 1984. During the twentieth century, SovietRead MoreAnalysis Of George Orwell s 19841377 Words   |  6 Pagesevery nation has its own particular government, or leader. A government’s role is to regulate and organize their nation, along with their citizens. There are various types of governments, such include democracy, oligarchy, and more specifically, totalitarian. A totalitarian government gains extensive amounts of control and power over all of their people, and dominate over every aspect of their lives. George Orwell’s â€Å"1984,† conveys to its readers how the government presented totalitarianism and obtainedRead MoreTheme of Fear in George Orwells Novels Essay1560 Words   |  7 PagesFear within the ignorant animals of Animal Farm and defeated humans of 1984 exist to uphold each novel’s totalitarian government. Each of these George Orwell novels delve into the power and manipulation of a n absolute dictatorship. Napoleon in Animal Farm and Big Brother in 1984 both claim the newly established system of authority is of superior quality than the preceding regime. Apprehension is due to both fictional and realistic threats, twisted for the government’s power-hungry use. Feelings ofRead MoreGeorge Orwell s Dangers Of Power Through A Totalitarian Government1186 Words   |  5 PagesWhile writing 1984, George Orwell strongly displayed the theme of the dangers of power through a totalitarian government. Not only were Orwell’s ideas of corruption in an all-powerful government portrayed in his novel, 1984, but comparisons can be made with the story’s points of a spying authority, keeping the lower class ignorant, and an unscrupulous corporate influence with America’s power-heads today. Big Brother could be considered the main antagonist of George Orwell’s 1984. Serving as aRead MoreAnalysis Of George Orwell s Dystopia 881 Words   |  4 Pagesname being â€Å"1984† by George Orwell. â€Å"Big brother is always watching,† the language the author utilizes drops subtle hints from time to time about what could possibly happen in the real world in near future. 1984 still remains one of the most intense and powerful warning signals about the peril of total government control. The time period 1984 was inspired in is crucial to its plot. It was inspired around World War 2. Because of the rise of totalitarian dictators, AdolfRead MoreAnimal Farm And George Orwell By George Orwell1034 Words   |  5 Pageswriting the novel 1984, which similarly criticized totalitarianism by depicting an overwhelmingly melancholy dystopian society. 1984 achieved similar success and opened the public’s eyes to the dangers of the spread of despotic regimes throughout the world. By examining both Animal Farm and Orwell’s biography, further light is shed onto his belief in the dangers of totalitarian governments as depicted in 1984. Primarily, there were many influential factors and moments in George Orwell’s life that causedRead MoreAnalysis Of George Orwell s The Great Gatsby 1285 Words   |  6 Pagesrecognized for his portrayal of dystopian societies and how they parallel present society. Through intense allegories, Orwell unintentionally crafted novels that are applicable to the totalitarian government systems prevalent in many advanced societies today. His dystopian societies have influenced many on history and government alike, giving it timeless qualities. Born as Eric Arthur Blair, George Orwell was an extremely skilled novelist, critic, journalist, and essayist capable of spreading his thoughts

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Spontaneous Recovery Reflections of a Smoker Free Essays

Definition: Spontaneous Recovery is the tendency of a learned behavior to recover from the extinction after a rest period. (Schacter, Gilbert, Wegner 2009). In order to better understand this definition I had to do more reading on the basic principles of learning and behaviorism. We will write a custom essay sample on Spontaneous Recovery: Reflections of a Smoker or any similar topic only for you Order Now The definition for learning is some experience that results in a relatively permanent change in the state in the learner. (Schacter, Gilbert, Wegner 2009) In order for one to have a spontaneous recovery you must first have learned the habit, such as smoking. Next is the habitation, which is a general process in which repeated or prolonged exposure to a stimulus results in a gradual reduction in responding (Schacter, Gilbert, Wegner 2009) This would be the learned smokers getting use to the taste of nicotine, the smell of the smoke and ultimately the mood or mental state associated with the effects of the cigarette. I have been a smoker since I was about fourteen years old. At first I began smoking due to peer pressure. I was not truly addicted till the year 2003 when everyone I worked with would gather and smoke after out shift to relax and reflect on our night. In 2008 I quit smoking with the use of the medication called Chantix with complete success. Unfortunately, I picked it up again when I had a roommate move who smoked. Now even though I hadn’t smoked in over a year the craving came back, which was the spontaneous recovery. I hadn’t smoked In over a year and found myself under stress and quickly went back to the habit (habituation) of smoking again and have been doing so for the last year. Now, I find myself with another prescription for Chantix but I know that unless I control my urges after I quit. I will forever have the learned behaviorism of a smoker and must always remember that spontaneous recovery will be right around the corner if I allow myself to fall back into the habit of smoking. How to cite Spontaneous Recovery: Reflections of a Smoker, Essay examples

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Theories of Developmental Psychology

There are numerous theories of developmental psychology. Theses theories have attempted to explain changes in human behaviours as a result of certain conditions or situations. In spite of the fact that a number of studies have focused on children’s development, there is an increasing interest in the behaviour of old people as well (Papalia, Olds Feldman, 2007, p.2). This paper will therefore discuss the strengths and weaknesses of two theories of developmental psychology.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Theories of Developmental Psychology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Attachment Theory John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth are regarded as the authors of attachment theory. John Bowlby devised the fundamental principles of the theory by relying on ideas from cybernetics, ethology, developmental psychology and information processing. Ainsworth’s creative methodology facilitated the empirical testing of t he theory of attachment. Ainsworth also invented the notion of the attachment figure as a secure pedestal which a child can use to explore the society (Bretherton, 1992, p.759). Attachment is perceived as a natural system that transforms itself to guarantee continued survival of a child. Children have a natural tendency to seek physical, psychological and emotional support from persons they are attached to (Bretherton, 1992, p.759). Bowlby developed his theory after serving as a voluntary worker in an institution for maladjusted children. Bowlby was mainly influenced by his experience with two children at the institution. The first child was an extremely affectionless and detached youngster who did not have a stable mother figure. The second one was a nervous eight years old boy who followed him everywhere (Bretherton, 1992, p.760). Bowlby’s theory relied heavily on Lorenz’s ethological theory (especially his research of imprinting). Lorenz used young ducklings in his research to demonstrate that attachment was a matter of survival. Bowlby suggested that attachment behaviours are innate and that a child is bound to feel insecure and afraid when the attachment figure is absent. He also asserted that the fear of strangers is an inherent behavioural attribute that a child is born with. This innate behaviour enables a child to maintain close proximity with his/her attachment figure (Bowlby, 1980, p.2). The attachment theory helps us understand the importance of an attachment figure in shaping the child’s personality. A child is likely to experience psychological and emotional disorders when the attachment system is broken (Bowlby, 1980, p.4). Pickover (2002) states that children raised in an insecure attachment system are usually unreceptive to new secure attachments patterns (p.3).Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, they often become emotionally withdrawn. However, when children are brought up in a secure attachment system, they are able to socialize with other people and at the same time maintain close relations with their attachment figures (Pickover, 2002, p. 3). Limitations of the Attachment theory Bowlby’s attachment theory has attracted criticisms from some psychologist. According to Bowlby, the personality of a child is mainly influenced by his/her attachment figure (especially the mother). For example, Bowlby asserts that a child will grow up to be an irresponsible person if his/her parents are reckless. However, Harris gives a different viewpoint. He asserts that parents are not the only people that alter their children’s actions. He claims that environmental factors and peer pressure influence the behaviour of children (Harris, 1998, p. 5). Bowlby assumes that the mother family member (such as fathers and siblings) can also influence the behaviour of young children. Finally, Bowlbyâ€⠄¢s attachment theory lends more credence on the stressful circumstances (as opposed to the non-stressful circumstances) that a child encounters during temporary separation from his/her mother (Fraley Spieker, 2003, p. 8). Social Learning Theory The social learning theory was developed by Robert Sears in an attempt to explain factors that influence human behaviours (Grusec, 1992, p.776). The social learning theory is based on â€Å"socialization processes that had a particularly strong impact on research and theory in social developmental psychology† (Grusec, 1992, p.777). In other words, this theory attempts to understand the process in which children learn the behaviours, attitudes and values practiced by other members of the society. The social learning theory also focuses on matters such as the attainment of culturally endorsed sex-role behaviours, the control of hostility and the struggle with enticement and guilt. Sears asserts that parents play a major role in helping their children to internalize the culturally accepted behaviours. He also states that the internalization process is greatly affected by parents’ behaviour (Grusec, 1992, p.777). The social learning theory is based on three key aspects. These are aggression, dependency and identification. Sears’ assessment of aggression relied heavily on Freud’s early concepts of aggression. Freud asserted that aggression was a by-product of frustration. According to Freud, â€Å"aggression is attributed to a drive†¦linked to experience with frustrating events† (Grusec, 1992, p.777). Sears asserted that aggression could be alleviated via a learning process. Dependency is another critical element addressed by the social learning theory. According to Sears, the presence of dependency is attributed to the fact that children posses numerous drives which are reduced by their mothers. Sears argues that a child is able to imitate his/her mother’s attributes through observation (during the infant-mother pairing moments such as breast feeding).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Theories of Developmental Psychology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More He further states that the desire by the infant to be close to his/her mother yields dependent behaviours that are bolstered by motherly attention (Grusec, 1992, p.778). Sears’ theory also lends credence to the role of identification in personality development. When young children develop a dependency drive; they perceive actions of their mothers as vital elements of their own behaviour patterns (Grusec, 1992, p.778). Limitations of Social Learning Theory Sears’ social learning theory has failed to stand the test of time. The theory makes fundamental assumptions regarding human actions. For instance, the theory ignores the fundamental biological principles that are critical to the social learning process. It is obvious t hat Sears encountered problems as he attempted to describe the growth of drives. He ultimately discarded the notion of drives and relied on the concepts of incentive and reinforcement. Consequently, his theory lost its unique attributes (Grusec, 1992, p.779). To sum it up, the two theories emphasize on the role of adult individuals and the socio-cultural environment in shaping up children’s behaviour. Basically, Bowlby believed that attachment system was an integral aspect that facilitated a close bond between children and their mothers. Similarly, Robert Sears’ social learning theory attempts to explain factors that influence human behaviours. Nonetheless, both theories do not give adequate explanations with respect to developmental psychology. References Bowlby, J. (1980) Loss: Sadness Depression. Attachment and Loss (vol. 3); (International psycho-analytical library no.109). London: Hogarth Press. Bretherton, I. (1992). The Origins of Attachment Theory: John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. Developmental Psychology, 28, 759-775. Fraley, R. C., Spieker, S. J. (2003) Are infant attachment patterns continuously or categorically distributed? A taxometric analysis of strange situation behaviour. Developmental Psychology, 39, 387-404. Grusec, J.E. (1992) Social Learning Theory and Developmental Psychology: The Legacies of Robert Sears and Albert Bandura. Developmental Psychology, 28, 776-786.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Harris, J. R. (1998) The Nurture Assumption: Why children turn out the way they do. York: The Free Press. Mith, P.K., Cowie, H., Blades, M. (2008) Understanding Children’s Development. Basic psychology (4 Ed.). Oxford, England: Blackwell Inc. Papalia, D. E., Olds, S. W., Feldman R. D. (2007) Human development. 10th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill. Pickover, S. (2002) Breaking the cycle: A clinical example of disrupting an insecure attachment system. Journal of Mental Health Counselling, 24, 358-367. This essay on Theories of Developmental Psychology was written and submitted by user Iliana H. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Friday, March 20, 2020

Gods Generals essays

God's Generals essays The American Civil War was a military conflict between the United States of America (the Union), and 11 secessionist Southern states, organized as the Confederate States of America (the Confederacy). It was the culmination of four decades of intense sectional conflict and it reflected deep-seated economic, social, and political differences between the North and the South. Many books have been written on this first modern war describing how over 620,000 men were killed. Jeff Shaara goes deeper and explores the personal conflicts of four historical figures, two from the South and two from North: General Lee, General Jackson, Colonel Chamberlain, and Hancock. Robert E. Lees story began with a dilemma; he had to decide whether to stay to fight with the army he has been serving for 30 years or to resign and go to Virginia to defend his home. Life in the army had ruined his life. Throughout Part 1, Lee feels something missing from inside him: the feeling of action, of war. While in Texas , General Winfield Scott asks Lee to serve as second in command of the Union Army, but due to the possibility that Virginia could also secede, he declines. Still yearning for action, he accepts the command of the Provisional Army, the defense forces for the state of Virginia. He goes on to recruit Major Thomas Jackson, Jackson replies by saying, If they do not run, then they die. (Pg. 135) I will do whatever I must to defeat my enemies. (Pg. 135) This describes Major Jacksons general attitude towards war and towards God. Jackson is extremely pious and does all he can to please God and to follow His path. Newspaper coverage of his battles quickly publicized him and the title Hero was given to Jackson. Throughout the war, Jackson shows dedication, going beyond his orders and chasing away his enemies. He also shows an immense concern for his troops. His men were shabby compared to the force ...

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Geography of the New Country of South Sudan

Geography of the New Country of South Sudan Estimated Population: 8.2 millionCapital: Juba (Population 250,000); JubaBordering Countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, and SudanArea: 239,285 square miles (619,745 sq km)South Sudan, officially called the Republic of South Sudan, is the worlds newest country. It is a landlocked country located on the continent of Africa to the south of the country of Sudan. South Sudan became an independent nation at midnight on July 9, 2011 after a January 2011 referendum regarding its secession from Sudan passed with around 99% of voters in favor of the split. South Sudan mainly voted to secede from Sudan because of cultural and religious differences and a decades-long civil war. History of South Sudan South Sudans history did not become documented until the early 1800s when Egyptians took control of the area; however oral traditions claim that the people of South Sudan entered the region before the 10th century and organized tribal societies existed there from the 15th to the 19th centuries. By the 1870s, Egypt attempted to colonize the area and established the colony of Equatoria. In the 1880s, the Mahdist Revolt occurred and Equatorias status as an Egyptian outpost was over by 1889. In 1898 Egypt and Great Britain established joint control of Sudan and in 1947 British colonists entered South Sudan and attempted to join it with Uganda. The Juba Conference, also in 1947, instead joined South Sudan with Sudan. In 1953 Great Britain and Egypt gave Sudan the powers of self-government and on January 1, 1956, Sudan gained full independence. Shortly after independence though, Sudans leaders failed to deliver on promises to create a federal system of government which began a long period of civil war between the northern and southern areas of the country because the north has long tried to implement Muslim policies and customs on the Christian south. By the 1980s, the civil war in Sudan caused serious economic and social problems which resulted in a lack of infrastructure, human rights issues and the displacement of a large part of its population. In 1983 the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) was founded and in 2000, Sudan and the SPLA/M came up with several agreements that would give South Sudan independence from the rest of the country and put it on a path to becoming an independent nation. After working with the United Nations Security Council the Government of Sudan and the SPLM/A signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on January 9, 2005.On January 9, 2011 Sudan held an election with a referendum regarding South Sudans secession. It passed with nearly 99% of the vote and on July 9, 2011 South Sudan officially seceded from Sudan, making it the worlds 196th independent country. Government of South Sudan South Sudans interim constitution was ratified on July 7, 2011, which established a presidential system of government and a President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, as the head of that government. In addition, South Sudan has a unicameral South Sudan Legislative Assembly and an independent judiciary with the highest court being the Supreme Court. South Sudan is divided into ten different states and three historical provinces (Bahr el Ghazal, Equatoria, and Greater Upper Nile) and its capital city is Juba, which is located in the state of Central Equatoria. Economy of South Sudan South Sudans economy is based mainly on the export of its natural resources. Oil is the main resource in South Sudan and oilfields in the southern part of the country drive its economy. There are, however, conflicts with Sudan as to how the revenue from the oilfields will be split following South Sudans independence. Timber resources like teak, also represent a major part of the regions economy and other natural resources include iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, and gold. Hydropower is also important as the Nile River has many tributaries in South Sudan. Agriculture also plays a major role in South Sudans economy and the main products of that industry are cotton, sugarcane, wheat, nuts and fruit like mangoes, papaya, and bananas. Geography and Climate of South Sudan South Sudan is a landlocked country located in eastern Africa. Since South Sudan is located near the Equator in the tropics, much of its landscape consists of tropical rainforest and its protected national parks are home to a plethora of migrating wildlife. South Sudan also has extensive swamp and grassland regions. The White Nile, a main tributary of the Nile River, also passes through the country. The highest point in South Sudan is Kinyeti at 10,456 feet (3,187 m) and it is located on its far southern border with Uganda.The climate of South Sudan varies but it is mainly tropical. Juba, the capital and largest city in South Sudan, has an average yearly high temperature of 94.1ËšF (34.5ËšC) and an average yearly low temperature of 70.9ËšF (21.6ËšC). The most rainfall in South Sudan is between the months of April and October and the average yearly total for rainfall is 37.54 inches (953.7 mm). To learn more about South Sudan, visit the official government website of South Sudan. References Briney, Amanda. (3 March 2011). Geography of Sudan - Learn the Geography of the African Nation of Sudan. Geography at About.com. Retrieved from: http://geography.about.com/od/sudanmaps/a/sudan-geography.htmBritish Broadcasting Company. (8 July 2011). South Sudan Becomes an Independent Nation. BBC News Africa. Retrieved from: bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14089843Goffard, Christopher. (10 July 2011). South Sudan: New Nation of South Sudan Declares Independence. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from: latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-south-sudan-independence-20110710,0,2964065.storyWikipedia.org. (10 July 2011). South Sudan - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sudan

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Sex Education in Schools and Home Research Paper

Sex Education in Schools and Home - Research Paper Example On the other hand, teachers too fail to touch on sex related issues when educating teenagers believing it is the responsibility of their parents and guardians to educate these growing youth about sex education. At the end of the day, teenagers remain in darkness, without knowledge about sex, or even the slightest clue to what pertains to sexual education. Their curiosity to try out new things without a guiding hand ends up in even more dreadful results, such as early pregnancies and school dropouts. As such, this research paper seeks to explore various peer-reviewed journals discussing issues related to sex education, as well as, evaluate how various institutions approach this issue about sex among the youth (Brown, Dunn, Newby & Wallace, 2012). What are Parents really saying then they talk with Their Children about Sexuality? American Journal of Sexuality Education This article explores the communication that exists between parents and their children about sex and sexuality. A resea rch carried out on a number of parents within the United States revealed that parents took an authoritarian tone whenever speaking to their children about sexuality. ... Some of the reasons given by these parents on their indecision to discuss sexuality with their children were religious influences and cultural backgrounds, alongside distinct patterns of communication. Some religions forbid open discussion of sexuality, as they consider it as a sacred matter only for the married couples. On the other hand, a qualitative analysis on these parents revealed that these parents sometimes focused on specific issues when discussing sexuality with their children, such as early pregnancies, STDs/STIs, HIV/AIDS virus, and other adversities related to premature sexuality. As such, the lack of sexual orientation, as well as the lack of parental knowledge and support of sexuality, leads these children to exploring murky waters, hence coming out scotched and bruised from their actions (Cox, Gagnon, McDonalds, Meglio, Mitchelle & Rennick, 2011). Asking to Listen: Towards a Youth Perspective on Sexual Health Education and Needs, Sex Education This article explores t he perspectives of the youth in relation to sexual health education and needs within a Canadian province. This article seeks to impart some sense of responsibility among the youth by giving them power to take control of their sexual health behavior. As such, participating youths to this program learnt measures of how to take control of their sexuality, as well as develop a number of preventive skills towards the sexual risks involved in premature sexuality. This control and prevention skills over sexuality were particularly important in areas suffering from socioeconomic disparities. Statistics show that the rate of active sexuality is very high in areas with low socioeconomic standings as compared to the areas that live in affluence. For example, girl growing up in the

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Statement of Purpose Personal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Of Purpose - Personal Statement Example I am an international student from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is a large country and areas of science in the country are in the phase of rapid development. It is for this reason that the government has sponsored thousands of students like me to come to the United States and complete their studies in specific fields of science. I would like to utilize this opportunity to its fullest and complete my PhD for bringing about development in the field of Information Systems in Saudi Arabia. I am currently enrolled in the program of Master of Science in Computer and Information Science at the Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA and the expected date of my graduation is December 2014. This master’s program has motivated me to further continue my studies in the same field and gain expertise through the completion of my PhD. The PhD Program would grant me with an opportunity to polish my skills and gain an advanced understanding of my desired field. I have always had an interest in the field of Information Systems. In the year 2010, I completed my graduation in the field of Information Science from my home country at the Al-Baha University and achieved a GPA of 2.8-4. My graduation motivated me to further achieve higher studies in the field and to gain greater exposure and a better learning environment, I moved to the United States. I enrolled at the ELS Language Center at Cincinnati, OH, USA for one year to get a good grip over English Language so that that I would not face any difficulties during my years of education in the United States. Following this, I started my Master’s Degree in Information Systems at the Gannon University in January 2013. Currently, I have successfully completed 24 credits out of 33 and my GPA is 3.75-4 which is reflective of my hard work and focus for outshining in my field. With time, my interest in the field of Information

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Stress And Well Being Psychology Essay

Stress And Well Being Psychology Essay People act in different ways in stressful situations, some can cope with stressful situation and some cannot cope. People are more stressed today than in the past. Researches were made to measure and to manage stress. For measuring stress, researches used a couple of types. One was the Social Readjustment rating scale or SRRS. This measure of stress was devised by Holmes and Rahe in 1960. Their thought was that stress is more about the need of readjustment and change. For their research, they gathered almost 400 Americans and listed a scale of life events that could affect an individual. In their opinion, life changes have a major impact on an individual. In this scale at the top was death of a spouse with 100 units of life changes and the rest were adjusted accordingly. Almost 300 or even more of life changes units were linked to higher psychological and physical illnesses. Applying this method to measure stress, leads to some weakness and strengths, in which, the strength will be that it does capture something about stress, as SRRS were proven to be related to illnesses. A weakness could be that a particular life event like an operation for a person who has a life threatening illness is more str essful than a person operation for esthetical enhancement who just want to change something.(handouts, 12.11.2012) Questionnaires measures is another type of stress measuring like SRRS, the Type A personality, Hassles and Uplifts, etc. With questionnaire method is more easy to measure stress because they are quick and easy to administrate, but the weakness is that people may not be sincere when they answer. Some people could give answers in a way that will make them look good (social desirability bias). There are also job strain questionnaire based on job demands. Workers facing high psychological workloads demands and pressure, who work very fast, very hard and do not have enough time to finish their job, are in a greater risk for mental and physical illness.(handouts, 12.11.2012) Another type of stress measuring is controlled observation. There are various ways to measure, some of them cruel for example electric shocks, overcrowding, extremes of heat and colds used as stressors and others methods, by permanent interrupting the subjects during tests. A lot of researches were made on a link between Type A personality and heart diseases. The ones who developed the idea of Type A personality were Friedman and Rosenman. They had a different style to measure this Type A. They were given tests to people and then they constantly interrupt them during testing. They could observe that some of the participants dealt well with interruptions but some were more stressed because of the constant interruptions.(handouts, 12.11.2012) While measuring stress, researchers came up with some methods of stress management. They grouped up this stress management methods in two, one psychological method in which are hardiness training and stress inoculation training and the other is the physiological method containing drugs and biofeedback techniques. (Gross, R., psychology, 5th edition, 2005) Suzanne Kobasas Hardiness Training has the three major Cs: Control, Commitment and Challenge. The people with hardiness personality are more in control of their lives, they can manage better stressful situation and see difficulties as a challenge rather than a problem. Thats why Hardy personality is stress-resistant. The training for this has three stages. The first one is focusing, in which the client is thought to be able to recognise the biological signs of stress such as increase of heart rate, muscle tension and also to be able to identify the source for this stress. The second stage consists in reliving stress encounters, in which the clients relive their stress encounters and are helped in analysing those situations and their response to them. This method could give them some insight on coping strategies. The last one, self-improvement, involves learning of new techniques for the increase of the three Cs.(psychology AS, 2012/handout, 22.10.2012) Stress Inoculation Training or SIT is aiming to change peoples behaviour and thinking and is a cognitive behavioural therapy being specifically developed to deal with stress. There are also three stages as in Hardiness. The first stage is Conceptualisation phase, in which a relation is established between client and the therapist and the client is educated about the impact and nature of stress. The client is trained to be able to identify the stressors and to learn how to breaks them down into chunks that can be tackled. The second phase is Skills acquisition. Here the person will develop skills in constructive thinking. First the skills are taught and practised in the clinic and after that they can be gradually rehearsed in real life. The skills can include positive thinking, relaxation, social skills, etc. The last phase Application and follow-through, in which clients are given opportunities to apply in real life the coping skills learned, some could be ask to even train others as well.(psychology AS, 2012/handout, 22.10.2012) The Hardiness Training and the Stress Inoculation Training are both psychological methods. The next method is physiological which consist in Drugs intake as a method of stress management. There are a lot various types of tranquiliser and anti-anxiety drugs. The most common are benzodiazepines or Bz shortened. These include Librium, Ativan and Valium. The effect of this drugs is to lower the level of serotonin activity in the brain. If the level of serotonin is too low, produce depression but if it is too high produce anxiety. In 1960 they were highly prescribed as a replacement for barbiturates. Another group of tranquiliser are beta-blockers. Their activity is that of reducing the activation of the sympathetic branch of the anatomic nervous system meaning the activity reduction of SAM axis. The drugs are fast effective but the problem is that they are highly addictive.(handout, 29.10.2012) Based on the evaluations of the methods, there can be found a lot of weaknesses and strengths in each and every one of them as well as similarities and differences between them. In Hardiness Training strengths are that is it working, it deals with the cause of stress not just the symptoms, are more effective to people. The weaknesses consists in focusing on middle-class business people, some people find control stressful-they dont like to be in control, people respond in different ways to Hardiness Training, some people doubt about the all three Cs being equally important in protection against stress and even though control is important the commitment and challenges have no effects. (hand out, 22.10.2012 / psychology AS, 2012) SIT works well in general and also works for acute and conic stress. The weaknesses of SIT consists in it being time consuming, requiring high motivation and in the fact that not all people need the same skills to cope with stress. (hand out, 22.10. 2012 / psychology AS, 2012) Drugs work in reducing anxiety also BZ are better than placebo effect, drugs are easy to use involving only the need to actually take the pill and for some forms of phobias are quite handy. Weaknesses are the fact that some drugs are highly addictive, produce strong withdrawal symptoms, patients develop tolerance to them quickly, effectiveness requires a higher dosage, they have a limit of recommended intakes of a maximum of four weeks, treats the symptoms not the actual cause of stress, does not sort out the problem and because of dependency of drugs some people become like vegetables. ( hand out, 29.10. 2012 / psychology AS, 2012) The similarities between these types are: all of the methods allows the person to be in a better frame of mind to deal with stress; both SIT and Hardiness Training involves motivation and they take place over weeks and treat the cause rather than the symptoms and both change the way people think and help people learn skills to deal with their stress. The differences between these types are: The effects of the drugs are relatively instant while the effects of SIT and HT require a longer period of time and greater effort until the results are seen; Drugs can be addictive and have short term solutions but other methods like HT may deal with the real issue; people can develop tolerance to drugs in comparison with the other methods that are more constant; drugs have side effects, the other methods dont; no withdrawal effect from stopping SIT and HT like there is with drugs; HT depends on the liking for control but drugs dont.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Euthanasia Essay

Thesis: Euthanasia, and a common form of euthanasia, assisted suicide, should be legal processes through which aterminally ill individual may voluntarily end his or her own life. Summary: As of 2009, assisted suicide was legal in only three states: Oregon, Washington, and Montana. Since itsinception in those states, assisted suicide has proven to be an effective, but rarely employed means of allowing a terminallyill person to end his or her life in a dignified manner. Though the United States federal government has opposed measures toenact federal legislation that would legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, the time has come for the federal governmentand the remainder of the states to recognize that, inherent in the right to live freely is the right to decide when to humanelyend one’s life. Introduction To understand the debate surrounding euthanasia, one must first understand euthanasia and its related variations. Theterm euthanasia, taken from the Greek word for â€Å"easy death,† refers to the process by which a physician prescribes andadministers a fatal dose of drugs to a terminally ill individual in a controlled medical environment, thus causing their death ina quick and painless manner. Euthanasia is commonly referred to as physician-assisted suicide. Assisted suicide, a relatedform of euthanasia, describes the process by which a physician or pharmacist only prescribes the fatal drugs, leaving theterminally ill individual to ingest the drugs on their own, at a time of their choosing. As of 2009, physician-assisted suicidewas not legal in any state in America, while assisted suicide was legal in three states. The Federal Government & the Courts A quartet of United States Supreme Court cases (Washington v. Glucksberg, Vacco v. Quill, Gonzales v. Oregon, and Cruzanv. Director, Missouri Department of Health) have helped to shape the legal landscape in the debate over euthanasia and anindividual’s right to refuse medical treatment. In Glucksberg and Vacco, companion cases decided in 1997, the SupremeCourt ruled that states have the authority to prohibit assisted suicide and against the notion that the right to die isguaranteed in the Constitution. More recently, in the 2006 Gonzales case, the Court held in a 6-3 opinion that the UnitedStates attorney general could not enforce a drug law, the Controlled Substances Act, against physicians   and pharmacists as ameans of punishing them for prescribing fatal doses of drugs to terminally ill patients. Finally, in the Cruzan case, theSupreme Court upheld the right of competent persons to refuse medical treatment, but ruled that clear and convincingevidence must exist of that person’s desire to limit the life-saving measures to be performed on them. The practical impact of these rulings is that, because the federal government cannot prosecute physicians and pharmacistswho prescribe drugs to terminally ill patients, the debate over euthanasia and assisted suicide in the US has primarily takenplace on the state level. Furthermore, while individuals have the constitutional right to prevent physicians from taking life-saving measures in the event of their incapacitation, they must make clear their desire, usually through a living will or a donot resuscitate order. Success at the State Level In 1994, Oregon became the first state to pass an assisted suicide law. The Oregon Death with Dignity Act has served as amodel statute in other states’ attempts to pass assisted suicide legislation. The act has several important provisions that, readtogether, provide safeguards for the terminally ill, the physicians that diagnose their terminal illnesses, and the pharmaciststhat prescribe lethal drugs. The act requires first, that a patient be diagnosed by a physician as having a terminal illness thatwill end the patient’s life within six months. Then, upon the patient’s request, a physician or pharmacist that has no moral orprofessional objection to assisted suicide will prescribe a lethal dose of drugs that the patient can ingest at a time of theirchoosing. Notably, the act has several safeguards, among them a requirement that the patient’s initial request for aprescription be witnessed by two people; that a second physician concur in the initial diagnos is of a terminal illness givingthe patient no more than six months to live; a conclusion that the patient is of sound mind; and a waiting period underwhich the patient must wait fifteen days before making a second, and final, oral request for the lethal prescription. These rules and safeguards ensure that only those who are both terminally ill and of a sound mind are able to obtain a lethaldose of drugs after having made a voluntary and informed decision. Additionally, and importantly, the act does not requirethose physicians or pharmacists opposed to assisted suicide to participate in, sanction, or play any role in bringing about thedeath of a term  inally ill person. The Washington Initiative 1000, passed by voters in 2008, was based on the Oregon act and, consequently, wassubstantially similar in its provisions and safeguards. Most recently, in December, 2008, a Montana trial court judge ruled thatcompetent, terminally ill patients have the right to self-administer lethal doses of drugs prescribed by a physician, thoughthat decision has been appealed to the Montana Supreme Court. Because assisted suicide in Washington and Montana is relatively new, Oregon is the only state in which data concerning theuse of lethal drugs by the terminally ill has been compiled. In the eight-year period from 1998 to 2006, 455 lethalprescriptions were written for terminally ill individuals, and 292 of those individuals used that prescription to commit suicide. Analysis of this data indicates that only around thirty-five terminally ill individuals die each year in Oregon as a result of theassisted suicide law. This data further suggests that physicians are carefully screening applicants, issuing on average onlyfifty-seven prescriptions per year. Finally, it is also clear that applicants carefully weigh the decision to use the prescription,judging by the fact that 35 percent of prescriptions issued to terminally ill patients—who have satisfied the numerousrequirements under Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act—went unused. International Law Oregon, Washington, and Montana are not the only jurisdictions in the world in which forms of euthanasia are legal.Notably, assisted suicide, in some form, is legal in both Belgium and the Netherlands, the latter of which has also legalizedphysician assisted suicide. Additionally, Germany has no law legalizing assisted suicide, but has not traditionally penalizedthose who have helped to end the life of a terminally ill person. As researchers have noted, however, death and suicide havedifferent stigmas attached to them depending on, among other factors, where one lives and the culture in which one wasraised. Consequently, it is not surprising that assisted suicide has been legalized in certain parts of the world, while it remainsa crime elsewhere. In the United States, however, where an individual has always in been control of their mind, body, souland destiny, death and suicide do not have as negative a cultural connotation as they may have in other parts of the world. The Social, Et hical, Medical & Economic Reasons Assisted suicide places the individual in control of his or her future, allowing the individual to decide how, when, and wherethey die. While an issue of self-determination, there are practical concerns that face the dying. Often, a terminally ill personwatches their savings account plummet while his or her medical costs and insurance premiums—assuming they are fortunateenough to have medical insurance—skyrocket. If they do not have insurance, it is unlikely they are able to afford even the most basic medications to controltheir pain or reduce their symptoms. Though their disease is incurable, in the later stages of their illness, they often take up a hospital bed and medicalresources, as well as the time of doctors, nurses and other hospital staff—time and health care dollars that could be expended on a person who can successfullybe treated and released. Friends and relatives watch their loved one suffer without remedy, knowing that the illness is fatal, but unable to do anything besideswait. Assisted suicide provides a quick and painless death, in contrast to the expected months of suffering a terminally ill patient must endure under normalcircumstances. The decision to end life on their own terms saves precious medical resources, ensures that the patient’s family will not financially sufferunnecessarily as a result of the illness, and allows the patient, and their family and friends, to say goodbye on their own terms in a quick and painless way.Notably, these arguments apply with equal force to physician-assisted suicide, wherein a physician not only monitors the patient to be sure they remaincompetent, but also administers the drugs at a time of the patient’s choosing, thus helping to ensure that the patient’s death is quick and painless. Opposition to Euthanasia Opposition to euthanasia comes in part from religious and social organizations that generally oppose measures that result in the death of an individual. Suchfeelings are indeed understandable, and it is difficult to change a person’s moral convictions. These organizations are free to petition their elected officials andto champion their causes—that right is fundamental to a democratic system. They also must, however, recognize the decisions made through a democraticprocess, as those initiatives in Oregon and Washington, where the majority of voters approved assisted suicide. (It is worth noting that some of these sameorganizations support the imposition of the death penalty for certain crimes,  citing the biblical passage â€Å"an eye for an eye.† In other words, some of thesegroups support the death of an individual when society has deemed it acceptable, but not when the individual himself seeks to end his life.) Other opponents include some doctors and physic ians, who have, as a condition of their license to practice medicine or dispense prescription medication, takena Hippocratic Oath requiring that they do no harm to patients. Importantly, however, the assisted suicide laws that have passed in Washington and Oregon donot by any means require the participation of physicians or pharmacists. Consequently, those physicians or pharmacists with a moral, professional, or religiousopposition to assisted suicide need not participate in any way in the assisted suicide of a patient. The same holds true for physician-assisted suicide which, inthe countries where it is legal, is practiced voluntarily. Finally, some in the medical field express concern over whether the terminally ill are of sound mind whenconsenting to suicide. While this is a valid and serious concern, the laws passed in Oregon and Washington, requiring multiple examinations, medicallyconsistent diagnoses, a waiting period, and a conclusion that the patient is of sound mind, serve to dramatically lessen any possibility that an incompetentpatient could be prescribed a fatal dose of drugs. Choosing for Others, but not for Oneself The death penalty is an authorized form of punishment in the federal criminal justice system, and also exists in well over half of the states. Through participationin the jury system and by electing officials into office who are charged with enforcing the death penalty, citizens have a role in determining which individualsare eligible for the death penalty and, more fundamentally, whether the death penalty as a form of punishment should persist, or should be repealed. Similarly,the United States Supreme Court has ruled that pregnant women have the right to choose—in many circumstances—whether to terminate their pregnancy. These examples demonstrate the contradiction that exists in forty-seven of the United States, under which average citizens are capable of playing a vital role indeciding whether other individuals live or die. These same citizens, though, are not entrusted with the same authority to make that decision when it comes totheir own lives in the extreme case of an incurable, terminal illness. Such a contradiction cannot stand. To preserve the dignity of human life, it is imperativethat the remaining states and the federal government legalize   euthanasia, whether in the form of physician-assisted suicide or assisted suicide, to provide asafe and dignified way for terminally individuals to end their suffering. With the advent of drugs that can both prolong and terminate life, as well as medical technology that can keep patients technically alive even in comatose or vegetative states, many questions have been raised about the quality of life each person deserves and identifying the fine line that demarcates the end of life. In addition, in the United States—a country marked from its inception by the hallmarks of individuality and personal responsibility—citizens and lawmakers alike are wrestling with issues regarding the degree to which an individual or family member should be empowered to make personal, private decisions about whether to continue medical care or choose the time, place and manner of death. Activists on both sides of the euthanasia debate have lobbied lawmakers to enact legislation in support of their views. The right to die movement is gaining support as a humane alternative to a poor quality of life maintained solely through continuous medical intervention. U nderstanding the Discussion Euthanasia: The practice of ending a person’s life either through an intentional act or by withholding medical care. The action is performed without malice, but with the intention of alleviating suffering or ending the pain of a terminal illness or poor quality of life. Hospice: An alternative program of care for patients in the final stages of life, in which efforts are not designed to treat the patient’s underlying illness but rather to provide pain management, symptom control, and family support. Informed consent: A patient’s expression of knowledge and acceptance of the risks, benefits, and alternative treatment options of a medical procedure and subsequent permission to a physician to perform the procedure. Physician-assisted suicide: A procedure in which a physician deliberately and knowingly provides lethal drugs at the individual’s request for the purpose of self-administration. Right to die: A belief that individuals should have the authority to c hoose the time, place and manner of their death. Terminal illness: A medical condition that is so advanced that treatment options are no longer available. History Although modern medical advancements and increased patient autonomy have renewed public interest in the right to die, the practice of euthanasia has been in existence for centuries. Numerous Greek and Roman writings have revealed a belief that death, even if initiated by self or another person, was preferable to prolonged suffering. However, this belief was not universal. The Hippocratic Oath, which medical practitioners in the United States have traditionally recited or agreed to uphold as a basic tenet of their practice, is believed to have been penned about 400 BCE by the Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the â€Å"Father of Medicine.† The oath includes promises not to provide deadly medicine to any one if asked or even suggest such a course of action, and to never cause any patient harm. In the US, prohibitions against intentionally aiding in the death of another date back to the country’s formation. Early American statutes outlawed both suicide and assisted sui cide. In the early 1900s, a physician’s grim decision brought euthanasia to the forefront of public debate. On November 12, 1915, a badly deformed child was born to Anna Bollinger. Her doctor conferred with the hospital’s chief of staff, Dr. Harry J. Haiselden, who advised against performing surgery to save the child. Five days later, the baby girl died, and the case and Dr. Haiselden’s decision were widely debated. During the 1930s, widespread distress caused by the Great Depression and its accompanying economic turbulence led to a spike in suicide rates and discussions of euthanasia and a right to self-determination over end-of-life matters. Public opinion polls revealed a growing belief that euthanasia was acceptable under certain circumstances. While it seemed that public support for legalizing euthanasia was coalescing, World War II broke out and the world recoiled in horror as news of Nazi death camps and the calculated mass extermination of vulnerable members of society made international headlines. Such atrocities dampened support for any form of legalized assistance in initiating another’s death. For several decades, discussions of euthanasia simmered largely in the background. In 1976, the tragic case of twenty-one year old Karen Ann Quinlan once again moved the euthanasia debate to national headlines. After consuming alcohol and prescription drugs at a party, Quinlan lost consciousness and ceased breathing. Quinlan was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared that she was in a â€Å"persistent  vegetative state,† with full recovery unlikely. Her adoptive parents fought a year-long legal battle for rights to make the final decision to remove her respirator, thereby likely ensuring the end of her life. Although the New Jersey Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the Quinlan family, Karen continued breathing naturally after her respirator was removed for nearly a decade, until she finally succumbed to complications from pneumonia. In 1980, right to die advocate Derek Humphry formed the Hemlock Society, a grassroots organization that has worked to advance euthanasia legislation. In addition, growing consensus for patients’ rights, including the right to refuse medical care—and even life-sustaining care—refocused attention on the right to die m ovement. Over the next several decades, public support for autonomy in end of life decision making has increased, with several states enacting legislation that recognizes living wills, or a legal document in which a person expresses his or her wishes regarding life prolonging medical treatments, including the withdrawal or refusal of life-sustaining medical treatment. Euthanasia Today The history of euthanasia in the US has been marked by several significant cases. The Quinlan case, although decided by a state supreme court, led to the advent of formal ethics committees in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices that provide support in complying with a patient’s advanced health care directives, or written instructions to family members and health care professionals about end of life care. In 1990, the US Supreme Court first ruled on the right to die movement in Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health. A car accident left Nancy Cruzan permanently unconscious and her parents requested that her feeding tube be withdrawn. After years of continuous care, most of the costs for Cruzan’s hospitalization were being paid by the State of Missouri. Although a Missouri district court granted the Cruzan family’s request to remove the tube, the director of the Missouri Department of Health took the case on appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court, arguin g for clear proof of Nancy Cruzan’s end of life wishes. The case went before the US Supreme Court, which ruled that a competent person has a constitutionally protected right to refuse any medical treatment, although states have a right to insist on clear and convincing evidence as to a patient’s wishes. In this case, there